POISONOUS SNAKES 105 



that a black mamba is an extraordinarily nimble climber, 

 and takes refuge aloft as often as in the ground. The 

 truth may perhaps be that while the young are entirely 

 tree dwellers, some, when full grown, retain an 

 individual preference for the life, and, remaining per- 

 manently among the branches of the large and leafy 

 trees which grow near the sand-spruits, retain their 

 bright colour, and in a country such as the Sabi are 

 seldom noted. 



Many tales are current of the ferocity of the mamba, 

 and tradition and exaggeration have woven such a 

 reputation round his name that its mere mention is 

 often sufficient to send a shiver even through those who 

 live far from his haunts. I am bound to say that I have 

 noticed in South Africa that the farther people are from 

 anywhere that a mamba is likely to be encountered, and 

 the less experience they have of the snake, the greater 

 is their fear of him, and the more dogmatic their as- 

 sertions as to his deeds and misdeeds. This is, however, 

 true of all dangerous animals ; distance invariably lends 

 a terror to their names. 



There is no denying, however, that the mamba is 

 to be treated with the utmost respect and approached 

 with the greatest caution. In the first place, its bite 

 means almost certain and rapid death, and secondly, 

 thanks to its great length, it can strike a man far above 

 the protection afforded by boots and leggings. Its 

 movements, too, are so incalculable and its pace so rapid 

 that it is very difficult to get out of its way, even should 

 it have no aggressive intentions. Fortunately, it is a 

 very alert and watchful creature, early detecting the 

 approach of danger, and at once making with all speed 

 for its hole. Should man or beast be unlucky enough 

 to be between it and that refuge, it will strike desperately 



