26 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



The Use of Snakes. 



In hot countries, insects, reptiles, batrachians, and rodents 

 swarm. The snakes are the natural enemies of these creatures, 

 and act the part of Nature's agents in checking their too rapid 

 increase. Owing to snakes not being so dependent on oxygen 

 as the more highly-evolved creatures, they are able to exist 

 where most birds of prey and carnivorous animals would die. 

 They are, by virtue of their specially modified organism, able to 

 penetrate into the morasses, jungles, swamps, and dense over- 

 grown vegetation of the tropics where the smaller reptiles swarm 

 in vast numbers. These latter reptiles reproduce their kind at 

 a very rapid rate, and if not preyed upon by many enemies 

 would soon become a plague. 



Snakes are active agents in keeping down the numbers of 

 these quick-breeding creatures, as well as those pests known as 

 rats and mice. Owing to their long tapering bodies, snakes are 

 enabled to penetrate into the innermost haunts of these destruc- 

 tive rodents and swallow parents and their young. 



Snakes are frequently found in and about the dwellings of 

 man, attracted thereto by the presence of rats and mice ; and in 

 the autumn they find some cosy place in the thatch, under a 

 floor, down a hole, in a stack of timber, dung heap, or fodder, in 

 order to hibernate during the winter months. 



Enemies. 



Snakes produce a dozen to about ninety eggs or young, once 

 yearly, according to their kind, and in consequence of this fast 

 breeding, nature has provided many enemies. Birds of prey and 

 many of the smaller carnivorous animals feed upon their young, 

 and frequently attack and devour grown snakes. Manj^ species 

 of snakes are cannibals, and do not hesitate to swallow their 

 own young or those of others. 



There are several species of mungoose, meercat and muishonds 

 in South Africa, all of which readily' devour snakes. None of 

 them are, however, immune from snake venom. These little 

 animals rely upon their quickness and activity in avoiding 

 being bitten when attacking a venomous serpent. The nature 

 of their hair is also a protection. I have frequently kept the 

 different kinds of mungoose and meercats in captivity and 



