PREFACE. vii 



of the snakes of South Africa, in their haunts, in captivity, and 

 a long series of experiments with their venom. 



The majority of the illustrations are from direct photographs 

 of living snakes, and specially prepared anatomical preparations. 



If I should succeed in arousing an increased interest in this 

 branch of Nature Study and in stimulating others to enlarge 

 the knowledge collected, my object in writing this book will be 

 fully attained. 



The Author. 



Port Elizabeth Museum, 

 1919. 



