172 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



direct into a vein killed another monkey instantly. The monkey 

 was dead before the syringe needle could be withdrawn. 



Chasing a Cobra. 



One day I came across an adult Cobra in the bush. I followed 

 it up through the tangled undergrowth, but every time I got 

 within striking distance it veered round and showed fight. 

 Finally I got in a blow, but it evidently only sUghtly wounded 

 it, for it instantly swerved, and with extended hood made a 

 quick dash at me. I aimed a wild random blow which missed, and 

 next instant it was upon me. I felt a thud against my leather 

 gaiter, and before it could strike again I smashed it. 

 Examining my legging, I found the fangs had scored the leather, 

 but had not penetrated it. The spot where it struck was 

 bespattered with venom. 



A Terrifying Experience. 



Cobras frequently climb trees in search of birds' eggs and their 

 young. 



A friend, who, like myself, was studying native birds and 

 accumulating facts about the colour, sizes, etc., of their eggs, was 

 out with me on an expedition. Spying a Sparrow Hawk's nest 

 in the topmost branches of a great tree, he climbed up to see if 

 there were eggs in it. Reaching the nest he peered over its 

 edge, when, to his horror, a Cobra reared therefrom, and with a 

 fierce hiss lunged at his face. In his endeavour to avoid the 

 blow he lost his hold and came crashing down through the 

 branches to the ground, and lay stunned and bleeding. However, 

 he got off very lightly ^vith a broken arm and a multitude of cuts 

 and abrasions. For many nights afterwards he would start up 

 in his sleep with a terrifying cry and a blanched face. The 

 sudden apparition of the Cobra had evidently made a strong 

 mental impression which was slow to wear off. 



Cobras vary in Colour. 



Cape Cobras vary considerably in colour, causing much con- 

 fusion in the pubUc mind. Although so diverse in colouration 



