BROWN COBRA. BRUIN KAPELL. 



173 



they are all of the one species. The reason for the diversity of 

 colouration in these snakes is evidently not entirely due to their 

 environment and food supply, for I have found all the varieties 

 living under the same conditions. From Selbome, Addo, in the 

 Uitenhage Division, for instance, 1 have procured Cape Cobras 

 which represent every variation of colour known to exist in these 

 reptiles. 



Variety A. 



Yellow Cobra. Geel Kapell. 



Bright yellow, sometimes tinged with reddish. In some of 



the individuals a few of the scales are rich umber brown, giving 



the reptile a speckled appearance. Some adult specimens which 



Fig. 73. — A Yellow Cape Cobra. (Photo by W. C. Scully.) 



I have examined and measured, were over six feet in length, and 

 bright yellow, without any darker markings. 



In young specimens there is a rich shiny chestnut or umber- 

 brown patch, sometimes divided, on the throat. This either 

 becomes very indistinct or fades from view when the snake reaches- 

 maturity, although I have found if the scales be removed, it is 

 still clearly visible beneath. When kept long in captivity the 

 Yellow Cobra invariably becomes much darker, and more hke 

 the Brown variety. The eyes are reddish brown. The young 

 Cobra has a laige chestnut patch on its throat. 



Variety B. 



Brown Cobra. Bruin Kapell. 



Bright umber -brown, changing to duller brown. Some 

 individuals are mottled with lighter tints of a gamboge-yellow 



