230 



THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



finger or fingers up towards the vent, whereupon, if the snake 

 be a male, two roundish, slender, soft-looking appendages will 

 protrude themselves. In average-sized snakes these are about 

 two inches long. If the snake be dead, then, instead of pressing 

 the fingers as stated, cut open the skin on the underpart, from the 

 vent towards the tail. Partly remove the skin and lay the flesh 

 bare. If a male, these two vascular, elongated bodies will be 

 observed lying side by side, reaching up to the lower edge of the 

 vent. These are the male generative organs. In the female 

 they are lacking. The anal scent glands of all female snakes 

 are active during the mating season. 



Fatalities. 



The number of deaths from the bites of Puff Adders is con- 

 siderable, especially amongst the native population. European 



Fig. >/4. — I. Male Pufi Adder. 2. Female Puff Adder (.Adults). 3. Young Female Puff Adder just 

 born. 4. Young Male ditto. In the male the tail is more elongated ; that of the female comes 

 to a rather abrupt end. The distance from the vent to the end of the tail is greater in the male 

 than in the female. 



children are often bitten and die. Children are far more likely 

 to be victims than adults, for the reason that, when playing, they 

 rush about excitedly and tread upon Puff Adders before these 

 reptiles are able to emit their characteristic warning hiss. When 

 disturbed, the Puff Adder endeavours to escape observation by 

 coiUng up and lying still. If trodden upon, or if the foot be placed 

 near one when in such a position, it immediately delivers a 

 powerful forward stroke. The head is drawn back with a jerk 

 to gain more power for the forward thrust, the mouth gapes 

 enormously, and in the twinkling of an eye the long, curved 

 poison fangs are buried deep in the victim's flesh. There is. 



