468 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



Opisthoglypha snakes are those which possess fangs set halfway back 

 in the upper jaw. This division of snakes is all more or less venomous. 

 They are in the transition stage of fang development. 



The Boomslang has been proven to be as venomous as the Cobra. 



Boomslangs are timid, and retreat into trees or other herbage on the 

 least alarm. 



Boomslangs and Mambas are tree-frequenting snakes. 



During November, 1907, Mr. James Williams was bitten by a Boom- 

 slang, and nearly died. 



During 1909, seventy-eight cases of deaths from snake bite were regis- 

 tered in South Africa. This docs not include Basutoland, Bechuanaland, 

 and most of the native territories. 



The fluid spat out by the Ringhals or Spitting Snake is pure venom. 



The fluid will kill just as rapidly if injected subcutaneously as the venom 

 taken from the gland of the snake. 



Black and yellow Sea Snakes are often cast up on shore by the tides 

 along the South African coasts. Beware how you handle them. They 

 are highly venomous. 



They are bright yellow on the underparts and sides, and black 

 above. 



There are four varieties of Cape Cobra. They all belong to the same 

 species. They differ in colour only. In captivity Cobras often iight and 

 kill each other. 



The neck ribs of the Cobra are longer than the rest. They form a rough 

 half-circle on each side of the neck, when raised. 



The neck skin of a Cobra is loose. When irritated a Cobra elevates 

 the ribs of its neck, forming what we term a hood. 



Seven Cobras had a pitched battle in a cage in the Port Elizabeth 

 Museum. They were all bitten and died. Some lingered for two 

 months. 



The fangs of the Cobras are not nearly so long or curved as those of 

 the Adders. 



Ringhals or Spitting Snakes frequently feign death when attempts are 

 made to capture them. 



If a Ringhals should spit in your eyes, get them washed immediately 

 with a very weak solution of permanganate of potash. If there is no 

 permanganate at hand, wash well with water, and put bland oil into the 

 eyes. 



The Mamba is the most dreaded of all South African snakes. 



Never attack a Mamba in the bush unless you arc well armed, and 

 are prepared to shoot it dead. If you only wound it, you will surely be 

 bitten. 



Mambas are very plentiful in the bushy parts of Natal, Zululand and 

 Eastern Transvaal. 



The Green and the Black Mambas are of the same species. They 

 differ in colour only. 



