174 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



colour. In captivity the colour usually fades to uniform reddish 

 brown, and the shiny gloss is not so apparent. 



Variety C. 



Light olive brown, with a yellowish tinge. Skin between 

 the scales Hght yellow. A few odd scales a rich umber brown. 

 (This variety is uncommon.) 



Variety D. 



Black Cobra. Zwart Kapell. 



Shiny purplish black. The livid purplish tinge is more pro- 

 nounced on the under parts. This variety is said to possess 

 the power of spitting, but this Cobra is frequently confused with 

 the black variety of Ringhals which is known to discharge 

 showers of venom finely sprayed, and the belief that this Black 

 Cobra spits is probably erroneous. 



Variety E. 



Dark mahogany with a blackish tinge. Speckled sparingly 

 with yellow. (This variety is uncommon.) 



The Cobra's Hood. 



The Cobra does not expand its hood by puffing out the skin 

 with air, as most people believe. In the region of the neck, the 

 ribs are elongated, lengthening to their maximum length, then 

 gradually shortening, forming a sort of crescent on each side of the 

 neck. The skin of the neck is loose and flabby. When the snake 

 is at rest the ribs are depressed, the skin falls into folds, and no 

 hood is visible. If the reptile be irritated or alarmed, the head 

 and fore portion of the body is reared, the ribs in the neck-region 

 are raised, which in turn elevate and spread the skin, and we see 

 the " hood." It is evidently intended by Nature to aid the 

 Cobra in frightening off its enemies. With hood expanded and 

 bright glistening eyes and skin, rearing amongst the stubble and 

 ready to strike, the Cobra is truly a terrifying sight. 



