A FARMER'S EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE. 209 



movements. Our large dongas are matted in places with a 

 dense network of bramble-like growths, which extend search- 

 ingly in long, sinuous branches, which are studded with 

 formidable thorns, curved like the claws of a cat. Whatever 

 road he elects to take, whether on the top or along and 

 through this cruel maze of brake, it is the same to this graceful 

 creature. To see a startled Mamba making for his home along 

 the crown of one of these thickets is a marvel of perfected 

 movement. The small head, with its full prominent eyes, the 

 long body, partially raised and sweeping from side to side with a 

 forward throw, so swift and sudden as to bewilder one into 

 believing that the creature is bounding along with ten-feet gaps 

 between the curves. And as the tail disappears into the dark 

 cavity edging the donga, there follows immediate stillness and 

 peace. But, on the first sunny day, we steal along with a gun 

 charged with No. 6 shot, and midway in the passage home 

 this time there is a sharp decisive pause. We are using smokeless 

 powder, and, without taking the eye off the line of the barrels, 

 the lightning turn of the head can be followed as it darts viciously 

 back at the gaping wound halfway down the body. Realizing 

 its impotence, it strikes hither and thither at leaf or branch. 

 In a few moments we see the jaws opening widely, the writhe of 

 the contorted body showing the clean white belly, and we know 

 that the end of so much beauty and menace has come." 



A Farmer's Extraordinary Experience. 



Mr. T. Braithwaite, senr., had (says the Natal Witness) a 

 most remarkable experience at his farm " Gracelands," in Muden, 

 on Wednesday last. To have a snake up the leg of one's trousers 

 is a most unenviable experience, and to stand perfectly calm and 

 still while it remained in such close proximity was an act of 

 amazing presence of mind. The story is best related in Mr. 

 Braithwaite's own words : — 



" I sent two natives to clear an irrigation furrow with sickles. 

 They returned after the lapse of about one hour, and informed me 

 that they were afraid to continue working there, as they had seen 

 a large green Mamba in the vicinity. I took my D.B. and went 

 back with them. 



" We searched some time without success, the grass and other 



P 



