212 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



being sometimes several feet off the ground. When a bush fire 

 is raging Mambas may be seen escaping in this way at a swift 

 pace. Viewed at a distance they seem to be gHding over the 

 tops of the long grass and low shrubs. Cases are on record of 

 men being bitten as high up as the thigh, when mounted on 

 horseback. 



Distribution. 



The Mamba {Dendraspis angusticeps) is abundant throughout 

 the wooded districts of Natal, Zululand, Eastern Transvaal, 

 British Bechuanaland, Rhodesia, and West, Central, and East 

 Africa. 



Another species of Mamba has recently been discovered in 

 the Transvaal by Dr. Gougli. It is named Dendraspis Mamba. 

 This makes two species found in South Africa. 



Note.- — Mr. W. A. Campbell of the Natal Sugar Estates, Ltd., has 

 informed me that two adult Green Mambas were recently (1919) killed 

 while in the act of copulating. Also that Mr. Innis of the Berea killed a 

 Black Mamba and a Green Mamba under similar circumstances. 



