THREE COMMON REPTILES OF THE AUSTRALIAN BUSH. 
By Cyrm Grant LANE. 
Illustrated with Photographs by the Author. 
HAT more certain to overwhelm the stout heart of the most experienced bush- 
man with sudden fear, and fill his mind with a knowledge of imminent danger, 
than the sudden hearing of that gentle, dreaded voice—the warning hiss of an 
angry snake ! 
Little wonder that the city-dweller, with but vague conceptions of “ bush-life,” so 
frequently refuses to venture “ up-country,’ even though the rapidly-increasing facilities 
for travelling are so obvious a consideration, for, in the mysterious regions of 
“up-country’”’ and “back-blocks,’ have not treacherous reptiles of dread repute to be 
contended with daily at every turn and bend in the track, and is not one obliged, 
from well-justified motives of self-preservation, to hunt im the bed, on the bed, wnder 
the bed, and thoroughly investigate every nook and cranny which might perchance 
conceal the lithe body of some poison-fanged visitor ? 
Something of this is indeed beyond refute, bwt—and there is much in that little 
word—like numerous imminent dangers, this also is constantly and absurdly exaggerated. 
Danger undoubtedly there is, and fully the fact is realised by one who has spent long 
years in snake-infested localities! Notwithstanding, if propensities of a designedly vicious 
nature are characteristics of Victorian snakes, they seem only recognisable when the 
reptiles are labouring under real or fancied provocation. Then, I admit, no more 
deadly or determined enemy can be encountered in the wilds of the bush! 
In certain localities, where water is abundant, Brown, Black, and Tiger-Snakes may 
be found in great numbers, occupying such cover as hollow logs, decaying stumps and 
disused burrows. heir food consists chiefly of frogs, mice, lizards, and even young 
water-rats or partly-grown rabbits. 
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