Chap. VII. SEUPENTS— FASCINATION. 91 



flatten the neck, and dart out the tongue and retract it with 

 great velocity, while their fixed glassy eyes glare as if in 

 anger. All reptiles require water, and go long distances to 

 the Zouga, and other rivers and pools, in search of it. 



There is a serpent named by the inhabitants " Noga-putsane," 

 or serpent of a kid, which utters a cry by night exactly like 

 the bleating of that animal. I heard one at a spot where no 

 kid could possibly be. It is supposed by the natives to lure 

 travellers by this device. The mode in which some of the 

 snake tribe catch their prey is curious. The Bucephalus viriclis 

 climbs trees in search of birds and eggs, and is soon discovered 

 by all the birds in the neighbourhood collecting and sounding 

 an alarm.* The fangs of this species are not so much formed 

 for injecting poison on external objects as for preventing any 

 animal or bird of which they have got hold from escaping 

 from their jaws. The Dasypeltis inornatus (Smith) has small 

 teeth, which permit the passage of thin-shelled eggs without, 

 breaking till within the gullet or about 2 inches behind the 

 head. There they come in contact with the gular teeth, which 

 crack the shells without the contents being spilled, as would 



* " The Bucephalus Capcnsis is generally found upon trees, to which it resorts 

 for the purpose of catching birds, upon which it delights to feed. The birds of 

 the neighbourhood collect around it and fly to and fro, uttering the most piercing 

 cries, until some one, more terror-struck than the rest, actually scans its lips, and, 

 almost without resistance, becomes a meal for its enemy. During such a pro- 

 ceeding the snake is generally observed with its head raised about ten or twelve 

 inches above the branch round which its body and tail are entwined, with its 

 mouth open and its neck inflated, as if anxiously endeavouring to increase the 

 terror. Whatever may be said in ridicule of fascination, it is nevertheless true 

 that birds, and even quadrupeds, are, under certain circumstances, unable to retire 

 from the presence of certain of their enemies ; and, what is even more extra- 

 ordinary, unable to resist the propensity to advance from a situation of actual 

 safety into one of the most imminent danger. This I have often seen exemplified 

 in the case of birds and snakes ; and I have heard of instances equally curious, in 

 which antelopes and other quadrupeds have been so bewildered by the sudden 

 appearance of crocodiles, and b)' the grimaces and contortions they practised, as to 

 be unable to fly or even move from the spot towards which they were approaching 

 to seize them." (Dr. Andrew Smith's ' Reptilia.') 



In addition to the statements of this most able naturalist, it may be added 

 that fire exercises a fascinating effect on some kinds of toads. They may be seen 

 rushing into it in the evenings without once starting back an feeling pain. Con- 

 tact with the hot embers rather increases the energy with which they strive tc 

 reach the hottest parts, and they never cease struggling to get to the centre even 

 when their juices are coagulating and their limbs stiffening in the roasting heat. 

 Scorpions turn from the fire in fierce disgust, and inflict at that time, from 

 irritation, their most painful stings. 



