400 
SOUTHERN AFRICA. 
and was nearing the colder latitudes, when in 
12° north, it died, but more possibly from neg- 
lect and ill-treatment than from actual cold. 
2. — The next largest to this is the " Cobra- 
di-Capella" or Hooded Snake, called by the 
Colonists the " Ringeaault"* The size of this 
species, is usually from five to seven feet in 
length, and five inches in diameter. Its colour 
is green, striped and spotted with brown. It 
has long flaps, or Aliments, of skin, on either 
side of the head; which, when incensed, it 
spreads out in the form of a hood. It is very 
poisonous ; its bite generally produces death 
within twenty minutes after the infliction of 
the wound, no remedies seeming to avail in 
bringing relief. It is, of course, much dreaded 
by man and beast. 
3. — Somewhat partaking of the character of 
" Cobra," is the " Garter-snake," called by the 
Dutch the " Kous-bande" (literally the Stock- 
ing-band) this is the u Naja H&machates" of Dr. 
Smith, and is slightly hooded round the head. 
It is usually about two feet long, having a broad 
flat body and head, and a ridge along the back. 
Its colour is black, but spotted with white and 
straw-colour. Its bite is deadly, and its poi- 
son soon infuses itself through the blood. 
* An account of a very narrow escape of the Author, from one of 
these snakes, is given pp. 80, 81, in his former work, " Kaf^ana." 
