TREE SNAKE. 
401 
4. — The next in size to the " Cobra" is the 
u Swaartz-slaange" of the Dutch, or Black 
Snake. This is generally from four to five feet 
in length, and is a large heavy creature. It 
hangs about precipices, and is shy of notice,, 
but, if attacked, fierce and poisonous. It gene- 
rally appears about evening, and seems to feed 
principally on rats and rock-rabbits.* 
5. — About the same size is the u Boem- 
slaange" or Tree Snake. It, as its name ex- 
plains, frequents the roots and stems of trees ; 
usually living in large holes, in the decayed 
parts of these. It is found in great numbers 
in the forests, and through the bush ; and al- 
though much dreaded, appears less venomous 
than others. It feeds principally on birds and 
small subterranean animals, is of a brownish 
green colour, and, lying on a tree, would hardly 
be distinguished from the bark. It also often 
looks, when coiled up, like a huge fungus. 
* A very curious discovery was made, in connection with this 
Black Snake. In a long large hole, situated in a u krantz" behind the 
roots of a large decayed tree, in Kaffirland, three nests of the Swaartz- 
slaange were once discovered, distant from each other about a yard. 
In each nest there was a deposit of eggs, numbering, respectively, 
eight, ten, and twelve. They were about the size of those of larks, 
quite white, and in form eliptical. The two first sets were freshly 
laid, the interior nest soft and somewhat soiled. Upon taking the 
eggs out, they were found to contain life, and on putting them on a 
stone , and crushing them beneath the foot, in each was found a per- 
fect little snake, about six inches long; all alive, active, and vicious. 
The old one thus appeared to have deposited three distinct litters, con- 
taining in all thirty young ones, within the same year. 
2 D 
