188 
CURIOUS GROWTH OF FUNGUS 
killed it, was more intent on its death, than its ultimate pre- 
servation as a specimen. He literally blew it to pieces with his 
shot-gun.’ 
Amplorhinus nototcenia (I. 184). — Capture during December 
1918 or January 1914, around the ‘ Caves ’ about three miles 
from Kismayu. 
N.B . — The first four of these are harmless ; the last three 
belong to the back-fanged group of colubrines, and are not 
dangerously venomous. 
CURIOUS GROWTH OF FUNGUS 
Editor 
In No. 9 of the Journal, p. 59, Mr. Dobbs described a curious 
growth which appeared on the grass at Kericho Station in 
Lumbwa District. 
A record of what is probably a similar occurrence is recorded 
in a book entitled ‘ Fighting the Slave-hunters in Central 
Africa,’ by A. J. Swann, p. 116. The following is Mr. Swann’s 
description : 
‘ In crossing the high plateau between Lakes Tanganyika 
and Nyassa, I was shown a very curious white substance very 
similar to porridge. It was found on the ground early in the 
morning before the sun rose. 
4 On examination it was found to possess all the characteris- 
tics of the manna which is said to have fallen for the benefit of 
the Israelites. (o- 
4 In appearance it resembled coriander seeds, was white in 
colour, sweet to the taste, melted in the sun, and if kept over- 
night was full of worms in the morning. The natives were not 
allowed to gather it without permission from their chief. 
4 It required to be baked if you intended to keep it any 
time. 
4 It looked as if it was deposited on the ground in the night; 
but in what manner I could not determine. 
