former oval, on the latter circular. On the nape and upper part of the neck the
scales of a larger size than on any other part of the animal, and are besides
more raised, with the granulations surrounding the discs very distinct.
On the back and sides, the scales are disposed in waved transverse bands,
and only differ from those of the neck in being of smaller size and less
convex; on the tail they are arranged in regular rings; towards its base
oval, and more or less completely margined by granulations ; towards the tip
oblong, subcarinated and almost without any edging. On the chin, throat,
and sides of the neck, the scales are small and oval; on the breast somewhat
circular, on the belly oval, in transverse rows, and only margined behind
by granulations; on the outer and anterior sides of the limbs towards the
body, they are oblong; towards the toes somewhat circular; all surrounded
by granulations; on the inner sides again they are smaller and nearly circular.
The inner toe of hinder foot very short and robust; the outer one much
removed from the rest; on the fore foot the inner toe is shorter than any of
the others, but longer than the corresponding one of the hinder foot.
DIMENSIONS.
Feet. Inches. Length from the nose to the tip of
the tail.............................. 2 8*
of the tail... ......................... i g
from nose to base of fore
legs .................................. o l§
Distance between the fore and the
hinder legs ...................... o
Length of the fore legs to the apex of
the nail of the longest toe... 4
of the hinder leg to ditto....... 5
The female, as regards external appearances, differs but little from the male.
Though no specimens of this species were obtained south of Latakoo, yet there ii. reason to
believe it occasionally occurs within the limits of the Cape Colony; it is, in all probability,
the animal which is called the D as adder by the colonists, and which is so much
dreaded under an idea of its- being, extremely venomous. It is usually discovered in rocky precipices,
or on low stony hills, and when surprised seeks concealment in the chinks of the former,
or in the irregular cavities of the latter; and when any inequalities exist upon the surface of
the rocks or stones, it clasps them so firmly with its toes, that it becomes a task of no small
difficulty to dislodge it, even though it can be easily reached. Under such circumstances, the
strength of no one man is able to withdraw a full-grown individual; and I have seen two persons
required to pull a specimen out of a position it had attained, even with the assistance of a
rope fixed in front of its hinder legs. The moment it was dislodged it flew with fury at its
enemies, who by flight only saved themselves from being bitten. After it was killed, it was
discovered that the points of all the nails had been broken previously, or at the moment it lost
its hold. It feeds upon frogs, crabs, and small quadrupeds; and from its partiality to the two
former, it is often found among rocks near to springs or running streams, which fact having
been observed by the natives, has led them to regard it as sacred, and not to be injured without
a danger of drought.
Specimens are occasionally obtained, which measure between four and five feet.