NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



all four hoofs on a point of rock an inch or two 

 square, this wonderful little animal launches itself 

 into space to a similar point of rock. Balancing for 

 an instant on a projection of rock on the very edge 

 of a vast krantz, the nimble little creature bounds 

 off from ledge to ledge and point to point in a 

 manner impossible to describe. That an animal 

 with hard cloven hoofs is able to traverse these 

 precipitous hills, abounding in chasms into which 

 the slightest slip of a foot would launch them, is 

 almost beyond belief. In agility and surefooted- 

 ness amongst the rocky fastnesses which are their 

 home, they equal the famous Chamois of Switzerland. 



The hoofs of the Klipspringer are nearly rect- 

 angular in shape, with a narrow sole, and are on a 

 line with the legs, making them excellently adapted 

 for balancing the body on points of rock. 



The hair of the Klipspringer is very thick and 

 spine-like, and altogether unlike that of any other 

 African antelope ; and owing to its elasticity is 

 eminently adapted to act as a buffer should the 

 animal collide with a rock or accidentally fall, which 

 it, at times, is sure to do, notwithstanding its expert- 

 ness and agility in jumping and balancing. 



This hair is in great request for stuffing saddle 

 pannels. The bristle-like hair is so loosely attached 

 to the skin of the Klipspringer that if a dead speci- 

 men is carelessly skinned it will come out in handfuls. 

 To preserve the hair in all its beauty the carcase 

 must be carefully skinned when quite fresh, and the 



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