THE SPRINGHARE OR SPRINGHAAS 



Also known as the Jumping Hare. 

 {Pedetes caffer) 



Inziponde of Amaxosa. 



The Springhare, altliougli so similar in outward 

 shape to the members of the Kangaroo tribe, is not 

 related to these marsupial animals, being far removed 

 from them in classification ; but, although so kanga- 

 roo-like in shape, its nearest relatives are the Porcu- 

 pines, Blesmols, Rats and other rodent animals. 



A glance at the curved front or incisor teeth of 

 the Springhare satisfies the naturalist that it is a 

 member of the great order of gnawing animals 

 termed Rodents. 



The Springhare is common from the south coast 

 of the Cape Province, northwards as far as the Equa- 

 tor on the east, and Angola on the west. In the 

 southern portions of Natal, however, it does not 

 occur. 



In most parts of the midlands of the Cape Province 

 it is very common, and even in the vicinity of Port 

 Elizabeth it is met with. 



It is sociable in its habits, and forms an intricate 

 series of burrows in which a good many families 



158 



