SPRINGBUCK 199 



herds of '' trek-bokken," as the Boers termed these 

 migratory herds, in the Kalahari and North Western 

 Cape Colony. In the Orange Free State, there are still 

 many farms with large herds of Springbuck running 

 on them, and the farmers are now learning the value 

 of the venison as a lucrative article of trade, and their 

 buck as a splendid source of income (through the medium 

 of sportsmen and the market). It is often shot on the 

 run at anything from 200 to 600 yards, although chances 

 of a standing shot at 300 or 400 yards should be awaited. 

 It consorts in herds of varying number, old rams, young 

 males, females and lambs of all ages being found together. 

 When disturbed they make off in a long line, and to me 

 a more beautiful sight than this cannot be found on the 

 veld. When pressed, or often when crossing a road, 

 they commence bounding into the air and the ease and 

 grace of their movements is unequalled. 



As a rule one young one is born at a time, the early 

 summer months of October and November being the 

 proper breeding season, although young ones may 

 be found in any month, even as late as June or 

 July. This fact I have often noted when out shooting 

 with the late Mr. H. P. Basson, of Brandfort, a well- 

 known Orange Free State shot and sportsman. More 

 than one young one was captured by us during the 

 shooting season, which only opens in March and closes 

 in August. Springbuck venison is by many preferred to 

 the flesh of any other South African Antelope and is 

 fine eating. 



Genus HIPPOTRAGUS. 



Antelopes of fairly large size ; tail long and tufted ; 

 mammae four in number. Horns long, curved backwards 

 and well ringed. The females are also horned, but 

 carry lighter and more slender horns. One member 



