

SPR ING-BOK.— .-/////V/owAV Eikhorn. 



The SrRi\r,-BoK (li'rivcs its very np|)ro])riatc title from tlio cxtrnordinniy leaps 

 wliieli it is in the eonstnnt habit of niakiiiti; whenever it is alarmed. 



As soon as it is frightened at any real or fancied danger, or whenever it desires 

 to accelerate its pace suddenly, it leaps high into the air Avith a curiously easy 

 movement, rising to a height of seven or eight feet without any difliculty, and 

 being capable on occcasions of reaching to a height of twelve or thirteen feet. 

 AVhen lea])ing, the back is greatly cuned. 



Iidiabiting the vast plains of Southern Africa, the Spring-bok is accustomed to 

 make pilgiimages from one spot to another, vast herds being led by their chiefs, 

 and ravaging the country over which they ]iass. Thousands upon thousands 

 unite in these strange ])ilgnmages, or " trek-bokken," as they arc called by the 

 Boers, and some faint idea of the moving multitudes that traverse the country 

 may be obtained from the fact that Captain Cunnning saw a single herd of these 

 animals, which was half a mile in breadth, and occupied more than two hours in 

 passing the spot where he was standing. 



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