246 NATURE AND SPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA 



tips as much as 4 ft. IJ in. Other and equally fine 

 horns will only spread a little over 2 ft. But 

 whether widespread or closer in growth the effect of 

 these magnificent spiral horns is equally grand. The 

 eyes are large, and very beautiful. The ears are of 

 a light brown colour, and are very large and spread- 

 ing. The hearing of this antelope is marvellously 

 acute, and the great yet delicate ears are manifestly 

 exactly fitted for the arrestment of the lightest 

 vibration of sound. The senses of smell and sight 

 are also excessively fine, and, united to its preter- 

 naturally sharp hearing and general suspiciousness, 

 render the koodoo usually a very difficult animal to 

 approach or surprise. The neck of the male is 

 strong, shapely, and well fitted to support the weight 

 of the immense horns. The chin is white. From 

 the throat to the dewlap extends a long and hand- 

 some fringe of white and blackish-brown hair, which 

 adds not a little to the handsome appearance of the 

 antelope. The neck also is slightly maned. The 

 legs are strong, yet slender, clean, and beautifully 

 formed, terminating in shapely feet, which give a 

 dainty spoor, shaped like the ace of hearts. The 

 koodoo's spoor is, indeed, one of the most perfect 

 imprints of all African beasts of chase. 



The weight of a good koodoo bull is about 500 lbs. 

 In length this animal extends to some 9 ft. The 

 withers, as in so many other examples of African 



