248 NATURE AND SPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA 



surprised at quite close quarters. Mr. J. G. MiDai^, 

 shooting recently in an obscure corner of Mashona- 

 land, obtained one or two of his best heads at sur- 

 prisingly close range. 



In woodland and bushy country the pace of the 

 koodoo, considering the weight and size of its horns, 

 and the difficulties and obstacles of covert, is sur- 

 prising. In hill country it is wonderfully active, and 

 will jump magnificently ; upon open ground, how- 

 ever, where it occasionally strays, it may be ridden 

 down without much trouble, and upon the flat its 

 gait is laboured and somewhat slow. 



This antelope is gregarious, and runs usually in 

 parties of from five to eight ; occasionally, however, 

 larger troops, numbering as many as twenty indi- 

 viduals, are encountered. In some thorn jungle south 

 of the Botletli river, while hunting giraffes, I started 

 a troop of fifteen upon one occasion. The hide of 

 the koodoo is one of the most valuable of all South 

 African antelopes ; it commands a high price, and is 

 much sought after. From it are manufactured 

 velschoens (Boer shoes), leather thongs, whip-lashes, 

 and even harness. The hide is thinnish, but 

 excessively tough. I have seen a complete set 

 f Cape-cart harness, made of koodoo hide, which 

 as smart-looking, serviceable, and of everlasting 

 ear. 



The flesh is excellent and well tasted, and the 



