GAME-BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA 



African birds are not preserved in any way, and the constant 

 drain by the market-hunter tends to extermination. The 

 following list may give some idea of the quantity of game 

 which finds its way into the markets of South Africa : In 

 Kimberley market alone in the 1904 season, 12,975 head of 

 game was disposed of, realizing £2,752 ; in the 1905 season 

 29,119 head of game reaUzed £4,667, whUst in the 1906 

 season 40,933 head realized £4,829. 



Some interesting details of the different kinds of game 

 which are included in the 40,933 head sold in 1906 are 

 given, these were : — 



Springbuck, 4,025 ; Duiker, 174 ; Steinbok, 1,415 ; Hares, 

 5,131 ; Knorhaan, 3,565 ; Redwing (Francolin), 2,957 ; Guinea- 

 fowl, 818 ; Paauw (probably O. ludwigi and 0. kori), 59 ; 

 Wild-duck, 130 ; Geese, 33 ; smaU birds, 22,626. 



The item " small birds " would probably include the 

 Coqui Francolin, as well as two species of Sand-grouse, which 

 are, of course, extremely abundant in that neighbourhood. 



On land that has been burnt Knorhaan are always very 

 wUd, and generally get upon an ant-heap to keep a good 

 look-out. They then give very good sport with a small- 

 bore rifle, the white marks on the wings of the cock birds 

 making a clear target against the black background. 



I have frequently found the eggs, but invariably by 

 accident. The hen bird slips off long before you reach 

 the nest and hides in the long grass. 



The nest is merely a slight hollow in the ground, always 

 in grass, and the two eggs are greenish-brown blotched with 

 darker brown spots. They measure 2.05 by 1,65 in. 



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