466 GAIT FOOD BREEDING HIDE. 



The koodoo is not uncommon throughout the more wooded 

 districts of Damara-land ; but, from its leading a very seclu- 

 ded life, it is not so often seen as others of the antelope tribe. 

 His favorite haunts are the stony slopes of hills, overgrown 

 with brushwood. In localities not much frequented by man, 

 however, and in the early part of the day, he may be seen in 

 more open ground, on tTie outskirts of woods, borders of vleys, 

 and banks of rivers. 



His gait is very graceful ; but his pace, which consists of 

 a moderately fast gallop, is less elegant. When pursued, he 

 clears with considerable agility bushes, stones, and other 

 minor obstructions that may oppose his course, his leaps be- 

 ing often of very considerable extent. 



His food consists chiefly of leaves, buds, and the young 

 shoots of trees and bushes. He seems capable of going a long 

 time without water, and only occasionally frequents the pool. 



The koodoo produces only one young at a time. His 

 flesh, when in good condition, is excellent, and the soup, or 

 bouillon, made from it is delicious. The marrow extracted 

 from the bones is highly prized by the natives, who deem it 

 better than that obtained from any other animal. They con- 

 sequently devour it greedily, and without any kind of prepa- 

 ration. 



The hide of the koodoo is greatly valued, as well by the 

 hunter as the colonist. It is rather thin, but exceedingly 

 tough and pliable, and will stand more wear and tear than 

 any other hide of the same substance. It is chiefly used for 

 shoes, lashes of whips, thongs, straps, and harness in general. 

 A koodoo hide, well prepared according to the custom of the 

 • country, is worth from twenty to thirty shillings ; and, being 

 much in request among the farmers, is no despicable article 

 of commerce for home consumption. 



The koodoo is naturally of a shy and timid nature ; but 

 the male, when hotly pressed and wounded, will not unfre- 

 quently face about, and even attack his pursuer. 



