KENIA ORIBI 175 



unless disturbed, as they lie down about 8.30 A.M., and are not on the 

 move again until 3.30 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon. On the Mau 

 down, for practically half the year, that is from June to December, one 

 might go for days without seeing one, owing to their size and colour 

 assimilating so closely with the length and shade of the grass. They 

 lie very close, like a duiker, and will almost allow themselves to be 

 trodden on ; but when they do move, they go off with such a rush, and 

 double from side to side so quickly, that it is almost impossible to see 

 them until they have gone some distance, when they will bound up 

 into the air, no doubt to see where they are going, and if there is 

 danger ahead. These bounds are only taken in long grass. During 

 the rest of the year, when the grass is short and green, they are very 

 conspicuous and can be seen at long distances. 



" No buck of its size affords better sport than the oribi, and 

 certainly few, if any, can compare with it, if the main object of its 

 pursuit is for the ' pot.' 



" Any one wishing to stalk them should be out early and on the 

 ground between daylight and 8.30 A.M. ; and, if the wind will allow 

 him to do so, he should work the ground with the sun at his back or 

 on one side, as they are then so much easier to see. The evening 

 between 4 p.m. and sundown is, if anything, a better time, as the wind 

 is likely to be much steadier, and the sun, being low down, makes 

 them show up quite as well as in the morning. 



" The localities in which this antelope is found are usually well 

 adapted for stalking. Even on the Mau plateau, after a recent grass- 

 fire, there is sufficient covert in the shape of innumerable small ant- 

 heaps ; while in Nandi, Kavirondo, Kitosh, and Tarkarel there is 

 sufficient scrub to hide the stalker if he takes ordinary care. It must 

 not be supposed, however, that because this little antelope is in the 

 habit of lying very close in long grass, and almost allowing itself to 

 be trodden on, and of standing quite still intently gazing at the 

 intruder, hoping thereby to escape observation, it is at all times easy 

 to approach without the usual precautions being taken in regard to 

 wind, keeping out of sight, etc. When once alarmed, though they 

 will as a rule not go far, it is well to give them time to settle down 

 before following in the direction they were seen to go, as they are 

 very wary, and much given to doubling about to the right or left of 

 the line of their retreat. Often have I seen them bounding away to 

 one side, and almost on a level with me, when all the time I expected 

 to see them somewhere straight in front. If sought aftei* when the 

 grass is long, it is better to go out when the sun is well up and they 



