THE SPRINGBUCK TREK 229 



throughout the western desert and the moun- 

 tain tract. It was then the end of March, and 

 rain had been falling, off and on, for the 

 previous fortnight. Rarely, indeed, did the 

 drought break before the middle of April. 



There was also news of the springbucks. 

 The great migration was not due to take place 

 for months, but word had reached Andries to 

 the effect that in the desert somewhere to the 

 east of Kamiebies a moderately large herd had 

 been seen. If the news were true, that herd 

 must have been the first wave of an early- 

 coming tide. Thus we might be able to settle 

 accounts with the poachers and provide our 

 year's supply of " bultong ' in the course of 

 one expedition. 



The annual migration of springbucks across 

 the desert is, I am positive, an institution of 

 immemorial antiquity. The reason for it is 

 obvious. The fawns are born in winter, and it 

 is necessary that at the time the does should 

 have green food to eat. But Bushmanland, 

 excepting its extreme western fringe, is far 

 drier in winter than in summer. In winter the 

 feathery plumes of the " toa " crumble away 

 to dust and the stumps of the tussocks turn 

 jet-black. Then the plains become unmiti- 

 gated desert. 



