xxiv INTRODUCTION 



the plains, took to the bush before it was finally 

 exterminated ; may there not have been some other 

 influence acting in ancient times, which originally 

 drove it from the bush into the open ? 



While on this subject it is interesting to notice 

 that the fighting man may be liable to similar changes 

 in the matter of colouring of clothing. In the days 

 of the short-range musket, conspicuous colouring was 

 good enough ; later, khaki was used ; to-da}^ a Con- 

 tinental nation is discussing a ncAv fighting dress, 

 and a distinctive uniform is preferred to khaki ; to 

 prevent any chance, it would seem, in these days of 

 long ranges, of gunners peppering their own side. 



The question of distinctive or protective colouring 

 in animals is an intricate one, not yet solved, depending 

 on a variety of reasons, and not alone on sex attrac- 

 tion or on the necessity of concealment for offence or 

 defence. 



Somaliland has been an ideal hunting ground. It 

 is one great wilderness, practically without cultivation 

 or villages, here nearty a thorny desert, there rising 

 to the grandest plateau, anything up to 7000 feet, 

 with woodland scenery of beauty perhaps unsurpassed 

 elsewhere ; you can go on horse-back, camel-back, 

 or on foot, practically in any direction you like, if you 

 carry a few days' supply of water. The people have 

 an intense love of sport, not merely for meat, and in 

 this they differ from most African races. They are 

 naturally hospitable to strangers. The game is difficult 

 to bring to bag, which is a recommendation to the true 

 sportsman ; and one is not bothered by mobs of half- 

 tame zebras or hartebeestes ranging across the front, 



