14 CENTRAL AFRICAN GAME AND ITS SPOOR. 



offer him. We will mention in passing, however, that this is almost wholly done by 

 observing the splittings of the hoof, or in elephant and rhino from the protuberances 

 formed by the peeling of the hard horny skin of the pads. 



A zebra's hoof is often excessively split and broken, the sketch of which may 

 show what is meant. 



In following game, each spoor will look somewhat different according to the 

 ground and the way in which pressure has been brought to bear on it, but soon 

 an approximate idea is gained of the irregularities and their relative positions noted. 



With regard to elephant's and rhino's feet, we might mention before closing 

 that, owing to the gentle way they put them down, often the impress of these 

 protuberances is easier to see than that of the whole foot. 



At other times the mark of a blade of grass, pressed into the earth and 

 sprung up again when the animal released it, catches the eye before the whole 

 spoor does. 



With reference to the tracks of cats and other small animals which can hardly 

 be referred to as big game, we have included these as the beginner who is at 

 all observant is sure to notice them, especially on the paths, and may wish to know 

 to what they belong. 



If he takes an interest in all animal life which surrounds him, he can learn by 

 this means much of the habits of many nocturnal animals, animals he would seldom, 

 if ever, see, and of whose very existence he would be unaware if it were not for 

 their tracks. 



