GAME AND SPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA. 35 



or four to a dozen or so, but as they usually frequent 

 open ground devoid of bush they must be stalked, 

 and a good rifle is the weapon to carry. 



Higher up among the precipitous rocks near the 

 summits the African chamois (klipspringer) is 

 always to be found, and being but seldom disturbed 

 is easily approachable. 



This very beautiful little antelope is a miracle 

 of activity, and the soles of its hoofs being more 

 like indiarubber than horn in texture, it is able 

 to poise itself safely on rocky pinnacles which 

 would only seem to afford sufficient foothold for 

 a bird. This antelope, when clean, weighs from 

 281b. to 32lb., if in good condition. Its sharp 

 little horns are about five inches long, and its coat 

 is composed of even, quill-like hair about two inches 

 in length, of a grayish colour with a yellowish 

 tinge. This hair is easily detached from the skin 

 by a very slight pull when the animal is freshly 

 killed, and makes the very best stuffing for saddles, 

 as it never packs or felts from the effects of pressure 

 or perspiration, and, indeed, acts as efficient venti- 

 lation, thus preventing that tendency to sore backs 

 so prevalent in all warm climates. 



To any one with a taste for the labours and risks 



