I. THE GAME — ANTELOPES. 9 



colour, and only the males bear horns, although I have heard of two instances of 

 females growing horns. A good head will measure 4Yin., and the weight be about 

 3olb. to 35lb. 



Duiker and kansenye have a habit of returning to the same place to deposit 

 their droppings, and usually these places are on a sandy, dry soil. 



KlipSPRINGER {Oreotragus saltato7'). — A sporting little buck, which might be 

 called the chamois of Africa, for it is invariably found on hilly ground. 



I once saw one in flat country, but this animal had probably been driven from 

 some hills near, and was making for some refuge on other high ground. 



The peculiar features of this small animal are its hair and hoofs. The former is 

 hard and wiry, and sticks out from the skin like pins in a pincushion. 



It comes away very readily, and a hard stroke with the hand will remove it. 

 The Boers in South Africa use it for stuffing their saddles, as it is said not to pack 

 like ordinary hair. The hoofs are similar to a small goat's, which is due to the 

 habitat of the animal, living as it does amongst boulders and rocks. It only uses the 

 forepart of the hoofs, walking on its toes, so to speak. They are usually seen in 

 couples, and on bolting they will often jump on to large rocks, offering a splendid 

 chance for a quick shot with the rifle. I once saw three couples of these animals 

 feeding together, but on being disturbed they ran off in twos. 



Klipspringers seem to be able to exist without water and get all the moisture 

 they need by eating aloes and wet grass. 



It is interesting sport shooting these little animals, for their pursuit takes one 

 to high ground, where the atmosphere is usually cooler and more invigorating. 



Lovely views can also be obtained over the surrounding country, and if one is 

 successful the meat is about the best obtainable, being very like tender mutton. 

 Klipspringers keep in wonderful condition, and I never shot one that was not fat and 

 healthy. A fair head, will measure 4in., and only the males have horns. Weight 

 I would put at 4olb., for although the animal barely stands as high as a duiker, 

 it is thicker set. 



These animals are distributed all over Africa, from the Cape to Abyssinia. 



Oribi {Oribia scoparid). — ^^A pretty, clean-cut little animal, of a reddish-yellow 

 colour, with white belly. The oribi is nearly always found in open patches of 

 grassland, surrounded by bush, where it may go to get out of the sun. However, it 

 will seldom be found more than a hundred yards from the grass country. Very local 

 in its distribution, and in many parts of this country is absent altogether. It has 

 often puzzled me why game prefer certain parts in preference to others, which seem 

 the same in every respect as regards trees, bush, and grass. 



C 



