lO HUNTING TRIPS IN NORTHERN RHODESIA. 



, Perhaps the soil may vary in its chemical qualities and produce different tasted 

 food, otherwise I fail to understand why animals are so particular in choosing their 

 habitat. 



A good head for an oribi will be 5in., and the weight about 4olb. Only the 

 males bear horns. 



Impala {/Epyceros melampus). — One of the most beautiful of the medium- 

 sized antelopes, and is never found far from water. The appearance of a herd of 

 these animals is a welcome sight when one is suffering from thirst, for one knows 

 water will be found within a distance of a mile or so. 



Very gregarious in their habits, for although a single male may sometimes be 

 found alone, they generally consort together. Out of the breeding season the males 

 will run together, and seldom more than two full-grown rams will be seen in a herd of 

 females. The impala found in this country is Johnston's, or the Nyasaland type, and 

 they bear much smaller horns than the variety found in British East Africa, and I 

 should imagine are smaller-bodied animals. 



I once lived for a year on the Luangwa river, and used to practically live on 

 the meat of these antelopes, for although waterbuck were almost as plentiful, there 

 is as much difference between their meat as there is between horse and Scotch 

 mutton. 



When not in want of meat I used sometimes to sit and watch them feeding, and 

 a pretty sight it was to see them among the tropical scenery to be found near the 

 river. They have lovely light brown or fallow hides with white under the belly, and 

 they show up well against a green background. 



Leopards and hyenas must kill a number of the fawns soon after they are born, 

 and on several occasions I have come on the relics of such a tragedy. 



I often thought it a shame to kill such beautiful animals, but when one wants 

 meat it is necessary, and, after all, a well-placed bullet gives an easier death than the 

 fangs of some predatory animal. A good head in this country will measure 2oin. 

 on the curve, and the weight of one I scaled gave i lolb. 



Reedbuck {Cervicapra arundinum). — As its name implies, prefers reeds and 

 grass country near water. 



Rather scarce throughout Northern Rhodesia compared to some of the other 

 species. Generally found in pairs, although sometimes three, and even four or five, 

 will be found together. When startled, reedbuck give a shrill scream which puts 

 other game on the qui vive, so, while after more valuable animals, they should be 

 given a wide berth. 



Most animals give vent to a note of alarm when disturbed, for roan snort, 



