

SASSAYBE. 147 



about a foot above the tail. The eyes possess a very 

 notable ruby tint, and are placed very high in the 

 head ; the nostrils are parted by a half muzzle ; the 

 lachrymal perforations are very indistinct. Although 

 at one time found in great numbers in Bechuana- 

 land, in my experience I have not found that the 

 habitat of this antelope extends to the eastern sea- 

 board. Like the koodoo, it delights in the vicinity 

 of hills, especially where they border upon veldt 

 land covered with open brush or scattered mimosa 

 trees. In former days they were captured in great 

 numbers in pitfalls by the Bechuanas, but this 

 wholesale mode of slaughtering these noble animals 

 has so lessened their numbers, that this means 

 of taking them is not now resorted to. It is 

 a disputed point among sportsmen which is the 

 fastest of the larger species of African antelopes, 

 and I fear that when I affirm that I consider the 

 sassaybe less swift than the hartebeest, many people 

 will differ from me. While on this point, I would 

 say that I have heard persons assert that the oryx, 

 or gemsbok, could not be ridden down. This is 

 contrary to my experience. However, it should 

 always be remembered and this is, I think, a point 

 that has escaped the notice of many sportsmen that 

 two animals are seldom hunted under exactly the 

 same circumstances ; thus an eland, if fat, can be 

 brought to a standstill by a fast-trotting horse, while 

 one in low condition will give a well-mounted man 



