CHAPTER XXV 



THE GAME ANIMALS OF THE PROTECTORATE 



In considering the principal varieties of the larger 

 wild fauna of the Protectorate it is proposed to do so, 

 as far as possible, mainly from the settler's point of 

 view. 



Wherever the newcomer may elect to settle he is 

 absolutely certain to become intimately acquainted with 

 Big Game. Even if he is a townsman he cannot fail 

 to be provided with a topic of conversation, a topic 

 so universal and inexhaustible that unless he be a 

 naturalist or sportsman he stands a more than fair 

 chance of being thoroughly bored by the subject. If, 

 however, he be a farmer he will come tc be on even 

 more intimate terms with the wild animals. Certain 

 species will provide him with sport. Certain species 

 will provide him with food or hides which will prove 

 useful and be utilised for ropes and harness. Others 

 will harass his stock and sheep ; and yet others will 

 destroy at intervals his crops and fences. While with 

 others, again, he will only become acquainted if 

 sport or work takes him into the uncivilised portions of 

 the Protectorate. 



Although many animals will be seen to come equally 

 within two or more of these categories, it is on these 

 general lines that we propose to treat them. 



