ZEBRAS AND QUAGGAS 209 



bands on the rump of the latter can be seen at a 

 great distance. The zebra [i.e. bontequagga] is 

 purely a beast of the open plains ; it never seeks to 

 conceal itself, but trusts always to seeing its foes. 

 When under or among thin-leaved, scattered 

 thorn-trees it is still usually conspicuous ; although 

 now and then a peculiar light and shadow effect 

 may conceal it." 



After quoting evidence from Captain Stigand 1 

 to much the same effect, Mr. Roosevelt proceeds 

 to express his disbelief in the protective value of 

 the white bellies of kiangs, onagers, and wild asses ; 

 attributing this to some general cause, like that 

 which has led to the under surface of the leaves of 

 so many plants being lighter coloured than the 

 upper ones. 



The " personal equation" has, of course, some- 

 thing to do with the difference of opinion on these 

 facts ; but whatever may be the real truth with 

 regard to some of the disputed points, it is certain 

 that when a zebra enters covert, it becomes, owing 

 to its colouring, indistinguishable. 



In 1899 a zebra or bontequagga inhabiting the 

 mountainous country opposite Teti, on the north 

 bank of the lower part of the Zambesi, was de- 

 scribed as a distinct species by Messrs. Prazak and 

 Trouessart in the 'Bulletin du Museum d'Histoire 

 Nature lie, Paris, vol. v. p. 350, as Equusfoai. From 



1 The Game of British East Africa, London, 1909. 



O 



