40 ANIMAL LIFE IN AFRICA 



in East Africa, the size of the herds is still astonishing. 

 Fully a thousand may at times be seen in one body, 

 while the plain for miles is covered with smaller troops. 

 Latterly, in the Transvaal Game Reserve, where for a 

 long time zebras were found scattered about in small 

 family parties, they have similarly drawn together ; so 

 that a piece of country one day nearly deserted is on the 

 next covered with hundreds of animals. 



Although in South Africa more shy than the wilde- 

 beests, with which they are so often found, and always 

 of the two the first to move off, zebras sometimes 

 betray the most intense curiosity. Where accustomed 

 to be unmolested by man, they have a way of stampeding 

 past a train of pack donkeys at close quarters, most 

 disconcerting to the latter, which are only too inclined 

 to follow suit, to the great detriment of any camping 

 material wherewith they may be loaded. 



Zebras are not often noticed lying down ; but Major 

 Fraser, of the Game Reserve, relates having observed a 

 whole herd in this position about the middle of the day, 

 in October or November ; a number of foals were present, 

 which were chasing each other about through the recum- 

 bent troop, occasionally jumping over their mothers. 

 The usual drinking time is at night or very early morning, 

 but in the cold weather in the Transvaal I have noticed 

 them watering pretty regularly about midday. Later 

 in the year, after a hot day, they sometimes drink at 

 sunset, and in this case, no doubt, graze at no great 

 distance from the water during the night. 



Although quick with his heels upon occasion, the offen- 

 sive and defensive weapon of the zebra is primarily his 

 teeth. If a herd is quietly observed, it will be noticed 

 that a great deal of biting goes on amongst the members, 

 but very little kicking, and a tame animal which happens 



