34 THE GAME OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA. 



Bush animals generally have thicker hides than the plain-dwellers, especially 

 about the neck and shoulders, as it is these parts which come in contact mostly 

 with the bush. The oryx has extraordinarily thick skin protecting the shoulders, so 

 much so that his hide is much prized by the Somalis, who are able to cut a circular 

 shield from each side of the shoulders. 



The necks and shoulders of such animals as the kudu, bushbuck, etc., are 

 generally rubbed bare of hair, especially in old animals, through constant friction 

 with the bush. Their horns are generally thick and massive, as it is by help of 

 these that they force a way through thick country. They are generally laid back 

 along the sides to protect the flanks, while the nose is inserted into any opening 

 in the thick vegetation, and the base of the horns serves to push back the branches 

 and increase the opening. The branches and creepers then glide along the horns 

 and slip off the animal's flanks. In passing through bush the whole body is crouched 

 and, with the horns, forms a wedge shape, of which the nose of the animal is the 

 point. In many kinds the females are hornless. With these, unlike most game, it is 

 the custom of the male to precede and break the way, but when the females are 

 travelling by themselves they push under and through the denser parts and do not 

 attempt to crash through. They display a wonderful faculty for passing through, 

 over, or under obstacles, seemingly without the use of any force. 



Country inhabited by bush game is generally intersected with a network of paths 

 broken by them, often impracticable for mankind, but quite good enough to enable 

 the bush denizens to proceed at a great pace. 



Some kinds of bush country produce animals specially adapted to get the 

 greatest value out of the scanty feeding. Examples of such are the giraffe and 

 Waller's gazelle, specialised for feeding off the tops of mimosa and other mushroom- 

 shaped thorn trees. 



Swamp and Water-dwelling Game. 



With the exception of the hippo, water-dwelling game is rare, for special 

 shaping of the hoofs is required to serve as paddles. Such an animal, however, is 

 the situtunga, built on the general lines of the bushbuck family, but possessed of 

 long hair and enormously lengthened, divided hoofs serving to give foothold on the 

 papyrus roots. These hoofs pass on either side of the roots, after the manner of a 

 two-pronged fork, and moreover, as the foot is very flexible when turned back, it acts 

 as a paddle for the animal in swimming. 



Native rumour states that in Lake Bangweolo there is a water rhino. Should 

 this prove correct, it will be interesting to see what adaptation of the rhino's foot has 

 taken place to fit the animal for an aquatic existence. 



