THE REEDBUCK 



they find sanctuary in the dense forests. Although 

 they live in close proximity to water as a general 

 rule, the Reedbuck does not take to it when pur- 

 sued, but at once plunges into the reedy brakes 

 where it is at once lost to view. Kirby, however, 

 states that when hard pressed it will take to water 

 readily, and swims with great vigour ; and to avoid 

 its pursuers it sometimes sinks its body in some deep 

 waterhole with only its nostrils above the surface 

 of the water. 



Although partial to reed beds (as the name 

 implies) they often make their lairs in long grass on 

 high ridges and in scrub on the bush-veld. They 

 always select a dry place to lie down on, even when 

 they are in close proximity to water. When dis- 

 turbed the Reedbuck bounds from its lair and 

 proceeds at a rolling gallop, and seems to maintain 

 the same speed whether traversing good or broken 

 ground. As the buck makes off it goes with low, 

 easy bounds, and presents each flank in turn to the 

 sportsman, thus offering the chance of an easy 

 shot. 



If disturbed at a little distance, and when the 

 danger does not appear imminent, the Reedbuck 

 usually gives vent to a clear, sharp whistle, gallops 

 off a distance of about 150 yards, and turns to gaze 

 at the intruder, thus affording an easy mark for the 

 hunter. If not shot at, it whistles again, makes 

 another spurt, and repeats this action several times. 



The ewes are far more timid than the rams, and 

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