THE SPRINGBUCK 



The Springbok thrives alike upon the nutritive 

 Karoo shrubs, or upon grass. 



When water is available these bucks drink every 

 second day, but when it is unobtainable they are 

 able to exist comfortably without it for a con- 

 siderable time. This is somewhat remarkable, for 

 the vegetation of the Karoo is not, as a rule, of a 

 very succulent nature, and for months at a time 

 it presents a parched, dry appearance ; so much so 

 that the inexperienced tourist is surprised to learn 

 that animals thrive upon it. 



The Springboks, like most other veld-roving 

 antelopes, often resort to the various salt pans under 

 cover of darkness to lick the salt-impregnated lime- 

 stone and surface incrustations of salt. 



In the past this antelope was one of the chief 

 sources of food of the Bushmen and Hottentots. 



The Springbok is easily tamed, and thrives well 

 in captivity. It is, in consequence, seen in most 

 Zoological Gardens. 



A young male, which a friend caused to be 

 castrated, developed the slender horns of an adult 

 female. 



The gestation period lasts about 171 days, and 

 the lambs are born chiefly during the month of 

 November ; in South- West Africa it is somewhat 

 later. One young is usually produced at a birth, 

 and twins occasionally. 



The flesh of the Springbok is most excellent, and 

 is greatly sought after. 



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