200 UNGULATES. 



species is represented by a variety of lighter build, and with horns less thickened 

 on the forehead, and separated in the middle line by a considerable interval. This 

 vai'iety was formerly regarded as indicating a distinct species, under the names of 

 B. cequinoctialis and B. centralis; but intermediate gradations connect it so closely 

 with the ordinary Cape form that this view has been abandoned. 



In regions where their numbers have not been thinned by the sportsman's 

 rifle, the Cape buffalo, according to Mr. Selous, is usually found in herds of from 

 fifty to two hundred, or even three hundred, individuals. Old bulls are frequently 

 met with alone, although they more usually associate in parties of two, three, or 

 four, while occasionally from eight to ten may be seen together. These sma 

 parties of bulls are said to be much less wary, and, consequently, much more easy 

 to approach than large herds of cows; and solitary bulls are not regarded by 

 Mr. Selous as more dangerous than other members of the species. The same 

 writer observes that for animals of such heavy build and bulk these buffaloes are 

 remarkably swift ; and it requires a good horse to keep ahead of a charging buffalo 

 even in the open ; while in cover, unless very fleet, the horse stands a good chanc 

 of being overtaken. Cape buffaloes are commonly represented in pictures as 

 charging with their heads lowered to the ground and their tails raised high in the 

 air. This, however, according to Mr. Selous, is wholly incorrect, since, when 

 charging, they " invariably hold their noses straight out, and lay their horns back 

 over their shoulders. They lower their heads just as they strike." 



Mr. Drummond writes of the habits of this species as follows : — " About 

 sunrise they drink a sufficient quantity of water to last during the long, hot day, 

 and then make their way to wherever they may have determined to sleep. This 

 in summer is generally on the highest and most breezy spot to be found, under 

 the shelter of two or three trees ; in winter, in the thick jungle. They do not live 

 farther from water than possible, as the moment the sun goes down, often before, 

 they go straight to refresh themselves with a bath and drink before feeding, which 

 they continue to do till soon after midnight, making the most horrible maze of 

 track imaginable. They then rest and chew the cud for some time, getting up and 

 continuing grazing until it is time to revisit the river or hole, and so onward to 

 their lair." 



The Cape buffalo breeds during the African summer, the young being born 

 from January to March, and there being apparently never more than one at a 

 birth. The calf is hidden in long grass ; and for about ten days after its birth 

 the cow separates from the herd, and remains within a short distance of her 

 offspring, which she visits at intervals. In regard to the age to which the animal 

 lives, Mr. Drummond states that old, solitary bulls have been known as such for 

 twelve years, and he considers it probable that the full age may be about thirty 

 years. 



The buffalo has but two enemies — the lion and man; and the combined 

 assaults of these two have in some districts so reduced its numbers that, according 

 to Mr. Drummond, writing as far back as 1875, where there were formerly herds 

 of from ten to one hundred in number, not ten head are to be found. A combat 

 between three lions and a bull buffalo has been mentioned in our notice of the 

 lion. The bulls frequently engage in fights between themselves ; and Mr. 



