ANTELOPES AND DEER 117 



habitat now being the Kalahari Desert, and that it once inhabited 

 the North-western portion of Cape Colony is evidenced by the town 

 in Namaqua Land known by the animal's name, and its familiarity 

 was brought home to us when the famous colonial footballers visited 

 England. 



The Springbok is somewhat like a Gazelle, but it stands some 

 inches higher than that animal. A distinguishing feature is the 

 curious white patch which is displayed on the rump when the beast 

 is moving, and especially when leaping. This long white stripe 

 is only very little seen when the animal is at rest, a double fold of 

 skin along the middle of the back practically hiding it from view. 

 When suddenly appearing the effect is very peculiar, but distinctly 

 interesting. 



Another salient feature concerning the Springbok which is 

 worthy of attention is its migratory movements. Many people seem 

 to imagine that birds are the only animals which exhibit migratory 

 habits, and although with regard to the movements of our bird 

 friends much yet remains to be ascertained, there is no doubt that 

 other animals, including mammals, fishes, amphibians and insects, 

 do undertake protracted wanderings, whilst many animals tempo- 

 rarily shift their quarters to a far greater extent than is generally 

 understood. 



This sudden onrush of a migrating army of wild beasts is 

 inseparably associated in the minds of those who study animals 

 with one of the most interesting phases of natural phenomena, and 

 whilst it seems to be largely a question of food supply, we have 

 yet to learn a good deal as to the why and wherefore of the marches 

 of animals of various kinds. The four-footed beasts are naturally 

 restricted in their movements, but whilst these do on occasions 

 traverse a great extent of country, fishes and birds are, of course, 

 better able to pursue their operations with less restriction. 



As to what rules regulate and guide these children of the wild 

 it is not for us to discuss in this volume, but the whole subject of 

 migration is one which is still shrouded in mystery, and even if 

 attention be devoted to a few of our commoner bird visitors, a whole 

 vista is opened up which will be found as fascinating as a fairy tale 

 and full of the fragrance of the most delightful romance. 



To return, then, to the wanderings of the Springbok, it occa- 

 sionally migrates from its more usual habitat of the semi-desert 

 when there has been a prolonged drought and the scorching rays 



