THE ZooLocist—Apnrit, 1876. 4867 
“This hunting requires the greatest skill, courage and nerve 
that can be conceived—double-armed and threefold brass, or what- 
ever the ‘ Mineid’ says. The Makombwé are certainly a magnificent 
race of men, hardy and active in their habits, and well fed, as the 
result of their brave exploits; every muscle is well developed, and 
though not so tall as some tribes, their figures are compact and 
finely proportioned: being a family occupation it has no doubt 
helped in the production of fine physical development. Though 
all the people among whom they sojourn would like the profits 
they secure by the flesh and curved tusks, and no game is preserved, 
I have met with no competitors to them except the Wayeiye of 
Lake Ngami and adjacent rivers. 
“Ihave seen our dragoon officers perform fencing and managing 
their horses so dexterously that every muscle seemed trained to its 
fullest power and efficiency, and perhaps had they been brought 
up as Makombwé they might have equalled their daring and 
consummate skill; but we have no sport, except perhaps Indian 
liger shooting, requiring the courage and coolness this enterprise 
demands. The danger may be appreciated if one remembers that 
no sooner is blood shed in the water than all the crocodiles below 
are immediately drawn up stream by the scent, and are ready to 
act the part of thieves in a London crowd, or worse.” 
Measurements of a Wild Cat—I have lately had an opportunity of 
measuring a rather small and young female wild cat,—one of a couple 
I received from Scotland in January,—having died from the injury to its 
paw from the steel trap in which it was caught. The other is alive and 
rapidly recovering from its trapping, and will I hope do well. The 
measurements of the specimen which died are :— 
Feet. Inches. 
Extreme length 3 5 c - ; 2 10 
Length of head A - : : ‘ 4} 
tail ~. 5 : : : - 1 3 
5 body and neck : = 5 2 1 5 
Breadth of head é ; : ¢ é 3 
Length of ear 5 5 : ‘ 2 
Breadth of ear . ° : : : 13 
Round chest, immediately behind fore legs . 5 113 
Upper canine from the gum ., : : ‘ 3 
Fore leg, toe to elbow : ¢ “i 8 
Hind foot, toe to hock 
Longest mystachial bristle 5 A 
Weight (twenty-four hours after death) . 5 ths. 7 oz. 
