282 MR. T. E. BUCKLEY ON THE GEOGRAPHICAL [Mar. 7, 



5. Eauus MONTANUS. (The Zebra.) 



This species is said still to occur in the Hottentot Mountains near 

 Cape-town ; but it was not observed by us, nor did we see a skin 

 during the time we were in Africa ; however, as we did not ascend 

 any mountains, where alone they are said to be found, we had no 

 opportunity of judging whether or not they were rare. 



6. Equus burchellii. (Burchell's Zebra.) 



One of the commonest animals throughout South Africa, more espe- 

 cially in the wooded parts. A few years ago it was equally common 

 on the plains even in the north of Natal, but now has either been 

 shot out or driven back by the hunters. This is the Quagga par 

 excellence of South-African sportsmen, by whom it is killed, both 

 for its skin, which is now extremely valuable, and also for its meat, 

 which is one of the most palatable morsels you can give to your 

 native servants ; but there is a sort of smell about it which, with its 

 dark colour and yellow fat, make it any thing but tempting to most 

 white men. These animals are generally found, at least in the bush, 

 in small parties of from eight to ten, frequently in company with Blue 

 Wildebeests. The largest troop I ever saw contained probably about 

 forty individuals. They are generally in good condition. This species, 

 I believe, when possible, drinks every day ; I have seen them at the 

 water at midday, and also coming down again to it in the evening. 



Their geographical range is wide : Speke and Grant found them 

 north of Uganda ; and at the present time they are common animals 

 in the Zulu country. Their note is a sort of bark, like the Dutch 

 pronunciation of the word Quagga, whence, most probably, came 

 the name. They utter this constantly after being disturbed by a 

 shot, especially if one is wounded and lags behind. 



Out of five of these animals shot in one herd, there were indivi- 

 duals showing every variation of colour and marking, from the yellow 

 and chocolate stripes, to the pure black and white, the stripes in 

 some ceasing above the hock, and in others being continued di- 

 stinctly down to the hoof. I saw a young foal in September, the 

 only one I remember to have seen. 



7. Gazella euchore. (The Springbuck.) 



Still common in Cape colony, and more or less abundant through 

 South Africa up to the Zambesi ; it does not, however, occur in 

 the Zulu and Amaswazi countries. Small herds of this species are 

 generally seen mixed up with the Blesbocks and Wildebeests. 

 When disturbed they go off in a series of bounds, opening the 

 white line that extends halfway down the back to the rump, making 

 the animals appear as if wholly white. W^hen they come to a road, 

 they usually spring right across it. Both male and female have 

 horns, those of the latter, however, being much smaller and thinner. 

 The calves are dropped about November, and are then cream- 

 coloured. Gordon Gumming gives an interesting account of the 

 periodical migrations of this Antelope in his work on South-African 

 hunting. 



