176 



COL. J. A. GRANT ON THE ZEBRA OF 



[Apr. 3, 



with a fiftieth part of the number then in existence, probably two 

 to three thousand. 



We were unable to take its correct height ; but when it stood 

 beside the full-sized Sable Antelope, this Zebra was one hand lower. 

 Probably by measuriiig Speke's head some approximate idea of its 

 height would be obtained. 



The proportions of the body are symmetrical, the cannon bone short, 

 the body well-ribbed up like a cob, ears short, legs clean, and hoofs 

 perfect in form. Those which we observed were swift walkers, picking 

 up food fast as they went along, fair trotters, and when cantering and 

 galloping their action was perfectly beautiful. Of course we only saw 

 those that were in good condition and healthy ; the more weakly and 



i 



Head of Zebra obtained during the Speke and Grant Expedition. 



old no doubt easily fall a prey to numberless Lions, or tbey may be 

 trapped or speared by natives and shot by travellers. Still I do not 

 think we need in our day despair of having these animals in our 

 Gardens in the Regent's Park. 



During our march it was difficult to keep our men provisioned and 

 from craving for meat ; and to all of us the sight of a large quarry 

 .iterally made every one rejoice ; but though the meat of the Zebra 

 is as good in appearance as the finest beef in our markets, it is horsy 

 in flavour, and requires some relish to make it palatable. The meat 



