THE KOODOO. 609 



The KOODOO, TragclapJius kudu (Plate XLVII), is not. much inferior 

 to the elk in size, and is of a very imposing appearance. It is widely 

 dispersed over Africa, where it frequents the thorny scrub-forests of the 

 interior of the continent. 



This truly magnificent creature is about four feet in height at the 

 shoulder, and its body is rather heavily made, so that it is really a large 

 animal. The curiously twisted horns are nearly three feet in length, and 

 are furnished with a strong ridge or keel, which extends throughout 

 their entire length. It is not so swift or enduring as the Bless-bok, and 

 can be run down without difficulty, provided that the hunter be mounted 

 on a good horse, and the ground be tolerably fair and open. Its leaping 

 powers are very great, for one of these animals has been known to leap 

 to a height of nearly ten feet without the advantage of a run. 



The Bushmen have a curious way of hunting the Koodoo, which is 

 generally successful in the end, although the chase of a single animal will 

 sometimes occupy an entire day. A large number of men start on the 

 "spoor," or track, one taking the lead and the others following leisurely. 

 As the leading man becomes fatigued he drops into the rear, yielding his 

 place to another, who takes up the running until he too is tired. A 

 number of women bearing ostrich egg-shells filled with water accompany 

 the hunters, so that they are not forced to give up the chase through 

 thirst. As the chase continues, the Koodoo begins to be worn out with 

 continual running, and lies down to rest, thereby affording a great 

 advantage to its pursuers, who soon come within sight, and force it to 

 rise and continue the hopeless race. At last it sinks wearied to the earth, 

 and falls an unresisting prey to its foes. 



The flesh of the Koodoo is remarkably good, and the marrow of the 

 principal bones is thought to be one of Africa's best luxuries. So fond 

 are the natives of this dainty, that they will break the bones and suck out 

 the marrow without even cooking it in any way whatever. The skin of 

 this animal is extremely valuable, and for some purposes is almost price- 

 less. There is no skin that will make nearly so good a " fore-slock," or 

 whip-lash, as that of the Koodoo ; for its thin, tough substance is abso- 

 lutely required for such a purpose. Shoes, thongs, certain parts of 

 harness, and other similar objects are manufactured from the Koodoo's 

 skin, which, when properly prepared, is worth a sovereign or thirty 

 shillings, say five or six dollars, even in its own land. 



The Koodoo is very retiring in disposition, and is seldom seen except 

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