BurchelPs and Grevy's Zebra 89 



River, for instance, at some points are narrow paths leading for miles and 

 miles through thick scrub, which during times of drought are worn by 

 the zebras, whose feeding-ground is far away, coming down during the 

 night to drink. The fact that the stomachs of zebras always, or almost 

 always, contain considerable quantities of water, is worth remembering by 

 the traveller in the badly-watered interior of East Africa, as it may afford 

 the means of obtaining a drink when he and his attendants are in sore 

 straits from thirst. 



Grevy's zebra is very commonly seen in company with the Oryx beisa, 

 both animals frequenting the same class of country. Burchell's also 

 frequently mixes with other kinds of game, occupying the same feeding- 

 grounds. 



The difference in the size and shape of the hoofs of the two kinds is very 

 marked, and the horse-like spoor of the larger species is at once apparent to 

 the most unpractised eye as being of a totally distinct character from the 

 donkey-shaped footprints of the other. In stony country the soles of an old 

 Grevy's hoofs are sometimes worn almost quite flat, frog and all. 



As is well known, these animals are a very favourite food of the lion. 

 Burchell's in particular may be considered as his staple food in East Central 

 Africa, particularly since the buffalo have been almost exterminated by the 

 cattle plague ; and wherever they are numerous, lions are sure to be 

 present in the neighbourhood. 



The zebra is rather a soft animal, and one that bleeds profusely ; it 

 generally succumbs quickly to any serious wound. 



One cannot help wondering whether the grand Equus grevyi, or mules 

 bred between it and the ass, might not furnish the' hardy beast of burden 

 so sorely needed in this part of Africa, but so far sought in vain. 



A. H. Neumann. 



