The Water buck 275 



granite rock. I then headed him, and from above put a bullet between 

 the shoulder blades, which dropped him dead on the spot. He died as a 

 waterbuck ought, in the deep water. My success with this noble and very 

 beautiful antelope gave me most sincere pleasure." 



It may be added that, south of the Zambesi, waterbuck calves are 

 usually dropped between September and the end of November. 



H. A. Bryden. 



In Nyasaland 



Nyukodzwe of Zambesi and Shire" River Natives, and of the 

 Wa-Nyasa ; Alonga Name, Chuzu 



The waterbuck is perhaps the commonest antelope in British Central 

 Africa ; and certainly one of the handsomest. The female is more 

 common-looking than the male, as she has no horns. 



When entering the Nyasa districts by way of the Shire, large herds of 

 waterbuck are seen near the banks of the river in what is known as the 

 " elephant marsh." This is a large plain lying above the junction of the 

 Ruo with the Shire, which up to 1889 was frequented by many elephants ; 

 it is now a strictly-guarded game preserve, in which great numbers of 

 waterbuck, zebra, and buffalo roam unmolested. The waterbuck is plenti- 

 ful throughout the Zambesi and Shire valleys, and on the shores of Lake 

 Nyasa. As its name would imply, it is almost always found near water, 

 and generally on reedy plains and flats. It is less shy and wary than most 

 other Nyasa antelopes, and is not difficult of approach. It is frequently 

 seen close up to the outskirts of native villages, especially in the early 



The male only has horns. These are very handsome, annulated, and 

 curve forward. The general colour is a darkish gray ; the hair is 

 unusually long. The most characteristic markings are the two white bars 



