354 Great and Small Game of Africa 



owing, no doubt, to insufficient data on which to found authoritative state- 

 ments as to the different species. Some writers have suggested that there 

 are two varieties of Gazella thomsoni, or that there may be a third species, 

 intermediate between grand and thomsoni inhabiting the same localities 

 where these two are found. 1 But I think this idea (which Mr. Jackson 

 agrees with me in believing to be quite a mistake) has arisen from their 

 confusing immature animals with adults, and from the circumstance that 

 the colouring of young granti is more like that of the smaller species than 

 is the case in adult specimens. What are really needed to clear up any 

 doubts of this kind in such cases of allied species are more complete series 

 of specimens of each in all stages of development. 



There is here a very interesting field open for investigation by some 

 sportsman visiting the country, who will be at the trouble to take accurate 

 measurements, keep careful notes, and preserve with every precaution 

 against damage numbers of complete specimens, each labelled on the spot. 



I have not found this gazelle difficult to approach. This is perhaps 

 because it inhabits country where the natives do not, as a rule, molest the 

 game, for it is not the custom of the Masai to eat the meat of wild 

 animals. I have, however, not killed many myself, having preferred to 

 devote my attention to bigger beasts when seeking to provide meat for a 

 large caravan while passing through this gazelle's habitat. On one occasion, 

 however, when we were in urgent need of food and no other game was 

 procurable close by, I remember shooting several single males that were 

 scattered about, each by itself (as is the habit of the very old rams), in the 

 perfectly bare plains south of Naivasha, without any trouble, by simply 

 walking after them. A H Neumann . 



1 This question has no bearing upon G. petersi, whose habitat is quite distinct, though in other respects 

 it answers to the above description. 



