The Situtunga 477 



peculiarly elongated hoofs, which enable it to pass with ease over the 

 treacherous surface of the marshes. By nature it is extremely shy, and as 

 it seldom ventures outside its retreat, it is rarely encountered. When 

 alarmed or pressed, it will take to the water and remain submerged, 

 exposing the nostrils only above the surface for breathing purposes. 

 Captain Speke has described it as being of a fierce and aggressive disposi- 

 tion when attacked. This trait in its character I have not so far observed, 

 nor did I ever hear it alluded to by the natives. 



In 1893-94, whilst travelling in Uganda with Major Williams, R.A., in 

 the vicinity of the Victoria Nyanza, we learnt from the Waganda that a 

 certain species of antelope existed in large numbers on one of the Sesse 

 islands in the lake. At first we disbelieved this report, but finally decided 

 to test its truth. Embarking in four canoes with a number of the 

 Waganda, we made for the island, which was reached on the third day 

 out. The island itself lay well out to sea, and was perhaps half a mile 

 in length, and a few hundred yards across at its greatest width. A narrow 

 neck in the centre gave it an hour-glass-shaped appearance. It lay low 

 in the water, with rocky shores, and the interior was a tangled mass of 

 heavy bush and undergrowth. A short examination revealed the existence 

 of some kind of antelope, and after crawling about in the dense thicket for 

 some time in a fruitless effort to obtain a specimen, we organised a drive 

 with the aid of the canoe men. Taking up our positions at the narrow 

 neck referred to, we gave the signal, and the drive commenced. The 

 antelopes came stealing silently past, like shadows, but so dense was the 

 undergrowth that only a momentary glimpse of them could be obtained. 

 It was like rabbit shooting in a cover, though considerably more exciting. 

 One fine buck leapt over the rock behind which I was crouching, almost 

 on to the muzzle of my rifle. I was kept busily employed, whilst frequent 

 reports from the other side also told me that Major Williams was having 

 his share of the sport. The second drive from the opposite end of the 



