THE LIFE OF MAMMALS 
known as Great Bushmanland, into more fertile districts in the interior of 
the colony. The immense numbers of the antelopes literally swept every- 
thing before them, and farmers frequently lost whole flocks in consequence. 
Our host described the approach of the trek bokken I speak of; enveloped 
in clouds of dust the herds came on. At one time the sight was positively 
alarming, for the springbok on these occasions cannot retreat from sheer 
press of numbers, and one has to be careful to keep out of their way. As 
the leading antelopes feed and become satiated, they fall back and allow 
those in the rear to come to the front; but for this provision of instinctive 
nature the rear guard would be starved to death, for those in front, of course, 
leave not a particle of nutriment as they pass. During these migrations 
the farmers shoot as much venison as they desire, and prepare immense 
quantities of biltong (salted and sun-dried flesh), of which the springbok 
furnishes the best quality.” 
Gordon Cumming graphically describes a similar sight; and Mil- 
lais °° shows in delightful sketches their graceful manner of leaping and 
running. Turning to Bryden’s book again: — 
“When we had got within three quarters of a mile, the antelopes be- 
came disturbed and began those extraordinary saltatory accomplishments 
(‘pronken,’ the Boers term them) from which they take their name. One 
of the herd, followed by several others, would spring sheer and straight 
from its four feet, with arched back, ten or twelve feet into the air, as if 
made of india rubber; this leap would be repeated half a dozen times or 
more, and then the animals would settle to a canter, and thence into a 
gallop. While these marvelous bounds are being executed, the springboks 
erect the curious mass of long snow-white hair, which extends from about 
the middle of the back as far as the tail, imparting a most singular effect. 
When the animal is not excited or alarmed, this hackle or ruff lies closely 
to the back, and is almost enveloped in the loose fawn-colored skin which 
closes over it.”” 
Next to present themselves is a group of large deerlike, 
reddish, water-loving African antelopes, called waterbucks, 
Water- and also reedbucks, because found mainly in marshes, 
bucks: where their splay feet keep them from sinking in 
the mire. The big shaggy waterbuck proper is familiar in 
menageries; and in its native land is as likely to be found on 
rocky hills as wading among aquatic weeds, but most of its rel- 
atives are gmaller and more strictly swamp dwellers. Oddly 
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