A Breath from the Veldt 



19 



district, and the result is to be seen in a marked increase in their numbers during 

 the past few seasons. In certain parts of Cape Colony, in the Free State, 

 British Bechuanaland, and the Transvaal, a regular season for shooting is now 

 recognised by law, and the regulation is carefully observed. The true home, 

 however, for this graceful antelope is now to be found in the Kalahari, 

 Damaraland, Ovampoland, and Great Namaqualand. It is from the last-named 

 country that nearly all the beautiful karosses, made from the hides of the 





SPRINGBUCK HEADS IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEATH 



animals, come. They are shipped to Cape Town in large quantities from 

 Walfish Bay and the other west coast ports, being shot by the Hottentots, 

 whose womenfolk are singularly skilful in cleaning and sewing the skins. The 

 springbuck [Gazella euchore) being nearly a pure gazelle, prefers, like most of 

 its congeners, to roam in large troops over the great open flats. In common 

 with all wild animals that inhabit such regions, it is gifted with extraordinary 

 powers of scent and observation. In places where it is much hunted, it readily 

 learns to distinguish the presence of man, even at distances where the enemy 

 may think himself beyond the possibility of recognition ; and when that 



