LARGE GAME OF CAPE COLONY. 291 



According to Barrow, the last of this species was 

 seen about 1786 ; but other authorities (Steedman 

 amongst the number) place its final disappearance 

 in 1799. Between these dates probably lies the 

 true period. 



The Eland {Oreas canna). — Formerly one of t,he 

 most abundant of all the antelopes, this,, the largest 

 and in some respects the noblest of the antelope 

 kind, has long disappeared. From the excellence of 

 its venison and the ease with which it could be 

 pursued and slain, it fell a speedy prey to all hunters. 

 It is nothing short of a disgrace that an animal so 

 easily preserved, even in captivity, should not have 

 been protected in some way by the colonists. Even 

 now a few elands might, with a very little trouble, be 

 re-introduced, and in a few years would quickly 

 multiply and prosper in their ancient habitats. In 

 Campbell's time (181 3) this antelope was common in 

 the north of the Colony, and was repeatedly seen 

 chased by three or four lions. It probably lingered 

 till between 1840 and 1850 in the waterless deserts 

 of Bushmanland. Barrow found them in abundance 

 on the Great Karroo and other plains, and shot a 

 specimen six feet six inches in height. 



The Hartebeest {Alcelaphus caama). — This antelope 

 has almost disappeared entirely from the Colony, but, 

 as I hear, a few are yet to be found along the Orange 

 River between Little Namaqualand and the Orange 

 River Falls. Seven years ago a few were shot in 

 that region. It seems to have been fairly abundant 

 till 1840 or thereabouts. From its swiftness and 

 endurance, it is difficult to understand why it has 

 not lingered longer. 



The Koodoo (Strepsiceros kudu). — It is a pleasure 



