LARGE GAME OF CAPE COLONY. 303 



more than eight, no three persons more than twelve. 

 Moose shooting is absolutely prohibited for seven 

 years, and, further, no person may kill deer at all 

 unless he has resided in the province for three 

 months and holds a licence. In the United States, 

 owing to the frightful waste of the fauna, strict game 

 laws have been in vogue for some time ; moreover, 

 the Americans — Republicans though they are — see 

 that their enactments are rigidly enforced. 



Similarly in Cape Colony more stringent laws, 

 directed to the preservation of game, have been 

 recently passed. Within this last year (1888), the 

 close time fixed by the proclamation of 1882 has 

 been greatly extended. All antelopes are now 

 protected in every part of the Colony by a close 

 season, varying from six to seven months — ^July 

 to January, and August to March — in different 

 districts. 



In the division of Caledon, no antelopes may be 

 shot for two years (from the beginning of 1888) ; in 

 Bredasdorp, no rhebok or klipspringer for three 

 years ; and so on in different localities in proportion 

 as the particular game has become scarce. 



In Calvinia, formerly known as Great Bushman- 

 land, the rare gemsbok (Oryx capensis) and the curious 

 hartebeest {Alcelaphus caama), both well nigh extinct 

 within the Colony, are protected from slaughter 

 for three years; while the singular bontebok 

 or pied antelope {Alcelaphus pygargus) is similarly 

 protected. 



The Cape colonists are wise in time. The game in 

 their territory, even now, through the common sense 

 of the settlers, more abundant than in the Orange 

 Free State, will, by these laws, be greatly increased. 



