392 KLOOF AND KARROO. 



crosses, patee, and fleurs-de-lys, with a chain affixed 

 passing between the forelegs, and reflexed over the 

 back of the last." 



The picture of the gemsbok, facing page 386, 

 is reproduced from a photograph of a specimen 

 at the Natural History Museum. This, perhaps 

 the finest example ever brought to England, was 

 shot by Mr. F. C. Selous, on the Botletlie River, 

 North Bechuanaland. I am indebted to Dr. 

 Gunther for special permission to photograph this 

 matchless specimen. 



When in Cape Colony, I was greatly interested 

 to hear that the singular and beautiful gemsbok, the 

 Cape oryx, yet lingered in the wild desert country of 

 North Calvinia, where its shyness, swiftness, and the 

 fact of its existing in a country almost destitute of 

 water, yet gave it sanctuary from the too relentless 

 hunter. The Game Protection Act, passed a year 

 or so since, gives the gemsbok and the hartebeest 

 complete immunity from the gunner for the space of 

 three years, during which time it is devoutly to be 

 hoped that both these fine antelopes may increase and 

 multiply, long to adorn the parched plains of the Old 

 Colony. It may be noted that the oryx in slightly 

 varying forms occurs in North-Eastern and North- 

 western Africa, and in Arabia. The gemsbok is 

 now difficult of access, but if the sportsman seeks a 

 happy hunting ground and worthy quarry, where yet 

 this stately creature freely roams, he may reach 

 Kimberley by rail in thirty-six hours from Cape 

 Town, and thence the Kalahari desert, its mysteries 

 and its treasures, lie not very far distant. 



