GAME-BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA 



African birds are not preserved in any way, and the constant 

 drain by the market-hunter tends to extermination. The 

 following Ust may give some idea of the quantity of game 

 which finds its way into the markets of South Africa : In 

 Kimberley market alone in the 1904 season, 12,975 head 

 of game was disposed of, realizing £2,752 ; in the 1905 season 

 29,119 head of game reaHzed £4,667, whilst in the 1906 season 

 40,933 head reaUzed £4,829. 



Some interesting details of the different kinds of game 

 which are included in the 40,933 head sold in 1906 are given, 

 these were : — 



Springbuck, 4025; Dxuker, 174; Steinbok, 1415; Hares, 

 5131 ; Knorhaan, 3565 ; Redwing (Francohn), 2957 ; Guinea- 

 fowl, 818 ; Paauw (probably 0. ludwigi and 0. Tcori), 59 ; 

 Wild-duck, 130; Geese, 33; smaU birds, 22,626. 



The item " smaU birds " would probably include the 

 Coqui Francohn, as well as two species of Sand-grouse, which 

 are, of course, extremely abundant in that neighbourhood. 



On land that has been burnt Knorhaan are always 

 very wild, and generally get upon an ant-heap to keep a good 

 look-out. They then give very good sport with a small- 

 bore rifle, the white marks on the wings of the cock-birds 

 making a clear target against the black background. 



I have frequently found the eggs, but invariably by 

 accident. The hen-bird sUps off long before you reach the 

 nest and hides in the long grass. 



The nest is merely a sHght hoUow in the ground, always 

 in grass, and the two eggs are greenish-brown blotched with 

 darker brown spots. They measure 2.05 by 1.65 in. 



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