NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



when very young can easily be run down by average 

 dogs, and even terriers can overtake them. The 

 mother will often stand at bay and endeavour 

 to protect her lamb when it is attacked by 

 dogs. 



One lamb is usually born at a time, but occasionally 

 twins are seen. The period of gestation is about 

 four months. 



This antelope drinks freely when water is obtain- 

 able, but can live , without inconvenience when 

 entirely deprived of water. In the wild condition, 

 for instance, it inhabits districts in the Kalahari 

 where water is unobtainable. 



The female is, as a general rule, hornless ; but it 

 is by no means rare to find horned females. 



The Cape Duiker is about 26 inches in height at 

 the shoulder, and slightly higher at the croup. Its 

 weight is about 30 lbs. 



In colour it is yellowish-grey or speckled yellow- 

 brown, which varies considerably in shade in the 

 different individuals. There are no dark markings 

 on the body except a dark- brown streak on the nose, 

 which often extends from the nostrils to the base of 

 the horns. The top of the head and forehead is 

 rufous, and the abdomen white. 



The flesh is poor in quality, and requires to be 

 " hung " until stale. 



34 



