NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



much more so than the stalliojis. The fat is of a 

 rich yellow colour, which is much relished by the 

 natives, but is unpalatable to most Europeans. 

 Sometimes the fat accumulates to the depth of an 

 inch over the quarters of the animals. 



European hunters do not, as a rule, care for the 

 flesh of Burchell's Zebra, except that of the im- 

 mature animal, which, when freed from the rich 

 yellow fat, is fairly good. It is sweetish in taste, 

 like the flesh of its relative the horse. 



In districts where they have not been persecuted 

 by man, Burchell's Zebras exhibit intense curiosity. 

 Travellers tell of herds of them coming up to within 

 one hundred or even fifty yards, even venturing 

 up to their horses and donkeys, and staring and 

 sniffing at them. 



The call or cry of this species of Zebra is a sharp 

 kwa-ha-ha, repeated several times. Their speed is 

 not great, and a well-mounted man on open ground 

 can run them down after a fairly hard chase. The 

 Boers, in the past, often captured them alive by 

 riding them down, then, coming up alongside, a 

 noose, held on the end of a long stick, was slipped 

 over the victim's head. When first captured they 

 bite and kick in a most vicious manner, and several 

 men are often required to lead away a single Zebra. 

 When thoroughly subdued and kindly treated, 

 Burchell's Zebra becomes as tame and docile as a 

 horse, and can be trained to harness and to the 

 saddle. I have frequently seen them grazing in the 



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