42 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



It is now only on rare occasions that the Palla is found in the 

 countries of the independent natives of the Bechuanaland Protec- 

 torate. A few herds still linger in the Transvaal along the Crocodile. 

 Almost exterminated in the regions through which the North-west 

 tributaries of that river flow, it is only when the Zambesi is reached 

 that the Palla is again to be frequently met in any number, which 

 they are at almost every place near its margin. On the Chobe 

 River it is still fairly common, being unknown on the Botletle, but 

 It IS only after passing the shores of Lake 'Ngami, and reaching the 

 densely-wooded banks of the Taohe that the species again makes 

 its appearance in a Westerly direction. In those parts of Mashona- 

 land and Matabeleland where not subject to continual persecution, 

 it is fairly numerous. The Palla is highly gregarious, and frequents 

 the thick forest-clad banks of rivers, from which it never strays 

 except after periods of heavy rains, and then only when the pans and 

 vleys (which are always dry during the greater portion of the year) 

 are for a tirne filled with water. In remote parts not very much 

 frequented by man, the herds often exceed a hundred in number. 

 Where not continually disturbed, this antelope, so elegant and 

 graceful of motion, is not by any means shy when approached, 

 generally running but a short distance, and then standing and look- 

 ing back again, a habit which easily permits of its being stalked. 

 Its flesh is palatable. 



The Lechwe {Kohus lechee). Fig. 22, Plate Yll.—{Ledgwee 

 of the Bechuanas, Makobas, and Masieuvias.) 



\Height of adult male about 3% feet. General colour^ reddish 

 yellow^ darker and more red along the back of neck ^ back, and over 

 rump, paleing on the flanks; throat, breast, belly, and inside of 

 legs pure white; front of fore and portion of hind legs dark chest- 

 nut; hair curling on back of neck; tail short, with slender tuft at 

 end tipped with black; back portions of feet, as far up as the dew 

 claws, are, like the Nakong, totally devoid of hair. Horns average 

 about 2 feet along the curve, being sim,ilar to the Waterbuck, but 

 more slender, curving forwards, and closely annulated to within a 

 third of the tip. Spoor about 2% inches, heart-shaped and oblong.^ 



The Lechwe is first found on the road to the Zambesi where 

 the Botletle River on its Eastern course overflows portions of 



