THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 95 



\Height about IJ or 18 inches. In the adult animal, a well- 

 defined patch extends over ths entire back, becoming almost coal- 

 black in ivinter^ and which mark resembles in shape and appeuf'ance 

 that peculiar to the Airedale terrier; under portions bright orange, 

 sometimes with numerous white hairs intermixed ; feet black ; head 

 greyish brown; body rather slender; legs long; nose sharp; ears 

 pointed and erect, under portion of tail black, tipped with same 

 colour, fairly bushy. '\ 



In summer the white hairs in the fur of this animal wholly pre- 

 dominate, giving it a silvered appearance, from whence is derived 

 the name of the " Silver Jackal," by which it is commonly known in 

 South Africa. Hence it may be observed that the varieties of these 

 animals found in the South seem to adopt as the seasons change 

 quite a contrary variation of colouring to those of the Northern 

 hemisphere. The " Silver Jackal," which is the largest and most 

 common of the South African Jackals, is distributed in more or less 

 quantities all over South Africa, but, as may be imagined, it is far 

 more numerous in the Interior. In North Africa and India Jackals 

 are said to hunt in packs, but this does not appear to be the case 

 with any of the varieties frequenting those portions of the country 

 now under notice. Indeed, it is rare to observe more than two or 

 three together, except, of course, when a lot may assemble around 

 a carcass. Such stories as that they are providers for the Lion may 

 be considered as pure fables. Nocturnal in habits, their usual prey 

 consists for the most part of feathered game, small animals such as 

 Hares, and the young of the smaller antelopes. During the day 

 instead of withdrawing to their burrows, they prefer to lie in 

 the cover afforded by the thick grass and bushes. 



Very good sport may be enjoyed during the months of March, 

 April, May and June with the hounds of the Bechuanaland Border 

 Police, of- which Colonel Sir Frederick Carrington is Master the 

 kennels being at Vryburg, the meets coming oif about three times 

 weekly. The pack, although a nondescript one, composed both of 

 foxhounds and harriers, will hunt indiscriminately Steinbucks 

 Duikers, or the different species of Jackals. As affording the best 

 scent the latter are preferred, and if met with in a bit of country 

 free from burrows, many a good half-hour's gallop has and may be 

 had early in the mornings before the heat of the sun interferes with 

 the scent and renders further hunting impossible. On the flats near 



