378 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



called the lazy Reedbuck,* perhaps conscious that its title of 

 Royal game protects it from the great destroyer man. Then 

 there are the stealthy trails of the Antelope's enemies, the claw- 

 like marks of the Crocodile, the scaly imprint of its body as it 

 rests awhile, and the Serpent-like impression of its long tail 

 dragged behind. But what is this distinct footprint ? An 

 appeal to the native (who views my great interest in what to 

 him is so commonplace with the contempt he has for most of 

 white man's ways) brings the indifferent answer, "Ingwe, Baas." 

 So this is a Leopard t after its prey. I follow those marks for some 

 distance — here wide apart — and in fancy could imagine that cat- 

 like head lowered searching, advancing and then it stops — perhaps 

 to scratch itself or silently standing still to listen to some sound 

 that had stirred the stillness of the night — while a little further 

 on a narrow strip of water to be crossed entailed but a gentle 

 spring, for it could be clearly seen that it had no wish to wet its 

 paws. I follow on until a bed of reeds bury from my view any 

 further sign and caution compels me to climb up the rocky 

 banks. I saw ahead that the Leopard had continued its nightly 

 stroll beyond, until, pining for change, it must have turned 

 sharply into the bush, where fancy must leave it, but wonder- 

 ing whether it caused the night echoes to be awakened by the 

 frightened scream which is the prelude to its every meal. 



The Water-Tortoises in their evening stroll leave quaint 

 parallel rows as curious as their course in aimless twistings in 

 and out, as if this their lighter element of air did make them 

 irresponsible as to their ways — perhaps due to the light- 

 headedness of happiness, for out here on the sand they can 

 have little fear of enemies. Of a dark brown colour, entirely 

 encased in a coat of armour as hard above as it is beneath, 

 and that curious hinged door completely covering the opening 

 whence it withdraws its head on alarm. Surely it is safe ! but 

 far from it. The vice-like jaws of the Crocodile close upon it, 

 crush and splinter its armour in fragments. Ejected, its body 

 must appear but a Shrimp-like morsel ; surely not tasty, for 

 it has the power of emitting upon capture the most disagree- 

 able of odours, and the angler who finds he has unwittingly 

 caught a Tortoise on his hook is only too glad to wrench it out, 



* Cerviceepra arundinum. f Felis pardus. 



