118 A WOUNDED SPRING-BOK. 



considerably diminished, in consequence of a desire 

 of the colonists to obtain their flesh for food ; and 

 although, when hunted back to their more secluded 

 retreats, or when led instinctively, by the approach- 

 ing season of rain, to their former haunts in the 

 unfrequented parts of the vast interior, the lion and 

 other beasts of prey contribute greatly to their de- 

 struction ; nevertheless, in spite of all these contin- 

 gencies, innumerable herds are still to be seen the 

 next year overrunning the district. They are classed 

 with the group called Gazelles, so common in Syria 

 and the northern parts of Africa, and celebrated for 

 supplying Oriental poets with figures and allusions 

 of great grace and beauty, 



We wounded several of these beautiful creatures, 

 but not having any dogs, were unable to follow them, 

 and it was not until after a long pursuit that the Hot- 

 tentot, determined on capturing one, the leg of which 

 had been broken, succeeded in effecting his object. 

 We noticed during the chase a jackal apparently 

 taking advantage of the fright into which the ani- 

 mals had been thrown, and closely pursuing some 

 of their young ones; and we afterwards learned that 

 lions were in the neighbourhood. 



Our fresh provisions being exhausted, the spring- 

 bok which our Hottentot's exertions had obtained 

 proved a seasonable supply, and, securing it behind 

 our waggon, we continued our journey. The excite- 

 ment into which we had been so recently thrown had 



