62 
Writing quite recently to Sclater, Mr. J. ffolliott Darling gives the 
following notes :— 
“The Springbuck does not range up so far north as Mashonaland; but I have shot 
them in Griqualand West, the Transvaal, and the Orange Free State, also in Bechuana- 
land, where the most northerly point I found them in 1890 was south of the Macloutsie 
River in the British Protectorate. Iwas for several years in various parts of Griqualand 
East, but never saw a Springbuck, though there are large flats suitable for them, on which 
Oribis abound. 
“When protected they become very numerous, so much so as to scarcely leave any 
grass for the sheep in some places; one farmer told me that he reckoned that the Spring- 
bok cost him £200 a year. 
“One curious thing, well known to hunters, but I do not recollect ever seeing it in 
print, is that the white patch of hair on the back smells like honey. 
“‘T have several times coursed Springbuck with good greyhounds, but never caught 
one; they weary out the dogs playing before starting to run. If one buck be found by 
himself greyhounds can catch him ; but some people say that if you find one alone it 
means that he is sick, and that is the reason that he can be caught. I know some 
prominent coursing men do not like their dogs to run after Springbuck, as too frequent 
failures to kill discourage the dogs, and often when run into they will turn and fight the 
greyhound, which, if timid, may be spoiled thereby and become afraid to attack other 
antelopes. 
“ However, one friend, in whom I have every reliance, told me that a large and very 
strong greyhound of his on one occasion separated a fine Springbuck ram from a small 
herd and killed him single-handed. 
“Of course the jumping powers of this buck are well known and how they will skip 
across a road 50 ft. wide without any trouble. The habit of spreading out the hair on 
the back, so as to expose the white patch more prominently when frightened, is very 
curious, as in the case of being hunted by dogs it makes the animal more easily perceived 
and followed in long grass or scrub.” 
White and Albino varieties are not so frequently met with amongst the 
Bovide as in some other groups of mammals. But the ‘Johannesburg Times’ 
of January 22nd, 1897, informs us that a perfectly white Springbuck, caught 
in the Orange Free State, and supposed to be about eleven months old, was 
at that time being exhibited in Johannesburg by Messrs. Colquhoun and Hill, 
of Jeppe Street. Such a novelty as a white Springbuck was previously quite 
unknown in the Transvaal. This communication was sent to us accompanied 
by a photograph of the animal taken from life, from which it would appear 
that its colour was absolutely of a spotless white. 
The Springbuck, although not unfrequently seen in the Zoological Gardens 
uf Europe, is, as might be supposed, from its free and active habits, some- 
