416 
ELEPHANT-HUNTING IN EAST AFRICA 
CHAP. 
numberless opportunities of comparing it — both alive and 
dead—with the form of Burchell’s (I think called now Grant’s) 1 
inhabiting the same region, the two species ranging side by 
side, not only in the same country, but often associating in the 
same herd ; and I am therefore, perhaps, qualified to judge of 
the outward appearance of these animals in the flesh. Mounted 
specimens are of very little value as a means of estimating the 
size and shape of animals, unless accurate measurements have 
been taken of the beast when freshly killed, as a guide to the 
operator in the difficult process of mounting. The skin shrinks 
out of all shape in drying, and when relaxed may be stretched 
to anything ; there is nothing more pliable and easily adaptable 
to any size or form, by suitable manipulation, than a slack 
hide. 2 
I find it stated that Equus grevyi is a slight, slender beast, 
approaching to the true or mountain zebra 3 in build. I have 
never seen the latter, but have always understood that it is the 
smallest of the zebras. Now Grevy’s is far and away the 
biggest. So far from being of slight build, it is an immensely 
powerful upstanding animal, at least twice the size of its small 
congener. I think the measurements I give are sufficient to 
prove this. It is more horse-like in its appearance and action 
than the smaller species, though, curiously, its cry has more 
resemblance to that of the ass and its ears are larger (the 
difference being more in width than length, though) than its 
neighbour’s. The hoofs illustrate the difference in type as 
well as anything. Their paces are also characteristic. The 
small zebras, when alarmed, start off at a short donkey canter, 
1 I am inclined to think, though, that it differs from that variety (the type of which 
came from farther south) just as Grant’s does from Chapman’s. 
2 I would suggest that travellers should take careful measurements of rare animals, 
whose skins they intend to bring home for the purpose of being mounted, immediately 
after death. Without such aid it is impossible, even for such a skilful and artistic 
naturalist as Mr. Rowland Ward, to produce a life-like image—true to nature in every 
proportion—in the case of animals unrepresented in the Zoo. 
3 (Never found, I believe, anywhere except in the extreme southern end of the 
continent.) 
