86 
ON SAFARI 
region. This species can always be distinguished by the fact that 
the fawn colour of the back continues down to the tail, and is not 
interrupted by the white of the rump-patch, as is the case in all 
forms of Grant’s gazelle. 
The horns of Peters’ gazelle average from 20 to 22 ins. in 
length, and are narrow, almost parallel, the usual span being only 
6 to 9 ins. between tips, as shown opposite. 
The growth of the horns in immature examples of G. g, brighti 
so closely resembles in form the horns of adult G. petersi (as will be 
seen in the drawing on p. 87), that it is hardly surprising if we were 
mistaken in identifying these species at Baringo. 
Next morning three giraffes were visible from the 
look-out koppie near our camp, but these great animals 
possessed no attraction for us, and as a single bull oryx 
was feeding with two zebras in another direction, I made 
for these. Oryx, however, proved intensely watchful 
and wild, and defied every effort both of my brother 
and myself on that and many another day. 
August 30 proved my red-letter day. I began with 
a fairly good impala buck (24j ins.) close to camp, and 
then, after expending a lot of wasted energy in stalking 
a zebra that both El mi and I, in the early light, had 
mistaken for an eland, we espied a lone oryx bull afar 
on the open prairie. Beyond him was a second. 
Stalking, strictty speaking, was impossible; we merely 
crouched forward, stooping low, and with Elmi’s arm 
around my shoulder. While thus progressing, the two 
bulls, having closed in, began to fight. I heard their 
horns crash together repeatedly, but had not much 
opportunity, while racing ahead, to observe closely their 
mode of attack. They certainly did not lower their 
heads to the ground, as they are reported to do in 
receiving the charge of a lion (and as represented at 
South Kensington). One such blow, well driven home, 
must mean death. They rather sparred with their rapier¬ 
like horns, each seeking to gain the other’s flank. While 
the oryx were thus engrossed I got in, and at 400 yards 
(estimated) fired both barrels, each aimed with the 
utmost care, yet without the slightest effect or any 
apparent notice being taken. The beasts continued 
