32 
SAVAGE SUDAN 
results in the whole desert-region being “closed” to the 
wandering rifleman. 
By comparison the pursuit of Oryx leucoryx in western 
Kordofan may be reckoned almost a minor enterprise, 
since the nearest haunts of that superb antelope can be 
reached in no more than four or five days’ desert march 
from “rail-head” at El Obeid. Nevertheless, this latter 
is no venture to be lightly undertaken. The oryx has a 
seasonal migration. Previous to the rains—say in March 
or April-—herds of these antelopes move southwards from 
the deserts of Dongola (where their range overlaps that of 
addax) to those of Kordofan, down to about 13 0 North 
latitude. At that period the Baggara spearmen of 
Kordofan are wont to hunt these immigrant herds, and 
on their fleet ponies are reputed to “ride out” a troop— 
or, at least, the heavy old bulls thereof—within a spin of 
six to eight miles’ hard riding. When thus overhauled, 
these old bulls (being still unwounded) are reputed 
“ savage and dangerous ” ; and from what we know of the 
useful style in which roan and sable antelopes can employ 
their scimitar-shaped horns when held-up, the definition is 
likely enough to be correct—that is, to §.n Arab spearman 
going in to close quarters. 
The above dates indicate that for an expedition into 
the deserts of Kordofan (the oryx representing the chief 
prize, with addra and Dorcas gazelles, and possibly the 
korrigum hartebeest as minor objectives), the most 
favourable season is during the months of March and 
April. Later, when the rains commence, the oryx return 
northwards, usually in May. 
Two other desert-animals demand passing notice. 
On the isolated jebels and rock-ranges that dot the inner 
recesses of Sahara, is found the big Barbary sheep, or 
aoudad (Ovis lervia), always, it appears, scarce and local. 
We never saw it or were ever near its probable limits; 
though it used to exist—and may do so yet—on the 
Shabluka hills only 50 miles north of Khartoum, where 
