4 
200 UNGULATES. 
species is represented by a variety of lighter build, and with horns less thickened 
on the forehead, and separated in the middle line by a considerable interval. This 
variety was formerly regarded as indicating a distinct species, under the names of 
B. cequinoctialis and B. centralis ; but intermediate gradations connect it so closely 
with the ordinary Cape form that this view has been abandoned. 
In regions where their numbers have not been thinned by the sportsman’s 
rifle, the Cape buffalo, according to Mr. Selous, is usually found in herds of from 
fifty to two hundred, or even three hundred, individuals. Old bulls are frequently 
met with alone, although they more usually associate in parties of two, three, or 
four, while occasionally from eight to ten may be seen together. These small 
parties of bulls are said to be much less wary, and, consequently, much more easy 
to approach than large herds of cows; and solitary bulls are not regarded by 
Mr. Selous as more dangerous than other members of the species. The same 
writer observes that for animals of such heavy build and bulk these buffaloes are 
remarkably swift; and it requires a good horse to keep ahead of a charging buffalo 
even in the open; while in cover, unless very fleet, the horse stands a good chance 
of being overtaken. Cape buffaloes are commonly represented in pictures as 
charging with their heads lowered to the ground and their tails raised high in the 
air. This, however, according to Mr. Selous, is wholly incorrect, since, when 
charging, they “ invariably hold their noses straight out, and lay their horns back 
over their shoulders. They lower their heads just as they strike.” 
Mr. Drummond writes of the habits of this species as follows:—“ About 
sunrise they drink a sufficient quantity of water to last during the long, hot day, 
and then make their way to wherever they may have determined to sleep. This 
in summer is generally on the highest and most breezy spot to be found, under 
the shelter of two or three trees; in winter, in the thick jungle. They do not live 
farther from water than possible, as the moment the sun goes down, often before, 
they go straight to refresh themselves with a bath and drink before feeding, which 
they continue to do till soon after midnight, making the most horrible maze of 
track imaginable. They then rest and chew the cud for some time, getting up and 
continuing grazing until it is time to revisit the river or hole, and so onward to 
their lair.” 
The Cape buffalo breeds during the African summer, the young being born 
from January to March, and there being apparently never more than one at a 
birth. The calf is hidden in long grass; and for about ten days after its birth 
the cow separates from the herd, and remains within a short distance of her 
offspring, which she visits at intervals. In regard to the age to which the animal 
lives, Mr. Drummond states that old, solitary bulls have been known as such for 
twelve years, and he considers it probable that the full age may be about thirty 
years. 
The buffalo has but two enemies—the lion and man; and the combined 
assaults of these two have in some districts so reduced its numbers that, according 
to Mr. Drummond, writing as far back as 1875, where there were formerly herds 
of from ten to one hundred in number, not ten head are to be found. A combat 
between three lions and a bull buffalo has been mentioned in our notice of the 
lion. The bulls frequently engage in fights between themselves; and Mr. 
