P Gornell University Library Ithaca, Nem York BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE FISKE ENDOWMENT FUND THE BEQUEST OF WILLARD FISKE LIBRARIAN OF THE UNIVERSITY 1868-1883 1905 The sportsman in South Africa.The haunts THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. THE HAUNTS, HABITS, DESCRIPTION, AND THE PURSUIT OF ALL GAME, BOTH FUR AND FEATHER, FOUND SOUTH OF THE ZAMBESI (INCLUDING THE CAPE COLONY, TRANSVAAL, BECHUANALAND, NATAL, AND DAMARALAND), AT THE PRESENT DAY, WITH BRIEF NOTICES OF THE BEST KNOWN FRESH AND SALT-WATER FISH. BY JAMES A. NICOLLS, F.R.GS., F.ZS., AND WILLIAM EGLINGTON. [All Rights Reserved]. LONDON : THE BRITISH AND COLONIAL PUBLICATIONS CO., 53 CARTER LANE, DOCTORS’ COMMONS, E.C., AND SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT, & CO., Lp. PATERNOSTER ROW. 1892. ip 8 PREPACE. 1 is always difficult for an author who claims no literary merit for his work, and who is fully aware of his imperfections in this respect, to find a just excuse for venturing into print; and if it were not for the hope that the information gathered during ten years of close observation in South Africa and its Interior, however crudely it may be laid before our readers, will prove of real assist- ance, not only to the Sportsman in pursuit of game, but also to the less advanced Students of the Natural History of that country, we should never have undertaken the task which is set forth in the following pages. An additional reason for intruding the result of .our experiences upon the attention of the public is the surprise which has always been evinced by those who take an interest in the-rich sport which may still be had in the tropical portion of the Continent herein treated of, that no attempt has hitherto been made to bring within the compass of a compact and portable volume complete particulars of the game ranging over the districts to which we have referred. Care has been taken to avoid the scientific vocabulary employed in all technical works treating of similar subjects, and in this respect it is hoped that the descriptions of the different animals, birds, and fish will be sufficiently accurate and plainly defined to enable the ordinary reader to recognise without difficulty the varieties as they are referred to. We have also endeavoured to set forth in a simple and practical way (avoiding unnecessary prolixity by a narration of actual experi- ences) the methods adopted in the discovery and the pursuit of every description of animal indigenous to that portion of Africa South of the Zambesi which is likely to show sport, including (not, it must be confessed, without considerable difficulty) particulars of the whole of the Game Birds found in that part of the Continent, together with some of its Fresh-water and Sea Fish, as well as a complete list of all known species and varieties of Antelopes, coupled with pic- vi. PREFACE, torial representations of their appearance, their proper names, and the districts in which they are to be found. So far as we have been able to do so, the Colonial, Boer, and Native terms for most of the subjects referred to in the volume are also given. We therefore beg leave to hope that the present work will be of value to the Sportsman, as it may, in some instances, be acceptable to the literature of Zoology. Our thanks are specially due to Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.RS., Secretary of the Zoological Society, for the interest he has taken in the work, and for assistance rendered, as also to Dr. A. Ginther, F.R.S., Mr. Oldfield Thomas, F.Z.S., and Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe, M.A., F.L.S., of the Natural History Section of the British Museum; and we should be ungrateful were we not to acknowledge the services of Miss Hilda Robinson, whose faithful delineation of the whole of the antelopes and most of the game birds, will, we trust, be appreciated by our readers themselves. We are indebted for- portraits of some of the Francolins and Wild Duck to Sir A. Smith’s “ Zoology of South Africa.” THE AUTHORS, LONDON : September, 1892. CONTENTS. Hints aBpout EQUIPMENT, ETC. Some REMARKS ON THE PRESERVATION OF GAME THe GAME Laws anD CLOSE SEASONS OF THE CAPE COLONY, BECHUANALAND, AND THE TRANSVAAL SomME REMARKS ON THE SHOOTING HoRSE AND THE HUNTING or LarGE GAME ANTELOPES < OTHER GAME BEASTS OF PREY GENERAL REMARKS ON GAME BIRDS FRANCOLINS QUAIL - GuINEA FowL SaND GROUSE BuSTARDS DIKKopPs Witp FowL SNIPE THE OsTRICH Some REMARKS ON THE FISH OF THE COUNTRY FRESH-WATER FISH SALT-WATER FISH 14-16 17-23 24-58 58-79 80-96 97-99 100-106 106-108 108-110 110-112 112-120 120-121 121-129 130 131-132 133-135 135-140 140-142 ILLUSTRATIONS. So aig oe ANTELOPES. FRANCOLINS. Fig. Plate. Fig. Plate. Blessbuck . 9 IIL. Brown Red-necked » 49 XI. Bluebuck Il Iv. Cape Red-necked 43 Frntsp. Bontebuck 27° ‘VIL Coqui ‘ «5a XI. Buffalo 10 Il. Natal « 53 XI. Bushbuck . 16 v. Noisy. : : . 42 Frntsp. Duiker ; : - 26 VIL Orange River . 50 XI. Eland . : 21 VI Pileated x» $2 XI. Gemsbuck . 17 v. Redwing ‘ 3 48 XI. Grysbuck 29 = ‘VIII. CANTY GROUSE, Hartebeest - + 13> IV. | Yellow-throated (female) 54 x1. Hartebeest (Lichtenstein) 14 tv. Yellow-throated(male). 55 x1. Inyala . é . 28 VIL Variegated. . 56 x1. Klipspringer . . 18 v. Ruekes Ne . GUINEA FOWL. Crowned or Common . 58 XI. aeehis 3 22 N™-| Pucheran’s 267 RTs Natal Redbuck yD I ‘ ia Verreaux’s. - 59 XI. Oribi 15 x Palla : : « 3 I. ao ee shan Sine Great. § ; . 47 Frntsp. Red Rhébuck 4 1. BUSTARDS. Reedbuck . . 23° VIL Black-bellied Khoorhan 39 Frntsp. Rhébuck . 24 VIL. Blue Khoorhan. - 40 5, Roan Antelope. 7 IL Bush Khoorhan » 44, Sable Antelope ; 5 Il. Stanley . ‘ F ~ # Sitatunga 31 vu. | Vaal Khoorhan 45 5 Springbuck . . 20 VL White-quilled Khoorhan 38 _,, Steinbuck 6 Ul. DIKKOP. Triangulated-horned . page5y7. African Thick-knee « 46 Tsessebe ; I9 Vi WaT OWL, Waterhick ‘ a ty: Black Duck . 61 XI. Wildlefeest (Black) - 25 VIL Cape Shoveller 8 RO cree Wildebeest (Blue) . 8 oe Crimson-billed Teal . 62 XID OTHER ANIMALS. Hottentot Teal. . 65 XIL. Burchell’s Zebra. 34 x. Knob-billed Duck — 64 = XIL. Rhinoceros (Black) 35 x. Maccoa Duck . 67 XI Rhinoceros (White) 33.0OIX. Spur-winged Goose 63 XII. Wart Hog 32 Ix. Yellow-billed Téal . 60 XII. Zebra, Common . . 36 x. Yellow-necked Widgeon 68 XI. Frontispiece. Fig. 38.—THe WuITE-QuILLeD Knooruan (Ot/s afroides). et Fig. 39.—THe BLack-BELLIED KKHOORHAN (O. melanogaster). Fiy. 40.—Tue Biue KHooruan (O. cerulescens). Fig. 43.—Tue Caps Rep-NECKED FRANCOLIN Fig. 42.—THe Noisy f RANCOLIN ; ‘ ) (Pternistes nudicollis). (Francolinus clamator). Fig. 41. —TuHe SranLey BusTarD (O. caffra). = Fig. 47—THE GREAT SNIPE Fig. 45 —TuHe Vaal KHooRHAN Vig. 44—Tue Bus KHoorHANn ae : (O. scolopacea). (O. ruficrista). (Gallinago major). THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. a Hints About Equipment, ete. S a general rule the average traveller or hunter bound for a trip into the Interior of Africa always leaves England encum- bered with a vast amount of unnecessary baggage and “ knick- knacks,” most of which he is ultimately obliged to leave at some of the frontier towns as he gradually advances Northwards and discovers their utter worthlessness. A practical sportsman wants an outfit suitable for wear and tear and not for show, carrying with him not a single article that he is unable to find a use for, solidity and completeness of equipment being as imperative as lightness of freight. He cannot be too forcibly reminded that the “roads” he will traverse are hardly in keeping with those to which he is accus- tomed in England,-and if his wagon is too heavily loaded with unnecessaries, the more difficulties will he have to contend with, and, in consequence, the less successful will the trip prove. All ordinary articles of wear, with one or two exceptions, can be obtained almost as cheap in Cape Town, Kimberley, Natal, Mafeking, and other centres, allowance in extra cost, of course, being made for the distance from England. It would, however, be advisable before leaving to be supplied with one good light semi-military saddle, furnished with large D's for the purpose of carrying dead game, and made of the best pig-skin, as well as some strong brown leather riding boots. The “Field” pattern will suit admirably, but care must be taken that those used for walking purposes are well studded with nails. Two or three pairs of well made loose riding breeches, of a material strong enough to withstand the assaults of the numerous varieties of thorns which everywhere flourish so pro- fusely in the Interior, should also be taken. Buckskin, although strong enough for the purpose, is almost unbearable in the hot A 2 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. weather. For lightness, combined with great strength, nothing has been found to equal the material known as Gabardine, manufactured by Burberry, of Basingstoke. This substance deserves special re- commendation, as one suit will generally outlast three or four made of other and perhaps more expensive cloth. The underclothing should be of pure wool, well shrunken, and the sleeping suits made as warm as possible, as the South African winter nights are bitterly cold. A tent is a luxury which, although taking up a great deal of room in a wagon, will be found most convenient when camping in one place for any length of time, while the possession of waterproof sheets is an absolute necessity. Some of these, if first-class articles, and if used with ordinary care, will generally fetch a good price in the country at the termination of a trip. Without attempting to mention the many Varied objects of interest which the ordinary traveller in South Africa is certain to meet with, and the never-ending pleasures obtained by the use of a camera as an effective agent of record, it will be found of the greatest service to the sportsman in affording him a perfect means of rapidly and faithfully depicting strange experiences, sketches of animal life in their natural state, and trophies of the chase as they actually fell, scenes only to be observed in the depth of the wilderness far removed from the haunts of men, and which, although at the moment practi- cally forgotten, may perhaps in after years prove an unfailing source of pleasure in recalling to the imagination the thrilling incidents of a hunter’s life. Portability and simplicity of manipulation are very strong recommendations for the use of the kodak, and a succession of views for after development may be obtained from one without any actual photographic knowledge or experience whatever, it generally being a very accommodating instrument indeed in the hands of the raw amateur. Experience, however, has for many reasons proved that it cannot always be relied upon, particularly in a very hot climate; and, unfortunately, even the most perfect instru- ments are at times, and for the most unaccountable reasons, liable to get out of order. In referring to this one specially, it may be mentioned that up to the moment of development one remains entirely in the dark as to whether matters have been working in a proper groove or not. After a wagon journey of hundreds of miles, and perhaps of many months’ careful work with a kodak on the most interesting subjects, it is extremely aggravating to find, on the return to civilisation and when the films are developed, that you THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 3 are not the possessor of a single picture, to obtain which you encoun- tered so much difficulty and perhaps danger. Although far more bulky and cumbersome, ordinary slow glass plates are far preferable to any description of film now in the market, as we have found them to be less affected by the heat. Their use certainly entails a considerable amount of trouble, while the necessary folding dark box for changing the plates takes up a certain amount of wagon room. However, the successful results obtained will go far to outweigh the additional inconvenience, and, speaking from experience, we recommend that the plates should be developed and fixed whenever suitable opportunity presents itself, and safely stowed away in properly constructed receptacles. In this manner, if a mistake be made in exposure on photographing some special object of interest, the subject may again be retaken, and a good printing negative obtained; in fact, you have always got an opportunity of determining the quality of your work as you yo along. It is a mistake to believe that, when the word “ develop- ment” is mentioned, vast supplies of chemicals are necessary ad- juncts, as half-a-dozen small bottles of mixed solution of hydroki- none, together with an ounce of bromide of potassium and about three or four pounds of hyposulphate of soda, will develop hundreds of plates. We have used what is called a 64 by 43 twin hand camera with double lens, slung by a shoulder band, by which accurate focussing can be conducted without the aid of the pro- voking and unwieldly tripod, and after months and months banging about in a wagon, the instrument (a brass bound one by Meagher, of Southampton Row) has come out of the ordeal almost as good as new. In the wonderfully clear atmosphere of South Africa, and especially on a cloudless day, the use of an ordinary slow plate with a rapid rectilinear lens, giving an exposure of one second in the open, will generally be found correct. There are so many eminent manufacturers in the field, and modern firearms have of late attained to such a degree of perfection, that a choice of weapons is a difficult matter. The adoption of ”’ bullets in recent years seems to have grown into a certain amount of disrepute, the general complaint being. (par- ticularly as regards the larger antelopes) that they are inclined to expand or break up too quickly, without having attained a suff- cient degree of penetration ; while for this reason the employment of such against the great pachyderms is simply useless. Then, A2 “express 4 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. again, in encounters with thin-skinned and dangerous beasts, such as the Lion or Leopard, solid missiles are to be deprecated except when used in the most skilful hands, as, although the penetration obtained from them may be enormous, where the vital parts have been uninjured the resulting shock to the system is exceedingly small, and instanczs almost daily occur in which these animals have been found capable of inflicting deadly injuries, although perforated with many solid bullets. The weapon most desired is one capable of discharging either the expanding or solid ball with equal accuracy, and in this connection we mention the names of Gibbs, of Bristol, and Rigby and Sons, of London and Dublin, as the rifles made by these firms have been in constant use, and have given more general satisfaction—at least, in South Africa—than those of any other manufacture. The Farquharson-Metford can be strongly and fairly recommended, not alone on account of its being good enough for every description of game, but because the action is very simple and can easily be cleaned, while.the exploded cartridges are not liable to become jammed, which is a very aggravating defect in the sporting Martini. In specially referring to this rifle, our opinion coincides with that of Mr. F. C. Selous, perhaps the greatest living authority on such subjects, and a gentleman who has repeatedly brought down bull Elephants with single bullets fired from a weapon of this pattern. Unless bent on hunting in the low countries on the East Coast, in some portions of which the large pachyderms are still very numerous, the acquisition of a battery of heavy bore rifles would prove quite a useless appendage. An ordinary plain shot gun, made with strong cylinder barrels, can be obtained from any good manu- -facturer at a much smaller price, and which will shoot spherical bullets with an equal degree of accuracy and effect as the more expensive articles advertised under different names and as combined shot and ball guns.; For feathered game and small antelopes, a plain 12-bore, with the right barrel cylinder (to take ball if necessary) and the left full choke, will be found good enough to all intents and purposes. Before purchasing a Martini sporting rifle, repeated trials should be made as to whether the weapon is capable of properly extracting the exploded Government Boxer pattern cases, as those which are solid-drawn are not so easily obtained in the event of their running short. Experience has constantly proved that: the wood-work attached THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 5 to guns is liable to become exceedingly brittle, and breakages of such continually occur in a hot and dry-climate. These mishaps, as a rule, invariably take place at inopportune moments, and when far removed from the aid of an expert the smashing of a stock is a most unfortunate and provoking circumstance, the only make-shift at such times being a binding of wet rezm (raw hide), but it is always a most clumsy one. To prevent a disaster of this nature, the grips of all guns should be plated as far as possible with metal, and although this may increase their weight to a certain extent, this inconvenience will be found to be slight in comparison with the sense of security from breakage afforded by the addition. The fore- sights of all rifles should be made of ivory, white mother-of-pearl, or crocodile teeth, the two latter being preferable to the former, as they are not so liable to become discoloured. The comfort of an expedition into the Interior depends in a great measure on the acquisition of sound tent wagons, as well as even-pulling oxen to draw them, but it would be invidious to men- tion any particular maker. To avoid being imposed upon with some highly-painted but useless green wood conveyance, the intend- ing purchaser should unreservedly place himself in the hands of some well-known and respectable firm capable of understanding exactly his requirements, such as Messrs. James Lawrence and Co. and T. J. Poole and Co., both of Kimberley, and Messrs. J. L. Green and Co., of Mafeking, all of whom bear an excellent reputation, and appear to have given general satisfaction in this respect. In addi- tion to the ordinary furniture of a tent wagon, some strong netted pockets or ‘“‘holdalls”’ attached to the ribs inside will be found most serviceable, as also a bag made out of a wet ox hide and suspended underneath the bed planks for the purpose of carrying pots, pans, etc., while a cover of the same substance will prevent the canvas of the fore part of the tent from being torn by the thorn-bushes. The spans of oxen to each wagon should contain eighteen thoroughly trained cattle, if possible ‘“‘salted,” z.e., recovered from lung dis- temper, and averaging from four to seven years of age, but not older. On making a start, it is quite sufficient to inspan fourteen of the number, the remaining four being driven loose and used when necessary to replace the weary or footsore in the yoke as occasion requires. Good ¢rek (draught) oxen ought to be purchased at from £5 to £7 each, but the prices vary very much according to the 6 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. supply, but seldom, however, exceed £10. On no account should they be allowed to ¢rek during the heat of the day in deep sand when the load is heavy, or where a supply of water cannot abso- lutely be depended upon, it being preferable to make up lost time by constant progress through the entire night ; and where a journey of many months is in contemplation, the wagon should not be loaded with a burden exceeding about 3,500 lbs. in weight. Only second in importance to the acquisition of a sound wagon and even-pulling spans of oxen, is the necessity of obtaining an efficient and sober driver (who is generally a difficult individual to find amongst, perhaps, the most drunken crew in the world), for no matter how good the cattle may be, a bad and harsh driver will speedily render them almost useless for draught purposes. A good driver will always command his team with his voice, while a bad one will at once be distinguished by the frequent and wholly un- necessary use of the whip. Provided the man so engaged has a good reputation, and can be relied upon, the inexperienced will do well to leave all questions as to distances and places of outspan to him. For the sake of picking up an occasional mouthful of grass, and also to save the expense of additional ‘“ boys’” (native servants) wages, some travellers in South Africa permit their shooting horses to be driven together loose alongside the wagon. Unless where it becomes absolutely necessary to save this expense, the practice should not be allowed, as, owing to the fact that one animal always tries to keep in advance of the others, they become by degrees more difficult to catch and halter, and, from continued kicking and biting, generally manage to develop some latent vice. Where possible, there should be a separate servant told off to lead each couple of horses, and it is only when the wagon has been brought to a standstill that they should all be knee-haltered and allowed out together to graze. Should the supply of mealies (maize) for the morning and evening feed run short, sufficient grass should be cut with a sickle to last the horses when tied up to the wagon during the night. (See Remarks on the Shooting Horse.) The question as to the proper preservation of the trophies of the chase is far too extensive to allow of more than a passing observation, and it will be sufficient to mention that the prevalent mistake made in skinning the heads of animals is to cut them off too close behind the ears, thereby imposing a serious obstacle against their being properly THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 7 mounted by even the most artistic hands ; while such work, although of an unpleasant character, should never be placed in the hands of native servants until they have been first thoroughly inducted into what is required by their white masters. Full information on this very important subject to the sportsman can be obtained in that extremely useful handbook, ‘The Practical Collecting and Pre- serving of Trophies,” by Rowland Ward, F.Z.S.; and as regards the setting up of the same, the reputation of the firm of which that gentleman is the head is so deservedly high as to require no further comment, while the natural and artistic work of Gerrard, of Camden Town, can also be mentioned. A special danger against which travellers cannot be too strongly warned is the frequent use of spirituous liquors, particularly that villanous compound called Cape brandy, but otherwise known as “Cape smoke,” and which invariably proves fatal if taken regularly or in quantities. It possesses the reputation of beating the record of all African fevers and diseases by cutting short the career of many a promising young fellow. Attention should also be called to the inordinate use of purgative medicines, which persons new to the country invariably indulge in, it being necessary to carefully avoid, except in cases of great necessity, all opening medicines; but where such are absolutely required, castor oil is much to be pre- ferred. The habit of taking quinine as a fever preventive has the effect of rendering the drug quite useless when a real attack comes on, and great caution should be exercised when anti-pryrine is resorted to. Remarks on the South African Game Laws and the Preservation of Game. ANYONE perusing the very numerous enactments referring to the preservation of the different sorts of game of the Cape Colony itself, might be led to suppose that many species of the larger antelope still remained there, or at least in tolerably fair numbers, and only required special and stringent laws for their safe protection. It is scarcely worth arguing whether these enact- ments proved inoperative or were framed too late in the day to have a salutary effect. However, we cannot now be blind to the fact—and it is sad for those who take an interest in such an im- portant subject to relate—that, with the exception of a few wild Elephants and perhaps Buffalo, which still eke out a harried exist- ence, although protected in the Colonial Governments’ forests, and also an odd troop of Zebras, Koodoos, and probably Hartebeest, which serve as ornaments in a semi-domesticated condition on some of the out-of-the-way farms, the remnant of the noble game which once roamed in countless thousands all over the country, and for which Southern Africa was pre-eminently renowned, has been by wanton and ruthless slaughter decimated or driven far beyond the outermost boundaries of civilisation into the pathless veldt of the Kalahari, or the inhospitable territories of the aborigines of the Interior. Protected by the difficulty of access to these solitudes, the Giraffe, Eland, and other varieties of the most beautiful and interesting animals in the world, multiplied rapidly and feared no inside foe except the inevitable assaults of wild beasts, the occasional bullet from the passing traveller and trader in search of the necessary supply of fresh meat, the insidious pitfall or easily avoided attack from the natives on foot, armed only with the assegai or loud resounding but little effective “ babyjan bow,” which is a kind of converted Queen Anne. Notwithstanding the rapid advance of civilisation northward, the colonisation of British Bechuanaland, and the opening up within the past few years of large portions of \ ey 2.—THe Nata REDBUCK. x Cephalolophus natalensis ). / Fic. 1.—Tue Koongo (Strepsiceros kudu). Fig. 3.—Tue Paria (Aipyceros melanipus Ds THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 9 the territories of Zambesia, game could scarcely have decreased with such rapidity in the Interior had not a short-sighted Govern- ment at the Cape permitted the indiscriminate importation of the most approved and highly accurate patterns of modern breech- loading rifles, and the distribution of vast supplies of ammunition amongst the different native tribes. Although the present authori- ties have at last set their foot on this—in every respect—pernicious system, yet, in spite of the vigilance of the Bechuanaland Border Police, guns and ammunition are still being conveyed across the border from the Transvaal into Linchwe’s country, and the effect of the previous weak line of policy remains to be deplored. The different Bechuana tribes, when on their hunting forays, and pos- sessing weapons of great accuracy, spare nothing in the way of game, and old animals as well as their immature offspring equally fell victims to their remorseless bullets. The prodigies of slaughter may be conceived when it is stated on reliable authority that nearly three hundred Giraffes have during the past two years been exter- minated in the ’Ngami country merely for the sake of their hides. It would, however, be unfair to leave the entire blame for this deplorable state of affairs on the shoulders of the aborigines, when it is to be remembered that prior to Sir Charles Warren’s expedi- tion for the pacification of the “ Land of Goschen,” and the re- moval of the encroaching Boers from the Rooi Grond, thousands of Springbuck, large troops of Blessbuck, and numerous Hartebeest and Wildebeest roamed on the vast plains of the country now known as British Bechuanaland. Warren’s victory was achieved blood- lessly, so far as human life was concerned, but his advancing squadrons of mounted infantry found plenty of use for their cart- ridges, and other targets for a mark besides the bodies of the offending filibusters; and at the present time the presence of a single Springbuck, not to speak of larger game, within the boun- daries of one of the most recent acquisitions to British territory would be looked upon as an event worthy of record. Although the voor-trekkers (pioneers) of the South African Re- public have well deserved the unenviable notoriety accorded them of being, equally with the natives, the most ruthless of game de- stroyers, they now take special precautions to carry on their depre- dations outside the limits of their own country; and it will appear strange to the sport-loving Englishman when he is informed that nowhere in the settled and civilised portions of South Africa 10 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. are numerous species of the larger antelope so plentiful as in the Transvaal. The Chartered Company of British South Africa have, by the enactment of stringent laws, attempted to stem the tide of slaughter, but owing to the vast extent of their territory, it is feared that insurmountable difficulties will lie in their way to prevent them being carried into effect. It was only when the very last of the American bison stood a chance of being removed from the face of the earth that the United States and Canadian Governments first awakened to the necessity of doing something towards saving the small remnant of these interesting animals from becoming totally extinct. The questions will now be asked, Is South Africa in a favourable situation ? or is she careless of making some determined move of a like nature before the arrival of the inevitable day when it becomes too late? The first question is one that can readily be answered; the second must for the present rest in abeyance. As specially instanced in the case of Griqualand West, the effectual enforcement of the game laws, and the gradual fencing in of farms by their owners, coupled with the widespread growth of an interest among the sporting inhabitants of that province regarding the preservation of game, have within the last five or six years led to an astonishing increase of Duikers and Steinbuck, as well as some varieties of feathered game. The laudable results thus obtained with a little trouble and at small expense will at least have a lasting effect as regards the smaller gazelles, but if any- thing of a like nature be attempted in South Africa on behalf of the larger antelopes, it must be on a widely different scale. Immediately West of the territories of the Bamanwaketse and Bakwaina Bechuanas in the Bechuanaland Protectorate, there are numberless thousands of square miles of the rolling, well-timbered grass country of the Kalahari, unoccupied except by a few half- starved families of Vaalpens and wandering Bushmen, whose sole means of subsistence depends entirely on such edible roots as are afforded by the soil, or the welcome but seldom obtained addition to their frugal fare of the flesh of some animal of the chase. No matter how valuable it may ultimately become for the purposes of cattle ranching, it is improbable that this country—so unjustly termed a “desert ’—will ever prove capable of supporting a popula- tion of either white or black, owing to the great scarcity of surface water, and although forming a portion of the dominions of the chiefs THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. II at Kanya and Molopolole, it can scarcely be termed the true home of any race of human beings. Undisturbed in the recesses of its little-trodden solitudes, the Eland here attains a far greater size than elsewhere on the African Continent, and it is the natural resort for the Giraffe, the Gemsbuck, and the Wild Ostrich, while Harte- beest, Wildebeest, and Roan Antelope, when unmolested, are capable of thriving and multiplying in a marked degree. If the world were searched from beginning to end, it would be impossible to discover a locality possessing such natural advantages as this portion of the Kalahari for the establishment of a great game preserve, for this vast country has certainly not been created to serve without any end for the benefit of mankind. As if specially ordained by nature for such a purpose, it is so situated as to be far removed from all highways, and contains an abundance of timber, sufficient to, complete hundreds of miles of fence work,* while the necessary water supply can be obtained without much difficulty by sinking on the numerous limestone belts which intersect it. With a little tact and straightforward dealing with the native chiefs, vast areas might thus be acquired at a trifling cost. As matters now remain, it is not beyond the range of probability that after the lapse of the next twenty-five years, the discovery of the remains of some of the larger African fauna will be looked upon with an almost similar degree of interest and veneration as those of the extinct Dodo of Madagascar. The idea of the scheme here expressed may certainly appear novel, but it is in every sense of the word thoroughly practicable, and we can see no other method by which the successful preserva- tion of South African game on a large scale can be attempted unless by the formation of a gigantic preserve. If the spirit of enterprise in the Cape Colony be so far dead to this important question, it is quite possible that, of the vast number of gentlemen in England who annually spend what may fairly be termed fortunes for the sake of procuring a few heads of red deer on the Scottish preserves, a number of true sportsmen are still left who would be capable and willing to join in the promotion of such an endeavour as that suggested. It must not be forgotten that Cape Town can now be reached from Southampton in the short space of sixteen days, and that by a * The great mining district of Witwatersrandt derives its chief supply of timber for shafting purposes from the Westwardly course of the Molopo River in the Kalahari. 12 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. further journey of four days by road and rail the traveller can easily arrive at Mafeking, on the South-western confines of the Kalahari. It would, therefore, be possible within a couple of years after the establishment of such a preserve, for a limited number of sportsmen to be in a position to visit the “desert,” and there obtain several specimens of the larger antelopes, and still leave plenty for the future. The chief enemy with which the larger fauna have to contend is undoubtedly man, but with regard to the feathered game, in addition to the same insatiable opponent there are many other and not less merciless adversaries which Nature has ordained as agents for their destruction. Travellers have often expressed surprise that in remote places, and where all the circumstances and surroundings appear to be favourable for their reproduction, game birds do not show any sign of an increase. This, however, can hardly be won- dered at when it is remembered that, in addition to the smaller felide and the numerous varieties of viverra (and notably those of the mongoose tribe), there are no less than fifty-two species of hawks and eagles, as well as thirteen different kinds of owls, which are engaged in waging incessant war against them. The preserva- tion of game in England would never have been brought to its present state of perfection if the landed proprietors (and, in some instances, Government legislation) had not adopted effectual means for the eradication of those predatory birds, weasels, stoats, etc., which are common enemies to the preserves. It would be un- reasonable to suppose that any Government would encourage the wholesale destruction of the mongoose, owing to its snake-killing propensities, but even the most enthusiastic ornithologist could scarcely object to a thinning off of the extraordinary numbers of the birds of prey which are a constant pest throughout South Africa. We therefore venture to suggest a remedy, which may be found to answer to this desire. Let the respective Governments at the Cape offer a small inducement, by way of reward, for the production before any magistrate, field-cornet, or other person in authority, of the eggs or the complete skin of any of the undermentioned. This plan will appeal to the proverbial cupidity of the natives, and, at a fractional cost to the Governments, should result in a gradual diminution of the evil complained of. The appended list is collated from Messrs. Layard and Sharpe’s “ Birds of South Africa,” and those marked * should be specially singled out for destruction :— THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 13 The Secretary Birdt (Serpentarius secretarius*), the Banded Gymnogene (Polyborotdes typicus), Montagu’s Harrier (Circus py- gargus), Black Harrier (C. maurus), Pallid Harrier (C. macrurus), South African Marsh Harrier (C. rantvorus), Marsh Harrier (C. @ru- gmosus), Chanting Goshawk (Melierax canorus*), Many -banded Goshawk (VW. polyzonus), Red-faced Goshawk (M. gabar), Black Goshawk (IZ. nzger), African Goshawk (Astur tachiro), Many-banded Goshawk (A. polyzonozdes), African Sparrow Hawk (Acciprter rufi- ventris”), Little Sparrow Hawk (4. mznullus), Black and White Sparrow Hawk (4. melanoleucus*), Jackal Buzzard (Buteo jakal), Augur Buzzard (B. augur), Salvadori’s Buzzard (B. auguralis), Rufous Buzzard (2. desertorum), Long-legged Buzzard (B. ferox), Southern Laemmergeier (Gypaetus osstfragus), Verraux’s Eagle (Aguila verrauxi*), Tawny Eagle (4. rasax*), Wahlberg’s Eagle (4. wahibergr), Booted Eagle (Nrsactus pennatus), African Hawk Eagle (WV. spilogaster*), Crowned Hawk Eagle (Spizaetus corona- tus"), Martial Hawk Eagle (S. deldcosus*), African Crested Eagle (Lophoaetus occrpitalis*), African Buzzard Eagle (Asturtnula mono- grammuica), Black-breasted Harrier Eagle (Circaetus cinereus), Banded Harrier Eagle (C. fasciolatus), Vulturine Sea Eagle (Gypohierax angolensis), Africa Sea Eagle (Az/iaztus vocifer), Bateleur Eagle (Helotarsus ecaudatus), Yellow-billed Kite (Af/vus egyptius), Black Kite (AZ. korschun), Black-shouldered Kite (2/anus ceruleus), Euro- pean Pern (Pernis apivorus), Verraux's Cuckoo Falcon (Baza ver- rauxt), African Falconet (Polohierax semttorquatus), Perigrine Falcon (falco communis), South African Peregrine Falcon (7, minor*), South African Lanner Falcon (/. dzarmicus*), Hobby (F, subjuteo), African Hobby (£7 cuvzerz), African Rufous-necked Falcon (&. ruficollis), Common Kestrel (Cerchners trnnunculus), South African Kestrel (C. rupzcola*), Large South African Kestrel (C. rupzcloides*), Lesser Kestrel (C. xawmannanz), Red-footed Kestrel (C. verpertina), Eastern Red-footed Kestrel (C. amurensrs), Grey Kestrel (C. arde- staca), Dickerson's Kestrel (C. dickersonz), and the Osprey (Paudzon haliactus). + The Cape House of Assembly has just passed a Game Law Amendment Bill, which makes it a penal offence to kill the Secretary Bird. See page 99. The Game Laws and Close Seasons of the Cape Colony, Bechuanaland, and the Transvaal. Tue close seasons for the different classes of game vary con- siderably in each district, and are constantly being altered and revoked by proclamation, that for these reasons it is almost impos- sible for the appended list to be absolutely accurate, but it is sufh- ciently so to give the sportsman a general idea of the periods in which game may be pursued without incurring penalties. ““Game”’ is thus defined in the Act :—Paauw, Khoorhan, Guinea Fowl, “Pheasant,” “ Partridge,” Grouse, Dikkop, Elephant, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Buffalo, Zebra, Quagga, Burchell’s Zebra, the whole of the antelopes (with the exception of Springbucks actually migrat- ing), Hares, and Rabbits. The Governor is empowered to pro- claim a close season for the several districts of the Colony, with penalties for shooting, killing, capturing, or selling game without a licence. A game licence does not authorise any person to pursue, shoot, kill, destroy, or capture any Elephant, Hippopotamus, Buffalo, Eland, Koodoo, Hartebeest, Bontebuck, Blessbuck, Gemsbuck, Reed buck, Zebra, Quagga, Burchell’s Zebra, or any Gnu or Wildebeest of either variety, without having obtained a special permission to that effect from the Governor, under a penalty not exceeding £10 for each offence, or imprisonment with or without hard labour for any term not exceeding one month in default. Landed proprietors, however, and persons authorised by them, may, without such special permission, shoot Elephants upon the property of such landed pro- prietors. The possession of a game licence does not warrant the pursuit of game on private lands without permission of the owner. The close seasons during which no one shall be allowed to kill game are as follows :— (a) In the districts of Bredasdorp, Caledon, Cape, Clanwilliam, Ladismith, Malmesbury, Mossel Bay, Murraysburg, Oudtshoorn, Paarl, Piquetberg, Riversdale, Robertson, Simon’s Town, Somer- set East, Stellenbosch, Swellendam, Uitenhage, Uniondale, and Willowmore, from the Ist July to 31st January in‘each year. THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 15 (4) In the districts of Aberdeen, Albany, Albert, Alexandria, Ali- wal North, Barkly East, Bathurst, Beaufort West, Bedford, Calvinia, Carnarvon, Cathcart, Ceres, Colesburg, Cradock, East London, Fort Beaufort, Fraserburg, Glen Grey, Graaf-Reinet, Hanover, Herschel, Hope Town, King Williamstown, Knysna, Komgha, Middelburg, Namaqualand, Peddie, Philipstown, Port Elizabeth, Port Nolloth, Prieska, Prince Albert, Queenstown, Richmond, Somerset East, Steynsburg, Stockenstrom, Stutterheim, Sutherland, Tarka, Tulbagh, Victoria East, Victoria West, Wodehouse, and Worcester, from the 1st August to 31st January in each year. (c) In the districts of Kimberley, Barkly West, Hay, Herbert, and in the territories known as the Transkei, Galekaland, and Griqua- land East, from the 16th August to 15th March in each year. In addition to the foregoing, the undermentioned animals are prohibited from being killed in the following districts :—~ ALtwaL NortH: Rhébuck, Steinbuck, and Springbuck, until October rst, 1893. Barkiy East: All kinds of buck until June rst, 1894. BarkLty Wesr: Ostriches, May 25th, 1893; Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Blessbuck, Eland, Gemsbuck, and Reedbuck, October Ist, 1893. BepForpD: Bushbuck, Duiker, Steinbuck, March rst, 1894; Bushbuck and Rhébuck, February rst, 1893. CaLepon: All kinds of buck, February ist, 1893. CaLvinia: Gemsbuck and Hartebeest, June 1st, 1894; Duiker, Steinbuck, Rheébuck, and Klipspringer, August 1st, 1894. Cape: Rheébuck, June Ist, 1893. East Lonpon: Bushbuck ewes, June 1st, 1894; Koodoos, April 19th, 1894. Forr Beaurort: All kinds of game, May roth, 1894. GEORGE: Rhébuck, October Ist, 1893. GRIQUALAND East: Oribi, Red Rhébuck, and Reedbuck, Mar. 16th, 1893. Hanover: Rhébuck, Steinbuck, Klipspringer, and “ Partridges,” February Ist, 1893. HERBERT: Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Blessbuck, Gemsbuck, Eland, and Redbuck, July 1st, 1894; Ostriches, May 25th, 1893; Koodoos, July rst, 1894; Rhébuck, March rsth, 1895. Hore Town: Hartebeest, October Ist, 1894. KIMBERLEY: Ostriches, May 25th, 1893; Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Bless- buck, Eland, Reedbuck, and Koodoos, July 1st, 1894. KomGua: Reedbuck, February rst, 1893. Mount AytirF RESERVE (Griqualand East): All game, March 16th, 1893. Port ELizaBETH: Oribi, Rhébuck, and Steinbuck, July 1st, 1894. QuEENsTown: Duikers, May Ist, 1893. RIVERSDALE: Rhébuck and Bushbuck, June Ist, 1894. SoMERSET East: All game, February gth, 1894. 16 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. STUTTERHEIM: All kinds of game, February rst, 1893. SWELLENDAM: Bontebuck and Bushbuck, July rst, 1894. UITENHAGE: Oribi, Rhébuck, July 1st, 1894. WopEHousE: Khoorhan, Red and Vaal Rhébuck, Oribi, Klipspringer, and Springbuck, February rst, 1894. Game exempted from Act:—George: Hares, February Ist, 1894: Riversdale: Hares, June Ist, 1894. The following birds are included as game: Quail at Robben Island; Namaqua “ Partridges’’ in the districts of Barkly West, Calvinia, Carnarvon, Hay, Herbert, Hope Town, Kimberley, Nama- qualand, and Prieska. THE TRANSVAAL. The new Game Law came into operation in the South African Republic on the 1st January, 1892. The seasons for shooting, together with the cost for the necessary licences, are appended. 4s. d. Small birds, 15th January to 15th August ... ei we O10 0 Ostriches, 1st February to 15th July =a es .. 10 0 0 Small antelopes, 1st February to 15th September... .» [10 0 Big antelopes and beasts, including eae 1st February to 15th September ae i wae we = 3 00(«0 Elands, Buffalo, Rhinoceros, Gratis. etc., ist February to 15th September en we IO 0 9 Elephants and Hippopotami are a0 permitted to ie shot BECHUANALAND. There is a uniform close season for every description of game in British Bechuanaland* from September rst to the last day of February. * See Remarks on Game Birds, page 97. Plate II. Fig. 6—Tue STemnsuck Bes Nanotragus campestrts ). Fig. 5.—THe SaBLe ANTELOPE (Hippotragus niger ). Fig. 7.--Tue Roan Anteore (Hippotragus equinus); Some Remarks on the Shooting Horse and the Hunting of Large Game. Ir we except those portions of the low-lying and most unhealthy country on the East Coast between the mouths of the Zambesi and Crocodile Rivers which are impenetrable to horses on account of the presence of the tsetse fly pest,* all the ordinary larger game (if the Koodoo and different varieties of water-loving antelopes be excluded) nowadays roam so far from the permanent waters as to render hunting on foot almost a sport of the past. The success of a hunting trip in the Interior of South Africa largely, if not wholly, depends on the sportsman being in possession of good shooting horses, and when such have been obtained every endeavour should be made to preserve them from the fatal ravages of African horse sickness. An attempt is being made by the Colonial Government, and by many of the leading scientists in Europe, to discover some antidote to this dreadful scourge, but it is feared no beneficial results have accrued from their labours up to the time of writing.t The disease is far more prevalent and deadly in its effect in the Interior than in other portions of South Africa, but it is noteworthy that with the advance of civilization Northward, the malady equally loses its virulence and becomes more or less stamped out. In corroboration of this statement, it may be mentioned that in the early days of the diamond discoveries at Kimberley it was found almost impossible to * This pest is referred to at length in the description of the Buffalo. + Mr. Strombom, the well-known Interior trader, has been employed by the Colonial Government to conduct a series of practical tests with a remedy which he asserts he has discovered, and for this purpose the horses of the Bechuanaland Border Police at Macloutsie, in the Protectorate, have been placed at his service. The results are, however, not yet known, although there is reason to believe the experiments have been attended with some success. In our opinion no cure exists for this fatal sickness, but a good preventive is recommended, viz.: Place a pinch of carbolic disinfectant powder in the nosebag every night at sundown, care being taken not to remove the latter on any consideration until the sun is well up the following morning and all traces of dew have disappeared. B 18 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. preserve horses from this scourge in the province of Griqualand West, but now it is only on rare occasions that its presence becomes known there. The disease generally starts its ravages soon after the fall of the first summer rains, assuming its most deadly form during the months of February, March, and April, gradually disappearing about the middle of May. The symptoms are unmistakeable. The hollows over the eyes of the afflicted animal swell up; a filthy viscid mucus exudes from the nostrils; the respiration becomes hurried and jerky; and death usually occurs within three days. Horses that have once recovered are known as “salted,” and though they may, and very often do, again show symptoms of the sickness, death rarely results therefrom. It can readily be imagined, therefore, that a salted horse is highly regarded and prized by the hunter in the Interior, and why it often fetches ten times the amount originally paid for it. Although every other Boer met with in South Africa credibly asserts that he can by its appearance at once detect whether a horse or mule has ever contracted the disease, these statements should never for a moment be acted upon, as there is really no visible method by which such evidence can be ascertained. As a word of warning, and before going to the extra expense of buying a salted horse (as much as from £50 to £100 being demanded for the same), strict enquiries should first be made respecting not alone the character of the seller, but independent testimony obtained in corroboration of the fact of the intended purchase having at one time been afflicted; and although a written guarantee to this effect is always given at the sale, it very often happens that a deliberate fraud has been committed, not more than three out of every ten horses so guaranteed being salted. Redress by legal process in this, as in everything else, generally proves more expensive in the end than the original loss incurred. The Marico district of the Trans- vaal has the best reputation for turning out salted horses. The mule is just as liable to contract the sickness, but it is noteworthy that donkeys are generally impervious to it. It is no exaggeration to say that the ponies bred in the mountains of Basutoland are not excelled anywhere in the world for shooting purposes. Although rarely attaining fourteen and a half hands, they are not only possessed of wonderful endurance, but are also capable of thriving in places and under conditions in which other breeds of horses would almost starve. Perhaps they do not equal THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 19 the English blooded ponies in point of speed, but they are quite capable, if properly handled, of running the Giraffe or any of the larger antelopes to a standstill, the Tsessebe and common Harte- beest excepted. It is, however, in their sureness of foot that they excel beyond conception, only to be realised by those who have witnessed one of these ponies, mounted by a great fat Boer of over sixteen stone in weight, gallop at full speed either across a bit of country one network in every direction of ant-bear, meer- cat, and jackal burrows, or down the steep decline of a stony hill. Anyone unable, on account of the price, or unwilling to undergo the risk of being swindled in purchasing salted horses, is strongly recommended to run the chance of horse sickness, and to acquire unsalted ponies of the Basuto breed. They may be obtained in Basutoland, the Orange Free State, or on the public market at Kimberley, at prices ranging from £10 to £20. Except when constantly driven in harness, it is unusual and quite unnecessary to have a Basuto pony shod, as the hoof is naturally hard and quite capable of resisting the ordinary wear of the most rugged and stony countries. In all cases, no matter what the breed, the shoes of every horse should be taken off before starting for the Interior. Speed and endurance are, of course, necessary in the shooting horse, but these, if unaccompanied by proper training, are in them- selves alone of very little value. Novices in making a purchase are, as a rule, quite satisfied if a horse will stand still on a shot being fired from its back; but although this may often be a point of necessity in case of encounters with Lions or other dangerous animals, it is only a secondary consideration, as no experienced hunter will ever fire when on horseback at running game, unless galloping ‘actually broadside and close on to it. It is a matter of far greater moment and importance to possess an animal that will permit its rider when dismounted and standing beside its head, to let off repeated shots without attempting to run away. Of the several devices used in riding a horse with bolting tendencies, that usually adopted, when dismounted, and before firing, is to merely throw the reins right forward over the horse’s head, and insert the right arm through the loop. This, no doubt, is a very simple plan, but there are obvious drawbacks to it, as it frequently happens that, whilst a horse may not actually attempt to run away, he may, from sheer nervousness of disposition, and just at the critical moment when its rider is about drawing on the trigger, start tugging on the B2 20 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA, bridle, and thus totally destroy the opportunity of taking anything like an accurate aim. To a hunter, after undergoing the vicissitudes of a long, tiring and exciting chase, this latter situation is calculated to call forth language the reverse of parliamentary, apart from the possibility of losing. a good specimen. Another method constantly in practice, although attended with a slight amount of danger, yet nevertheless to be preferred to that just mentioned, is to obtain a thin strip of prepared hide (braid rezmpe) about a yard and a half in length, to one end of which is attached an iron ring, an inch and a half in diameter, the other end of which is fastened to the rider's belt, the rein being run through the ring. In this manner a check may be obtained on the horse’s head without running so great a risk of having the arm interfered with at the moment of shooting, With a little patience, and at the cost of a few rounds of blank cartridges, most horses ought in a short time to be taught to stand fire steadily, but even in the most difficult cases this can be accom- plished by tightly tying the head by the rein to either right or left stirrup iron, and if, on firing, an attempt at bolting be made, the animal will be compelled to run in a narrow circle, a proceeding of which it will rapidly tire, and ultimately stand perfectly still. When hunting, after a chase is over, and indeed, at every avail- able opportunity, the horses should be saddled off and knee-haltered even for the shortest period of time. It is astonishing to observe with what renewed vigour they will work after having had a good roll in the sand. When very far from water, and in a flat bush country devoid of landmarks, it is most unwise at any time to permit even the best trained horse to go perfectly loose, as, in the event of its running away (which it may often do in search of water), the chance of being left alone in the wilderness may occur —a position, it is needless to say, often attended with extreme danger. In this event sportsmen are advised on no account to at once commence running after the straying animal, and only, where everything else fails, should the horse’s sfoor (footprints) be followed, which, though it will eventually lead to water, may not by any means be the nearest. It is a nasty situation, and one that requires a considerable amount of calm consideration. If it is supposed that any companions or natives are in the vicinity, the best course that can be adopted, where practicable, is to set fire to the dry grass, the smoke from which may possibly attract attention. The possession of a compass may obviate any imminent THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 21 danger, and no one hunting in the far Interior of South Africa should ever be without one. Having so many different enemies to contend with, it is now- adays rare for the larger species of game to approach water during the day, except in a few districts where they are seldom disturbed. They generally steal down at night through the bush-covered banks of the rivers to drink, and having quenched their thirst are imme- diately off again in the direction of their day resorts; which are, as a general rule, long distances away, and which they usually manage to reach before dawn. To be a successful hunter, now, it is not only necessary to be a good rider and a steady, cool, and deliberate rifle shot, but also to be well acquainted with the shape of the spoor imprinted in the sand of the different varieties of game pursued; and, from continual practice, to possess and retain the gift of accurately determining whether such spoor is fresh or stale, which is not by any means easy of acquirement. To a sportsman failing in this respect, the prospects of success are always very uncertain, and the aid of the Masarwas (Bushmen), when obtainable, should invariably be brought into requisition as trackers. If there is any game frequenting the neighbourhood, these nomads of the wilderness, prompted by the hope of obtaining a small piece of tobacco in return for their services, or, what is more dear to them, a supply of fresh meat, will invariably find it out. Perhaps the greatest of all difficulties which a stranger in the country has to overcome is in determining distances, the rarefied atmosphere rendering objects extremely hard to guage, but this can be overcome with constant practice. For the purpose of obtaining really good sport, it is far preferable to adopt a systematic rather than a haphazard course. Just at day- break, being already mounted, it will be found expedient to carefully examine the spoor of the different animals which have been to drink during the night, and, having chosen such of the species as may be desired, and which have been the last to leave their imprints along the muddy banks, to follow them up step by step. The Masarwas start off at a quick run, which they are capable of sustaining for hours together, picking out the spoor with unerring accuracy in all its windings from perhaps thousands of others; and if they are at all lucky, will generally manage to point out the game before the heat of the sun makes further exertion uncomfortable for man or beast. The chief drawback attending the hunting of the Giraffe, Eland, 22 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. and Gemsbuck is the difficulty of watering the shooting horses regu- larly in the thirst-lands frequented by these animals. Oxen will work constantly under favourable circumstances, and keep in condi- tion, if watered once daily, whilst a horse in such a warm climate, when continually used in severe chase, will quickly knock up and become useless unless it drinks at least twice daily. The possession of a good water cart is desirable, and will save many troubles and annoyances, and very often the loss of a valuable shooting pony. In hunting game in the “thirst,” the cart, to which four or six oxen are yoked, should be filled with water and a start made the previous evening, which must be continued during the night as far as possible in the direction of the intended operations on the follow- ing day. Just when there is sufficient light to see, the search for fresh spoor should commence, care always being taken to advance up wind, the water carts keeping in touch with the horses’ spoor at a distance from which the cracking of the driver’s whip is inaudible. When a Giraffe, Eland, or Gemsbuck is sighted, hard straight riding should invariably be the order of the day, as the animals mentioned, if hard pressed at the start, will readily give in and can be ridden down much quicker than if allowed to adopt their own pace at the commencement of the chase. At such times the assaults sustained from thorns, the dangers of meercat, jackal, or yawning ant-bear holes, should be unworthy of the thoughts of a very enthusiastic sportsman who takes part in the most exciting and glorious sport in the world. It is somewhat difficult at the commencement to get into the knack of shooting running game, as in the first place a certain amount of practice is absolutely necessary, success depending much less on the extreme accuracy of aim than the possession of a cool judgment at the critical moment. It is either the want of know- ledge of distances before referred to, coupled with a supreme anxiety to kill, that renders the first attempts of the novice fruitless; and this is scarcely to be wondered at when it is an established fact ‘that even the oldest and most experienced hunters, after undergoing the vicissitudes of a long and tiring stern chase on horseback—carrying a heavy rifle in the heat of a tropical sun—will occasionally, even at close quarters, fail in hitting the large surface presented by the body of a full grown bull Giraffe. When shooting on foot in thick bush, whether the animals be dangerous or not, a thorough recovery from a very common disease usually known as “ buck fever,” and which is THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 23 peculiar to the young and uninitiated hunter, is the first essential. The flesh of most of the larger antelopes, especially of all the varieties of water antelope, should be eaten when quite hot, other- wise the fat (which, it must be confessed, is rather rare to find), if allowed to cool, clogs the palate and teeth in a very disagree- able manner. The Bechuana term for all four-footed game is pholoholo. It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the sportsman how absolutely necessary it is for future verification, immediately on his return from camp with a specimen, whether fur or feather, to plainly mark the same with the locality in which it was obtained, together with its name, both Native, English, and Dutch, and the date upon which it was shot. New varieties may often be determined if such a plan were adopted, alike of interest to sport as it is of value to science. AN TELOPES. The Steinbuck (Nanotragus campestris). Fig. 6, Plate I1— (Steinbok of the Dutch; Phuduhudu of the Bechuanas ; Umgwena of the Matabele; Gayee of the Masarwas.) [Height about 23 inches.* General colour, light purplish red- dish brown, darker on the top of back and neck, approaching fawn, and white underneath ; hatr thick and close, as if broken at the ends; tatl extremely diminutive. Hornst are usually between 3 and 4 inches tn length, vertical, straight, and sharp, some- what annulated at extreme base. Female hornless, and of a more yellowish colour throughout. Spoor, z inch, heart-shaped. | THE STEINBUCK is the most common and widely distributed of the gazelles of South Africa, and may be found from Capetown to the Zambesi, frequenting the open flats either singly or in pairs. Owing to its wonderful fleetness, it may be said, from a coursing point of view, to take the place of the English hare, as the different varieties of hare in the Cape Colony afford little or no sport. At Kimberley, in Griqualand West, a regular coursing club was organised shortly after the discovery of the diamond fields, and it has been carried on ever since with the greatest success, the Colonists being just as much interested in the result of the annual club cup as sportsmen are in England over the Waterloo Cup, large sums of money changing hands at the meetings. It requires, however, a really « The measurement of all animals herein referred to is taken from the shoulder, and is to be so understood in subsequent descriptions. + It must not be presumed, as is sometimes the case, that the age of the horns of any of the numerous varieties of South African antelopes is in the least revealed by the number of rings they carry, there being no equal relation between their development and the prolongation of life. It is true, however, that the annuli do increase somewhat as they advance in growth, but it is also a fact that the rings become fewer as the animals reach maturity and subsequent old age. Plate III. Fig. 8. Tue Brug Witpepzest ( Cannochetes taurinus ). Fig. 9 —Tue Buesspuck (Damalis albifrons ) Fig. 10.—Tue Burrato (Bos caffer). THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 25 fast powerful greyhound with a lot of bottom to run up on a Stein- buck. As nearly all proprietors strictly preserve the species in Griqualand West, they are there very numerous, perhaps even more so than in the native territories further North. This gazelle com- mences feeding about sundown, and continues its wanderings during the night, at sunrise retiring under cover of some low thick clump of bush or patch of long grass, where, unless disturbed, it passes the entire day in concealment. As it usually lies asleep during the great heat of the sun, it can then be easily walked up to and readily disposed of with a charge of buckshot. When severely wounded or hard pressed by dogs, it will often take refuge in the burrow of the ardvaark (ant- bear). At all times the Steinbuck is rather a difficult shot with the rifle; but if the half-hour before dusk or sunrise be chosen, some pretty rifle shooting may be obtained, and a quiet stalk at such times through a veldt which they frequent will often well repay the sportsman when larger antelopes are not at hand. The wind has no influence with regard to the direction in which it goes, as it will run either up or down wind. It does not frequent very hilly or thick bush country, and is capable of existing for long periods without water. The Steinbuck is very easily tamed, but invariably becomes blind when kept in captivity for any length of time. The flesh is excellent. The Oribi (Vanotragus scoparius). Fig. 15, Plate V. [Height about 2 feet. Body stouter and more compact than the Stecnbuck, the colouring being more yellowish, with white below ; hair and tail longer. Horns about 5 inches in length, straight and pointed, being considerably annulated above the base. Female hornless. Spoor same shape as, but slightly larger than, the Stein- buck. | Tuts antelope is very common on the open plains of Natal and Zulu- land, where it is better known than the Steinbuck, which it closely resembles in its habits and appearance, if we except the conspicuous brushes on the knees and black tail which the Oribi possesses. It frequents the Transvaal in fair numbers, the Eastern districts of the . Cape Colony, and the Orange Free State, as also portions of Mata- beleland and the country in the neighbourhood of the Victoria Falls on the Zambesi, and about Fort Victoria in Mashonaland. One or two specimens are said to have been obtained in Bechuanaland, but it is unknown in the Kalahari and to the Westward. It frequents 26 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. open flats, singly or in pairs, within reasonable distance of water. In speed it is very fast, dodging from side to side in a peculiar manner with a series of leaps and rushes. The flesh is fairly good. The Grysbuck (Wanotragus melanotis). Fig. 29, Plate VIII.— (Grysbok of the Dutch; Sashlungwan of the Matabele.) [Height about 22 inches. Coat rather long and coarse, of a unt- form deep reddish chocolate, profusely mingled with white hatrs, which gives the animal altogether a grizzled appearance; head broad and short; tail very short, scarcely extending beyond the hatr of the rump. Horns, 3% inches, smooth and round. Females hornless. Spoor almost same as Stetnbuck, but smaller.) Tuis wary antelope is found in the Cape Colony, particularly in the Eastern districts and on the borders of Natal, being unknown in the Transvaal, Bechuanaland, Damaraland, Namaqualand, or Ovam- boland. In the hilly country along the Zambesi and Northern Mashonaland it is very common, but is scarce in Matabeleland proper. Its habits are solitary, and are almost identical with those of the Steinbuck, with the exception that it invariably frequents hilly, broken, and stony country in preference to the open flats. The flesh is not particularly good. The Klipspringer (Oveotragus saltator). Fig. 18, Plate V.— (Khpspringer or Klipbok of the Dutch; #-go-go of the Matabele.) [Height about 22 inches. General colour, dark browntsh grey tinged with green. The fur is very peculiar, and much resembles hogs’ bristles, each hatr being hollow and tipped at the points with yellow, the appearance of the coat being exceedingly like that of the hedgehog. Head short and broad, the form being robust and square. Horns average 3% inches, slightly tnclining forwards and distant, being sparely wrinkled at the base and somewhat.annu- lated in the middle. Females hornless. The spoor ts almost round tn appearance, the base of each hoof not being much larger 2 than a threepenny piece. | Tus little antelope, the chamois of South Africa, was at one time very numerous on the mountains around Capetown and Simonstown, THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 27 and is said to be still occasionally met with there; but from thence to the Zambesi, in very broken and mountainous country, it is fairly common. In the hills about Kanya and Molopolole, in the Bechu- analand Protectorate, it is plentiful, as also in the Zoutpansberg, Waterberg, and Murchison Ranges in the Transvaal, and throughout the broken portions of Matabeleland. It is always a very wary little animal, difficult to reach with a shot gun, and its diminutive size does not afford an easy mark for the rifle. The hoofs, unlike other species of antelope, do not project to a point, but are formed almost similar to those of the European chamois, which it closely resembles in its habits. It is thus enabled to obtain a foothold on the face of almost perpendicular rocks which would appear inaccessible to any animal. It invariably frequents the tops of the highest 4of7zes (hills) and only descends to the valleys when darkness sets in for the purpose of drinking, which it does regularly. Driving is the best, if not the only, plan by which a shot can be obtained at the Klipspringer, stalking being rarely successful, as the hill summits are generally covered with stunted bush or herbaceous plants, which afford concealment to the animal when reclining during the daytime. They do not asso- ciate together in herds. The Klipspringer is easily tamed and makes a most sagacious pet, but from a habit they have of nibbling at every- thing which could possibly injure them, they usually fall victims to their own irregular appetites. A storekeeper at Kanya had several of this species thoroughly domesticated, but they all succumbed in time to the poisonous effects of eating the cast-off leaden capsules of whisky bottles! The flesh is extremely good. The Duiker (Cephalolophus grimmi). Fig. 26, Plate VII.)— (Duiker-bok of the Dutch; Pudi of the Bechuanas; Jmpuzi of the Matabele.) [Average height of adult male about 26 inches. General colour, a mixture of dark grey and brown, with an olive tinge, whitish beneath. Horns about 4 inches tn length, placed close together jar back between the ears, standing a little outwards, annulated at the base, a long tuft of hair projecting in the centre. Females usually hornless, but they are occasionally met with in the Kalahari and Bechuanaland carrying short and imperfect horns. Spoor, 1% inches, heart-shaped, being narrower at the heel in proportion to that of the Steinbuck.] 28 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. Tue Durer (‘‘diver” or “dodger’’) is, next to the Steinbuck, the most common and widely-distributed of the smaller antelopes, and may be found sometimes in pairs, but more frequently singly, in every suitable locality from the vicinity of Table Bay to the Zambesi. Its most favourite habitats are usually flats covered with long grass, with here and there patches of thick bush. It also frequents the slopes of low sparsely-wooded hills, but is rarely met in a much broken country. Its habits are almost similar to those of the Stein- buck, wandering about on the feed during the night, and reclining during the entire day in some clump of bushes. It is much more wary, however, than the animal above referred to, and even during the hottest hours of the day appears to be on the guz vive. From its peculiar habit of diving with great rapidity under and in and out through the bushes, although approached unawares, it is not by any means easy to shoot, even with a shot gun. Possessing, also, great vitality, unless actually killed outright, it often manages to effect its escape. The Duiker varies considerably in size and appearance. according to the districts in which it is found, those of the Cape Colony and Griqualand West being, as a rule, smaller and lighter in colour than those in the countries farther North. In those por- tions of the Kalahari which have no permanent surface water they are very common, and attain their largest size, some specimens having been shot which measured 28 inches at the shoulder; hence the confusion caused by the supposition that there was more than one variety of this species. Unlike the Steinbuck, this antelope is not of a wandering disposition, and will often frequent, if not much disturbed, exactly the same spot for more than one season; in addition to which its capability of subsisting without water for lengthened periods is greater. The flesh is not so good as that of the Steinbuck. The Natal Redbuck (Cephalolophus natalensis). Fig. 2, Plate I. [Herght about 2 feet. General colour, orange red, much darker above, paleing below, ears rather large. Horns rarely exceed rh to 2 inches tn length, placed close together with a backward sweep, a long tuft of hair being between. Spoor same as the Duiker, but rather smaller. | Tuis antelope is found only in Zululand, Natal, and the Southern portions of Swazieland, but is everywhere very scarce. It is, how THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 29 ever, stated on good authority to have been recently found in South- eastern Mashonaland. Its habits closely resemble those of the Duiker, to which species it is apparently allied, except that it chooses dense forests as a residence, from which it only emerges in the evening, or during wet weather. The Bluebuck (Cephalolophus monticola). Fig. 11, Plate IV. [Herght about 13 inches. General colour, slaty mouse, whtte beneath, round the eyes being devoid of hair, head long and pointed, not unlike a rat in appearance. Horns about 1% to 2 inches in length, closely annulated and reclining. Female smaller, hornless. Spoor scarcely exceeds 4 inch in length.] Tue Biuesuck is the most diminutive of all the South African antelopes, and even the most practised eye will frequently fail to detect its presence. It is only found in the coast districts of the Cape Colony, and occasionally in Natal, being nowhere plentiful. Its habits are solitary, and it confines itself to the dense bush and forest, from which it is difficult to dislodge, darting from cover to cover when pursued by dogs with a celerity that is surprising. It emits a nasty musky odour. Flesh not particularly good. The Springbuck (Gazelle euchore). Fig. 20, Plate VI.— (Springbok of the Dutch; Tsepee of the Bechuanas.) [Average height 31 tnches, often exceeded tn North-west Bechu- analand. General colour, bright rufous down the flanks, being marked on each side with a rich chestnut horizontal band, verging ento dark plum as tt joins the white of the belly, which ts pure white anstde legs, folds of skin over rump, when animal ts excited, exhibit a snow-white crested patch; under portion of neck white; face and breast white, a chestnut streak passing from between the horns to nose; tail 8 inches long. Horns of male black, lyrate, about 12 inches tn length along the curve, plentifully annulated. Female with horns, narrower, more slender, and less curved. Spoor much heart-shaped, slightly under 2 tnches. | THE period when Gordon Cumming says the plains of South Africa were literally covered with countless herds of this beautiful antelope is now long past. At the present day some flocks of Springbuck may be found in portions of the Cape Colony, particularly in the Karoo belt about Beaufort West, Carnarvon, Calvinia, and Little 30 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. Namaqualand, but only on those farms of the Dutch and English settlers where they are preserved, and from whom permission to shoot should on all occasions be first obtained. The same remarks equally apply to the Orange Free State and the Transvaal. The year previous to Sir Charles Warren’s Bechuanaland Expedition in 1884, the plains in the neighbourhood of the great salt-pan at Groot Choiang, about 30 miles North of Vryburg, were frequented by large herds, but now it is only on rare occasions that a stray one may be met with there, and which has probably crossed from the preserved farms of the Transvaal Boers on the other side of the border. Throughout the remaining portion of Bechuanaland they are nearly extinct, and the next 12 months will probably see the last of them in that region. On the open arid flats, both North and South of the Botletle, where the road from Palapye to Lake ’Ngami strikes the river, they still roam in large herds, as well as in the neighbourhood of the Makari-kari salt-pans. In Great Namaqualand, Damaraland, and portions of Ovamboland they are still fairly plentiful. The Springbuck is very migratory in its habits, and in the past, in seasons of drought, was wont to change its feed- ing grounds, when thus on the move assembling in herds of such enormous extent that reliable authorities have stated that as far as the eye could reach the entire plains have been one living mass of trekking buck. Their favourite haunts are perfectly open flats, and it is only during the extreme cold of the winter nights, or occasionally in the lambing season, that they seek shelter in the bush. It derives its name from the peculiar habit, when startled, and sometimes even in mere playfulness, of springing from the ground often to a height of 8 feet, arching its back and lowering its head, a ridge of hair extending along the spine being elevated into a crest. It is also curious to observe that when a flock on the move meets with a wagon road or beaten track, each animal, instead of running across the same, will clear the space at a bound. In speed they excel all other South African antelopes, but are not possessed of the same amount of endurance as the Tsessebe or Hartebeest. It requires a great deal of practice, and a facility for accurately determining distances, to become even a tolerable Springbuck shot. Owing to the unequal refraction on the open sandy flats, the light is most uncertain, and objects at a considerable distance appear as if actually at hand. It is, then, not to be wondered at why crack target shots often miserably fail in bringing down a single animal when a Spring- THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 31 buck is the mark for their bullets; nor is it by any means uncommon to observe trained sportsmen fresh from England, and armed with the best and most accurately sighted rifles, aimlessly discharge 50 to 60 cartridges without result, whilst a Boer or anyone accus- tomed to the sport will generally be successful at least once out of half-a-dozen tries. Moreover, Springbuck are now a days ex- tremely shy, and it is quite an exception to obtain a shot at a closer range than 300 or 400 yards. It is strange, but nevertheless a fact which all experienced hunters will confirm, that it is merely a waste of cartridges to fire into the “brown” of a flock, no matter how numerous or closely packed the animals may be. The usual plan adopted by the Boers (than whom there are no finer shots in the world at moving objects) when hunting the Springbuck is for six or more horsemen to approach from different directions in the endeavour to scatter the herd before firing. If this can be accomplished, the animals get much confused, and are then readily approached at close shooting distance. Another method which is recommended is to have a span of oxen driven towards a herd of these antelopes, and by keeping well among the cattle, it will be possible to get to within 50 or 60 yards of them. During the chill winter months, it has been observed that the species will often forsake the open flats towards sundown, and take refuge from the cold of the night in some neighbouring bushes. On such occasions excellent stalking may be obtained at dawn of day, at a time when, according to a Boer saying, “there is sufficient light to enable one to distinguish the chestnut patch on the bucks’ sides.” A common practice, which can often be adopted with success, and is recom- mended, is to loose some dogs not possessed of any great speed into a flock, a proceeding at which the Springbucks are no wise terrified, their attention being concentrated and their curiosity excited during the futile efforts of their pursuers ‘to overtake them as they gambol around, when they can be readily approached to very close quarters. They usually drink every second day, but often sustain themselves for a week at a time without water. The flesh is excellent. The Blessbuck (Damalis albifrons). Fig. 9, Plate III.— (Blesbok of the Dutch; Mwnni of the Bechuanas.) [Average height of adult male about 3 feet 2 inches, occastonally larger. General colour, light hoary brown, approaching chestnut 32 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. on flanks and thighs, belly and inside of legs blutsh white; front of face from between horns covered with large pure white patch; tail 16 inches. Horns from 13 to 15 inches long, dirty white, lyrate, divergent, with several wide half rings on frontal edging. females with horns, but more slender. Spoor stmilar to the Springbuck, about 2% inches. ] Tus antelope is now only found ranging on some farms in the Transvaal, and on one or two in the Orange Free State. Previous to Sir Charles Warren’s Expedition in 1884, they were fairly common on the open flats in Southern Bechuanaland, particularly in the neighbourhood of Groot Choiang, and also in the district of Rha- mathlabama, a few miles North of Mafeking. They are now practic- ally extinct there, an occasional troop only straying from beyond the Transvaal border from the preserved farms. This species is gre- garious and formerly frequented the vast open plains along the Vaal and Orange Rivers in incalculable numbers with the Springbuck, which antelope it resembles closely in habits, and almost equals it in speed. They can be closely approached with a herd of cattle, when a shot may be offered, as in the case of the Springbuck, although they are more wary than that antelope. The flesh is excellent. The Bontebuck (Damalis pygargus). Fig. 27, Plate VII.— (Bontebok of the Dutch.) [Height varies from 3 feet 4 tnches to as much as 3 feet IT inches. General colour, light chocolate brown, changing into a rich dark shining chestnut on the neck, flanks, and thighs, space around tail, belly, and legs, from the knee down, with face, pure white. Horns 15 inches, black, erect, lyrate, thicker at base than the Bless- buck, well annulated. Females have horns, but more slender. ] Tuis variety, which is one of the largest of South African gazelles, cannot now be considered as a part of the wild game of that country, as it is to-day believed to exist only on the farm of a gentleman named Van der Byl, near Swellendam, in the Cape Colony. Formerly it used to roam in incredible thousands in the Orange River and Karoo districts, but indiscriminate, wilful, and sense- less slaughter has rendered it practically extinct. Its habits resemble those of the Blessbuck in almost every particular, it being, however, much more piebald and more humped than that animal. A pecu- Plate IV. Fig. 12.—Tue Watersuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ). Fig. 14,—Tue LicHTensTemn HARTEBEEST ~ (Bubalis lichtensteini). Fig. 13.—Tue Hartepeest (Bubalis caama). THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 33 liarity of both varieties, when on the gallop, is the -habit they have of beating against wind, keeping their heads close to the ground like a hound on the scent. The Tsessebe (Damalis lunatus). Fig 19, Plate VI.— (Bastard Hartebeeste of the Dutch; Tsessebe of the Bechuanas; Incolomo of the Matabele; Lechuw of the Masarwas.) [Herght 3 feet ro inches. General appearance almost tdentical with the Hartebcest, the head, however, being broader at the top, and body bulkier. Horns about 12 inches, crescent-shaped, well annu- lated. Females with horns, but more slender. Spoor almost matstinguishable from that of the species above referred to. | Tuts antelope does not frequent the Cape Colony, its most Southern range being Sichele’s country in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. It is occasionally met with in the extreme confines of the Transvaal bordering the Crocodile or Limpopo River, and is still fairly numerous in the Matabele and Mashona countries, where not driven out by the invasion of gold prospectors during the last two years; but it is very plentiful in places in the independent native territory on the East Coast North of the Crocodile. Immediately South of the Zambesi, about the Chobe, Mababe, and Botletle Rivers, and in the neighbourhood of Lake ’Ngami, it is even to-day quite common. The Tsessebe is the fleetest and most enduring of all the larger antelopes of South Africa, the calves shortly after birth being able to keep up with those that are full grown. Like the Hartebeest, it is a stupid animal, and is as easily confused, its habits and charac- teristics also being almost identical. Although not in the habit of drinking daily, it never appears to stray such long distances from water as the Hartebeest or Wildebeest. Its paces are jerky and irregular like the Hartebeest, and the flesh is rather good. The Rhébuck (Pelea capreola). Fig. 24, Plate VII.—(Vaal Rhébok of the Dutch; Peel’ of the Bechuanas.) [Average height of male 30 inches. General colour, dirty light greyish brown, underneath white, tail short, broad, and fan-shaped; body long and slim, neck attenuated; ears long and pointed; coat thick and woolly. Horns average 8 inches in length, wide apart, ¢ 34 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. slender, and pointed, with a very perceptible bend forwards, well annulated from base. Females horniess. Spoor very much in- dented, round at the points of the hoofs, about 1% tnches tn length.| Tuus species is fairly well distributed throughout the Cape Colony, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, Bechuanaland Protectorate, and portions of Natal, Matabeleland, and Zululand, but nowhere at the present day is it to be found in large numbers. Like the Red Rhébuck and the Klipspringer, it is only met with in very broken country, frequenting the highest points of the mountains and hofyzes, never descending to the valleys or plains except at night when in search of water. It is generally found in flocks of six or seven up to a dozen, and is most wary and difficult of approach, one old ram usually standing on guard while the remainder feed. On the least sign of danger, the sentry immediately decamps among the rocky boulders, being instantly followed by the whole herd, springing from rock to rock with great activity. Driving is the best plan to adopt when hunting this species, the guns taking up a position in some narrow valley through which the Rhébuck are bound to pass on being driven by natives and dogs from one range of hills to another. It is worthy of remark that at certain portions of the year the entire body of this animal is often found to be burrowed with a large sort of warble, and consequently the flesh at such times is unfit for food, in addition to which it decomposes with great rapidity. The Red Rhébuck (Cervicapra lalandii). Fig. 4, Plate L— (Roi Rhébok of the Dutch.) [Height seldom exceeding that of a large Dutker, and averaging about 28 inches, the body, however, being much stouter. The hatr ts much longer and coarser than that of the Reedbuck (fig. 23, plate VII.), and ts of a very reddish brown colour, underneath showing white strongly. Horns rarely exceed 8 or 9 inches, bending sharply forwards tn a short sweep without opening outwards, well annulated from the base. Females hornless. Spoor deeply marked, slightly open at the potnts of hoof, a shade over Iy inches an length. | . In the course of research we have been somewhat surprised to find that naturalists have classified this antelope into two varieties, one being the name under which we think it should be known, and the THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 35 other the “Lesser Reedbuck” or Rez#dok. It is true that the question has been raised before; but it has, as we believe, been too hastily assumed by experienced men like Harris that it is the young of the Reedbuck; whereas our investigations and observations lead us to suppose that the “Lesser Reedbuck” is merely a young specimen of the common Reedbuck, the Red Rhébuck being wholly distinct from that animal. One writer has even gone so far as to assert that the latter resembles the Vaal Rhébuck (Pe/ea capreola) in every particular except the colour of the coat! In the Osteo- logical Section of the Natural History Museum, South Kensington, there is a single specimen of horns which was sent from the Orange River so long ago as 1830, and which bears a greater resemblance to the Reedbuck than do those of the Red Rhébuck, although they are much smaller, but which, on account of their being taken from a full grown animal, are apparently a distinct species. Whether they are the horns of the so-called “ Lesser Reedbuck”’ or not we cannot determine; but if so, that antelope must long since have become extinct, if, indeed, it ever existed. It is very certain, however, that the Red Rhébuck is as different from the Reedbuck as the Oribi is from the Springbuck, in confirmation of which the habits of the two varieties are totally at variance with each other. The former, which runs in herds often exceeding 20 in number, invariably frequents the summits of hilly and mountainous districts where there are no reeds, and from whence water may be miles and miles distant. The Reedbuck, on the contrary, either in pairs, or never exceeding four at a time, is only found in low-lying country along those rivers which have reeds lining their banks. The one pecu- liarity common to both species is the fact that the males, when alarmed, give vent to a shrill whistle. As a deduction, therefore, and in the absence of any proof to the contrary, we are bound to assume that the so-called “Lesser Reedbuck” has been confused with the Red Rhébuck, which, by the way, is probably identical with the Nagor (Cervicapra redunca) of West-central Africa. The Red Rhébuck is generally found in favourable localities all over that part of Africa South of the Zambesi, but more plenti- fully in the mountainous ranges of the Transvaal and the broken country in the Bechuanaland Protectorate, especially in the vicinity of Sichele’s stronghold. Resorting to inaccessible places, it is nowhere by any means abundant, and consequently specimens are but seldom obtained. Like the Rhébuck (é/ea capreola) one ce 36 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. old ram of a herd constantly acts as sentinel while the remainder feed, and on the least approach of danger at once gives thé alarm by shrilly whistling. The flesh is somewhat poor. The Reedbuck (Cervicapra arundinum). Fig 23, Plate VII— (Reitbok of the Dutch; Cipohata of the Bechuanas; Umuwee of the Makobas and Masieuvias ; Znzeegee of the Matabele.) [Height about 3 feet. General colour, pale fawnsh brown, approaching orange about the head; belly and mnside of legs a dirty white, hay short and somewhat woolly. Horns average 12 znches, sometimes attaining to 16 tnches, boldly annulated, bending out- wards and sweeping forwards. Female hornless. Spoor heart- shaped, somewhat narrow at heel, a little over 2 inches. | Ir is now extremely rare to meet this species in the Transvaal, except along some of the rivers in the North-eastern districts, and in Bechuanaland it is virtually extinct, although five years ago it was fairly common in the reeds of the Molopo, close to the site of the present town of Mafeking. In portions of the British Pro- tectorate bordering the Crocodile, and along the North-western tributaries of that river, it may still occasionally be met with, but nowhere there in plenty. In the low country on the East Coast about the Pungwe and Sabi Rivers it is extremely numerous. On those rivers of Mashonaland and Matabeleland which are margined with reeds, and where not driven out by the natives and prospectors, it may in places be plentifully found. But along the Chobe, Mababe, Tamulakani, and Botletle Rivers (where the banks are not precipi- tous) it is still quite common. In the dry reed patches bordering Lake ’Ngami, the Taouhe, and Okavango, as far up as Indali’s, from which the water recedes during several months of the year, the Reedbuck is particularly numerous; so much so as to lead to the erroneous impression that the antelope is gregarious, so many often being observed together at one time. It is usual to find the rams and ewes consorting in pairs, accompanied by a couple of their immature progeny, usually frequenting dry patches of reeds; but when these become flooded they often resort to the bush in the immediate vicinity of water. Although always found in proximity to the latter element, the Reedbuck when pursued will never take refuge in it, but in endeavouring to escape will direct its course right away from the river beds towards the shelter of the THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 37 thick bush, and where such is not at hand even into the open country. When suddenly alarmed, the males sometimes give vent to a whistle resembling that of the Red Rhébok (Cervicapra lalandir). The species is rather easily approached, and the gallop being slow and regular, it is perhaps the easiest of the South African antelopes to shoot; but at the same time it must be remarked that this, like all the other water-resorting varieties, possesses an extraordinary amount of vitality. The flesh is scarcely palatable, but the liver is considered a tit-bit. The Bushbuck (Zragelaphus sylvaticus). Fig. 16, Plate V.— (Boschbok of the Dutch.) [Height of full-grown male about 34 inches. General colour, dark chocolate, darker above, occasionally marked along the spine with a thin white streak, together with a few round white spots on cheek and flank. Horns average a little over 12 tnches, erect, spiral, closely wrinkled at base, with sharp, smooth points. Females hornless. Spoor oblong, heart-shaped, and sharp, very small in compartson to the antmal’s size, about 1% inches. | ALTHOUGH such an eminent authority as Mr. Selous considers the ordinary Bushbuck of the Cape Colony and the Harnessed Antelope (Tragelaphus scriptus) of Lake ’Ngami, the Chobe, and North- western Africa to be specifically identical, without entering into such a question here it is thought better to separately treat the varieties —if, indeed, they be varieties—as they vary considerably from each other both in size and colouring. As specimens of both are at present to be seen in the Zoological Gardens, London, those taking sufficient interest in the matter may solve the question to their own satisfaction from personal observation. The Bushbuck is found in all the maritime divisions of the Cape Colony and Natal wherever there are any considerable belts of thick bush. It is unusual to come across more than a pair of adults together at the same time, and it rarely ventures in the daytime from the impenetrable bush unless driven, only emerging into the open glades to feed during the dark- ness of the night. Like the Koodoo, when pursued it keeps as much as possible to the bush, through the thickest portions of which it penetrates with the greatest facility, the horns at the time being thrown backwards along the neck, which is generally denuded of hair, this probably being caused by constant rubbing against the 38 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. underwood. In the neighbourhood of Port Elizabeth the antelope is very strictly preserved, as it is in most other places in the Colony in which it resorts. About Easter time every year Jattues are inaugurated, when large drives of Bushbuck take place. On these occasions numbers of natives, with the assistance of dogs, are em- ployed to beat the wooded 4loofs, driving the game towards the guns, which are generally placed in some narrow neck or outlet from the valleys. Although a small antelope, it is nevertheless a dan- gerous one to tackle when wounded or driven to bay, as it will frequently.charge with great determination, and with its sharp horns plays havoc among such of the dogs as have the rashness to approach too near. The species found on the Crocodile River, and alluded to by Gordon Cumming as the Antelopus roualeyner, is smaller in size and more reddish in colour, the fur being also longer than that of the Colonial variety. Some few years ago they were very common along the thick bush-covered banks of that river, particularly near its junction with the Notwani. They are now very scarce there, being continually disturbed by the numerous travellers on their way to the recently opened-up country of Mashonaland. The flesh is considered excellent. The Harnessed or Spotted Bushbuck (Zragelaphus scriptus). —(Serulebutluku or Seropesabotiuku of the Bechuanas; Jmba- bala of the Matabele; Unkurungu of the Makobas and Masieuvias. ) [Height of adult male about 31 inches. In appearance this variety 1s perhaps the most beautifully marked of any antelope in the world, the full-grown males being a rich deep red, profusely marked with large round white spots, eight well-defined stripes generally running evenly across the .back, meeting on a white streak on each stde, an erectable mane extending the whole length of spine. Females approach a yellowish red, well spotted, stripes not being so well-defined as in males. Horns average about I0 inches. Females hornless. Spoor same as T. sylvaticus, but smaller. | INDIVIDUALLY or in pairs this antelope frequents the dense bushy banks of some of the tributaries of the Zambesi in the neighbourhood of the Victoria Falls, while along the Chobe, Botletle, and Oka- THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 39 vango Rivers it is still quite common.* It is never found more than a couple of hundred yards from the water, and during the day lies closely in the thick cover afforded by a species of sharp spear-pointed flagger-like plants (which only flourish in the shade of the forest in the immediate vicinity of the rivers), from the fibre of which the Makobas and Masieuvias make their fishing nets. The emigrant Boers call this plant “ballstikker.”” As it is next to an impossibility to get this antelope to break cover, the shot-gun with a charge of buck-shot is much preferable to the rifle. The Inyala (Zragelaphus angasi). Fig. 28, Plate VIII. [Height of adult male about 3 feet 7 inches. General colour, a dark greyish brown, mingled with white hairs about the neck; long tick fringe of shaggy dark brown haty commencing at chin, ex- tending down the throat and breast, between the forelegs, ending in the middle of the belly; patches of same on the upper front of each of the hind legs; some traverse whitish streaks on the back and sides, half-a-dozen spots of same colour on each thigh, with half band over upper portion of the nose under eyes; tail long and tufted. females, smaller tn size, light red tn colour, with numerous white Spots along the stdes; about a dozen well marked even traverse stripes over back and sides. Horns of male widely annulated and scarcely distinguishable from those of the Nakong (Tragelaphus spekei), averaging about 22 inches. Females hornless. Spoor re- sembles the two other varieties of Bushbuck, about 2% inches tn length. | Tuis is the largest of the true South African Bushbuck, its range being now limited to the dense bush of a few of the coast districts of Zululand and about Delagoa Bay, being everywhere there very scarce. It is, however, said to be more plentiful in the independent native territories of some of the maritime regions North of the Limpopo. Its habits and characteristics are almost identical with those of the smaller variety (Zragelaphus sylvaticus) found in the Cape Colony, and it bears an equal reputation for savageness of disposition. 40 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. The Nakong or Sitatunga (Zragelaphus spekei). Fig. 1, Plate VIII.—( Waterskaap of the Emigrant Boers; Nakong of the Bechuanas; Sitatunga of the Barotse, Makobas, and Masieuvias. ) [Height of adult ram about 3 feet 7 inches. Body thick set; the young, soon after birth, are very dark tn colour, almost approaching black, and striped traversely in a similar manner to T. scriptus, but according as the animal advances in age these stripes become more and more tndefinable until completely lost on arriving at maturity ; hair of adults rs very long and woolly 7n texture. General colour, dusty umbertsh brown, approaching white under- neath and inside legs and shins; brown white spot on each cheek, and white band across nose under the eyes; the hoofs, very much elongated, sometimes exceed 6 tnches tn length, being totally devoid of hatr behind up to the dew claw. When very young the animals stand on the points of the hoofs. Horns almost indistingudshable in shape from those of the Inyala, being more closely annulated, however, sometimes attaining a length of 2 feet, but averaging 21 mnches. Females horniess.| In the sole companionship of malaria, mosquitoes, water fowls, and noisome reptiles, this antelope, individually or in pairs, is only found South of the Zambesi, frequenting the impenetrable swamps and dense papyrus beds of Lake ’Ngami, the Okavango, Tamulakani; Mababe, Maschabe, and Chobe Rivers. It is also said to be met with along some of the great lakes of Central Africa. Never ven- turing on the mainland, it is only during the hours of darkness that it forsakes its watery haunts, and passes the night time in repose on the drier ground of some small island overgrown with thick reeds or dwarf palms, returning again before dawn to the fastnesses of the morass, where, during the day, it feeds on the young sprouts of aquatic vegetation. Owing to the disproportionate length of the hoofs, as observed in the only living specimen as yet obtained, and which is now located in the Zoological Gardens, London,* the * The specimen referred to—a female—was found by the dead body of its dam, which was shot by Mr. J. A. Nicolls (one of the authors) in the Taohe swamp, 40 miles North of Lake ’Ngami, and was by him presented to the Zoological Society in the latter part of 1890. An account of the circumstances under which it was found and brought to England appeared in the Field, 1st March, 1891. The autelope at the time of going to press (July, 1892) was in excellent health and condition. Fig. 17.—THE Gemssuck (Oryx gasvlind. Fig, 18.—THE KuirsprincEr (Oreotragus saltator ). THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 41 progress of this antelope on hard ground is extremely awkward and laboured. Their formation, however, enables it not alone to tread with ease the network of papyrus roots and treacherous quagmires in which it resorts, but also to swim with great strength and rapidity. Although not possessed of the diving and other won- derful capabilities attributed to the species by Major Serpa Pinto in his story of African adventure, it will, on being pursued in canoes, often conceal itself by submerging the entire body, the nostrils only being exposed above the surface of the water. From the foregoing remarks it may readily be conceived that any attempt to shoot the Nakong is attended with circumstances of the most extreme difh- culty; and it is only under very exceptional conditions that the opportunity for a shot can be obtained. Mr. F. C. Selous mentions in his book that, although he often tried hard, he never even obtained a chance of securing a specimen alive or dead. Anyone whose wanderings in the Interior of South Africa bring him to the country frequented by this animal, and whose ambition as a sports- man prompts him to endeavour to obtain one of these very rare antelopes, is strongly recommended not to make the attempt on foot, but to hire a canoe from some of the petty chiefs of the Makoba or Masieuvia tribes, and in one of these take up a position with his rifle close to the channels of open water in the reeds. A windy day should be chosen, and the reeds—which, when withered and dry, are highly inflammable—set on fire. The Nakongs, if present, will, on the approach of the flames, endeavour to escape across the open channels from one patch to another, possibly giving the venturesome sportsman a chance of a shot. The flesh is exceptionally rank and almost uneatable to a white man. The Palla (Ayceros melampus). Fig. 3, Plate 1—(Rooibok of the Dutch; Pa/a of the Bechuanas; Jmpala of the Mata- bele.) [Herght of adult male about 3 feet 3 inches. General colour bright reddish brown, darker above; belly white; the tarl about a foot long, white at extremity, with browntsh streak down the middle. fforns very graceful but wrregular in growth, lyrate, broadly annu- lated, averaging 16 inches from point to base, some, however, measure as much as 21 inches from potut to base. Females horn- less. Spoor about 23 inches, heart-shaped. | 42 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. Ir is now only on rare occasions that the Palla is found in the countries of the independent natives of the Bechuanaland Protec- torate. A few herds still linger in the Transvaal along the Crocodile. Almost exterminated in the regions through which the North-west tributaries of that river flow, it is only when the Zambesi is reached that the Palla is again to be frequently met in any number, which they are at almost every place near its margin. On the Chobe River it is still fairly common, being unknown on the Botletle, but it is only after passing the shores of Lake ’Ngami, and reaching the densely-wooded banks of the Taohe that the species again makes its appearance in a Westerly direction. In those parts of Mashona- land and Matabeleland where not subject to continual persecution, it is fairly numerous. The Palla is highly gregarious, and frequents the thick forest-clad banks of rivers, from which it never strays except after periods of heavy rains, and then only when the pans and vleys (which are always dry during the greater portion of the year) are for a time filled with water. In remote parts not very much frequented by man, the herds often exceed a hundred in number. Where not continually disturbed, this antelope, so elegant and graceful of motion, is not by any means shy when approached, generally running but a short distance, and then standing and look- ing back again, a habit which easily permits of its being stalked. Its flesh is palatable. The Lechwe (Kobus lechee). Fig. 22, Plate VII.—(Ledgwee of the Bechuanas, Makobas, and Masieuvias.) [Herght of adult male about 3% feet. General colour, reddish yellow, darker and more red along the back of neck, back, and over rump, paleing on the flanks; throat, breast, belly, and mside of legs pure white; front of fore and portion of hind legs dark chest- nut, hair curling on back of neck; tail short, with slender tuft at end tipped with black, back portions of feet, as far up as the dew claws, are, like the Nakong, totally devord of hair. Horns average about 2 feet along the curve, being similar to the Waterbuck, but more slender, curving forwards, and closely annulated to within a third of the tip. Spoor about 2% inches, heart-shaped and oblong.] Tue Lecuwe is first found on the road to the Zambesi where the Botletle River on its Eastern course overflows portions of THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. . 43 the Masarasara Flats, creating the vast marsh which is marked on most maps as Lake Kumandau. The species is still plentiful, and may often be met with in large herds on the swampy margins of the Mababe, Tamulakani, and Chobe Rivers. At one time common at Lake ’Ngami and in the great marshes of the Okavango, of late years the Lechwe has become very scarce in those localities. Although not actually living in the water like the Na- kong, it is never met with out of sight of it, and is usually observed wading in the flooded plains or cropping the rank grass and sprouting reeds on the alluvial land from which water has recently receded. Owing to their being constantly persecuted by natives for the sake of their skins, which are held in greater estimation for karosses than that of any other antelope, they are extremely shy, and will not permit of approach nearer than 600 yards before running off, which they do at a bounding gallop, often jumping high into the air like the Springbuck, the nose at the same time being thrust forwards and downwards. During some of the winter months large herds, composed entirely of rams, associate together; and as this is the period when the inundations usually occur, large areas of the country being submerged, the Makobas and Masieuvias gather in force and endeavour to drive the herds into the deep water, thus forcing the animals to swim. They are then surrounded on all sides by canoes, from which they are slaughtered in numbers with the assegai. The flesh is somewhat better flavoured than that of other varieties of water antelopes. The Pookoo (Kodus vardoni). Fig. 30, Plate VIII.—(Pookoo of the Masieuvias. ) [Heaght about 3 feet 3 inches. Hatr long and coarse, curling on the back of neck and down spine. General colour, light red, tnclined to orange, darker above, the white portions being more tinged with yellow than the Lechwe. Horns resemble those of Reed- buck, not, however, curving forwards so much as tn that specimen, the average length being I4 inches along the curve. Females hornless. Spoor 24 inches, similar to Reedbuck. ) In the portions of Africa treated of in this volume, this extremely rare antelope is only found in one or two places about the conflu- ence of the Zambesi and Chobe Rivers. Its habits and resorts are 44 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. almost similar to those of the Lechwe, not, however, being such a water-loving animal as that variety. Although it never strays any distance from water, it does not appear to enter it except when pursued, confining its pasturage entirely to the dry land. The flesh is very rank. The Waterbuck (Kodus ellipsiprymnus). Fig. 12, Plate IV. (Aring-ghat of the Dutch; Zumogha of the Bechuanas; Li Tumogha of the Matabele; Mashigi-gig of the Makobas and Botletle.) [Height of full-grown male often considerably more than 4 feet. Body very thick set; legs and neck short and powerful; hatr, most abundant about the neck, long, very coarse, of a untform colour of grizzly brownish grey, very drstinct large white ring extends over tail and round lower portion of rump, semt-collar of white under chin, streak of white below each eye, tatl slender, rather short and tufted. Average length of horns about 27 inches, but sometimes attaining to 3I along the curve, lyrate, broadly and boldly annu- lated almost to tips, greyish-brown. Females hornless. Spoor 3% tnches, extremely narrow tn comparison with other species, and very pointed. | Tus fine game-looking and stately antelope is now only rarely met with in some of the unfrequented districts on the Northern confines of the Transvaal in the neighbourhood of the Crocodile, and more occasionally in the low country towards Delagoa Bay. On the upper banks of that river and some of its tributaries it is still fairly abundant, as also in portions of Mashonaland where not recently driven out. In the sparely visited countries of the independent native tribes bordering the East Coast, between the mouths of the Zambesi and Crocodile, as also in the broken country along the Zambesi itself, and most of the streams of Northern Matabeleland, it is still very plentiful. West of the Crocodile, the Waterbuck is first found in the bush country lining the Botletle, Tamulakani or Tumoghanokani, Okavango and Chobe Rivers. It may be met with in small herds (generally composed of one old male and the rest females) either in flat or broken country, but it generally frequents the latter, being invariably found within easy reach of water, to which it will always head and enter when pursued; or if wounded THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 45 and hard pressed it takes refuge in any thick reed-beds which may be close at hand. Although a decidedly heavy and short-legged animal, it will gallop through the most irregular and precipitous ground with great speed and activity, and is one of the most dan- gerous of all South African antelopes to approach when wounded. The flesh is unfit for white men, and is so rank that only hungry natives will eat it. The Hartebeest (Budalis caama). Fig. 13, Plate 1V.—( Harie- beeste of the Dutch; Khama of the Bechuanas; 'Ama of the Masarwas.) [Average height about 4 feet. General colour, reddish brown, with violet tinge throughout, dark plum-coloured saddle-patch, commencing at potnt of shoulder, extends over entire surface of back and ends in root of tad, stmilar patch continues over each shoulder, downwards, as far as knees, and front of shin bones of fore legs; pale yellowish patch on cheeks of rump; front of face, which ws very long and narrow, almost black, as 1s a stripe down back of neck. Horns about 15 inches from potnt to base, varying considerably in stze, thickly knotted at base, curving obtusely forwards and then as acutely backwards at a sharp angle. Female has horns which are more slender, Spoor 32 tnches, shaped very much like Koodoo, but considerably broader at heel tn proportion.) Tue HarTEBEEST is not found in the Cape Colony proper, except, perhaps, on a couple of preserved farms. A few troops still linger on the North-west borders of Griqualand West, in the Hay and Barkly West districts, where, however, they are protected for a period of three years. In the Western portions of Bechuanaland, and parti- cularly in the neighbourhood of Hoening Vley and the lower Molopo, they are fairly plentiful, as well as through the independent native territories in the Bechuanaland Protectorate on the verge of the Kalahari, and the North-western districts of the Transvaal bounded by the Crocodile River. In the heart of the Northern Kalahari, on both banks of the Botletle River, and as far up as the Mababe Flats, as well as in Great Namaqualand, it is still, in places, extremely numerous, and may often be met with in large herds. The species is now rather uncommon in Damaraland, and is unknown in Eastern Matabeleland or Mashonaland. The Hartebeest generally associates in herds of 46 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA, about a dozen, but they may still often be met with in troops exceeding a hundred. Next to the Tsessebe it is the fleetest and most enduring of the larger antelopes of South Africa, and with its long striding gallop is always able to keep its distance in front of the best shooting horse in a tail-on chase. It is not, however, a very difficult animal to shoot, as in making off it will invariably head dead up against the wind, and thus give easy opportunities for cross- cutting. Moreover, it is rather stupid, and a bullet fired so as to strike the ground somewhere in advance of a retreating herd will either turn them back in the direction of the shooter, or bring the lot to a standstill, in which position they will often remain in amazement until the pursuer gallops up close at hand. If the couple of old males that generally head the herd can be shot or otherwise separated from the main body, the remainder appear to become utterly bewildered, and will start running in circles, instead of making off in any particular direction. The Hartebeest is never met with in very thick bush or hilly country, but frequents either the bare open flats or plains sparsely covered with camel-thorn trees (Acacia giraffe), and where there are treeless glades to be met with. It is capable of existing for lengthened periods without water, but in a much lesser degree than the Giraffe, Eland, or Gemsbuck, and may sometimes be seen, in the driest seasons, in the very heart of the Kalahari devoid of permanent water. The females, when heavy with young, drink regularly. It may be worth mentioning that the brain cavity of this species is situated high up, almost be- tween the base of the horns, and several instances could be cited where these antelopes have been killed outright by the simple con- cussion sustained through the bullets striking the horn. Standing so much higher at the shoulder than at the rump, the general appearance of this antelope is very ungainly. The flesh is fairly good. The Lichtenstein Hartebeest (Budalis lichiensteini). Fig. 14, Plate 1V.—(Konze of the Masieuvias; /nkulanondo of the Mashonas. ) [ln size and shape resembling the foregoing, but has several ais- tinguishing marks. Colour much lighter, of a uniform saffron, with a golden tinge throughout, patch on ferehead and down centre of nose, as also saddle patch extending from point of shoulder to root of tait, THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 47 not being much deeper in colour than rest of body; front of shin bones, including knees, of a dark rich plum, head rather shorter and forehead broader than the Hartebeest. Horns shorter and flatter at the base, and not so obtusely bent forwards. The females are horned, but more slender. Spoor slightly larger, but same shape as Hartebcest. | Tuts antelope is only met with South of the Zambesi in some of the countries in the direction of the East Coast between that river and the Crocodile. It is plentiful in Umzeila’s country and the neigh- bourhood of the Eastern course of the Sabi, and is in every respect similar in its habits to its congener (fig. 13, plate IV.) The Blue Wildebeest (Cannochetes taurinus). Fig. 8, Plate Ill.—Blaauw Wildebeest or Brindled gnu of the Dutch; Azwkon of the Bechuanas; Jn-kone-kone of the Mata- bele.) [Height of adult male about 4 feet 3 inches. General colour, bluish grizzly, blackish brown in places, approaching to slate, striped with obscure darker coloured vertical bands; body slopes away towards rump; mane heavy and bristling, extending considerably down back; brisket and under portion of tip covered with shaggy development of har, tail long, black, flowing, resembling that of a horse. Horns spreading from 20 to 26 inches, points bending upwards and sharply inwards, those of the cow being considerably smaller. Spoor 4 znches, heart-shaped, broad at the heel and rather blunt at the points of hoofs. | Tue Brue Wivpeseest (by which name it is generally known throughout South Africa) is, practically, extinct in the Cape Colony and the Orange Free State. It is now only first met with in its most Southern range on the lower borders of the Kalahari, through which the Molopo River flows in its most Western limits, a few troops, last year, straying Eastward to within thirty miles of Mafe- king, in Bechuanaland. Along the Western borders of Kanya, Sichele’s country, and in the heart of the Kalahari, it is still fairly plentiful. In the Lake ’Ngami districts on both banks of the Botletle River, and from thence right up to the Chobe and Zambesi, it is quite common in suitable localities, and, at the present time, large troops may be seen on the Ma-Chara-Chara and Mababe Flats, and the country surrounding the great salt-pans of Makari Kari, through which the main road passes to the Victoria Falls. In some 48 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. portions of Matabeleland it is also plentiful. In the Transvaal, except in some of the Northern districts along the Crocodile River, it is very scarce, being extremely numerous, however, in the low country about the Sabi and Busi Rivers. Although large herds of Wildebeest may frequently be observed grazing together on the same plain in close proximity, it is now unusual to find one exceed-~ ing fifty in number. Occasionally an old bull will separate from the remainder of the troop and adopt the companionship of some other description of game, preferably Quaggas or the Ostrich, and with which they appear to associate on terms of the greatest harmony. In appearance this antelope is very strongly suggestive of the American bison on a smaller scale, but their heavy, clumsy, and ungainly appearance belie their capabilities for speed, as they will run with considerable swiftness and great endurance indifferently either up or down wind. When pursued they gallop in single file, the cows in the van and the old bulls in the rear, performing the most peculiar antics imaginable. Of a wandering and restless habit, they do not frequent any particular spot for any lengthened period, but are invariably on the move in their migration from one resort to another. Like the majority of the other larger antelope of South Africa, the Wildebeest is, at the present day, always hunted on horseback, and the question of successful chase depends less on stratagem than on the speed and stamina of the hunter’s horse, and his own accuracy of aim. They frequent open flats, but may often be met with in thickly wooded country, never approaching water except at night. The flesh is only suitable for dz/tong, and is very coarse. The Black Wildebeest (Cannochetes gnu). Fig. 25, Plate VII. —(Zwart Wildebeest of the Dutch.) [Height of adult male about 3 feet 10 inches. General colour, deep umber brown, verging to black; neck thick and arched, surmounted by upright mane of slate-coloured coarse hair; upper part of face, dewlap, chest, and portion of belly covered with bushy, brownish black hair; rump sloping and assinine, eyes fierce; legs slender; tail long and white. Hforns along curve, about 20 inches, branching downwards, slightly outwards, turning abruptly upwards, forming a complete hook. Females with horns, but more slender. Spoor 3% inches, narrow, heart- shaped. | pain Fig. 19 —Tue Tsessepe (Damalis lunatus ). Fig. 20.—Tue Sprinepuck (Gazella euchore). ss i ww Fic, 21.—Tue Evanp (Oreas canna). THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 49 Tuis strange, spiteful-looking antelope, like its congener the Blue Wildebeest, is now almost extinct in the Cape Colony, except on a few preserved farms in Victoria West, and it is unknown North of the Orange and Crocodile Rivers. Its habits are very similar to the species above mentioned, being, however, whimsical and extremely ungainly, and presenting an appearance of ferocity which it does not possess. As it evinces an abundance of curiosity, and is not by any means shy or timid, it is easily shot. The Black Wildebeest is gregarious, and frequents open plains sometimes remote from water. Flesh coarse and unpalatable. The Gemsbuck (Oryx gazella). Fig. 17, Plate V—(Gemsbok of the Dutch; Kukham of the Bechuanas; Kaw of the Masarwas. ) [Herght of adult male about 4 feet, occastonally larger. General colour, fawnish grey; dark brown patches on arms under shoulder, continuing direct along the flanks over white of belly; lower portion of haunch patched stmilarly,; face, brown and white, alternately striped lengthwise; narrow brown stripe extending from throat down centre of neck as far as breast; body very stout; neck par- ticularly thick and powerful, tail long and coarse. Horns average 3 feet 2 inches, sometimes attatning 3 feet 6 tnches, straight, round, tapering, well annulated. Horns of female longer, occasionally reaching to 4 feet, being much narrower at base than those of male. Spoor, slightly under 4 tnches, heart-shaped, rather blunt at the points of hoof.) Herps of this antelope are only found in the far recesses of the Kalahari where there is no permanent surface water, the only approachable portions of this district which are frequented by the species in dry seasons being in the angle formed by the Botletle River, where, after following an almost due Easterly course, it bends sharply to the South. Northward of that river, and as far up as the Mababe Flats, and around the great salt-pans, it is also still rather plentiful. The Gemsbuck never approaches per- manent water-courses, and it is only after heavy rains, when the vieys are filled, that it ever drinks at all. There is, however, a species of wild water-melon, resembling a cucumber, which grows luxuriantly in sandy places, even in the very driest season, and this D 50 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. antelope, in common with the Eland, partakes of it largely. From the fact that there has been for more than one year a total absence of rain in the Kalahari, or at least quantity in sufficient to be retained on the surface of the soil, and when from some unexplained cause the melon crop referred to has often failed entirely, it is tolerably certain that this antelope is capable of existing without water, at least for many months. It has been argued that in the absence of this melon the Gemsbuck and Eland find a substitute in a certain large white-coloured juicy root, resembling in size and shape a Swede turnip, but this explanation is scarcely tenable, for, although such a tuber undoubtedly exists, it is invariably found so deeply engrafted in the soil as to make it quite a matter of impossibility for any antelope to upropt it, no matter what the formation of its horns or hoofs may be. A great many stories have been told in the past by famous hunters and travellers as to the beauty, ferocity, and -wonderful fleetness of this antelope, but whether the Gemsbuck of the present day has deteriorated or not, it certainly is not in the possession of these qualities in any marked degree. Its horns are unquestionably fine and its face prettily marked, but in other respects the general appearance of the animal is heavy and unim- posing. When wounded or brought to bay, it will no doubt defend itself with vigour and desperation, using its formidable horns with such effect as to deal immediate death to any dog which rashly approaches it, but otherwise its ferocity does not by any means equal that of the Roan Antelope or Waterbuck. In regard to speed, it will keep in front of the ordinary shooting horse for a short distance; but, taking it all round, it is, perhaps, one of the easiest of the larger antelope to gallop up to, and can in no respect equal the Giraffe, Hartebeest, Wildebeest or Tsessebe for fleetness or endur- ance. Its flesh is very fair. The Sable Antelope (Aippotragus niger). Fig. 5, Plate I1.— (Zwaart vit-pens of the Dutch; Kualata Inchu of the Bechu- anas; Umtigele of the Matabele.) ‘ [Height of full-grown bull seldom exceeds 4 feet 6 inches. General colour above, very dark shining brown, being almost black in some individuals; belly and under portion of stern pure white; forchead and upper portion of face dark brown, a white stripe com- mencing over both eyes and extending to nose, followed underneath Te Se Re ee eee ee ee THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 51 by another of light brown, chin and beneath white; mane, brownish and black, long and standing, tail black and long. Florns average a little more than 3 feet, but are known to occa- sionally attain to 3 feet 8 inches, scimitar-shaped, arched back- wards, and well annulated. Females have smaller horns. Spoor 3% inches, heart-shaped. | THE range of this magnificent and imposing antelope (which is occasionally called the Harrisbuck after its discoverer Captain W. Cornwallis Harris) does not, as a rule, extend Westward of the road passing the Makari Kari salt-pans and Pandamatenka to the Victoria Falls. An odd stray herd may, however, be occasionally met with in the vicinity of the Chobe River. In portions of North Matabeleland it is still common, as also in such parts of Mashonaland where it has not been driven away through the exploitation of that country by the British South Africa Company. In the low districts of the East Coast it is very plentiful. It occasionally associates in herds up to fifty, but usually in groups under twenty in number, in which only one old male is to be found, the remainder being cows or young males. When not over fat, it is a matter of difficulty to run it down on horseback, and is a dangerous animal to closely approach when wounded. The flesh is excellent. The Roan Antelope (/ippotragus equinus). Fig. 7, Plate II. —(Bastard Ehland of the Dutch; Kwadata of the Bechuanas ; Etaka of the Matabele; Kwar of the Masarwas.) [Height of adult male about 4 feet 8 inches, but some specimens have measured fully 5 feet. General colour, light grizzled reddish grey, changing very much tn hue according to the locality found; fore part of face and chin, and semt-circular patch over eyes, whtte, black patch on forehead and cheeks, extending a short distance - down neck; belly and front of each thigh, white; dark stripe down centre of lower portion of chest, and patch of same above knee- oints of fore legs; thin stiff mane, terminating near hollow of back, almost black; large tuft of wiry hatr under neck. Florns average 2 feet 4 inches on the curve, sometimes attaining 2 feet g inches, placed almost above eyes, scimitar-shaped, round, fully ringed. Females horned. Spoor 4 inches, heart-shaped, and broad at heel.) De 52 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. Tuis fine looking antelope is now very rarely found on the upper and lower banks of the Botletle River, about the Mababe Flats, Great Makari Kari salt-pans, and Chobe country. In the less frequented portions of Matabeleland it is still fairly common, and although once plentiful in Mashonaland, it is now almost driven out of that country through the influx of prospectors, being, however, very numerous in the low country towards the East Coast. The Roan Antelope is usually found in troops numbering from six to twelve, and chiefly resorts to countries abounding with low hilly ridges. Although its appearance when galloping is very heavy, it can nevertheless get along with rapidity; and possessing considerable endurance, in this respect it far exceeds the Gems- buck. It is of a particularly shy disposition, and when grazing, every now and then raises the head, looking around in every direc- tion as if in constant expectation of danger. When wounded it is the most dangerous of all African antelopes, and if hunted hard will often turn and charge. furiously, even when uninjured. Its powers of scent are particularly strong, and on detecting the slightest breath of “tainted” air it will at once start running. The flesh is fairly good. The Koodoo (Strepsiceros kudu). Fig. 1, Plate 1—(Kudu of the Dutch; Zolo of the Bechuanas; Le-bala-bala of the Matabele; oro of the Mashonas; Unskwa of the Makobas). [Height of adult male often 5 feet. General colour, bluish rufous grey, two or three white spots on each cheek, together with white bands on upper portion of nose immediately under eyes, pale stripe down spine, from which half-a-dozen indistinct white bands branch downwards towards belly, being more definite in those found in the Zambest regions than those further South; ears extremely large and prominent; tail tipped with sable. Horns average 3 feet, sometimes attaining to 3 feet Io inches, bulky, spiral, wrinkled at base. Females horniess. Spoor 3 inches, heart-shaped, rather narrow at heel. | Ir is pleasing to state that, notwithstanding the continual persecu- tion by both natives and white men, this majestic and graceful antelope is still to be widely found in favourable localities, and is plentifully distributed almost throughout South-central Africa. The day is past, however, when it can fairly be included in the list of the Ou Leo) THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. wild game of the Cape Colony proper, the Orange Free State, or Natal, as in those countries it is preserved on only a few farms in a semi-domestic state. At the moment of writing some few troops still linger in the Northern portions of the Transvaal, and also in the thick bush of the lower Molopo in Bechuanaland, and the Western end of the Machapong range in the Bakwaina country. Since Khama (the chief of the Bamangwatos) changed the residence of his people about two years ago to Palapye, the Koodoo is again resorting in scattered troops to the hills surrounding the old town of Shoshong. Three years ago plentiful in the bush on both banks of the Crocodile River in its North-western course, it is now almost driven out from this latitude by the advance of civilization. In some portions of Mashonaland and Manicaland, throughout Mata- beleland and the Zambesi districts, as well as in the regions of Lake ’Ngami, it is still perhaps the most common of the larger antelopes. Ornamented with its magnificent spiral horns, the beautiful head erect on a symmetrically formed and stately body, the bull Koodoo, if not the largest of its genus, certainly has an air of nobility and independence far greater than that possessed by any other antelope in the world. The species is gregarious, a troop generally averaging six and rarely exceeding twenty in number, being sometimes composed wholly of males, and at other periods entirely of females. Of an extremely shy and timid nature, the Koodoo during the daytime frequents the dense thorn-bush thickets, or the wooded slopes and eminences of stony kopjtes, generally, but not always, somewhere in the vicinity of permanent water, wandering long distances during the wet season from its usual haunts from one rain pool or pan to another. In unfre- quented localities, and particularly during the early hours of the day, herds may occasionally be seen grazing on open flats; and when come upon under such favourable circumstances, they can be galloped up to on horseback without much difficulty, as, although capable of darting in and out through the most inaccessible bush with astounding celerity notwithstanding the weight and length of the horns, their gallop in the open is clumsy and slow. In follow- ing up the spoor (which, considering the dimensions of the animal, is extremely small) in cover, on foot, the utmost stealth and caution should be observed, as the Koodoo is provided with an exquisite sense of sight, hearing, and scent; and its body, although large, is extremely difficult to distinguish in the dense thorn-bush, which is 54 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. very similar in colour to the skin of the antelope itself. Its movements are so rapid and noiseless that at one moment it may be observed and the next have disappeared without the slightest sound. The hide is very endurable and much sought after by wagon drivers, who make it into voorslag (leashes) for ox whips. The flesh is particularly good, and the marrow bones are specially recommended as a luxury. The Eland (Oreas canna). Fig. 21, Plate VI—(£h/and of the Dutch; Pohu of the Bechuanas; Jmpohu of the Matabele; Mohu of the Mashonas; Doo of the Masarwas.) THE appearance of this animal, the largest of all known antelopes, whether in Africa or elsewhere, has so often been described and portrayed, that a few remarks on the subject will be sufficient. The Eland bull of the Kalahari often stands 6 feet at the shoulder, and occasionally exceeds that height. Further North it considerably decreases in size, and changes greatly in ‘colour; so much so that Mr. Selous says that the Elands shot by him North of the Zambesi ‘are beautifully marked, having nine broad white stripes on each side, and a dark black line down the centre of the back.” This is the Eland which Dr. Livingstone has described, and which has been by some considered an entirely new variety. Indeed, Colonel Faddy, R.A., who had the good fortune to shoot several specimens of this particular type when in South Africa, was generally dis- credited after he had specifically referred to its characteristics, until he produced their skins in verification of his statements. Those found on the South of the Botletle bear no such white marks as those above referred to, but are’of a uniformly bluish-grey dun colour, while those frequenting the Northern banks of that river are marked more or less indistinctly. The foreheads of the old bulls are adorned with a thick tuft of wiry brown hair; the dewlap is excessively prominent and fringed with long hair of a. deep brown colour; tail over 2 feet in length, with a tuft of hair at the extremity, its general appearance being very characteristic of a stall-fed ox. Horns of the males average a little over 2 feet, occasionally measuring 30 inches, massive, nearly straight, spiral. Those of the females are more slender, averaging about 28 inches, sometimes attaining to 34 inches, divergent and twisted. The spoor is difficult to distinguish from that of a three-year old ox, except that on examination the points of the hoof will be found to THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 55 be pressed together on the ground without leaving any intervening mark. The Eland still frequents the interior of the Kalahari, and roams in herds in those portions which are inaccessible to the hunter, except during a short period after rains. In all that large belt of almost waterless country stretching from Reitfontein, on the borders of Damaraland, to the old wagon road from Shoshong to the Botletle, it is to-day common, seldom, however, approaching nearer than twenty miles of the banks of that river. From a short distance North of the Botletle, right up to the Chobe, and in the country between the latter river and the Zambesi, it is also plentiful, but in places difficult of access. In a few favoured districts of Matabele- land, and particularly in Lobengula’s own preserve, it can be found, but is now almost driven out of Mashonaland. The Bushmen—for the more ready discovery of the different edible roots on which, in the absence of meat, they principally subsist—are in the habit during the dry seasons of the year of burning off the long withered grass from the surface of whole districts, which causes the Eland to constantly wander to and fro in search of the young grass; and which, unassisted by rain, in a very short time after such conflagrations begins to sprout. In conjunction with this young grass and the wild melon, the antelope derives a considerable amount of moisture. Although it is an exceptional circumstance to find the bulls drinking at the rivers or permanent zeys, the cows, however, when heavy in young, constantly do so when possible, and it is to them a matter almost of necessity when in such a condition to imbibe a more than ordinary supply of liquid. The Eland is much more partial to forest-clad rolling sand belts than to sparsely wooded open flats, and may usually be found herding in the mopani bush, to the leaves and young sprouts of which, like the Giraffe, it is extremely partial. When excessively fat (which they generally are), this antelope on being hunted on horseback, and if hard pressed from the start, will get winded and tire rapidly; but, on the other hand, when in poor condition, and more especially in the case of the cows, they can get along with most unexpected rapidity and endurance—in these respects equalling if not excelling the efforts of the Gemsbuck. The first symptoms shown by an Eland of being ‘pumped out” when pursued is when it breaks from a gallop into the trot (see remarks on Large Game, page 17). The flesh is greatly relished, and possesses a large amount of fat, which is in the main absent from other ante lopes. 56 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. The Damaraland Antelope (Vanotragus damarensis). [eight about 22 inches. Colour of back finely grizzled with black and yellow, replaced by grey, all the hairs being distinctly ringed with black, the predominant grey colour of the rump and outer side of the thighs being a distinguishing mark from other species; skin of Jorelegs bare of hair. Horns of adult male 27% inches long, with prominent irregular ridges, about seven in number, circling the base. Femates similar in colour but hornless.| For the above description of this practically unknown species we are indebted to Dr. A. Ginther, F.R.S., who first brought it to the notice of the scientific world in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of January, 1880. Mr. Ericksson, the well-known Damara- land hunter and companion of Andersson, presented the first male specimen to the Capetown Museum; and he states that it fre- quents the rocky hills in the vicinity of Omaruru, in Damara- land, about 1° North of Walfish Bay, but it is very hard to obtain in consequence of its wonderful agility, its inaccessible haunts ren- dering the difficulty much greater. The Triangulated-horned Antelope (Aziilope triangularis). —Fig. 37. Ir this species of antelope ever existed, it owes its discovery in the first instance to Mr. Moreton Green, of Natal, who submitted a pair of horns: to Dr. A. Ginther, F.R.S., the keeper of the Zoological Department of the British Museum, by whom the supposed new variety was prominently brought to public notice in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of February 19th, 1889, whose remarks are based on the horns above alluded to and a small portion of the skull which was attached to them. . Mr. Green stated that he obtained this specimen many years ago through the instrumentality of a hunter who was trading for him in the Zambesi regions. This man had told him that he had bartered the horns from a native chief, who in turn said the animal was exceedingly scarce. Dr. Ginther says: ‘The horns are evidently those of a very old animal . . . gently curved backwards, showing the slightest indi- cation of a twist near the top; they measure 31 inches along the curve, and 30 in a straight line from the base to tip. The distance of their ends is 22 inches. A transverse section taken 3 inches from Plate VII. Fig. 23.—Tae Reps (Certcapra arundinuney. 25.—Tue BLack WILDEBEEST (Connochates gnu). g ee Fig. 26.—Tue DuiKer Fig. 27.—Tue BontTesuck (Damalis pygarga). (Cephalolophus grimm?). THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 57 their base would represent a triangle . . . Of the known genera of antelopes, none approach this singular type more nearly than the Tragelaphus. Tragelaphus has, likewise, horns trihedral in shape at the base, and, if we imagined the longitudinal axis of the horns of our specimen twisted outwards, a form of horn would be produced which could not be separated from Zragelaphus. And there is no doubt that the ancestral form of Zragelaphus must have resembled or been identical with our type. But without being acquainted with the cranial, dental, or other characters, it would seem to me premature to offer an opinion as to its generic relations, or even to give a distinct generic term, much as the shape of the Fig. 37.—Tue TRIANGULATED-HORNED ANTELOPE (Antilope triangularis). horns differs from that of all other known antelopes. It therefore seems to me to be sufficient to distinguish it for the present as a species of Anzzlope in the Cuvierian sense, viz., as Antilope triangu- farzs.” In addition to Dr. Ginther’s remarks, it may be interesting to observe that five years ago Mr. H. Boyne (a well-known trader in Sichele’s country) had a pair of horns almost exactly resembling those above described, and from whom they came into the possession of one of the authors, but it is regrettable that they were subsequently mislaid. Mr. Boyne was unable to state from whence they originally came, but those of Sichele’s people who saw the specimen were unanimous in delaring that they at one time adorned the head of a cow Koodoo. 58 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. Without going so far as to place any reliance whatever on the report or opinion of any African native, it may be suggested that the specimen in the Natural History Museum and that of Mr. Boyne will both eventually be found to be nothing more than a malformation of the horns of the Koodoo bull. In any case strong argument may be advanced against the Antilope triangularis being considered a distinct species. In the first place, even going back for so long a period as twenty years, the antelopes frequenting the Zambesi regions were at least fairly well known, and if one that had not previously been described, and possessing the marked characteristics of that under discussion, had actually existed, it is only reasonable to assume that the many intelligent sportsmen who have visited, and traders who have resided there, would have at least heard and given some report, however meagre, upon such an important subject. It is also well known that African natives of the Interior, after killing a head of game, and cutting up and removing the carcass, invariably leave the horns where the animal originally fell; and these, if only exposed for a short time to the influence of the weather, become completely worm-eaten. On the other hand, those described by Dr. Gunther are in a state of almost perfect preservation, and for this reason it may be presumed that they could not have been long removed from the animal to which they originally belonged, before falling into the hands of the trader from whom Mr. Green obtained them. The wider publicity given to these particulars will, we trust, lead to this extremely interesting question being determined one way or the other. OTHER GAME. The Elephant (Elephas africanus).—Oliphant of the Dutch; Chloo of the Bechuanas; Jncubu of the Matabele. [The outward appearance of the African Elephant is distinguished Srom the Astatic species by the remarkable size and expanse of the ears, the presence of well developed tusks tn the females, the formation of the head (the forehead being convex instead of concave), and the possession of only three nails on the hind feet. | Twenty years ago the Elephant was distributed all over the tropical portions of South Africa, in some places in enormous quantities. The advance of civilization, and the introduction of breech-loading rifles among the native tribes, has contributed to their extermina- tion with astonishing rapidity. It is regrettable to state that— with the exception of a few scattered herds which still remain in the most unfrequented portions of Matabeleland, and the extremity of North-eastern Mashonaland—they are now only met with in anything like reasonable quantities in the impenetrable bush of the low-lying coast country in the region of Sofala Bay. A few herds may possibly exist in the extreme North and North-east of Ovam- boland bordering on the Cunene and Okavango Rivers; but if so, they are only a few tuskless males or young females. The last herd frequenting the Botletle and the neighbourhood of Lake ’Ngami was completely destroyed three years ago by Moremi’s Bechuanas, and although a good many are certainly to be met with in the country between the Chobe and Zambesi, it is improbable that they will survive the attacks of the Barotse natives during the next two or three years. It may be mentioned that the Elephant is pre- served by the Colonial Government in some of the forest country of the Eastern provinces of the Cape Colony, but as it is a matter of extreme difficulty to obtain a permit (which, when granted, costs #20 for the right to shoot a single*specimen), no one is recom- 60 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. mended to avail himself of this opportunity of sport; as, even in the event of the permit being issued, the Elephants are seldom met with. Previous to the incursions of white men in search of ivory, and the consequent introduction of fire-arms, it was only on rare occasions that the aborigines were enabled by the aid of their rude weapons to make any impression on the tough hide and huge body of the Elephant ; indeed, it then roamed the forest with little fear of any living creature. Times changed, and whilst still frequenting in multitudes districts wholly free from the tsetse fly, the white hunters came in on horseback and with their deadly rifles slaughtered thousands with little danger and less fatigue. Those days have passed, and the Elephants, with few exceptions, have been driven into places quite inaccessible to horses. Anyone now desirous of being in a position to say that he has succeeded in “laying low” a specimen of the largest of existing quadrupeds and one of the most dangerous of African game, must be prepared to encounter the brutes on foot, sometimes with nothing to depend upon for escape but his own steady aim, and, may be, the length of his legs, as well as undergoing extreme hardships of many descriptions. The hunting of the Elephant is an inexhaustible subject to deal with, but it will be sufficient to give a few hints which may possibly be of use to a beginner at this form of sport. Possessed of very bad sight, but with an exquisite sense of smell, no great danger may be apprehended, when the wind is favourable, from creeping right up alongside a single one; but, when there are a lot close together, the case is different, as in the stampede which follows the firing of the first shot, the terrified and confused animals may run right on top and trample the hunter before an opportunity is afforded him of getting out of the way. Owing to the formation of the head and the backward portion of the brain-pan, a shot direct in front is often worse than useless. The concussion may on a few occasions stop a determined charge, but as a matter of fact it more often induces one. When this happens, however, and the trunk is elevated, which leaves the chest completely exposed, a bullet may be planted with deadly effect in the region of the heart ; but it must not be expected that an animal when charging will always elevate the trunk and give this opportunity. On the other hand, if a side shot be offered at one which is standing quite still, the brain may easily be penetrated if the bullet is directed true on the outer THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 61 edge of the central portion of the ear; but the mo-t vulnerable point of any is the shoulder, for should the heart be missed the bone may be smashed and the animal rendered helpless, and con- sequently incapable of making away or charging. Old cows, and especially the “queens” (barren females), will be found more difficult to deal with than the bulls, as they are always ready to charge, even when unwounded, and experienced hunters on finding one ina herd that seems inclined to prove troublesome, will take the precaution of despatching her prior to engaging the bulls, although her tusks may possibly be worthless. An infuriated Elephant, when charging, utters shrill, trumpeting screams in quick succession, and should one of its persecutors have the ill-luck to be overtaken, these are continued until the remains of the unfor- tunate individual present nothing but a pounded and unrecognisable mass of flesh. In the winter months, when the dense cover (which usually consists of the hack-thorn) is denuded of leaves, and much resembles the leaden hue of the hide of these animals, it is extremely difficult to distinguish one when motionless, no matter how close at hand it may be. Like the Buffalo it often conceals itself when wounded, waiting on its pursuers, who, intent only on tracing the spoor, may unknowingly attain a degree of propinquity to the game not by any means desirable. When the wind is favourable, if an Elephant be startled and gets on the move before a shot can be fired, it can with fair running be headed by the native attendants and driven back towards the guns, a shout from the Kafhrs in advance being generally sufficient to turn a whole herd. Even when on horseback the first rush of these animals cannot alwaysbe avoided, but on settling down to their ordinary pace, which is a quick walk, any fair runner can on foot outpace them for a short distance, provided the country is fairly open and the bush not too dense. Elephants are capable of ascending steep and rugged hills with remarkable ease considering their bulk, and descend with great speed and extraordinary agility. In the tropical portions of South Africa the direction of the wind cannot be depended upon for any length of time, and in this lies the chief difficulty in Elephant hunting. As before remarked, they are able to scent a human being at almost incredible distances, and on feeling the slightest breath of tainted air will instantly start off and keep at a quick pace for hours and hours without halting for an instant. On the other hand, their sight is so wretched that if one were to stand perfectly 62 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. still, even out in the open, a whole troop might possibly pass at close quarters without showing the slightest signs of detection; but this, of course, could not possibly happen unless the wind were favour- able. The exact direction of the latter can readily be ascertained by simply throwing a handful of sand into the air. Anyone under the impression that the huge spoor of an Elephant can at all times be traced with the greatest facility will, in actual experience, be grievously disappointed. Broken down bushes and grass is evidence easily recognisable of the passing of one, but when these are absent and the spoor leads into hard bare ground, it requires the practised acuteness of the Kafirs to follow it with any reasonable speed. When hunted hard in the great heat of the sun, they can be come up to much quicker than at other times, and one of the surest signs: of an Elephant being “dead beat” is when it inserts the trunk into the stomach and, withdrawing it, ejects water all over its back. An almost nightly supply of water is necessary for the existence of these pachyderms, but it is unusual to find them drinking in the day time; and when the sun is hot they retire into the recesses of the thickest jungle, where they pass the hours standing in sleep. If disturbed at such a moment they are inclined to be far more aggressive than at others. When persecuted for any lengthened period in a particular district, they entirely forsake it, nor do they return to it for perhaps along time. The flesh is excessively coarse and rank, although all natives hold a contrary opinion. Some portions of the trunk are eatable, while the heart is very acceptable to a hungry hunter. A baked foot was in days gone by considered quite a delicacy, but modern appetites are unable to agree with the tradition. The Black Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros bicornis). Fig. 35, Plate X.—(Zwaart Rhinaster of the Dutch; Borele or Keitloa of the Bechuanas; Ufeygan of the Matabele.) [The black prehenstle-lipped Rhinoceros ts distinguished from the R. simus by its mferior size and strongly projecting pointed upper lip, which enables it the more readily to browse on twigs, leaves, and roots, on which food it entirely subsists; ears short and rounded, tipped with coarse hair; posterior horn much varies in size in different animals, being in some a mere excrescence, and tn others developed to THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 63 a length exceeding the anterior, both being round; nostrils round; eyes sttuated low down and forwards. Spoor exhibits the , p> tory, Preservers and Adap- 5 ‘ ; ters of all Specimens of Animal Life. Natural Fea- tures of Animals adapted yy in Original Designs forgo" Decorative Purposes, and ee every-day uses. Furriers and Plumassiers and Col- lectors in Natural History. NOTICE, — ROWLAND WARD, F.Z.S., is the only mem- ber left in the profession of the Ward Family, long unrivalled for their accumulated experience and their skill in Practical Taxidermy, especially in its artistic department. eye Ready this Day, the Sixth Edition, with numerous additional Illustrations, 1 vol., cr. 8vo., Bound in Crocodile Leather, Price 3s. 6d. By post, 3s. 9d. THE SPORTSMAN’S HANDBOOK TO PRACTICAL COLLECTING, PRE- SERVING, AND ARTISTIC SETTING-UP OF TROPHIES AND SPECIMENS. To which is added A SYNOPTICAL GUIDE TO THE HUNTING GROUNDS OF THE WORLD. By ROWLAND WARD, F.Z.S. SPORT IN BECHUANALAND AND THE KALAHARI. DIXOWS POTEL, MAFEKING, BECHUANALAND, Is ninety-six miles from the Railway Terminus at Vryburg on the Direct Road to the Bechuanaland Protectorate, Matabeleland, Mashonaland, and the Zambesi. The Hotel is one of the finest in South Africa, and is patronised by the Administrator, Sir Sidney Shippard, Colonel Sir Frederick Carrington, the Hon. Cecil Rhodes, and all Sportsmen going into the Interior. Replete with every comfort. Smoking, Dining, Drawing, Billiard, and Reading Rooms. Three Bath Rooms (Shower Bath). Stabling for Forty Horses. INCLUSIVE TERMS, 10s. 6d. PER DAY. Attached to the Hotel are the large Wholesale and Retail Stores of Messrs. Dixon & Co., As excellent Big Game Shooting may be enjoyed about Six Days from Mafeking, this well- known firm will provide capable Guides for Sportsmen, Ammunition and Arms of every description, Waggons and Oxen, Complete Outfits, &c., at reasonable rates. The Royal Mail Coaches to and from Vryburg to Palapye, Macloutsie, and Mashonaland arrive and depart from Dixon’s Hotel. MAFEKING, BECHUANALAND. D 1X 0 N & C 0 DUTOITSPAN, GRIQUALAND WEST. 1 | BEACONSFIELD, GRIQUALAND WEST. JOHN RIGBY & Co., GUN & RIFLE MANUFACTURERS, ESTABLISHED 1735, 72 St. James’s St., London, and 24 Suffolk St., Dublin. 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Vide opinions of the Press and Medical Faculty. » Aubertin's “ Six Months in Cape Colony and Natal.” » Groser's “South African Experiences.” » Du Val's “ With a Show through South Africa.” Post and Telegraph Office on the Hotel Premises, Tram Terminus, and Cab Stand. Proprietor = = = W.T. O’CALLAGHAN. G. E. LEWIS’S Guns and Rifles. THE ‘“GUN OF THE PERIOD.” REGISTERED TRADE M_ K. HONOURS: Paris, 1878, Sydney, 1879-80, Melbourne, 1880-8, Calcutta, 1884. This Gun is made with Top Lever Triple Grip Action, at 18 to 30 Guineas, with Steel or Damascus Barrels. 1892 Edition of Illustrated Catalogue Now Ready. The largest, best, and cheapest stock of Sporting Guns and Rifles in the Empire. 1s. per registered post. THE “GUN OF THE PERIOD.” REGISTERED TRADE MARK. G.E. Lewis’s Top Lever Treble-Grip, with Hammers below the line of sight. We make a Double-Grip Action Lever on Guard Cape i. Gun at 12, 15, and 20 Gs.f M. L. Capes from 5 Guineas Any Gun delivered at any port for 21s, This includes LF ; tin-lined box, freight, andZ ee insurance. ESTABbISHER 1850. Weirecommend and make these guns with 26.or 28\inch:barrels, but they can be made 30 inches long if required, which adds a little extra to the weight of gun. Our experience is in favour of Schultze or E.C. powder in these light guns. : G. E. Lewisiis now making a 12-bore gun of full strength, with his top lever treble grip action and solid bar body, from 5lbs. weight, in which full charges of E.C., Schultze, or other powders may be used without recoil. Price, with hammers, from 15 Guineas; Anson and Deeley hammerless, from 20 Guineas. We also make an “ Ariel” gun as above, with top lever, Purdey double bolt, from 42 Gs. WORKS: 32 and 33 Lower Loveday St., Birmingham, T. BURBERRY & SONS, PATENTEES OF GABARDINE COMBINATIONS, CONSISTING OF OUTSIDE “A Linen, light, strong, and cool.”— 6 Land and Water. “Tt keeps out wet in an exceptional way.’—Sporting & Dramatic News. “The merits of this Material are now widely known.” —The Field, INSIDE OF THE LIGHTEST POSSIBLE TEX- TURE, OR HEAVIER ACCORDING TO THE TEMPERATURE FOR WHICH THE GARMENT IS REQUIRED. Both these materials are Rainproofed by dis- tinct processes, and, used jointly, form patent combinations which are Pp 0 of The Heaviest Rains, Mildew and Tropical Insects, Yet Naturally Ventilating. - The Stoutest Thorns, ' is made in four Gabardine separate weights, viz:— AGAINST Si CuO Ss eC. sR FROPICAL kwsrncer S U M E Rarnproor, AND CaraBLe or REsIST- ING ANY ORDINARY THORNS, A U I U M N Rarnproor, AND SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHER MATERIAL FOR PROTECTION FROM ALL KINDS OF BusH THORNS. W ] N j E R Wait-a-BiT THorns, or SPEAR GRASS, Unlined GABARDINE will turn a heavy shower in either of the above weights, but in Combination Garments are practi- cally Waterproof. TESTIMONIAL. Gloucester, December 12th, 1890, lj ) Enclosed is your account with cheyue for amount, I cannot send this without expressing the very great satisfaction your Patent Gabar- dine Suit has given me. It is at once the strongest, warmest, and t | coolest material for its weight I have ever come across. It never feels \ I chilly when put on, never mind how hot I have been in it the day || before, or how much the outside got wet. I have been through the \', wettest turnips, through all the heavy showers, &c., and not once has } wh there been even a suspicion of damp coming through, It is out and out the most comfortable shooting material I have ever worn. B. St, J. Acuers, ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES, PATTERNS, & FuLty ParticuLtars—BASINGSTOKE. SHow anp Fitting Rooms—30 HAYMARKET, LONDON, S.W. SEE OVER] T. BURBERRY & SONS, PATENTEES OF GABARDINE COMBINATIONS, SPORTSMAN’S STOCKINGS, &c. For’ EXTREME HEAT GABARDINE is UNSURPASSED. Wait-a-bit Thorns, Spear Grass, and the thickest bush have no effect on it. It turns rain like Tent Cloth. Is naturally ventilating, exceedingly light, cool, and comfortable. Turns hot or cold winds. Is indestructible and untearable. Mildew and tropical insects do not affect it. Worn by Sportsmen of tried standing in India, and pronounced superior to any other material for the Plains or the Mountains. In use in Her Majesty’s Government in the Forest Department of Africa. GABARDINE COMBINATIONS. PATENT. AIRYLIGHT ANGLING SUITS, Riding Pants, 35/- 42/-&c. Corea Pots Riding Coats, 42/- 52/6 &c. 8, 42/- 52/0 63/- CAPES for Shooting, Knicker Breeches, Fishing, Golfing, &c. Gaps (any shape), 7/6 30/, 35/, &e. UNLINED GABARDINE. Coats, 30/- net ae 35/- Knickerbockers, 21/- iding Pants, 25/- Knickerbreeches, 25/- aa Capes, 21/-, 25/-, &e,, Spats, 7/6 per pair. according to length. Gaiters. 7/6 per pair RAINPROOFED TESTIMONIALS, Covert Coatings & Saddle Tweeds. CANADA. Covert Coats, 35/- 42/- &c. The Senate, Ottawa. Paletots, 63/- 73/6 &c. « The material is superior to anything in the Riding Pants, 35/- & 42/- way of linen I have ever been able to get on ; this side of the water.” LGALC, RAINPROOFED QUEENSLAND. Harris, Shetland & Homespun Tweeds. “Darling Downs. “The garments have given us the atacee For Shooting, Fishin satisfaction ; they are perfect.” Sr Bo Golfing, etc. INDIA. Coats, 42/- 52/6 63/- et the kind of stuff for shooting in India Vests, 10/6 15/6 21/- . the thick for cold weather and moun- ‘ tain oo ihe light for sport on the plains, Knickerbreeches, W. BORN, Major-General M.S.C. 30/- 35/- 42/- To mnsaitts and Tweeds Rainproofed by a New and Permanent Electrical Process. Ladies’ Gabardine a a0) HAY MAREER, Combination. FITTING ROOMS, LONDON, 8.W. age Ta te Skirts, 30/- 42/- &. PATTERNS, MEASURE Forms, B A S I N C ST 0 K E oe Kaito oe & ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES, " and Tweeds same prices, BRECKNELL’S (5235) MEDAL USED IN THE ROYAL STABLES; BY HER MAJESTY’S Ss A D D L E. CAVALRY, AND eS ALL FOREIGN ARMIES. “ You can use nothing better.’’—The Field, Ss O A Pp a “Your Soap is the. best I have seen.” —RicHpD Owen, Captain. ; A.D.C. to H.E. the Commander-in-Chief in India. Brecknell, Turner, & Sons, Haymarket, London. To Her Majesty. COGSWELL & HARRISON. J* drawing attention to the following Rifles and Guns, specially constructed for Foreign Sport C. & H. would point out the unique advantages they possess in their Harrow Factory for the careful execution of all orders, which may be inspected at any stage during the process of manufacture, not omitting the Shooting powers that can be tested on their ranges—the most replete in the kingdom. EXPRESS RIFLES. Prices. Hammer or Hammerless, Top Lever, Triple-Grip, Safety Bolt, Regulation Charge for Light Charge for. Non-Fouling, Accuracy of highest Bore. C. & H.'s Express Rifles. C. & H.'s Express Rifles. -degree, to shoot C. & H.'s Regulation or Light Charges, Powder. Bullet. Powder. Bullet. ash. Credit. 400 dai scenis TIO grs, 230 97S. we... 83 gs. 230 RTS. wee £25 10 £30 0 ASO: —sasieote TIO. 5 | BOG ay weaceeene PTO) jy FOr. Gir ecosemnsn £35 14 £42 0 BOO patente 138 4, 44O yy, aevsunens 120! 45° “BAO? gy. Gaeaiicess £42 10 £50 0 SOT Suse wintcte TOS. 4; (BOG sy snssacune TOO! ip 820° 4, axceeaove £51 0 £60 0 Solid drawn Cartridge Cases. The Regulation Charges for C. & H.’s Express Rifles give greatly increased energy beyond those of the Light Charges, the striking force at 100 yards being augmented in some cases to over 20 per cent. Plain quality Express Rifle, Lever Over-Guard Action, Coiled Brass Cartridge Cases, for Light Charges oe £21 6s. Cash, £25 Credit. enerally speaking, these Light Charges ONLY are used by many makers in a// gualities of Rifles. Magnum or extra powerful Express Rifles to order. Sir Robert Harvey states: “I have used 8 bore, 577, and 450 bore Express Hammerless Rifles made for me by Messrs. Cogswell & Harrison, in India, Siam, Africa, &. They have given me every satisfac- tion, and I hope the 4-bore Rifle now being built for me will be equally successful. My friends to whom I have recommended them have, I believe, been equally well pleased.” LARGE BORE RIFLES. Shooting Large Charges of Powder, from £25 10s. Cash, £30 Credit. COLLECTORS’ GUNS. Guns Specially made for Shot and Ball Shooting. COGSWELL & HARRISON, 142 New Bond St., & 226 Strand, London. FACTORY :—HARROW. MEAGHER’S IMPROVED PORTABLE CAMERA (LONG FOCUS). Light, Portable, Rigid. Highest Awards Wherever Exhibited. Prices for Cameras with Single Swing Back, Reversing Frame, and Three Double Dark Slides, 6} by 43, £8 16s.; 8} by 64, £11; 10 by 8, £13 58. Double Swing Back, from 15s. extra. Brass Binding from 28s. extra. “The cameras you have already sent me are in constant use, but still look, and are, as good as ever.’—Zxtract of Letter From M. VY. Portman, Esq., Port Blair, Andamans Islands, India, Fanuary 25th, 1892. a FOR LARGER SIZES SEE CATALOGUE. TEN PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR CASH WITH ORDER. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES POST FREE. 21 SOUTHAMPTON ROW, HIGH HOLBORN, W.C. Shooting Trips Into the Interior. JAMES LAWRENCE & C0, the KIMBERLEY AGENTS of the BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA CO., beg to announce that they Undertake THE FITTING OUT of SHOOTING EXPEDITIONS to MASHONALAND and other Interior places on the most Favourable Terms. Thorough knowledge of the requtre- ments from personal experience. ENTIRE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. Telegraphic and Cable Address : Postal Address : “LAWRENCE,” Kimberley. Box 301, Kimberley, South Africa. BOZARD & GO., Gun & Rifle Manufacturers & Professional Gun Fitters. Inventors of the Bendometer (Patent) ‘ Anti-Friction Cartridges,’ ‘‘ Water Force Gauge,” ‘‘ Hammerless Ejector Gun” and ‘‘ Central Vision Guns.” SPECIALTIES: “THE QUEECH” (Registered) BALL and SHOT GUN. Shooting elongated, conical, express or solid bullets with the accuracy of an express rifle, and shot with the pattern and penetration of a first class shot gun. Price, with Hammers, from £20 to £35; Hammerless, £25 to £40, and Single Barrels from £12, Twelve or Sixteen Bores. THE “ZEPHYR” LIGHT GUNS. 12 Bores: weight from 61bs. ; made in 12, 16, 20 and 28 Bores. Specially suited for hot climates. Prices, Hammerless, from £28 10s. to £40 each ; with Hammer, from £20 to £35 cash THE “SIMPbLISSIMUS” EJECTOR, The most reliable and simple Ejector in the market. Intercepting Safety Locks, Prices from £25 10s. to £40. Special Quality, 17 Guineas. SPECIAL LIST FOR CHEAPER GUNS ON APPLICATION. 33 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON, W. PATRONISED BY His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Alexander of Russia and Suite, The Right Hon. Lord Randolph Churchill, Major Giles, Sir Wm. Ramsay Fairfax, Bart., &¢., &c., &c. POOLE’S HOTEL, NEW STREET, CAPE TOWN. YFProprietor = B. BRISCOE, late R.N. Telegraphic Code Address: ‘“ POOLH’S, Cape Town.” Excellent Cuisine. English and French Suites of Apartments. Every Home Comfort. Sportsmen visiting South Africa, by writing to the Proprietor in advance, can arrange for Shooting in the neighbourhood during the Season, January to June. HUNTING. TRARE BY SPECIAL APPOI NTMENT HER MAJESTY THE aie H.R.H. THE PRINGE OF WALES. H.I. & R.M. THE EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA. H.M. THE KING OF SPAIN, &c. Hammond & Co. (Established nearly a Century), BREEGHES & TROUSERS MAKERS, MILITARY & SPORTING TAILORS 465 OXFORD ST. Branch Establishments at : BRUSSELS - - 41 BOULEVARD DE WATERLOO. PARIS - - - - 8 PLACE VENDOME. Telegraphic address : BREECHES, LONDON. Sas. ae