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Show 362 ON THE ANTELOPES OF THE TRANSVAAL. [May 7, ROAN ANTELOPE. Hippotragus equinus. Zulu: Takayezi. There were a few of these fine animals on the Oliphants River in the Transvaal. A Boer called one that he had shot a " Bastard Gemsbok," though they have a knack of styling it the " Bastard Eland " also. THE HARTEBEESTE. Bubalis caama. Zulu : Indhluzela. There are a few of these antelopes on the banks of the Krokodil River, opposite Hector's Spruit, and also in the East Lydenburg District of the Transvaal and in South Gazaland. SABLE ANTELOPE. Hippotragus niger. Zulu : Impal-impeda. Some of these glorious antelopes still linger between the Sabi and Krokodil Rivers, but, as far as w e could ascertain, there was only one small troop. THE BLUEBUCK. Cephalophus monticola. Zulu : Inpiti. Sangaan : Inhlingwaan. The feet of this tiny antelope I obtained from a necklace that a native was wearing in the Barberton district of the Transvaal; but I do not believe it is found nearer thau Natal, where I got it from the River Umsinkulu. A smaller form (C. natcdensisf), which is red in colour, is found to the north of Delagoa Bay. THE DUIKER. Cephalophus cjrimmi. Zulu and Swazi: Impunzi. This is by far the commonest and most widely distributed of all the small antelopes in the eastern portion of the Transvaal which abuts on Swaziland. Hills and plains, wooded slopes of dongas, and elsewhere this is the first and last species you will see. Its protective resemblance to its surroundings is perfect, and until it moves it is invisible to the keenest sight. The vitality it possesses is proverbial. The flesh is good eating. One case I know of, all four feet were shot away with a charge of buck-shot, and yet it went a hundred yards, until a dog pulled it down. A Martini bullet, unless in a vital spot, will not stop it. It is easily tamed, and makes an attractive little pet; but the males, when their horns grow, are fearless and even vindictive: a tame buck raised by a friend of mine put his horns first through his band and then through his thigh, and had to be shot. I know of one instance in which, with both parents captive, a young one was successfully reared. Their skins vary in every conceivable tint of grey and brown in the same district, and are very commonly used by the Swazis for making their " mutyas," or fur girdles. |