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1895.] ANTELOPES OF THE TRANSVAAL. 361 T H E STEINBUCK. Neotragus campestris. Shangaan : Shipeni. Swazi: Njena. This species is common in the open flats of the Barberton district on the rolling grassy slopes, haunting the same spots. Startled, it rushes off with rapid bounds at a great pace at first, but at a distance of a hundred yards or more, if not shot at or pursued, will often stand and have a good look at you. With good dogs and a steady shooting horse they can be readily bagged with a shot-gun loaded with S.G. The white tail is very noticeable as it retreats. Its flesh is very palatable. A variety, which has the local name of the Grys Steinbuck, is found near the Lebomo Mountains. It appears to have coarser hair and shorter legs than the above-mentioned species. THE GRYSBUCK. Neotragus melanotis. This little animal is found north of the Sabi River as far as the Murchison range, sparingly over the intervening tract of country- the eastern and north-eastern portion of the Transvaal. THE ORIBI. Neotragus scoparius. Zulu: Iula. This small antelope is n o w rare in the D e Kaap valley near Barberton, and though sportsmen tell m e it used to be found in great numbers, yet now it only occurs in pairs, and frequents favourite spots on the higher ridges apart from human habitations or traversed paths. W h e n startled it gives great leaps into the air, and is easily knocked over with a 12-bore and large shot. Its flesh is good, and very pleasant as a stew in particular. THE KLIPSPRINGER. Oreotragus saltator. Swazi: Ikoka. This quaint little hill-climber is everywhere sparingly distributed over the D e Kaap district, wherever the ground is rocky and suitable. On 23rd April, 1894, I had a curious proof of its self-possession, for passing in the Pretoria and Delagoa Bay train, through that wild and rocky defile known as Krokodil Poort, I saw within 15 yards of the train, which was travelling at full speed, two of these small antelopes, which were regarding us most unconcernedly. W h e n frightened, they go over the roughest ground with unerring jumps. A captive doe which I saw was dangerous to children. On 10th June, 1893,1 dissected a female that contained a |-grown foetus. When shot, a slight fall will bring its coarse and bristly hair out, literally in handfuls-a fact that I have never seen satisfactorily explained, caused, as it is, by a most trivial blow or friction in falling. |
