Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/245

Rh drought, returning in time, no doubt, each to its particular haunts. I do not think that there is any difference between the "Trek-bokke" and the "Hou-bokke," except in the matter of weight, the Trek-bokke averaging about 10 lb. to 15 lb. lighter. This difference in weight, however, is probably accounted for by the quieter life of the "Hou-bokke," for veld will permanently support a few Bucks in good condition where a large number would starve. I do not know whether there were "Hou-bokke" in the earlier days. To-day the veld is never so eaten off and destroyed as when the Bucks and other game were in such enormous numbers, so there is no need for the few Bucks now left to migrate. But in the north-west of the Colony, and in Great Namaqualand, they are evidently still to be found in large numbers, and these, when a severe drought comes, trek into the Karoo of the Colony in search of food. As I have said, these Bucks, when trekking down, do not travel fast; but the old Dutch farmers, who should know their habits well, say that when they return they travel at a great pace, even as fast as one hundred miles a day. How true this is I cannot say; it cannot seem impossible to such as know the extraordinary fleetness and staying power of these Antelopes. However considered, the Trek-bokken are one of the most wonderful occurrences in a wonderful country. Yet it is probable that the days of the very large treks are past, and that such a sight as we saw in 1896 will never be seen again.

[Mr. Cronwright-Schreiner informs us he has also sent this communication to the 'Cape Times.' —]