Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/293

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covered with insects before it withdraws it, which manoeuvre it repeats until it is satisfied.[1] The Ant-bear is sometimes surprised in the open in the day-time by the Boers, who hunt it with dogs, in wbich case, though unprovided with teeth, it defends itself most effectually by striking out with its strong fore-arms, and tumbles its assailants over right and left, often ripping them up with its dangerous claws. When run to earth, the Boers try to dig it out; but this is no easy matter, for it can make its way underground often more rapidly than they can follow it. They have a way, however, of stopping its progress by stamping, or striking heavily with a pole on the ground over its head, and this confuses it, probably from its uncertainty as to the direction from which danger may be expected. The flesh is considered fit for table, and, according to the Boers, eats like excellent pork, the crackling being esteemed especially delicious. The Hottentots are particularly fond of it."

Speaking of the mode of hunting amongst the Kaffirs, the author states that—

"When game is scarce they hunt in large parties, and surround a considerable tract of country; the game, consisting of antelopes of various kinds, interspersed with hares and partridges, is driven by the gradually contracting circle towards the centre, where it is eventually despatched with 'knob-kerries' and assegais, the former a long knobbed stick of heavy wood, which they throw with great dexterity, being able to knock down a partridge on the wing at thirty yards."

The Zulus hunt in the same way. Immediately around Pietermaritzberg, game is comparatively scarce, consisting principally of the small Ipite-bok, a graceful little antelope, hyaenas, wild pig, and leopards; but as the sportsman advances further towards the Drachenberg, and Umzumkulu, he meets with rhinoceros, hippopotamus, lions, and giraffes.

The author's account of Ostrich-farming at the Cape, a topic which he could scarcely have passed over, is neither so full nor so accurate as might have been expected. When writing this chapter, he was evidently unaware how fully the subject had been dealt with in a work entitled 'Ostriches and Ostrich Farming,' published a year ago by Messrs. Tiiibner & Co.

A. singular account is given (p. 221) of the effect upon antelopes and other wild animals of a shower of "sleety snow," which fell continuously for three days. So fatal did this prove to the animals

  1. ↑ A coloured lithograph is given of the animal, in the characteristic position here described.
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