 The geographical range of the quagga does not appear to extend to the northward of the river Vaal . The animal was formerly extremely common within the colony ; but , vanishing before the strides of civilisation , is now to be found in very limited numbers and on the borders only . Beyond , on those sultry plains which are completely taken possession of by wild beasts , and may with strict propriety be termed the domains of savage nature , it occurs in interminable herds ; and , although never intermixing with its more elegant congeners , it is almost invariably to be found ranging with the white @-@ tailed gnu and with the ostrich , for the society of which bird especially it evinces the most singular predilection . Moving slowly across the profile of the ocean @-@ like horizon , uttering a shrill , barking neigh , of which its name forms a correct imitation , long files of quaggas continually remind the early traveller of a rival caravan on its march . Bands of many hundreds are thus frequently seen doing their migration from the dreary and desolate plains of some portion of the interior , which has formed their secluded abode , seeking for those more luxuriant pastures where , during the summer months , various herbs thrust forth their leaves and flowers to form a green carpet , spangled with hues the most brilliant and diversified . 
