X A. H. NEUMANN'S EXPERIENCE 197 



As has often been pointed out, the rhino is the most 

 intensely stupid of animals, and marvellously blind. So 

 much so, that it may often be approached even on a 

 bare plain with little trouble up wind. It is their very 

 stupidity and blindness which makes these beasts a source 

 of danger to passing caravans ; for should the wind be 

 blowing from them, and unless they be accompanied by 

 tick -birds, as they often are, which alarm them and 

 cause them to make off, they frequently remain un- 

 conscious of the approach of a caravan until it is close 

 to them, when, being suddenly confronted with a long 

 line of porters, they will sometimes charge straight 

 through it, apparently under the impression that there is 

 no other way of escape open. On the other hand, they 

 are keen-scented ; and if the wind be blowing in their 

 direction they start away at a quick trot as soon as the 

 taint reaches them, and while yet a long way off. 



As regards the much-disputed question, to what degree 

 the rhinoceros is a dangerous beast, the result of my 

 experience and observations is very decidedly to convince 

 me that, under ordinary circumstances and with proper 

 caution, there is not very much risk in shooting him, and 

 that the danger is not to be compared in any way with 

 that attending the pursuit of the elephant. At the same 

 time, there is always a possibility that one may charge, 

 and there is therefore a certain amount of excitement in 

 the sport ; and instances are not rare of men having 

 been badly injured by these beasts. . . . 



The Ndorobos kill these animals with their elephant 

 harpoons, or trap them in the same manner as elephants. 

 Those I have been among have far less fear of rhino- 

 ceroses than of elephants, and as a consequence it is a 

 rare thing to see a rhino in country much frequented by 

 such of these people as have much skill and courage in 

 elephant-hunting. The same applies to Swahilis, many 

 of whom think nothing of shooting a " faro," though they 

 would not dream of attacking elephants. 



