GIRAFFES, AND HOW TO CAPTURE THEM 147 



such an expedition as I speak of would result in 

 the capture of from four to six giraffe calves. There 

 would be an element of risk, of course, but it would 

 be a slight one. I will answer for it that Khama's 

 hearty co-operation could be secured for such a 

 scheme. An emissary, used to veldt life, a good 

 rider and shot, could be sent up to Palachwe with 

 hunting horses at no great expense. There a wagon 

 and oxen could be procured, as well as all stores and 

 provisions, and half-a-dozen milch cows. Hunters, 

 drivers, and servants would be provided by the chief 

 at moderate rates, and absolute obedience to orders 

 would, as I can personally vouch, be assured by 

 Khama's commands. The best season to attempt 

 the capture would be in January or February, when 

 the calves would be young. There would be some 

 risk of fever on the Botletli river at that season ; but 

 that must be hazarded, and the wagon could stand 

 a mile or two away from the waterside so as to avoid 

 malaria. 



Before the expedition started, a trusty messenger 

 from Khama should be despatched to the Masarwas, 

 Bakurutse, and Makalakas, some forty or fifty miles 

 up the river, telling them to spoor up and trace the 

 herds of giraffes containing quite young calves. This 

 would be no very difficult matter ; the Masarwa 

 Bushmen of that district, marvellous trackers and 

 hunters as they are, are pretty sure to know the 



