92 GUINEA-FOWL ^TKOOP OP GIRAFFES. 



On the evening of our arrival at Onanis, we had started 

 an immense number of Guinea-fowls near the water, and, 

 thinking it a favorable opportunity to replenish our exhaust- 

 ed larder, I slung a double-barreled gun across my shoulder, 

 and immediately started off; but, though I soon found the 

 birds, they were so wild that for a long time I could not get 

 within range of them. At last, after having chased them 

 about the rocks till I was nearly tired, they scattered them- 

 selves among the stones, and lay so close that, unless I 

 almost trod upon them, they would not rise. With a steady 

 pointer, I believ«k the whole flock might easily have been 

 killed, and, as it was, I made a very large bag. 



The flesh of the wild Guinea-fowl — that of the young, at 

 least — is tender and well-flavored, and their eggs are excel- 

 lent. The speed of this bird is almost incredible. On even 

 ground a man is no match for it. Where the country is well 

 wooded, the best plan to shoot them is with a "cocker," or 

 other dog that challenges freely to them when "treed;" 

 for while the birds are intently watching his movements, 

 they may easily be approached within gun-shot. With a 

 small pea-rifle this sort of sport is particularly amusing. 



Early on the afternoon of the second day, Hans having 

 now partially recovered, we started from Onanis, and with 

 the exception of a short stoppage, for the purpose of prepar- 

 ing some coffee and to allow the cattle to take a few mouth- 

 fuls of grass, we traveled throughout the whole night. 



Soon after daylight we discovered a numerous troop of 

 giraffes. The country, however, was open and unfavorable 

 for stalking, and before we could get within range they were 

 off. The speed of these animals is by no means inconsider- 

 able, more especially on gently rising ground. In such a 

 locality, and from their being very long-winded, a tolerably- 

 swift horse is seldom able to overtake them under less than 

 two or three miles. It is one of the most curious sights im- 

 aginable to see a troop of these animals at full speed, balanc- 



