Big Game Shooting 



— which is, I understand, the correct term used in 

 pugilistic encounters by champions of the ring — 

 and drawing a steady bead, he plumped down in 

 due course, bringing to an end a real good sporting 

 day. I have made no mention of the numbers in 

 the different herds of the game we saw, but it 

 will, I hope, be understood that their name was 

 legion. In a game country in the African wilds 

 it is almost impossible to put into writing the 

 countless myriads of game. One might almost be 

 said to be spoilt for shooting big game after 

 shooting in these paradises. One certainly often 

 goes out amidst these innumerable herds without 

 firing a shot, and comes home empty because one 

 does not want any male head or animal for the 

 sake of shooting it. One learns at first dis- 

 crimination, which comes by experience, and 

 from that is certain to be bred a higher term 

 or use of the word " sport," which is used every 

 day by the million and really thoroughly under- 

 stood by so few. To my mind the term " sport ' 

 and " playing the game" are synonymous. "Live 

 and let live " is another well-known proverb, and 

 almost comes under the same heading. 



Back to camp in the heart of Africa — with 

 the gleam of the camp fires, the hum of the 

 entourage of soldiers and servants, the fire-flies 

 flitting through the trees like tiny electric lights, 

 a sentry challenging now and again — with a good 

 and tried friend who understands one, talking 



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