THE CAPE HUNTING-DOG 



577 



of light feet as of a pack of wolves close on every side of me, accompanied by the 

 most unearthly sounds. On raising my head, to my utter horror, I saw on every 

 side nothing but savage wild dogs, chattering and growling. On my right and on 

 my left, and within a few paces of me, stood two lines of these ferocious-looking 

 animals, cocking their ears and stretching their necks to have a look at me ; while 

 two large troops, in which there were at least forty of them, kept dashing back- 

 ward across my view, within a few yards of me, chattering and growling with 

 the most extraordinary volubility. Another troop of wild dogs were fighting over 

 the wildebeest I had shot, which they had begun to devour. On beholding them I 

 expected no other fate than to be instantly torn to pieces and consumed. 



jvTTT^"" - .. . 



-- - --. - 



. 



HUNTING-DOGS CHASING GEMSBOK. 



However, I had presence of mind to consider that the human voice and a deter- 

 mined bearing might overawe them, and accordingly, springing to my feet, I 

 stepped on the little ledge surrounding the hole, while, drawing myself to my full 

 height, I waved my large blanket with both hands, at the same time addressing my 

 savage assembly in a loud and solemn manner. This had the desired effect ; the wild 

 dogs removed to a more respectful distance, barking at me something like collies." 



Probably a sight like this cannot at the present day be witnessed, although 

 hunting-dogs are still numerous in the Kilima-njaro district. Of scarcely less in- 

 terest than these large assemblies must, however, be the spectacle of two or more of 

 these animals in full pursuit of an antelope. Such a hunt was witnessed by Mr. 

 Selous in Bechuanaland, the pursued being a male sable antelope, and the pursuer a 

 37 



