28 CENTRAL AFRICAN GAME AND ITS SPOOR. 



wind right. When an elephant charges it is difficult to say what is the best thing to 

 do, for circumstances may vary. 



In most cases we think the hunter should keep quite still, seeing, of course, that 

 there is a cartridge in the chamber. 



This he should lire at close quarters and at the chest, as the trunk will generally 

 be curled, and the head thrown up, masking the brain shot, to try and drop or turn it. 



If, after delivering this shot, the animal still comes on, a bolt would be advisable, 

 but make for the spot whence the beast has come, trying to load up quickly. To 

 run directly away from an animal is a fatal thing to do. All large animals are 

 quicker and more agile than one supposes, and the speed with which an irate elephant 

 or rhino can cover the ground is an eye-opener. 



RHINO. 



Many of our remarks on the elephant, as regards vital shots, are applicable to 

 this animal, with the addition, perhaps, of a shot in the centre of the neck ; but this is 

 a difficult shot, and we don't recommend it being tried at first. The brain of a rhino 

 is very small and far back in the skull, and, if broadside on, a bullet about the earhole 

 should reach it. 



So many of these beasts have been killed with modern small-bore rifles that we 

 think they are the best weapons to use for this animal. 



Neumann, in his book, " Elephant Hunting in East Equatorial Africa," mentions 

 how deadly he found the "303 for these animals, and we know of many being killed in 

 Central Africa with the same bore, as well as with the Mannlicher and Mauser. 



They are much easier to kill than elephant or buffalo. 



It is advisable to watch game being cut up, so as to exactly locate the positions 

 of the vital organs. 



A little ocular demonstration is better than pages of advice, though, until the 

 animal has been brought to bag, a hint or two may be better than nothing. 



In following a wounded rhino he will almost invariably be found head on, waiting 

 with the head held high. In a case like this one would aim for a raking shot through 

 the shoulder. 



Rhino, when they charge, often do not turn, but hold straight on, and so may 

 be dodged, though they have been known to turn and follow when they really 

 meant business. 



They inhabit very thick country, so shots at close quarters are the rule, but if the 

 hunter is cool this is an advantage, for it enables him to shoot more accurately. 



