IV 



PREFACE. 



spoor — we quite realise that there are many more able and experienced hunters who 

 would be better qualified than we are to write on this subject ; but as none of them 

 have done so (with the exception of one German book on the spoor of European wild 

 animals) we have taken the trouble to collect the various data and bring forward this 

 book, until such time as a better hunter, with more information at his disposal, will be 

 able to improve on it. 



Probably many people will censure the book on the score that small bore high 

 velocity weapons have been recommended in preference to large bores. In reply we 

 would say that if a sportsman prefers to use a double 500 cordite for all game, let 

 him do so ; but the authors have been very successful with the 256 Mannlicher and 

 the 303, and therefore recommend them for all-round work and for first shots. 



We deem accuracy and handiness more valuable than weight, and we certainly 

 think that no bore greater than the 360 cordite is necessary for the largest of African 

 game ; but if wished a heavy bore might come in useful for following wounded 

 dangerous beasts into thick cover. In this book we have not dealt with hunting 

 experiences or adventures, as such will be found in many sporting works on the game 

 of Africa. 



Big game shooting would possess little fascination for the majority of sportsmen 

 if a certain amount of risk was altogether absent, but we are inclined to think it is 

 perhaps not so dangerous, taking ordinary precautions, as it is often made out 

 to be. 



Charges do not take place every day, but at the same time it must be understood 

 that all wounded beasts when closely approached are liable to charge; even 

 the humble tom cat will sometimes scratch after being peppered with No. 5. 



So if the hunter follows wounded lion into thick grass, or rhino into dense 

 thorn bush, he will run as much risk as the most ardent fire-eater can desire. 



There is no excitement on earth to be compared to approaching big and dangerous 

 game, and the excitement increases when one is trying to get up to a wounded 

 animal. Also there is no joy on earth compared to standing over a dead bull 

 elephant that has been followed through all his windings for perhaps a whole day. 



The free, open-air life, the solitude, and the lovely camp scenes are fascinating 

 beyond description. 



