30 CENTRAL AFRICAN GAME AND ITS SPOOR. 



Once they have been fired at, they are rather shy, and do not stay up for long, 

 and unless they are in a detached pool will probably make tracks for a safer 

 neighbourhood. 



The sportsman should try and wound as few as possible, for they are harmless 

 beasts if unwounded. 



There is no doubt that a wounded hippo will attack a passing canoe, but when 

 unmolested they will invariably make way, and are good-natured animals. 



Solid bullets should always be used for these animals, and there are no better 

 weapons than the "303, '275, or '256. 



BUFFALO. 



This animal has always been painted blacker than it is as regards its usual 

 behaviour, but when once wounded there is hardly a more dangerous beast, especially 

 if it has to be followed up in thick cover. 



Care should be taken, therefore, to put a deadly shot in at first, and there is no 

 better place to shoot than the point of the shoulder if the beast is broadside on. 



If facing, and its head is up, shoot at the base of the neck for a raking 

 body shot. 



If quarter facing, aim at the side of the neck so that the bullet will get to the 

 opposite shoulder. 



The best type of bullet for buffalo would be the dum-dum, that is a bullet with 

 the lead just exposed at the point. 



For close quarters, in following a wounded animal, a big bore might be 

 useful, for there is no doubt that once a wounded buffalo has made up its mind 

 to charge, it means business, so it is better to have something in one's hand 

 that will knock it down or knock all the charge out of it, though on ordinary 

 occasions they can be killed easily enough with "303 and "256 rifles. 



Solids are also good for buffalo, but we think a bullet with lead just showing 

 the best. 



If using a single-loading rifle, load up quickly after each shot, and if a magazine 

 is used be sure there are cartridges in the magazine as a reserve. 



If charged it would be easy to escape if a tree was handy, or an ant-hill. In the 

 open, of course, it would not be necessary to go closer than 100 yards, at which 

 distance there would be no difficulty in killing the animal. \\'ounded animals, 

 however, will seldom be found in the open if there is cover about, unless they are so 

 badly wounded that they are unable to reach it. 



