NATIVE HUNTERS. 35 



ability, may find that he can beat the hillsman in the flat, wooded country, and 

 the inhabitant of this latter country when in the hills. 



In introspective reasoning the native is often weak, where such reasoning 

 does not immediately concern the capture or death of the animal. For instance, 

 " because he is fierce " is, to the native mind, a conclusively satisfactory reason for 

 the rhino breaking up his dung, and the latter fact is also considered as a certain 

 proof of- the former statement. 



" That's what makes him mad " is a sufficient reason for the presence of 

 hundreds of maggots in the same animal's intestines. 



With the wealth of information which must be stored in his mind about animals 

 and their ways, it is with the utmost difficulty that any of it can be elicited. If asked 

 a question, he is so occupied with trying to give you the answer you want, trying not 

 to give himself away as a liar, and various other considerations, that it rarely occurs to 

 him to give a direct answer, and he will generally try to compromise. 



The way to obtain information is to observe him, and in talking to him give him 

 leads, but never leading questions, and listen to what he has to say, especially when 

 talking to another hunter. 



You will then get a mixture of sense, founded on minute observation and myth, 

 based on superstition, which you can separate out for yourself. 



For instance, he will point out all the trees elephant feed on, and the next moment 

 will tell you that crocs, pythons, and water-lizards all hatch indiscriminately out of 

 crocs' eggs. 



He is nearly always incapable of explaining his reasons for any given course of 

 conduct, and gives one the idea of acting on instinct. 



The only firearms native hunters are able to obtain are, as a rule, muzzle-loaders, 

 such as Tower muskets and flintlocks. 



As the powder also is generally of indifferent quality, he has to get up very close 

 before firing, and then he will generally try for the neck shot, especially with game, 

 like buffalo, as the ball would not carry into the heart or brain. 



The bullets are often made of iron, some being spherical, and others cylindrical 

 {vide illustration). In the case of dangerous game, he would always choose the 

 young for preference, as being easier to approach and kill, the trophy being of no 

 account to him, except in the case of elephant, of which he would sell the ivory. 



The powder horn is usually that of a young buffalo and worn by some at the side 

 (as by the Ruga Ruga), and others in front of the waist (as by the Achikunda). 



Before setting out for an expedition a favourable omen is sought either by 

 casting lots or by dreams, to which latter he attaches great importance, and would 



