BOER MARKSMANSHIP. 253 



sideration, I think wire fencing would fail to confine 

 game within definite limits, as pachyderms and 

 buffaloes would go through it with little more 

 inconvenience than they would feel in passing 

 through cobwebs barbs notwithstanding and 

 through outlets made by them lighter game would 

 levant too. 



Before closing this chapter, it may interest some 

 readers to be informed that the inherent pioneering 

 instinct of our Dutch fellow colonists is again 

 finding vent in a " trek " of considerable dimensions 

 to N'Gaamiland, which is probably now (May, 1 898) 

 struggling through the Great South African Thirst 

 Land towards its goal in the north-west. 



This " trek " was initiated by a Dutch padre 

 named Hoffmeyer, and it is said he is to join it 

 in the capacity of the pastor of the adventurers. 

 If this is true, he will achieve a record, as his 

 reverend brethren in South Africa have hitherto 

 been mainly distinguished for a limpet-like 

 adherence to localities, where this position secures 

 them a degree of comfort, and even luxury 

 uncommon enough hereaway, outside the million- 

 aire ranks, and abundant leisure, the normal con- 

 dition of their professional existence ; and it is safe 



