I76 THROUGH GASA LAND. 



comparison with those of our colour. Fighting 

 with each other, and coveting and purloining their 

 playmates' toys, are species of cupidity and selfish- 

 ness they are not possessed of. I am inclined to 

 think that a high standard of education through 

 successive generations is to a great extent answer- 

 able for our brats being so objectionable. 



Being naturally of a confiding disposition, and not 

 impossibly with a desire to show to the natives that 

 even brutes recognise the superiority of the white 

 man over their race, I one day intentionally trusted 

 myself within the restricted range afforded the young 

 rhino' by his rheim. The artful scoundrel apparently 

 knew this, and took advantage of it, so charged. 

 Not expecting such a reception, I slipped my foot, 

 and fell, in an endeavour to get out of the way, 

 fortunately beyond the prescribed limits of his 

 captivity. Of course I got well laughed at, and 

 deservedly so. I should have done likewise if the 

 mishap had occurred to anyone else ; but I certainly 

 dislike very much playing the part of buffoon or low 

 comedian for the entertainment of my dependants. 

 I fear that I have often done so on this expedition, 

 but it has been the result of not recognising danger 

 soon enough, and also being hampered about my 

 limbs with trousers, which much reduces a person's 

 agility. The great Gordon Cumming and the Hon. 

 Mr. Drummond, I have been informed, frequently 

 dispensed with their nether garments when in the 



