302 HUNTING FAVOURITES 



the soil, and, consequently, would have been passed 

 without our being aware of its existence. Pre- 

 senting my valuable friend with something edible, I 

 move on to inspect the bullocks. By this time the 

 heat, having become sufficiently effective, all are on 

 their legs, standing in the order in which they treck 

 the waggon, to which each belongs, for all sleep tied 

 by strong rheims around their horns to their respec- 

 tive yokes. The driver of each team makes his 

 report, pointing out the footsore and sick, if any 

 such there be. Then the ailing are examined, and 

 if nothing serious is the matter, all walk off under 

 the guardianship of the voor-looper in search of the 

 most nutritious pastures to be found within easy 

 distance. 



Now, however uninteresting an animal an ox may 

 appear, I assure all that " there are bullocks and 

 there are bullocks." Your leaders and after-oxen 

 must be possessed of certain qualities, and these 

 qualities are the result of specialities of character, 

 and the more you study and become accustomed 

 to them, the more you will find to appreciate 

 in them. Of all things, if you want them to serve 

 you well and willingly, do not resort to the whip 

 unless absolutely necessary. In 1882 I had a pair 

 of after-bullocks and leaders which never required 

 more than the voice to hasten or direct their course, 

 and as the intermediate animals follow the example 

 of those in front, an occasional show of whip was 

 ample for all purposes. 



