ROOSEVELT'S EXPERIENCE IN THE JUNGLE. 149 



They live in large herds on the great plains. When first 

 alarmed, like a restive horse, tossing their heads and tails, and but- 

 ting at the mole-hills, or any other object that might be in their 

 way; but immediately after, off they start, traversing the ground 

 with a speed which soon carries them beyond the reach of danger. 

 They do not run in a confused crowd, like sheep or oxen, but in 

 single file, following the leader, and exhibiting an agreeable regu- 

 larity as they bound over the plains. 



''When hunted they will turn upon the hunter, and pursue 

 him, dropping on their knees before making an attack, and ther» 

 darting forward with amazing alacrity and force. 



WONDERFUL ANTIPATHY TO SCARLET. 



"In common with the ox and buffalo," says Captain Harris, 

 "the gnu has an unconquerable aversion to scarlet — pawing the 

 earth and becoming perfectly furious on the sudden display of that 

 color. In situations where these whimsical animals had been ren- 

 dered more than usually wild by the incessant persecutions of the 

 border colonists, I frequently found it requisite, in order to allure 

 the herd within range, to hoist a red pocket handkerchief upon the 

 muzzle of my rifle. 



"This exhibition invariably produced the most violent tumult 

 and excitement, and caused the whole troop to charge past in single 

 file — 'with mane erect and blazing eye' — following their leader, 

 flinging out their taper heels, whisking their streaming tails, but- 

 ting with their horns in so menacing a manner, and displaying emo- 

 tions of such violent frenzy, that I was fain to strike my colors and 

 have recourse to my weapons — when they instantly whirled and 

 pranced confidently round at a safer distance, headed by their 

 swarthy chief." 



It was by means of this exhibition of scarlet, the scent of which 

 Mr. Selous revealed to the American, that Col. Roosevelt's first 

 game in Africa was enticed within reach of his death-dealing rifle. 



While game was plentiful on the plain, it was exceedingly 

 wise and wary. The fame of the Colonel seemed almost to have 

 reached the animal kingdom, for no sooner did he appear, rifle in 



