A JOURNEY UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 369 



great solicitude for their sufferings, binding their wounds with 

 rare skill, but, in spite of all his efforts, two of the men who 

 had been desperately wounded expired, although the other one 

 was in a fair way for recovery when he left. 



While in the Sotik district the Colonel made excellent use 

 of his time and found that the assurances he had received were 

 fully warranted. In addition to a miscellaneous collection of 

 game of assorted description, he succeeded in bagging two more 

 rhinoceroses, a wildebeeste and a number of other specimens. 



Colonel Roosevelt evinces more pleasure when successful in 

 securing a good-sized rhinoceros than over almost any other 

 trophy he may secure. He seems to appreciate more keenly 

 the difficulties surrounding the hunt after one of these masto- 

 dons, as their ponderous size and almost invulnerable hide 

 necessitates skillful marksmanship to reach a vital spot. 



RHINOCEROS' SIGHT IMPERFECT. 



The sight of the rhinoceros appears to be rather imperfect, 

 the animal being unable to see objects which are exactly in 

 its front, although their scent and hearing are very acute, and 

 seem to warn the animal of the approach of danger. 



Of African rhinoceroses four species are clearly ascertained, 

 and it is very probable that others may yet be in existence. 

 Two of the known species are black, and the other two white ; 

 the animals differing from each other not only in color, but in form, 

 dimensions, habits and disposition. The commonest of the African 

 species is the borele, rhinaster, or little black rhinoceros, of 

 Southern Africa; an animrd which may be easily distinguished 

 from its relations by the shape of the horns and the upper lip. 



In the borele the foremost horn is of considerable length, 

 and bent rather backward, while the second horn is short, conical, 

 and much resembles the weapon of the Indian animal. The 

 head is rather rounded, and the pointed upper lip overlaps 

 the lower, and is capable of considerable extension. 



The rhinoceros Colonel Roosevelt killed was a large, thick- 

 skinned animal and had two stout horns in its snout, which 



H. B. G.— 24 



