438 TRIUMPHANT CLOSE OF A THRILLING HUNT. 



No killing was done wantonly. Time and again game was 

 spared, the hmiters becoming naturalists and studying the habits 

 and characteristics of the animals. 



Thirteen thousand specimens, many extremely rare, were ob- 

 tained. They make a remarkable collection, includins: lions, white 

 and black rhinoceroses, elephatits, hippopotami, nyciLaa <and digdig. 

 The latter is an antelope smaller than a jack rabbit. 



The collection is regarded not only by the party, but by 

 Africans, as remarkable. Its like does not exist. The work of 

 collecting was attended with great hardships and much personal 



danger. 



ROOSEVELT ESCAPES ELEPHANT. 



In one instance, Colonel Roosevelt shot a bull elephant without 

 noticing that another was near by. The latter dashed at him, 

 touching the Colonel wath its trunk as it passed. The hunter saved 

 himself by a quick jump behind a tree. 



Nearly every day dangerous incidents were recorded, but, 

 fortunately, not a single white man in the party was injured 

 throughout the expedition. The Colonel and Kermit retained their 

 health, thus disproving Professor Starr's gruesome suggestion made 

 in Chicago that they probably would be ill. The other four whites 

 were ill, and also some of the blacks, one of the latter dying. On 

 the last hunt Colonel Roosevelt and his son were the only ones in 

 the party Vvho were in fit condition to shoot. 



Colonel Roosevelt was especially touched by the action of the 

 men in saving the last bottle of water for his use. 



Every man speaks in the highest terms of the bravery of the 

 others in the party. The blacks were particularly enthusiastic 

 regarding the Colonel and Kermit. They have a keen affection 

 for the former, because of the interest and care he had manifested 

 for their welfare. 



Eleven blacks, garbed in the remnants of civilized costumes, 

 one with the lobes of his ears cut in twain, surrounded Colonel 

 Roosevelt, standing at attention, while he pointed them out to 

 visitors. 



