DIFFICULT HUNTING 



after reached camp, which was in the opposite direc- 

 tion to that in which I had been walking. This shows 

 how extraordinarily easy it is to lose one's way in the 

 bush, where there are no landmarks of any kind to 

 guide one. The Somali get lost quite often, but they 

 generally cut marks on all the big trees which direct 

 the real bushman, but convey nothing to the others. 



I had many such unsuccessful days, for hunting 

 in Jubaland is particularly difficult, and weeks may be 

 consumed before success at last crowns your efforts. 

 On another occasion I left camp long before dawn, 

 and reached a large plain half an hour later. Here I 

 waited till the first streaks of light were apparent in 

 the east, when, leaving everyone but the guide under 

 a tree, I started out on foot. I had not gone half a 

 mile, when in the dim light I made out a small herd 

 of topi, who saw me at the same instant, and faced 

 round sneezing and stamping. I immediately sank 

 down into the grass out of sight, as it was too dark to 

 shoot ; and then began rather a curious wait. I lay 

 on my back on the burned grass and watched the 

 light increasing and the soft fleecy clouds growing 

 rosy as dawn broke, and all around me I could 

 hear the sneeze, sneeze of the topi, with now and 

 then a grunt and a snort ; but they did not run away 

 immediately, for their curiosity was greater than their 

 fear. 



It was extraordinarily peaceful and I thoroughly 

 enjoyed the half-hour that passed before these sounds 

 died away, and I knew I could get up and follow the 

 herd. But to cut a long story short, I never got a 

 shot; they were thoroughly frightened, and finally I 

 lost them completely. So I gave up the chase and 

 rejoined my men where I had left them. 



Ill 



