HUNTING IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. 



213 



ELAND. 



ries of which were highly ornamental. We soon perceived 

 large herds of quaggas and brindled gnoos, which continued 

 to join each other, until the whole plain seemed alive. The 

 clatter of their hoofs was perfectly astounding, and I could 

 compare it to nothing but to the din of a tremendous charge 

 of cavalry, or the rushing of a mighty tempest. I could not 

 estimate the accumulated numbers at less than fifteen thous- 

 and ; a great extent of country being actually checkered black 

 and white with their congregated masses. As the panic 

 caused by the report of our rifles, extended, clouds of dust 

 hovered over them ; and the long necks of troops of 

 ostriches were also to be seen, towering above the heads of 

 of their less gigantic neighbors, and sailing past with asto- 

 nishing rapidity. Groups of purple sassaybes, and brilliant 

 red and yellow hartebeests, likewise lent their aid to complete 

 the picture, which must have been seen to be properly under- 



