HUNTING THE KOODOO. 377 



Owing to the nature of the ground which they frequent, it 

 is a very difficult matter to ride them down, and they are 

 usually obtained by stalking or stealing stealthily upon them. 

 When, however, the hunter discovers a heavy old buck koodoo 

 on level ground, there is no great difficulty to ride into him, 

 his speed and endurance being very inferior to that of the 

 oryx. I could have stood contemplating him for hours, but 

 darkness was fast setting in ; so, having off-saddled and knee- 

 haltered our horses, we carefully removed the head and com- 

 menced skinning him. The skin of the koodoo, though thin, 

 is extremely tough, and is much prized by the colonists for 

 " foreslocks," or lashes for ox-wagon whips. The koodoo 

 skin was my mattrass, my saddle was my pillow ; and supper- 

 less I lay down to rest, without any covering save an old 

 shirt and a pair of leather crackers. The excitement of the 

 thrilling sport which I had enjoyed prevented my sleeping 

 until a late hour ; and when at length I closed my eyes, I 

 dreampt that I was surrounded by a troop of lions, and awaking 

 with a loud cry, startled my men and horses. 



32' 



