Chap. XXVII.] SOUTHERN AFRICA. 239 



consequence of the twin-like resemblance of two 

 scarped hills, we regained the waggons after sunset. 



The spell was now broken, and the secret of 

 cameleopard hunting discovered. The next day 

 Richardson and myself killed three ; one a female, 

 slipping upon muddy ground, and falling with 

 great violence, before she had been wounded, a 

 shot in the head despatched her as she lay. From 

 this time we could reckon confidently upon two 

 out of each troop that we were fortunate enough to 

 find, always approaching as near as possible, in 

 order to ensure a good start, galloping into the 

 middle of them, hoanling the largest, and riding 

 with him until he fell. The rapidity with which 

 these awkwardly formed animals can move, is 

 beyond all things surprising, our best horses being 

 unable to close with them under two miles. Their 

 gallop is a succession of jumping strides, the fore 

 and hind leg on the same side moving together 

 instead of diagonally, as in most other quadrupeds, 

 the former being kept close together, and the latter 

 so wide apart, that in riding by the animal's side, 

 the hoof may be seen striking on the outside of the 

 horse, momentarily threatening to overthrow him. 

 Their motion, altogether, reminded . me rather of 

 the pitching of a ship, or rolling of a rocking-horse, 

 than of any thing living ; and the remarkable gait 

 is rendered still more automaton-like, by the switch- 

 ing, at regular intervals, of the long black tail, 

 which is invariably curled above the back, and by 

 the corresponding action of the neck, swinging as it 



