228 STALKING GAME ON HORSEBACK. 



u running " system, we must do the same to the alter- 

 native plan of stalking game, which we have no 

 hesitation in saying we believe will ultimately be found 

 the noblest and the most successful form of this sport ; 

 and if we err in this view of the matter, we think 

 that all events we shall be able to show that we do 

 so in very good company. 



There are two plans by which game may be stalked 

 in an open country. First, the work may be entirely 

 done on foot, and the game walked up to or stalked, 

 as in a Scotch deer forest. This however in hot weather 

 under a tropical sun, where distances are great and 

 the game wild, will be found a very laborious plan; 

 it will prove a severe trial to the best walker and the 

 strongest constitution; and none but a very active,, 

 ardent sportsman, we think, would be likely from choice, 

 to follow it long. Mr. Frederick C. Selous is however 

 a living instance of its being performed with eminent 

 success, and probably few African hunters have ever 

 done better than he has done. 



Secondly, horses may be used to carry the sportsman 

 from place to place and bring him safely up, unex- 

 hausted by a long tramp, to the vicinity of the game. 

 He then dismounts and stalks the game on foot. 



Probably more game is brought to bay in this than in 

 any other way, it being the method best adapted for use 

 on all ordinary occasions, while the running down plan 

 is prudently reserved for special occasions, when suitable 

 ground and descriptions of game present themselves. 



Mr. Gordon Gumming for example, who had un- 

 surpassed opportunities of forming correct conclusions 

 on every point connected with South African hunting, 

 quickly recognised this fact, and distinctly states his 



