A HUNTED ZEBRA. 227 



could never be a dwelling-place of mine, although 

 it possessed the wealth of the Indies. For this reason 

 if for no other, I could never make New Zealand 

 my home. 



I can see your politician, manufacturer, merchant, 

 and all such selfish wretches smile at the above 

 assertion. They are, of course, at liberty to do so 

 if they choose ; but infinitely more dear to me are 

 the pleasures of the chase, the enjoyment of un- 

 polluted nature, and the study of animal life, than 

 the gratifying of selfish ambition, amassing wealth, 

 or glorying in the success you have obtained at the 

 expense or the ruin of others. 



About sundown we were trekking along, and, as 

 frequently occurs, a considerable space, say three 

 hundred yards, separated the wagons ; a splendid 

 zebra passed between them. A finer specimen of 

 the breed could not have been found, even if sought 

 for. The animal's appearance denoted distress, for 

 its lips were lathered with foam, while many a flake 

 of the same adhered to its chest and flanks ; still it 

 was galloping well within itself, and looked capable 

 of doing many another mile. Both "Chummy" and 

 self had a fair chance to shoot it, but desisted, for we 



Q 2 



