342 WILD BEASTS AXD THEIR WAYS CHAP. 



gum, which would become hard in the course of time. If the 

 round lumps, resembling Mandarin oranges, are packed together, 

 they become exceedingly dry and brittle, losing their shape, and 

 crumbling into small pieces, such as arrive in England under the 

 well-known name of " gum-arabic." 



Almost all wild animals are attracted by this gum when, in the 

 driest season, the mimosas are in full bearing. The dog-faced 

 baboons (Cynocephalns) may be seen in large troops, all bent 

 upon the gum-collecting industry. With the order of human 

 beings they march along, the females carrying their young upon 

 their backs, until some well-furnished trees are sighted. A rush 

 takes place immediately by the ten-year-old boys, or young baboons 

 equivalent to that human age, but the arrival of some old grand- 

 fathers in the shape of well-maned males, who cuff them right and 

 left, restores immediate discipline, and all the party resolve them- 

 selves into groups around the well-laden trees, filling their stomachs, 

 and distending their pouches with the bon-bons of the wilderness. 



The antelopes are particularly fond of this gum, and they are 

 sure to be found in the neighbourhood of this species of mimosa. 



The hide of the te'tel or hartebeest is much prized by the Arabs, as 

 the toughest and most durable leather when tanned. Large sacks are 

 manufactured by the simple process of stripping off the skin in one 

 piece, like a stocking from the leg. This is tanned, and the aper- 

 tures at the four legs, and the neck, and hind-quarters being sewn 

 up, the entire skin forms a bag ; in this, corn is conveyed to market. 



I have killed great numbers of these animals both in Abyssinia 

 and Central Africa ; they have invariably yielded good sport, 

 requiring careful stalking and accurate rifle-practice. Both males 

 and females are furnished with horns. 



There is a species (Damalis Senegalensis) which somewhat 

 resembles the bubalis. This is not an inhabitant of Abyssinia, 

 but it is not uncommon in Central Africa. The size is slightly 

 inferior to the latter, but the habits are the same. The horns are 

 differently shaped, being annular, and retiring slightly backwards. 

 In like manner with the bubalis, both sexes have horns. The 

 colour of this variety is a very dark chestnut, with black thighs 

 and fore legs. The flesh is superior to that of all other antelope*. 



This species invariably posts a sentry to guard the herd when 

 feeding, and it was always my ambition to stalk the guard and 

 knock him off his stand, instead of attempting a shot at the less 

 suspicious herd. Upon several occasions I have succeeded where 

 the white ant hills were sufficiently numerous to afford cover for a 

 stealthv advance. 



