68 LARGE GAME. CHAP. i. 



It is not easy for them to find a sheltered yet cool place, 

 and even when one does come upon them lying in the 

 shade, it is a difficult task to drive them into thick cover, 

 an almost impossible one with a small troop of ten or 

 twenty head. The great herds take it very coolly, often 

 allowing a hunter, especially a European, to walk within 

 150 yards of them, standing in a mass with lowered heads, 

 evidently not quite sure whether they need take the trouble 

 to run ; but they soon tire when once started, and make 

 for shelter. They stand in the same way when they see 

 a lion ; but it is curious that, as far as men are concerned, 

 there is really no danger of a charge. As a rule, without 

 exception I believe, unless after nightfall a buffalo will 

 never attempt to advance upon any one out of a herd 

 in the open. Even when wounded, it is a sign that they 

 are altogether done up if they separate from the rest 

 where there is no cover, and the real character of the 

 animal does not show itself until, after much hard and 

 very hot work, you have forced it to take to its strong- 

 holds, the thorn thickets or the reeds. 



A bullet entering anywhere may produce a mortal 

 wound, so much depends on the angle you fire from, but 

 still there are certain spots better than others. Gene- 

 rally speaking, at the shoulder if it is broadside, in the 

 flank when three parts turned away, and at the root of 

 the tail when stern on, are all dead shots. Under some 

 circumstances the head presents the best mark. The cow 

 has a broad forehead, in almost any part of which a bullet 

 is fatal on the spot, as also behind the ear ; but it must 

 be remembered that they carry their heads straight out, 

 and unless feeding or standing square to you a ball is apt 



