THE BAHAD EIVER 193 



ariel came and drank, which, with a few oribi, is the 

 only game except lions I have yet seen on the Rahad, 

 though a buffalo had crossed the river-bed some time 

 previously. Spent the afternoon getting abreast of 

 the news, and giving a dose of turpentine to the two 

 lioness and serval skins. In the evening I went down 

 to the pit for an all-night sitting, seeing a female oribi 

 on the way. 



March 2bth. Spent a most uncomfortable night 

 in the pit, eaten up by mosquitoes and seeing 

 nothing. A machan far preferable. Then marched 

 about 10 miles to Abdul Latif, passing Tolu en route. 

 Saw numerous ariel, but too wary to be stalked. 

 Finally missed an ariel right and left at 100 yards. 

 Saw my first reedbuck, but did not get a shot. Found 

 the caravan, which had gone on ahead, encamped in 

 the village, which I detest. Crossed the river-bed 

 in evening and found numerous mayas or water 

 meadows on the left bank, and saw at least a dozen 

 oribi, but could not make out a buck. Finally shot a 

 guinea-fowl. 



March 26th. A lion called towards dawn, and at 

 intervals till 7 a.m., but did not come within reason- 

 able distance. The caravan being late in starting, I 

 examined the mayas of the previous evening, and 

 saw fully a dozen reedbuck. A stalk was spoiled by 

 oribi, and I missed right and left at 200 yards, 



