* Stalking" Expeditions in the Xyika 



close, tall underwood, we come at every step, as I had 

 expected, upon the haunts of the rhinoceroses. Suddenly 

 some huge animals rush off suddenly, to my utter 

 amazement, through the thicket close by ; and my rifle- 

 bearer calls out behind me : 



" Umbogo, Bwana ! " (" Buffalo, sir ! ") 



But they are not buffaloes (although in similar high 



A SECRETARY-BIRD ON THE VEI.T 



regions on other hills of the desert I have found quite 

 fresh buffalo-skulls) ; they are again elands. This 

 time I succeed in slaying a fine bull out of a herd 

 of several. On receiving my shot he springs into the 

 air from all four feet, but succumbs after running a few 

 paces, and gives us the opportunity of adding to our 

 commissariat a liberal provision of excellent venison. 



Eight carriers are chosen to take the skin and the 



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