HUNTING THE RHINOCEROS. 



269 



Photograph, Underwood. 



EAST AFRICAN BULL RHINOCEROS. 



One of our illustrations is a photographic reproduction of a huge bull- 

 rhinoceros killed in British East Africa. Its largest horn measures 53;^^ 

 inches in length. A formidable sight indeed ! 



There are many ways in which a hunter may be surprised by a rhinoceros, 

 says a famous American sportsman. As he was penetrating the high grass 

 of the "velt" he suddenly perceived, fifty paces in front of him, a huge dark 

 object — a rhinoceros. It had not become aware of him yet, nor of the peril 

 awaiting it. It got up and turned right in his direction. There was no going 

 either forward or backwards for him. The grass encumbered his legs, the 

 old growth mingling with the new into an inextricable tangle. The moment 

 was full of excitement. He tried cautiously to retreat, but his feet were en- 

 tangled and he slipped. Instantly he jumped up again. The rhinoceros had 

 heard the noise of his fall and was making a rush for him. It was not easy 

 to aim effectively, but he fired. The ringing notes of his rifle rang out like a 

 bird in the air and the next instant he saw the huge beast disappearing over 

 the undulating plain, the bullet having struck one of his horns and been turned 

 aside, startling the rhino and causing him to abandon his intended charge. 



Another striking encounter with a rhinoceros is thus described by the 

 same traveler and sportsman. 



