A NECESSARY PRECAUTION-. 199 



namely, to cease slaughter when they have obtained 

 enough for their requirements. 



When I showed myself over the bank of the 

 donga, there was a scurry among the innocents, all 

 going off, up wind, as fast as their graceful legs 

 would carry them, every third or fourth stride being 

 broken in its monotony by a spring into the air of 

 clear eight or nine feet. 



Having pulled the carcasses into my late shelter, 

 I went for my mare, and soon had the spoils over her 

 back, first having knocked off the horns, a perform- 

 ance that never must be forgotten, for, secure your 

 game as you like behind your saddle,, the heads will 

 keep dangling about, and, unless great care is taken, 

 inflict serious wounds upon your horse. . I would 

 impress this upon novices, for I had one of my most 

 valuable mounts all but ruined by neglecting this 

 precaution. It occurred in this way. I had shot a 

 steinbok, and the animal which I rode, being young 

 and inexperienced, had a great objection to the 

 quarry being placed upon his back. At length, by 

 coaxing, gentleness, and kindness, I succeeded ; but, 

 just as I had done so, a number of quagga and vilde- 

 beeste charged past me. My mount broke loose and 

 followed in their wake, kicking and bucking every 

 few strides he took. This conduct struck me as 

 strange at the time ; but the reason for such capers 

 I did not suspect. However, when my horse was 

 secured, all was explained. The buck's horns had 



