200 BIG GAME SHOOTING 



the excitement. In stalking it is different, as the exertion of 

 crawling and making himself as invisible as possible, a tax 

 both on body and mind, helps to make the stalker forget 

 his 'jumpiness.' 



The second device for securing game otherwise unapproach- 

 able is that of the stalking ostrich, which can be made out of 

 any kind of long thin pliable sticks formed into the shape and 

 size of an ostrich's body, and covered with the common trade 

 cloth (Americani), dyed the colour of a hen bird with mud 

 from the nearest stream or puddle. The whole thing when 

 complete will much resemble the shell of a large tortoise. The 

 neck and head should be separate from the body, as, when in 

 use, the actions of an ostrich while feeding should be imitated 

 as nearly as possible. I only used this device twice, but each 

 time with the greatest success, and on both occasions in the 

 Rombo plains on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro, shortly after 

 the grass had been burnt, and when there was absolutely no 

 covert of any kind. The G. Grantii carry particularly fine 

 heads on these plains, and would not allow me to approach 

 nearer than 350 to 400 yards. 



Although the construction of this ostrich excited much amuse- 

 ment amongst the men, and although I noticed a good deal of 

 grinning and chuckling amongst them as I went out, they were 

 very greatly astonished at the result. From the camp I could 

 see two G. Grantii standing out in the open about a mile 

 off. Within half a mile of them and on my left there was a 

 slight rise in the ground, which I took advantage of, and thus got 

 within about 600 yards of them before donning the ostrich. 

 Directly I appeared over the top of the rise the gazelles saw 

 me, but I soon allayed their suspicions by pretending to feed 

 and pick about. I then went on, stopping every now and 

 again ' to feed,' and without the least trouble walked up to 

 within 90 yards of them, and got both with a right and left 

 shot. To show how successful the imitation was, I passed 

 two wart-hogs within 60 yards on my right and a couple of 

 greater bustards (Otis kori] within 40 yards on my left, and 



