240 A COLONY IN THE MAKING ch. xxiv 



that by far the greatest danger occurs in attempting to 

 secure a bull elephant out of a herd of cows either in 

 thick thorn bush or bamboos, possibly, however, this 

 opinion is based on the theory of omne ignotum pro 

 horrifico. One hint may be ventured on to other cautious 

 members : that is to get as close as possible to 

 dangerous game before firing the initial shot ; this in 

 case of the elephant, rhino, or buffalo should be usually 

 inside of forty yards, especially of the first two, assert- 

 ing repeatedly to one's quaking heart that not one 

 animal in a thousand bears you any ill-will until you 

 start on his molestation. 



