xxix ANIMALS OF THE BACK BLOCKS 287 



The bongo is in certain localities quite common, 

 and if the ground is undisturbed the probability is in 

 favour of getting on fresh spoor within an hour. When 

 Mr. Roosevelt and his son Kermit visited British East 

 Africa the best ground was especially rested for their 

 benefit, with the result that bongo were quite 

 numerous therein. Mr. Kermit Roosevelt was led up 

 at once to two good bulls, which, unfortunately, eluded 

 his eyesight in the open jungle, where their colouring 

 is most distinctly protective. Proceeding further, a 

 herd numbering at least thirty or forty were en- 

 countered ; the sight of so many of such a rare species 

 grouped in his proximity not unnaturally so excited 

 the young sportsman that his shooting became some- 

 what erratic. Luckily, the bongo shared his bewilder- 

 ment, and remained until he eventually obtained a cow 

 and calf, prizes which he richly deserved, if only for 

 the earnestness with which, after his first failure, he 

 had gone in pursuit. Lord Delamere, one of the 

 keenest of observers, had hoped that he had devised a 

 scheme whereby the ex- President might be equally 

 successful. Colonel Roosevelt's bulk and con- 

 versational powers somewhat precluded him from 

 tracking, since the utmost caution and lack of noise are 

 essential. Lord Delamere, however, found that, where 

 a deep stream flowed down the hillside, there were 

 only certain passages which the bongo, when alarmed, 

 would take. Selecting such a spot with three 

 " passes," he placed Mr. Roosevelt in the most likely 

 crossing, stood himself in another, and stationed a 

 native armed with a bow to turn the bongo back 

 if he came to the third, and most unlikely, pass. 

 Beaters were then sent some miles round. Alas ! 

 two fine bulls came to the crossing at which the 



