NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



It is indeed surprising how they obtain a sufficiency 

 of food from the stunted, sparse, scrubby, sun- 

 parched bushes, which is the only vegetation in many 

 of the localities frequented by the Rhino. 



The Black Rhinoceros, in localities where it is 

 not hunted, usually deposits its dung in shallow 

 hollows, which it scoops out under a tree or bush. 

 These spots are visited regularly until a great pile 

 of excrement has collected, which the Rhino scatters 

 at frequent intervals with its horn. Regular beaten 

 tracks are often seen leading to these deposits, or 

 from one to another. This cleanly habit, which is 

 common to other species of Rhinoceroses and many 

 other species of animals, tends strongly to keep 

 infectious animal diseases in' check. 



This great beast invariably lies with its hind- 

 quarters to the wind, and when alarmed makes off 

 at a rapid swinging trot up-wind, with its tail 

 twisted over its back. When closely pursued it 

 breaks into a gallop, which can be kept up for a 

 considerable distance, and a good horse is required 

 if the hunter desires to successfully run it down. 



The flesh of a Rhino, although coarse, is, when 

 in good condition, considered very palatable. Like 

 the other species, Black Rhinoceroses are quite easy 

 to stalk if their bird sentinels do not happen to be 

 present. The experienced hunter, before attempt- 

 ing to approach within easy range for a fatal shot, 

 examines his intended quarry very carefully with a 

 pair of good field-glasses, and should he detect any 

 216 



