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 comrnon 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. Granti 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 (O#is ori) within 40 yards on my left, and — 
i ai | al et i 
