GOOD SPORT WITH A BUFFALO. lor 



rapidly reduce our ammunition, we have decided upon 

 postponing for the present this sport, if such it can be 

 called. Under a very wide spreading tree our staff have 

 taken up their quarters, and a part of it is converted into 

 a larder, and all seem highly pleased at having at last 

 found such a shady retreat. The rule laid down by 

 travellers never to pitch a tent or sleep under trees lest 

 you may be attacked by animals at night, or have 

 snakes drop upon you from the branches, is here 

 utterly disregarded. As to snakes, we shall soon begin 

 to think that Africa has taken a hint from Ireland, for 

 not one have we seen or heard of excepting the demon 

 of excited imaginations reported by Albert and Bob. 

 Gumming bagged two buffaloes to-day, and one of them 

 gave him great sport. The first shot having only broken 

 a leg, he was able to bolt off across some open country 

 for nearly half a mile, with Gumming after him on horse- 

 back ; when the distance was reduced to twenty-five 

 yards the buffalo pulled up and faced round, and for a 

 moment stood his ground before charging. Instantly 

 Gumming dismounted (the horse taking advantage 

 of the opportunity to decamp), and when the buffalo 

 was only ten yards from him a ball from his twelve- 

 bore rifle brought him to the ground. Amongst several 

 antelope killed by us to-day, I was fortunate in get- 

 ting a mehedehet with a superb head ; but from hence- 

 forth the antelope will have a rest from our persecution, 



