572 



CARNIVORES. 



heard in a calm morning echoing through the distant woodlands, has a very 

 pleasing effect." From later accounts it would appear that the holes referred to 

 above are inhabited by the hunting-dogs only during the breeding-season, and that 

 they are not excavated by the animals themselves. 



The numbers in which these dogs were formerly wont to associate together is 

 illustrated by the following anecdote from the writer just quoted. Being suddenly 

 wakened from slumber one night, the great hunter states that " I heard the rushing 

 of light feet as of a pack of wolves close on every side of me, accompanied by the 

 most unearthly sounds. On raising my head, to my utter horror, I saw on every 

 side nothing but savage wild dogs, chattering and growling. On my right and on 



HUNTING-DOGS CHASING GEMSBOK. 



my left, and within a few paces of me, stood two lines of these ferocious-looking 

 animals, cocking their ears and stretching their necks to have a look at me ; while 

 two large troops, in which there were at least forty of them, kept dashing back- 

 wards across my view, within a few yards of me, chattering and growling with 

 the most extraordinary volubility. Another troop of wild dogs were fighting over 

 the wildebeest I had shot, which they had begun to devour. On beholding them I 

 expected no other fate than to be instantly torn to pieces and consumed. . . . 

 However, I had presence of mind to consider that the human voice and a determined 

 bearing might overawe them, and accordingly, springing to my feet, I stepped on the 

 little ledge surrounding the hole, while, drawing myself to my full height, I waved 

 my large blanket with both hands, at the same time addressing my savage assembly 

 in a loud and solemn manner. This had the desired effect ; the wild dogs removed 

 to a more respectful distance, barking at me something like collies." 



