SHOOTING ANTELOPE FROM HORSEBACK. 411 



When Mackenzie first saw the antelope, they 

 may have been half a mile distant, and he carefully 

 scanned the ground to see what irregularities it pre- 

 sented for a stalk. His inspection did not prove 

 by any means satisfactory, as the ground was, with 

 the exception of a few trees and bushes, quite open. 

 He determined, therefore, to endeavour to get near 

 them with the assistance of his horse, which was a 

 quiet and steady animal. 



Taking his rifle in hand, and leaving the men 

 behind, he rode towards the herd ; but, when he 

 had approached within about four hundred yards, 

 turned his horse as if to pass them at about half 

 that distance, or more. By these means he got to 

 their flank, and guided his horse so as to circle 

 round them. The deer retreated from him slowly 

 as he moved round, but did not cease feeding. One 

 or two, who were lying down, however, jumped up, 

 and joined the others as they moved away from the 

 object of their suspicion. In this way, Mackenzie 

 made one complete circuit of the deer, gradually 

 sidling nearer and nearer towards them ; but he 

 was not yet within fair range. They were, however, 

 getting gradually accustomed to the sight of the 

 horse. Again he commenced to circle round, but 

 when about half-way, one skittish doc gave two or 

 three preparatory jumps, all four feet striking and 



