THE WHITE RHINOCEROS. 759 



THE common WHITE RHINOCEROS (Rhinoceros Simuse) is considerably larger than 

 the two preceding animals, and together with the kobaoba, or long-horned white Rhi- 

 noceros, is remarkable for its square muzzle and elongated head. The foremost horn 

 of this animal is of very considerable length, attaining a measurement of more than 

 three feet when fully grown. The second horn is short and conical, like that of the 

 borele. Fortunately for the human inhabitants of the regions where the White Rhi- 

 noceros dwells, its temper is remarkably quiet, and devoid of that restless irritability 

 and sudden access of rage which is so distinguishing a quality of the two black species. 

 Even when wounded it seldom turns upon its antagonist, but contents itself with 

 endeavoring to make its escape. Sometimes, however, probably when it has its young 

 to protect, it will assume the offensive, and is then even more to be dreaded than its 

 black relatives. The following anecdote, which was related by Mr. Oswell, the hero of 

 the tale, to Mr. Andersson, affords an instance of this rare display of combativeness : 



" Once as I was returning from an elephant chase, I observed a huge White Rhi- 

 noceros a short distance ahead. I was riding a most excellent hunter the best and 

 fleetest steed that I ever possessed during my shooting excursions in Africa at the time ; 

 but it was a rule with me never to pursue a Rhinoceros on horseback, and simply because 

 this animal is so much more easily approached and killed on foot. On this occasion, 

 however, it seemed as if fate had interfered. 



" Turning to my after-rider, I called out : * By heaven ! that fellow has got a fine 

 horn ! I will have a shot at him.' With that, I clapped spurs to my horse, who soon 

 brought me alongside the huge beast, and the next instant I lodged a ball in his body, 

 but, as it turned out, not with deadly effect. On receiving my shot, the Rhinoceros, 

 to my great surprise, instead of seeking safety in flight, as is the habit of this generally 

 inoffensive animal, suddenly stopped short, and turned sharply round, and, having eyed 

 me most curiously for a second or two, walked slowly towards me. I never dreamt of 

 danger. Nevertheless, I instantly turned my horse's head away : but, strange to say, 

 this creature, usually so docile and gentle which the slightest touch of the reins would 

 be sufficient to guide now absolutely refused to give me his head. When at last he 

 did so, it was too late ; for, notwithstanding the Rhinoceros had only been walking, the 

 distance between us was so inconsiderable, that by this time I clearly saw contact was 

 unavoidable. Indeed, in another moment I observed the brute bend low his head, and 

 with a thrust upwards, strike his horn into the ribs of the horse with such force as to 

 penetrate to the very saddle on the opposite side, where I felt its sharp point against 

 my leg. 



" The violence of the blow was so tremendous as to cause the horse to make a complete 

 somersault in the air, coming heavily down on its back. With regard to myself, I was, 

 as a matter of course, violently precipitated to the ground. Whilst thus prostrated I 

 actually saw the horn of the infuriated beast alongside of me ; but, seemingly satisfied 

 with his revenge, without attempting to do further mischief, he started off at a canter 

 from the scene of action. My after-rider having by this time come up, I rushed upon 

 him, and almost pulling him off his horse, leapt into the saddle ; and without a hat, 

 and my face streaming with blood, was quickly in pursuit of the retreating beast, which 

 I soon had the satisfaction to see stretched lifeless at my feet." 



THE flesh of the MUCHUCO, or MONOOHOO as the White Rinoceros is called by the 

 natives, is apt to be rather tough, but is of good flavor. The best portions are those which 

 are cut from the upper part of the shoulder and from the ribs, where the fat and the lean 

 parts are regularly striped to the depth of two inches. If a large portion of the meat is 

 to be cooked at one time, the flesh is generally baked in the cavity of a forsaken ant-hill, 

 which is covered into an extempore oven for the occasion ; but if a single hunter should 

 need only to assuage his own hunger, he cuts a series of slices from the ribs, and dresses 

 them at his fire. The hide of the Monoohoo is enormously thick, and gives a novice no 

 little trouble to get it from the body, as it is as hard as a board, and nearly as stiff. 

 An adept, however, will skin the animal as quickly and easily as if it were a sheep. 



