BIG GAME 57 



as a greater security against being lost, but also 

 for carrying in the bag. 



There are yet vast tracts of country where game 

 is plentiful and tame, and where as many as half a 

 dozen species can be seen at one time ; in these places 

 little or no stalking is required, and the trophies and 

 meat are easily secured ; but there are other places 

 where the game is less plentiful and wild, and long 

 days and careful stalks are necessary to bring a head 

 to bag. 



These are the days that are most enjoyable, for they 

 involve hours of following on a spoor, which has often 

 been picked up at a water-hole in the early morning, 

 patience and endurance, going without food and often 

 without drink from sun up to sun down, and frequently 

 a final hard tramp of many miles back to camp without 

 having fired a shot or sometimes even sighted the 

 game. 



But when they are secured, these are the heads that 

 are prized most. 



Starting Out. — On starting out for a day's stalk 

 one should travel light, taking the glasses, rifle, and 

 cartridges only ; and if the sportsman can fall into the 

 practice of going without food and drink till the return, 

 so much the better ; especially without drink, as unless 

 plenty of water is likely to be passed, one cannot carry 

 enough on oneself, and there is nothing so fatal as to 

 start drinking on a hot day and not have enough to 

 see one through. If the first temptation and desire 



