SPOOKING " THE PACE. 51 



The pace at which an animal has travelled may be 

 judged by the impressions of its footmarks, or the po- 

 sition in which these impressions lie. 



T would indicate that an animal had galloped or can- 

 tered, the distance between S and S' being great or small, 

 in proportion as the animal had moved fast or slowly. 



R would indicate that the animal had walked or 

 trotted ; if it had moved at a trot, the toes of the hoof 

 would be seen to have indented themselves in the ground 

 more deeply than had the heel, and most probably some 

 grass, gravel, or soil, would be found lying on the ground* 

 they having been kicked up by the animal in its rapid 

 passage. Practice alone enables a man to judge of the 

 length of time that has elapsed since the animal passed. 

 A good plan is to scrape up the ground with the foot and 

 compare this " spoor " with the animal's footprints. 



When judging of elephants, it may be concluded, that 

 if they browsed, they must have moved slowly ; if they 

 are found to have .passed through the forest in Indian file, 

 they travelled at a quick walk ; and if they disregarded 

 old paths and smashed the branches or trees in their 

 .course, that they moved very rapidly. Other signs the 

 hunter will soon learn by experience, that best of all 

 instructors. 



The Kaffirs in this district are most quiet, harmless, 

 honest people, living in small villages, each of about 

 twenty kraals. These they build in a ring, the place for 

 the cattle being in the centre. The houses of these 

 people are composed of wicker-work and thatch. One 

 or two stout poles are driven into the centre of a circle 



