196 SPORT IN ASIA AND AFRICA 



he is cornered, and strike out in self-defence. 

 The number of rhinos, however, which will 

 determinedly attack and pursue a man is, I 

 believe, very small ; and an encounter can usually 

 be declined or avoided without difficulty. 



Since Mr. Selous published his African Nature 

 Notes and Reminiscences in 1908, I believe that at 

 least two gentlemen have been killed by rhinos 

 in East Africa ; but, as he says, dangerous and 

 aggressive rhinos are exceptional, and the aver- 

 age rhino is a dull-sighted and inquisitive but 

 not savage beast. Neumann, the great elephant- 

 hunter, and Sir F. Jackson give a similar 

 description of the animal. 



A really vicious rhino is no doubt a most 

 formidable antagonist, as he is not easily turned 

 or stopped. The animal, considering its bulk, 

 is surprisingly active ; the horns protect its 

 neck as it charges, and a bullet lodging in the 

 massive bones of the head is not likely to be 

 effective. I believe, however, that these really 

 vicious animals are the rare exceptions. 



Gimlette shot his two rhinos without difficulty, 

 using soft-nosed bullets. The first rhino was 

 placed hors de combat by a single well-placed 

 shot, and the other was so crippled by the first 

 shot that he was finished off without difficulty. 



Gimlette had, however, one narrow escape 

 from a wild rush or charge by a rhino. He was 

 walking with his gun-bearer, Mabruki, in high 

 grass, when a rhino rushed straight at them. 

 Gimlette had nothing in his hand, but Mabruki, 

 who had the rifle, fired it in the animal's face; 

 and, by great good fortune, the bullet went up 



