128 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



Caffer, the Cape Buffalo. 



The CAPE BUFFALO is a native of Southern Africa. It is 

 exceedingly ferocious and cunning, often lurking among the 

 trees until an unsuspecting traveller approaches, and then 

 rushing on him and destroying him. The ferocious creature 

 is not content with killing his victim, but stands over him 

 mangling him with its horns, and stamping on him with its 

 feet. Gumming shot several of these animals, and once or 

 twice had narrow escapes from them, as they are difficult to 

 kill. His description of their aspect is very good, and I 

 cannot do better than give it in his own words. 



" Their horns reminded me of the rugged trunk of an oak- 

 tree. Each horn was upwards of a foot in breadth at the 

 base, and together they effectually protected the skull with 

 a massive and impenetrable shield. The horns, descending 

 and spreading out horizontally, completely overshadow the 

 animal's eyes, imparting to him a look the most ferocious and 

 sinister that can be imagined." 



