256 



GIRAFFE HUNT/XG. 



where he may be visited by the marauders, and that 

 means serious losses if he be in utter darkness. 



At an early hour we got once more started, and 

 soon after struck an old hunting trail which had 

 been travelled by several waggons a year or two 

 back. Nevertheless, it was of great service to us. 

 Part of our route lay for miles through a grove 

 of tall high brush on a brae side, that naJ many 

 points of resemblance to one of our own mid- 

 land counties' copses. Small buck and pig were 

 exceedingly abundant here, but we were all anxious 

 to get forward, so no time was lost in pursuing 

 them. However, our industry and abstention from 

 trifles was soon rewarded, for as soon as I got 

 to the end of the cover I saw stretched before me 

 a lovely veldt^ on which were feeding not only 

 giraffes, but several herds of the larger antelopes, 

 among whom stalked, with measured pace, a large 

 number of secretary birds, Kaffir and white storks, 

 maribous, the charming crested cranes, and innume- 

 rable egrets. 



It was a sight to look at, such a sight as would 

 thoroughly repay the naturalist or sportsman for all 

 the expense and trouble of travelling in this seldom 

 visited land, even if he had come from the Anti- 

 podes. There are many such places in the interior 

 of Africa, and I cannot help thinking that they have 

 to answer for a big share of the craving that the 

 European explorer ever possesses to have a glimpse at 

 the so-called " Dark Continent." I know myself that 

 I have often in spirit, if not in body, gazed with ecstasy 

 upon such views as I have attempted to describe. 

 Yes, they are lovely, charming, enchanting, while 

 your perfect immunity from intrusion of your own 

 race is another feature that cannot be over-estimated. 



Our Massara companion, who joined us at Maha- 

 lapsi, had been in this country before, and seemed to • 

 know every inch of it. As guide he generally acted, 



