572 CARNIVORES. 
heard in a calm morning echoing through the distant woodlands, has a very 
pleasing effect.” From later accounts it would appear that the holes referred to 
above are inhabited by the hunting-dogs only during the breeding-season, and that 
they are not excavated by the animals themselves. 
The numbers in which these dogs were formerly wont to associate together is 
illustrated by the following anecdote from the writer just quoted. Being suddenly 
wakened from slumber one night, the great hunter states that “I heard the rushing 
of light feet as of a pack of wolves close on every side of me, accompanied by the 
most unearthly sounds. On raising my head, to my utter horror, I saw on every 
side nothing but savage wild dogs, chattering and growling. On my right and on 
HUNTING-DOGS CHASING GEMSBOK, 
my left, and within a few paces of me, stood two lines of these ferocious-locking 
animals, cocking their ears and stretching their necks to have a look at me; while 
two large troops, in which there were at least forty of them, kept dashing back- 
wards across my view, within a few yards of me, chattermg and growling with 
the most extraordinary volubility. Another troop of wild dogs were fighting over 
the wildebeest I had shot, which they had begun to devour. On beholding them I 
expected no other fate than to be instantly torn to pieces and consumed... . 
However, I had presence of mind to consider that the human voice anda determined 
bearing might overawe them, and accordingly, springing to my feet, I stepped on the 
little ledge surrounding the hole, while, drawing myself to my full height, I waved 
my large blanket with both hands, at the same time addressing my savage assembly 
in a loud and solemn manner. This had the desired effect ; the wild dogs removed 
to a more respectful distance, barking at me something like collies.” 
