THE CAPE BABOON OR BAVIAN 



tion. Chattering and barking, they advanced, led 

 by three great deep-chested, long-maned males. 

 One of the three, we noticed, was unusually large 

 and powerful, and was, from his bold bearing, the 

 commander-in-chief, the other two being, no 

 doubt, his captains. The women pretending to be 

 terribly afraid, screamed and gesticulated, and when 

 the troop had approached within about fifty yards 

 they fled, leaving their water-vessels. The baboons 

 set up a curious grunting noise, and advanced more 

 rapidly. Presently they gathered round the small 

 pool like a lot of children, chattering and gibbering 

 excitedly, while some of their number were attempt- 

 ing to secure the calabashes which were floating 

 on the water. Singling out the leaders, we took 

 careful aim and fired at their heads . We had double- 

 barrelled breech-loading shot guns loaded with 

 the largest calibre of shot known as " loopers." 

 Both the baboons sank down with shattered skulls. 

 Quick as thought both of us fired at the third warrior 

 male, and he too sank down dead. Before we could 

 reload the troop had vanished. In any case we had 

 no intention of shooting at them. They had been 

 taught a lesson which they would never forget. 

 Although this troop of baboons continued to inhabit 

 the kloof they never again molested the women, 

 nor did they again raid the adjacent fields. 



A wonderful migration of baboons took place 

 during August of 19 14, on the Ceres side of the 

 Mitchells Pass Mountains, in the Cape Province. 



47 



