Chap. XXIII. BUFFALOES AND BUFFALO-BIRDS. 465 



out to wander in search of roots or fruits in the forest, and 

 had never returned. When opened, several huts revealed a 

 ghastly sight of human skeletons. Some were seen in such 

 unnatural positions, as to give the idea that they had expired 

 in a faint, when trying to reach something to allay the 

 gnawings of hunger. 



We took several of the men as far as the Mukuru-Madse 

 for the sake of the change of air and for occupation, and also to 

 secure for the ships a supply of buffalo meat — as those animals 

 were reported to be in abundance on that stream. But 

 though it was evident from the tracks that the report was 

 true, it was impossible to get a glimpse of them. The grass 

 being taller than we were, and pretty thickly planted, they 

 always knew of our approach before we saw them. And the 

 first intimation we had of their being near was the sound they 

 made in rushing over the stones, breaking the branches, and 

 knocking their horns against each other. Once, when 

 seeking a ford for the cart, at sunrise, we saw a herd slowly 

 wending up the hill-side from the water. Sending for a 

 rifle, and stalking with intense eagerness for a fat beefsteak, 

 instead of our usual fare of salted provisions, we got so near 

 that we could hear the bulls uttering their hoarse deep low, 

 but could see nothing except the mass of yellow grass in 

 front ; suddenly the buffalo-birds sounded their alarm- whistle, 

 and away dashed the troop, and we got sight of neither birds 

 nor beasts. Tins would be no country for a sportsman except 

 when the grass is short. The animals are wary, from the 

 dread they have of the poisoned arrows. Those of the natives 

 who do hunt are deeply imbued with the hunting spirit, and 

 follow the game with a stealthy perseverance and cunning, 

 quite extraordinary. The arrow, making no noise, the herd 

 is followed up until the poison takes effect, and the wounded 

 animal falls out. It is then patiently watched till it drops — 



2 ii 



