140 AMUSING ANECDOTE. 



in single file, following a leader, and exhibiting the 

 most agreeable regularity as they bound over the 

 level plains. They are said to be subject to a cuta- 

 neous eruption at particular seasons of the year, 

 which they sometimes communicate to domestic 

 cattle, and which invariably ends in death. 



Mr. Thompson relates the following amusing 

 anecdote, connected with the chase of these animals : 

 — " A gentleman and his friend were hunting gnus 

 on the plains, and one having been wounded by a 

 musket-ball, gave chace to an individual of the party, 

 and was gaining fast upon him, when all at once he 

 disappeared, by tumbling into an ant-eater's hole, 

 which was concealed by long grass. There he lay 

 for some time, secure from the enraged animal, 

 which, after searching for him in vain, scampered 

 off in another direction : nor could his friend, who 

 was galloping up to his assistance, conceive what had 

 become of him, until he saw, to his great satisfaction 

 and amusement, his head cautiously emerging from 

 the bowels of the earth." 



At mid-day we halted to refresh our oxen, as 

 the heat was very oppressive ; but not finding any 

 water, we started again about three in the afternoon, 

 and continued to traverse this apparently intermin- 

 able plain, which seemed to be an almost perfect 

 level. As we were advised not to travel during 

 the night, lest we should be annoyed by lions, 

 we felt desirous of making the most of daylight, and 



