Mi* Maxwell’s Observations 
Ti 0 
seen from the ship, their numbers appeared to the greatest pos- 
sible advantage ; but, on the other hand, we may suppose that 
the undulations of the ground concealed many of them from view. 
With the exception of a clump of aged trees here and there, 
which gave a high finishing to the landscape, the whole of this 
slope was free of brush, or any other sort of wood. The wither- 
ed grass had been burned down in October, and was now suc- 
ceeded by luxuriant herbage of the most lively green, which, al- 
though very little rain had fallen as yet, had sprung astonish- 
ingly in length, and presented an appearance like the wheat 
crops of Britain when covering the clod,i — an adequate invita- 
tion no doubt, for the vast herd that browsed upon it. 
On the steep banks of the river, the natives have formed in- 
clined landing places for their own convenience. Here, when 
the wild animals are under the necessity of coming to quench 
their thirst in the dry season, they conceal themselves, and when 
an Antelope enters the narrow pass, they appear behind and 
drive it into the water, where it is soon dispatched by people 
stationed in canoes for that purpose. 
During the dry season, large hunting parties are formed, who 
surround the place where the greatest quantity of game is 
known to be, and set fire to the withered grass. The flaming 
circumference of the circle diminishes with noisy rapidity, emit- 
ting so intense a heat, that no animal dares to attempt a passage. 
An opening, therefore, is purposely left, at which the most ex- 
pert marksmen are stationed, who generally kill a sufficient 
quantity. 
Another mode of hunting the Antelope, only had recourse to 
when the grass cannot with safety or convenience be set on fire, 
is to encircle an entire district with a cordon of people, at proper 
distances from one another. Each individual is provided with 
a piece of red cloth, which he fastens to the end of his spear, 
and waves it over his head. In this manner, the whole circum- 
ference advances as towards a centre, and with shouts and cries 
at last coops up the terrified animals within a very small space, 
where great numbers are killed whilst attempting to escape. 
Buffalo .— The Buffalo is sometimes hunted, but he becomes 
so furious when wounded, that it is considered a very dange- 
rous enterprise, and is therefore seldom engaged in. 
