22 
BUFFALO. 
they had got a little way into a wood, perceived a. 
herd, which appeared to consist of about five or six 
hundred large beasts, grazing in a plain that was 
skirted by the wood. The animals, intent upon 
their food, did not perceive the party till they ar- 
rived within three hundred paces ; when the whole 
herd lifted up their heads, and viewed them with 
attention. We should naturally suppose that a 
sight so truly terrific as this must have been, was 
sufficient to appall the stoutest heart : nevertheless, 
as they were apprised of the nature of these ani- 
mals, and how reluctantly they attack any one in 
the open plains, they did not seem to dread either 
their strength or number; but, not to frighten them, 
stood still, till they again stooped down to feed. 
Three of the party were Europeans, and as many 
Hottentots, trained to shooting, and provided with 
muskets, besides others who only carried javelins. 
Armed in this manner, with a determined air, they 
marched within forty paces of the buffaloes, who 
now began to look up again with a brisk and un- 
daunted mien. They then judged it proper to dis- 
charge their muskets at once amongst them : and 
the effect was instantaneous ; for the whole of them, 
intrepid as they appeared, surprised by the sudden 
flash and report, immediately made for the woods, 
leaving those that were wounded to follow as well as 
they could. “ Amongst these,” says our traveller, 
(i was an old bull buffalo, who came close to the 
side where we stood, and obliged us to take to our 
heels and fly before him.” He however passed on 
