XXIX 
ANIMALS OF THE BACK BLOCKS 
287 
The bongo is in certain localities quite common, 
and if the ground is undisturbed the probability is in 
favour of getting on fresh spoor within an hour. When 
Mr. Roosevelt and his son Kermit visited British East 
Africa the best ground was especially rested for their 
benefit, with the result that bongo were quite 
numerous therein. Mr. Kermit Roosevelt was led up 
at once to two good bulls, which, unfortunately, eluded 
his eyesight in the open jungle, where their colouring 
is most distinctly protective. Proceeding further, a 
herd numbering at least thirty or forty were en¬ 
countered ; the sight of so many of such a rare species 
grouped in his proximity not unnaturally so excited 
the young sportsman that his shooting became some¬ 
what erratic. Luckily, the bongo shared his bewilder¬ 
ment, and remained until he eventually obtained a cow 
and calf, prizes which he richly deserved, if only for 
the earnestness with which, after his first failure, he 
had gone in pursuit. Lord Delamere, one of the 
keenest of observers, had hoped that he had devised a 
scheme whereby the ex-President might be equally 
successful. Colonel Roosevelt’s bulk and con¬ 
versational powers somewhat precluded him from 
tracking, since the utmost caution and lack of noise are 
essential. Lord Delamere, however, found that, where 
a deep stream flowed down the hillside, there were 
only certain passages which the bongo, when alarmed, 
would take. Selecting such a spot with three 
“ passes,” he placed Mr. Roosevelt in the most likely 
crossing, stood himself in another, and stationed a 
native armed with a bow to turn the bongo back 
if he came to the third, and most unlikely, pass. 
Beaters were then sent some miles round. Alas! 
two fine bulls came to the crossing at which the 
