XIV 
THE BUFFALO 
57 
to drive its horns into the posterior. This is a 
difficulty, as the great curvature of the horns 
renders a direct thrust impossible. The victorious 
bull, left upon the field of battle, has kindled the 
fire of fight, and longs to seek some new 
antagonist more worthy of its strength. It does 
not much signify at that moment of excitement 
whether it be man or beast, but if the former, it 
is to be hoped that he is well prepared. 
I have frequently witnessed such battles be¬ 
tween old bulls, and then walked up to interview 
the victor, with a 3-oz. rifle, upon the open plain. 
Nothing can be grander than the sight of a 
thoroughly excited bull who is determined to 
assume the offensive, provided that you have a 
double-barrelled No. 8 with 12 drams of powder, 
or the 3-oz. with 14 or 16 drams. 
The terrific power of the old 3-oz. belted 
spherical bullet was frequently exhibited upon 
Minneria plain ; and it was a grand experimental 
shooting-ground in those days, when buffaloes 
were within shot at all hours from sunrise to 
sunset. The 3-oz. was an absolute exterminator, 
and no buffalo had a chance, provided the rifle 
was held steadily and straight. This weapon 
was a single-barrel, and in those distant days 
it was of course a muzzle-loader, therefore I 
could not afford to miss, in the event of 
danger; I accordingly got into the habit of 
shooting straight, having a thorough confidence 
in the crushing power of the rifle. 
