300 
AFRICAN HUNTING. 
possible from you, and give as little as they can in 
return. My new false axle ran well to the State, 
over a frightfully stony road, with a heavy freight. 
I have shot nothing ; two hard unsuccessful days, 
and my people are very hungry. To-day, by 
w r ay of change, I came across a hole in the bed of 
a river, with only about two and a half feet deep 
of mud and water in it; but it was crowded with 
barbel. My fellows went in and speared fifteen 
in five minutes, averaging each from 2 lbs. to 3 lbs. 
weight, and some 4 lbs. or 5 lbs.; but they were not 
in good condition, and their flesh was soft. How¬ 
ever, we ate them with great gusto; if so minded, 
we could have killed at least a hundred. 
A honey-bird took my Masara to-day almost into 
a lion’s mouth ; he was within five yards ere he saw 
him crouched down ready to spring. According 
to his own statement, he showed good presence of 
mind, shouting at once to the lion to 4 look there — 
look there! ’ pointing in an opposite direction, upon 
which the lion stood up and did as he was com¬ 
manded, when the Masara made an expeditious re¬ 
treat. Living the life the Kaffirs do, entirely in the 
open air from their infancy, and never having a hut 
of any sort or description, such occasional encounters, 
I fancy, are not unfrequent. I have been but very 
poorly the last three or four days. I am totally 
prostrated in strength, unfit for anything, the least 
exertion bringing on profuse perspiration, and I am 
suffering much from indigestion. I fear I shall not 
