CHAP. VII.] 
THE BAGABA HUNTERS. 
193 
bamboo; the blade is about fourteen inches long by 
nearly three inches broad ; this is as sharp as a razor. 
Two men, thus armed and mounted, form the hunting 
party. Should they discover a herd, they ride up to 
the finest tusker and single him from the others. One 
man now leads the way, and the elephant, finding 
himself pressed, immediately charges the horse. There 
is much art required in leading the elephant, who 
follows the horse with great determination, and the 
rider adapts his pace so as to keep his horse so near 
the elephant that his attention is entirely absorbed 
with the hope of catching him. The other hunter 
should by this time have followed close to the ele¬ 
phants heels, and, dismounting when at full gallop 
with wonderful dexterity, he plunges his spear with 
both hands into the elephant about two feet below the 
junction of the tail, and with all his force he drives 
the spear about eight feet into his abdomen, and with¬ 
draws it immediately. Should he be successful in his 
stab, he remounts his horse and flies, or does his best 
to escape on foot, should he not have time to mount, as 
the elephant generally turns to pursue him. His com¬ 
rade immediately turns his horse, and, dashing at the 
elephant, in his turn dismounts, and drives his lance 
deep into his intestines. 
Generally, if the first thrust is scientifically given, 
the bowels protrude to such an extent that the elephant 
is at once disabled. Two good hunters will frequently 
kill several out of one herd; but in this dangerous 
hand-to-hand fight the hunter is often the victim. 
Hunting the elephant on horseback is certainly far less 
dangerous than on foot, but although the speed of 
the horse is undoubtedly superior, the chase generally 
takes place upon ground so disadvantageous, that he 
is liable to fall, in which case there is little chance 
for either animal or rider. 
So savage are the natural instincts of Africans, that 
they attend only to the destruction of the elephant, 
and never attempt its domestication. 
o 
