194 
SPORT AND WAR. 
CHAP. XXI. 
The extensive plains in the Free State are intersected 
here and there by belts and cross-belts of mountains, 
with only gaps between, through which the countless 
herds of large game pass from one plain to another. 
For days before we arrived the natives had been con¬ 
centrating from distant points towards Eeit Vley, 
leaving men in the 6 several necks,’ as they passed on, 
to prevent the game from escaping back to the plains, 
from which they were being driven towards a com¬ 
mon centre. 
Early on the morning of the 24th His Royal High¬ 
ness and the shooting party of twenty-five guns in all 
started for Mr. Baines’ farm, wdiich caused us to diverge 
nearly six miles from our route. We reached Reit 
Vley about eight o’clock, and were provided with a 
sumptuous breakfast. During all this time we saw 
masses of game closing in from all directions. 
Our first sport was, however, to have been a Lion, 
and we made for a hill where it was supposed the 
monarch of the plains would be found ; but I am sorry 
to say we w r ere disappointed ; he had managed to escape 
from his lair during the night; and as time was 
precious, we had to give up the lion for less noble game. 
Herds upon herds of large game (all of the antelope 
species) were passing us, and the battue commenced by 
the Prince bringing down a great wildebeast, or gnu. 
This ferocious-looking beast turned on His Royal 
