The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1860-11-21

i'm dangerous and difficult situations such as
would not occur TO more accomplished
brother sportsman.
am led 10 these reflections by the
many parties have seen start well provi-
ded with everything but the requisite
knowledge Of the habits and instincts oil the
animals they were about to pursue. and
consequently return disappointed. Some.
thing more than being good rife shot is
required every species of game have their
own peculiar habits, and TO me ! must con-
less not the least attractive portion OF the
sport was, by knowledge OF their habits,
TO be able 10 bring the chase 10 a successful
issue.
The cows and young buffalo are 10 be
found in herds; the old bulls are generally
alone, or perhaps in small troops, from
three to ten in number. About the time
the cows cslve, and Tor weeks afterwards,
the bulls remain with the rest of the herd;
they then separate, and, though they are
occasionally all found together, they are
more usually apart. The cows hide their
young in the thickest and most bushy kloofs,
keeping by them during the day, and lead.
ing them forth at hight 10 feed About sua-
sci, when not much disturbed, the herd may
be seen gathering at the edge OF the bush
during the night they come out into the
open plains and Craze; soon after daybreak
they return 10 The bush, seeking ihe thick.
est and most impenetrable places, where,
sheltered from the heat of the sun, they
sleep until the approach of night again
calls them forth. The calves remain with
the herd after they have ceased 10 follow
the cows, and none but the Oldest and
strongest bulls separate from The main body.
Very early in the morning is the best
time for hunting. as they may then be
found on the plains, and may be intercep-
ted on their return 10 the bush, and hunted
on horseback. Sometimes they return ear
" 10 their favoriie kloofs. 1t is then neces-
sary 10 follow the spoor, observing the ut
most precauton not TO make any noise
The crack of dry stick under foot is enough
10 start the whole herd, which, rushing
! blindly through The bush, lefrify themselves
but the astounding noise they make. Some
times their quick scent will indicate TO
them the approach of any enemy. Should
! he rush take place in the direction the hun
ter is advancing, his situation is one of ex-
treme peril, as in their headIong flight
/ they charge whatever is in their way. A
| quick ascent into the nearest tree is the
/ wisest plan, but sometimes the bush is too
stouted, and the hunter must trust 10 his
presence of mind, and secure the best con-
ceslment he car.
The large horns and :ough skin of The
buffalo render long shot useless. About
/ fifty OF sixty yards is usually the distance,
! but in The thick bush the best plan is TO
! Greer, if possible, within fifteen or twenty
yards; a bullet of from eight TO twelve
TO the pound lodged behind the bend
| OF the shoulder is generally 10 be re-
lied upon, though a single shot is rarely in
simultaneously fatal. A single animal is
more easily approached than herd when
in numbers some are always standing on
the look out A solitary bull: on the con.
trary, will sometimes rise within half a
dozen places. When wounded, and in the
bush or long reeds, they are exceedingly
dangerous. The extreme rapidity with
which they dash through the thickest and
strongest covert, their quick sight and keen
scent. render The utmost caution necessary
Plunging along game path, they will sud
| denly wheel round some bush, and the hun
Ter following hot upon the spoor is pros
,ra,ed before he has time TO raise his gun
II is then the vidictive and savage nature o
the buffalo shows itself stamping with hi
fore feet and goring with his horns, have
known them 10 break every bone in thei
victims body. With well trained dogs yo'
may follow boldly, as by their incessan
barking you are made aware OF his exac
locale, aud the attacks ol the dogs occup,
his attention sufficiently TO allow OF a delib
crate aim being taken but dogs should b
kept in Ieashes and Tipped after the wound
ed buffalo; otherwise, if allowed TO range i
the covert, they would probably drive eve
ry one out without a shot being obtained.
Buffaloes are greatly molested by tn
swarms of flies and myriads of ticks whic
always accompany them. A very constar
attendant upon them is the small brow
bird called by the economists the tick bird
This bird is always found in considerabl
numbers in the neighborhood of buffaloe'
and have often noticed them flying an
screaming in great agitation when we hav
: approached their friends. ! believe the
not uufreque ntly give the alarm, which
followed by instantaneous fight. | had o.
ten heard The story, but confess | was scep
lcal until convinced by ocular deEonstra
lion.
Such is the African buffalo cunning an
suspicious, i, is difficult to approach, br