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


buffalo, that perhaps an account of days
hunt and description OF The Cape buffalo
may not prove unin!eresting.
In the cool season of 1884 | journeyed,
with one companion. g lnni pon the east /
coast OF Africa. Car etaI:.ug point was
Natal, and after twenty days frsking,
we arrived at our ground We encamped
upon mountainous ridge, spur of the
great Drakenbergs or Quaia s-apa range of
mountains, which rnt nearly soT IS the
whole continent from east . c Fron
our lofty place of abods VS. e .rk the
course of the PongoIa river - !. flowed
through the valley below Ihs scenery
was beautiful; large unduIa,ing downs,
dotted with clumps of large and majestic
trees, gave an idea rather of an extensive
park than a wild and uninhabiied country,
so fu'l of malaria and fever, that even the
natives, after vain attempts 10 locate Them
selves, were fain TO fly from so unhealthy
spot. Engaging the service of iwenty.four
Kaffirs of the Amaswazu tribe, we descen-
ded into the lower grounds, in light march
ing order, leaving our European servants,
camp. wagons, &C., &c., OH The mountain.
Pitching a small patrol tent upon the bank
OF river, lett The party, and accompan-
led two Kaffirs, sailed forth with the inien-
lion of stalking buffalo. After long walk,
succeeded in getting within twenty yards
Of four old bulls; ihey stood facing me, eyi-
IDENTIFY alarmed, but as yet had not detected
my slealthy approach.
Standing as they did, it was an akward
shot ; the immense mass of horn upon the
forehead sheaths it with a coat OF mail in
addition to which buffola carry their noses
high, thus affording no sure mark when
facing the hunter. | aimed al the point of
the shoulder and fired the ball "a 2 OF
one) told slCnk behind bush as the
bull galloped heavily away. ! started a
Kaffir TO keep him in sight, and it was
well | did SO. Hastily Teloading, ] follow
ed, and was joined by the Kaffir, vino re-
ported that, after proceeding short dis
tance, the wounded animal had proceeded
sharp round bush, upon the edge Of The
game path Cautiously advancing, | got
within eIghty yards | saw my friend wait
ing evidently with the intention of charging
whoever followed him upon The path
There was no bush between us, and not
| liking TO approach nearer J. flied at him !;
the bullet hii again, but the distance was
too great for the shot 10 be effectual He
now moved slowly and sulkiy off, followed
al respectable distance by the same intel
| igent native who had previously spoiled
him. found, upon advancing, The kafir
watching a small clump OF bush, in which
the buffalo was reported TO have taken rel
| uge. desired him 10 advance with me
and point him out both Kafirs declined
accompanying me. alleging the buffalo was
! dangerous and meant mischief.
| Sitting DOVE 10 watch the bush, dis
| patched a messenger 10 the teni-almost
| half a mile distanI-ior the dogs. In very
| short time the dogs lsix in number, and led
| in leashes) arrived. Cautiously entering
| the thicket, The natives pointed out dense
mimosoa bush, in which the buffalo was
+ standing ! could merely see the outlines
of his figure | could a.m at no vital part
so, directing the Kafss - siP tie dogs the
the momen: fired, ,aok 6 nasty shot
The effect was eleerica. 80 previous mo
ment the most perfect s,:. =ss fs!gned-all
was silent but Ia dischafse had scarcely
taken place, when, with at angry roar, the
buffalo bore down upnn us, the small bush
es between were sse a moment,
everything yielding h s' and pom
derous bulk. Eouut afirs did
| not (as they often do) 7sa -esea ce o.
miud-lhey sli ped the dos dashing al
! him, his course was chang and follow
ed in order 10 administer another dose bu
so sudden and impetuoas were ms attacks
that, after nanowingly escaping more thar
oncs was fan 10 leave the covert anc
watch for chance of shot outside. Pres
emily he broke covert on the other side, anc
went off full speed for the river, with the
whole pack OF dogs in full chase. follow
ed as fast as could. Upon arriving at the
river, found him at bay On the other side
again fred, bu, the distance was aoou
eighty yards-,oo far 10 kill. Tremendous
y worried by the dogs, he repeatedly tool
TO the water, making down the stream.
continued a warm fire from the opposite
bank over against the tent. After recelv
ing many balls, he swan across in the deeI
water towards me. waited until he wa
within ten yards of the waier's edge, an'
fred. This shot proved fatal; his nos'
sank beneath the stream, the waters o
which were dyed with his blood; while
some of the dogs climed upon his back
biting his ears and worrying him to The last
certainly obtained This animal solely
from the exertions of the dogs. 1t wa
highly exciting 10 see the battle in the wa
Ter. The staunch manner in which the,