Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-03-14

suade her from her purpose, the entire con-
tents were thrawn over Mr. p, scaldng him
drcadrully. Amid shrieks of pain, Mr. p. was
taken to the Hospital, his skin utterly peeling
off on the way. About two weeks after his ad-
mission to the hospital, he died in great agony.
An investigation was had, but owing to the
difficulty of procuring witnesses, Mrs p. was
released and returned to this city widow, and
q sadder, il not a wiser woman.
BUFFALO HUNTING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Buffalo hunting at the Cape is so totally diff .
ferent from the chase of the American buffalo, !
that perhaps an account Of a days hunt and |
description of the Cape buffalo may not prove
uninterestng.
In the cool season of 1854 journeyed, with |
one companion, to hunt upon the east coast of
South Africa. Our starting point was Natal, |
and after twenty-eight days treking, we arrived .
at our ground. We encamped upon noun
famous ridge, a spur of the great Drakenbergs |
or Quathlamba range of mountains, which run
nearly across the whole continent from east to |
west From our lofty place Of abode we could
mark the course of the Pongola river as it flow /
ed through the valley below. The scenery was
beautiful; large unduating downs, dotted with
clumps of large and majestic trees, gave an idea
rather of an extensive park than a wild and un-
habitated country, so full of malaria and fever,
that even the natives after vain attempts to To-
cate themselves, were fain to fly from so un-
healthy spot Engaging the service of twen-
ty-four Kafiirs of the Amaswazu tribe, into the
lower grounds, in light marching order, leaving
our European servants camp, wagons, &C., &c.
on the mountain. Pitching small patrol teHt
upon the bank of river, | left the party, and
accompanied by two Kaffirs, sallid forth with
the intention Of stalking buffalo. After long
o1,1; ;,f
of four old bulls they stood facing me, evident
ly alarmed, but as yet had'not detected my
steathy approach.
Standing as they did, it was an awkward shot;
the immense mass of horn upon the forehead
sheaths it with a coat of mail; in addition to
which buffalo carry their noses high, thus afford
ing no sure mark when facing the hunter. |
aimed at the point of the shoulder and fired /;
the ball Ia 9 OF. one) told. | skunk behind
bush as the bull galloped heavily away. | star
ted a Kaflir to keep him in sight, and it was
well did so. Hastily reloading, l followed,
and was joined by the Kaiiir, who reported that
proceeding short distance, the wounded ami
NAL had proceeded sharp round a bush, upon
the game-path. Cautiously advancing | got
within eighty yards l saw my friend waiting
evidently with the intention of charging Who
ever followed him upon the path. There was
no bush between us, and not liking to approach
nearer fired at him; the bullet hit again, but
the distance was too great for the shot to be eff
fectual. He now moved slowly and sulkily off,
followed at a respectable distance by the same
intelligent native who had previously spotted
him. | found, upon advancing, the Kaffir
watching a small cump of bushes, in which the
buffalo was reported to have taken refuge.
desired him to advance with me and point him
out; both K6ifirs declined accompanying me,
al, l,,H, al
mischief.
Sitting down to watch the bush, dispatched
a messenger to the tent-almost half a mile
distant-tor the dogs. In very short time the
dogs (six in number, and led in leashes) arrived
Cautiously entering tho thiCKet the natives
pointed out dense mimosoa bush, in which
the buffalo was standing | could merely see
the outlines of his figure; | could aim at nc
vital part; so, directing the Kafhrs to slip the
dogs the nome 1t fired, [ took a hasty shot
The effect was electrical; the previous momen
the most perfect stiffness reigned-all was 81
lent; but the discharge had scarcely taken place
when, with an angry roar, the buffalo bore dowI
upon US; the small bushes between were level
led in a moment everything yielded to hi,
strength and ponderous bulk. Fortunately th
Katfirs did not (as they often do) lose thei
presence of mind-they slipped the dogs; dash
ing at him his course was changed, and FOL
lowed in order to administer another dose; bu
so sudden and impetuous were his attacks, that
after narrowly escaping more than once, wa
, fain to leave the covert and watch for chanc
of shot outside. Presently he broke cover
on the other side, and went off full speed TO
t the river, with the whole pack of dogs in ful
/ chase. | followed as fast as | could. Upo
arriving at the river, found him at bay tn
G other side l again fired. but the distance wa
OH fnr tn
y dously world by the dogs, he repeatedly too
: to the water, making down the stream. ! COZ
e tinued warm fire from the opposite bank owe
E against the tent. After receiving many ball
i he swan across in the deep water towards m
4. l waited until he was within ten yards of tt
n waters edge, and fired. This shot proved fata
1t his nose sank beneath the stream, the waters
s. which were dyed with his blood while some
n the dogs climbed upon his back biting his ear
g and worrying him to the last.
IF | certainly obtained this animal solely fro
d the exertions Of the dogs 1t is highly exctir
sc to see the battle in the water. The staun,
manner in which they stuck to him was real
wonderful, and excited my admiration not a i
tie.
N To hunt buffalo successfully, it is necessa
ID the hunter should have perfect knowledge
H. their habits and modes of life; he should
,e able to follow their spoor in the bush, to t
how old it is, whether the animal is alarm
g and moving rapidly, or is merely feeding as
n goes along. He should know where to o
lie for them at different periods of the day, a
~ when found, how to approach them and abo
re all, when wounded, how to secure them. Wit
- out this knowledge the sportsman's educati
ht is incomplete, and besides want of success,
lie. will find himself in dangerous and difficult s
lis ations, such as would not occur to a more
n complshed brother sportsman.
20, am led to these reflections by the ma
IL parties have seen start well provided with
u erythng but the requisite knowledge of
ng habits and instincts of the animals they w
re about to pursue, and consequently return q
1w appointed. Something more than being &C
ly rifle shot is required; every species of ga
"a have their own peculiar habits, and to me
he must confess not the least attractive portion
ge the sport was by a knowledge of their hab
an to be able to bring the chase to a success,
dy close.
,ed The cows and young buffalo are to be for
ar in herds the old bulls are generally alone,
Ter perhaps in small troops from three to ten
- number. About the time the cows calve,
di- for weeks afterwards, the bulls remain with
he rest of the herd they then separate, and thu,
at they are occasionally all found together, Il
In are more usually apart. The cows hide Il
at young in the thickest and most bushy klo
of keeping by them during the day, and lead
- them forth at night to feed. About sun
'a- when not much disturbed, the herd may be S