The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-03-31
Miscellaneous.
WILD SPORTS IN AFRICA.

That night we were to sleep in the
forest; so before sunset, We built large
camp for shelter. But there was no
sleep for me; the leopards were too
howis rescundhiang; soul ,dhia; dhiS5Rtal h5t And df6TA'i??As
camp, told me that we had better keep
a bright look. out. I forbade any one
to move out of the light of the tires
during the night but there was little
need of caution, as they knew very well
that if they did they would never come
back to the camp. The next day pro-
posed a leopard hunt. The next morn
ing, when l got up and said we must
find the lair of the leopard, the people
seemed to back down; but l was moi
willing to give it up, as the leopards
were not far from us, and their lar
must be near by. l wanted only four
Apingi to go with me.
So l called four oe the warriors. IL
gave two guns to them, and one pre-
ferred to 60 with his war spears
After awhile we came to the bank OF
little stream, where / discovered the
footprints of huge leopard in the soft
ground. What paws 1t must be an old
and ferocious animal. l have not the
slightest doubt that the monster was an
old fellow, and that it was the one that
came so near our camp during the night,
and nothing but the big fires we kept
up had frightened him away and pre-
vented him from pouncing upon us
Unless the leopard had caught some
thing last night he must be fearfully
hungry, and, consequently, very fierce
/ must look out, for, in that case, If 1
see him will have but very little time
to fire, for in jiffy he will spring upon
me, said to myself.
So carefully followed along the bank
of the stream the footprints of the huge
cat. If he sees me first he may pounce
upon me, as a cat does mouse. l must
be careful. The Apingi are watchful,
They look all around; their ears are
ready to hear the least noise. All al
once hear cluck from one of themen
| stop; he points out to me spot ahead
lust by the stream, where the under
brush or jungle is very thick. Hug
trees have fallen one upon another, ana
it is impossible to see through the mass
The leopard must be there. This dark
place must be his abode for the day
There he hides himself and sleeps, anC
from there he starts upon his depreda
tions, spreading fear and terror among
beasts and men. | stand ready to fire
at seconds notice. wish you coult
have seen me. | knew that it was
matter of life and death with me-
follow the track of the leopard, for /
had walked all along the little stream
The Apingi men are not mistaken. sud
denly the footprints leave the river, an'
tho last / see of them show that tn
animal has retired into that thick, darl
and almost impenetrable part of tn
Jungle, where the Apingi had told IN
that the leopard was concealed. This
dangerous game. can not sec the enc
my. It is dangerous to go in. canno
back out / dare not show the Apine
that am afraid. But, then, l do nc
wish to be killed by an infuriated leoI
ard.
The best thing than can do is to u;
caution and enter the thicket, TT
Apingi are almost afraid to so in. B'
we must do it. lead. Oh, l wish
O had some native dogs with me; the
!, would bark and show us the lair of Il
I leopard. After while ! succeeded
!, climbing to the top of the huge tree tn
had been blown down by the tornad
1t is, at least, ten feet in diamete
IS When once lodged there take vie
d of the surroundings. The Apingi q
le close at my back. They are evident
o. afraid, and for myself, l do not feel We
A comfortable, for you will agree with
THAT il is difficult position to be in, l