The Centre reporter. [volume] (Centre Hall, Pa.) 1871-1940, 1878-05-30
Hunting the Giraffe.

The most general and successful
method of hunting this noble animal is
the one prOcticed 10y the sword hunters.
or Aggagecrs, IN Southern Nuhia They
are mounted ON the swiftcst dramciarics,
and rs soon M - flock of giraiics has
bocn eSpied in the steppe, the Lunters
assemble. They use no saddle. and can
keep, therefore, on the top of the fatty
protuhoranco only by firm appliance
and grasp OF their muscular knee JOINTS,
Their bodies are of dark bronze hue
ana are always shining with an abuud-
ance ol grease. From the left shoulder
bangles the long and broad crnss hilted
sword, sheathcd IN a rcldish-colorrd
leather scabbard. The party Is followed
at some distance 10y AN attendant, who
carries water IN leather bag. and raw
sorghum grams previously soaked IN
water. This food, called beiiish with
u mouthful NJ water. constitutes all the
food that the frugal giraffe hunter
stands IN need of.
A careful search has finally revealed
the spot whero little hock Of girafIes
has gathered. The hunting company
approaches most nuisuleSsly, hiding t.
self when possible behind trees and
thlckets. When near enough, the riders
emerge from the thickcts, and 10y loud
clicks excite their demonstrates 10 speed
On with their utmost power after the
game. Then then draw their swords,
their strange hunting weapon, the blades
glittering brightly IN the sunbeams.
The doomed victims soon become aware
uf their prosecutors, and IN their rapid
flight wave their long necks forward and
backward Dry branches break and
crack under the step of their quickly
moving hoots; stones, pebbles, roots
aud earth arc whlrled in all directions,
and clouds Of dust fill the atmosphere.
Ia desperate, frantic chase the hunter
follows his game which cunnlngly tries
81 eyade or outstrip It's unmerciful pur
suer by cross-steps and jumps; but the
despondent look Of the exhausted victim
already presAgas that its doom is sealed,
and that au escape Is utterly impossible
The velocity of the pursued Is no longer
| equal 10 that II the pursuer, and wher
its pace begins 10 slacken, the hyll
| tongue, covered with froth, protrudss
NNlb W AA4S AAtANAl anu tAAN AsAA AAAFs
perate eyehalls starting from their sock
cts, exhibit the anxiety by which IN,
animal is consumed. When the hunter
has arrived ut sufficiently short dis
| tAnce, he leans forward ON his seat, tlke'
aim, and with his ponderous sword
/ hamstrings his victim. Rarely Is
second blow needed 10 fell the colossa
frame Of the pursued giraffe. The AM
NAL falls painting into the grass, OF
crouches down upon its hind legs IN con
vulsions, and kicks 10 right aud left
whirling up clouds Of dust.
! BY loud cry the Nubian sportsman
announces his victory, and calls togethe
/ his companions N the chase. IhOs,
who are not actually engaged IN pursu
| ing or staying another victim from al
sides readily respond to the call. The,
! dismount from their dromedaries ant
dispatch the victim ty few sword-cut
into the throat and the eItremities,
| They fay the animal on the spot, anC
/ divide the meat among the party, VIII,
/ cut it leugthwise into strips. When III,
meat has been thoroughly dried in tn,
! sun, il is used as provision. and stands
/ in high favor with hunters and travellers