The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1882-06-22
A Buffalo Hunt In South Africa,


I had been hunting from break Of
day, and although had seen a number
of antelopes and other animals inter-
esting to a sportsman, they were so
wild that it was impossible to come
within fair shooting range. Moreover,
had the misfortune to be mounted on
a very slow horse, which had only suf-
ficient speed to be useful in the chase
of elephants. 1t was, nevertheless,
very steady, and stanch as a rock, max
ing it invaluable in pursuit of the latter
game.
After I had been quiet for a few hours
during the heat of the day, a Bushman
came to me with the information that
there was large herd of buffalo close at
hand. :..f .
! As meat was much wanted, has
tened the saddling, and hurriedly de-
parted for the scene of action, with
the Bushman as guide, leaving word for
the rest of my followers to come after
me as soon as possible.
The country was beautiful in this To-
cality. There was a large flat expanse
covered with grass, in parts extremely
rank, and dotted over here and there
with scattered trees, while at intervals
of half mile or more kopjies-an i'm
mense tumble of rocks-would crop up
to the height of several hundred feet.
These masses of rock deserve a word of
notice, for they are a peculiar feature
of tropical South Africa. Invariably
they are composed of brilliant red
sandstone, or of a rusty brown metallic
looking formation, and from their de-
tached and broken positions induce the
beholder to think that some powerful
volcanic force had showed them up to
their present elevated position.
Strange as it may appear, they are
ever covered with considerable amount
of vegetation, particularly wild fig, some
varieties of palms, and numerous de-
scriptions of creepers, although it is
utterly impossible that there can be any
soil or moisture about their roots.
TO see the setting or rising sun CLINT
ing off these masses of rock is a sight
never to be forgotten, for every corner
or Granny seems to be possessed of
Jewels of most wonderful brilliancy that
reflect every shade of light possessed by
the rainbow.
The buffaloes were soon found, and
with due amount of caution I sue
ceeded in approaching within thirty
PAGES Of a very fine young but full
grown bull. The better to make sure
of my aim, dismounted, and gave the
game both barrels from my .eight-bore.
The thud, thud, in response told me
that they had hit, while stagger for
ward and attempt to lie down said that
| thew had been well placed.
My horse, which was behind an ant
hill, on which grew numerous bushes
now left, and walked up to the buffalo,
which did not for moment doubt
would never regain its legs. But in
this l was mistaken, for no sooner did
the wounded beast see me than it re-
dashed at me. Both barrels again de-
livered, at less than fifteen PAGES.
! Still the foe came on; SO at last | was
compelled to resort to the undigniiied
course of turning on my heels and beat
ing most rapid retreat. l felt con.
WINGED that my pursuer had his speed
impeded by the wounds he had re-
ceived, for l gained the ant-hill and
clambered up it, but not before his horns
were in unpleasant nearness to my per-
son. But here l was safe, for although
the buffalo again and again attempted
to climb its steep sides, he utterly failed
At length the horse caught his eye, and
on him he now sought to vent his wrath,
but the old steed simply cantered or
trotted, as occasion demanded, round
my asylum.
I think it could scarcely have been
possible to have witnessed a more ride
ulous scene, for my mount would not
be driven off, nor would the bull give
up the chase. had now time to load,
and, waiting for clear broadside shot,
1 tumbled Mr.. Buff over in his tracks.
Immediately the shot was fired, the old
horse actually turned round to see the
result, then walked up to the fallen foe
and examined him, as if with the eye
of an experienced judge in shooting
matters.
1 have killed a great many buffalo
with one bullet; seldom have l required
more than two. But, from some unex-
plainable cause, you will occasionally
come across an animal that it appears
almost impossible to deprive of life,
although your shooting looks, when
inspecting the body, to have been per-
fectly orrect.-Harper's Young People.