The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-10-08
GIANT SNAKES.
An Exciting Python Hunt in South
Africa.

If the Bosjesman, or bushman OF
South Africa, has one dainty that
tlckles his palate more than any 9th
er, it is baked python-the flesh of the
huge species OF snake generally known
as the boa constructor
The natives method of hunting this
reptile is different from that employed
IN their pursuit OF any other game, in
asmuch as while q body OF fifty or
100 men is engaged in the chase, the
action belongs to one man in the
search and to two at the end.
During my sojourn in Africa 1 once
met a party of bushmen who were
about to undertake a python hunt,
writes'W. F. Pond in The Youth s
Companion. l knew several OF the
men. was curious to see their
methods OF hunting the python, and
lett our camp on the plains to join
them. ,..-, .....ar~. .
A days journey brought us we'll in
to the tangled primeval bush. While
we camped for the night, scouts were
out IN all directions in search ofpyth-
on trails. So far as I could learn,
these consisted of curious marks about
the pools and dry "kloofs," or water
courses. What the signs were could
not ascertain.
1t was late the following day when
our scouts returned with the informa-
ton that there were traces OF two
large reptiles about two hours tramp
away. Early the next morning the
start was made
We had not proceeded far before the
forest become exceedingly dense. The
broad-leaved trees stretched their
arms on all sides, and it was with
difficulty that the rays of light filter
ed through the green screen, turning
the gloom into kind OF thick, green
ish-black haze that made the eyes
ache until they became accustomed
to it. and caused the pupils to dilate
until they cleaned like those of rep
tile.
Here and there a rough path was
broken through the rough under
growth, evidently by the passage of a
rhlnocerous, elephant or other giant
of the woods forcing his way through
the nearest pool.
These tracks were the haunt OF the
pythons. Coiled around limb over
mead. motionless, looking like a part
OF the tree, the reptiles watch for, the
passage OF some animal which they
may devour
There was a curious stiffness in these
solitudes; the hiss of a small snake,
the twitter of a grasshopper or To-
Gust. the boot OF an owl, or the occa-
klonal chatter OF q monkey sounded
strangely aggressive
Our party was divided into tens.
Nine Of each party spread themselves
out; with just enough space between
each two men to enable them to scan
every tree and every open space,
while the tenth man remained some
distance in the rear. did not know
until later what had become of him.
was between two natives, and SIM
ply threaded my way as quietly as I
could, not bothering myself with try
ing to discern any object in theglocm.
could rely upon the sharper eyes OF
the natives, and the knowledge that
when the quarry was found l should
:be.brought to it.
For offensive arms the natives had
only their puny, but terrible bows and
arrows, which, instead 3of sticking in
the headdress, as in the open, were
now slung upon their backs in a rude
bark culver.
Each man CARRIED a thin cord of sin
net, ,or twisted bark fiber, about as
thick as thread, and perhaps from
sixty to eighty yards in length. Ihad
my usual companion--a double ex-
press rifle weighing about ten pounds
and sighted to the breadth of a. hair.
THE BIRDS WARNING NOTES.
Ilhe air was cool, but the half-light
seemed to have the property to rem
der it oppressive. / was getting very
tired, when the peculiar harsh chlrp
struck my ear that is given by the
lllustrious little bird which does for
the rhinoceroS tie duty that is some
times performed by the fine comb of
civilization. saalf turned, instinct
3Mely expecting to see or hear the
presence OF the spaonarch which the
bird attended.
1t was not single chirp, however,
but dozen continuous ones, that
seemed to start away off on NV left
hand, and pass over to my right. !
knew, therefore that it Was a signal,
passing from one native to another,
and ! turned to the one nearest to