Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-30

with a gun. Although they exhibit eX-
traordinary power OF measuring by IN
stinct the average range OF rliie, ana
cautiously keep out of the way, they
exhibit no fear whatever OF cold steel.
If they find themselves confronted by
settler with 10 means of defence except
a hunters knife. they send shower OF
stones at him. and the lord of creation
is obliged 10 retreat before battalion
Of cynocephali that hurl projectiles II
him while keeping at distance, because
a man, even when he is beaten, never en-
tirely loses his prestige among balloons.
1t IS I'm the darkness of the night that
the Cape Colonists prepare their war Of
revenge against these enemies, whose dep
relations ruin in n few moments the most
flourishing agricultural establishments.
4 baboon hunt resembles an expedition
against a tribe Of Basutos or Zulus. The
farmers of a region infested by balloons
commence by calling out the rear guard OF
their Shepherds These precious auxilia-
rles Of African agriculture are Kafiirs
who I'm the baboon hunts play dangerous
and often self-sacrificing part. Before
sunset they receive an order to form
circle around the ground covered with
bushes and pear trees where the balloons
have established their camp. When the
men are at their post they begin TO march
with extreme slowness and caution, ma
noeuvring in way TO force the cyno-
cephali TO close their ranks and move
toward the high ground. where they are
accustomed to take refuge in case OF
danger. The movement TO bring about
their concentration requires prudence and
caution. The animals must not be
alarmed too much.
A mil a dozen nOrSf
men arrive one by one at the farm where
they have agreed 10 meet. 1t is we'll
known that the European colonists OF
South Africa are rihemen that have no
superio-s on the face Of the earth. and
that they can perform tours de force with
a gun that surpass those Of the famous
companions Of Buffalo BILL
After having partaken of some OF the
substantial refreshments for which South
African hospitality is noted, the colo
nists sleep two or three hours. and then
start out for their balloon hunt. They
surround the hill where the enemy is
collected. Each one is separated from
his companion by an interval Of about
100 metres, with the exception OF two or
the best shots in the company, who climb
TO the summit OF the hill to cut off the
uatreat These manoeuVreS are exc
man is in the place assigned to him he
has nothing more TO do except TO light
his pipe and quietly wait for sunrise. At
about 4 o'clock the cracking of .ranch
generally gives notice that the animals
are waking up. One Of them advances
cautiously, TO see il there is anything
suspicious in the horizon. After
making about three or four PAGES he re-
celves a bullet which sends him bounding
into the air with an almost human cry.
Then the rest appear, and the hunters
blaze away. Few of the enemy escape.
The hunters then advance. but instead
of taking scalps they cut off tails, which
furnish the evidence Of their prowess,
and entitle them to the reward fixed by
the government. Each tail is worth
about Is cents.
An old Boer. on being asked If he was
satisfied with a recent hunt, replied:
Perfectly. We had splendid sport.
we killed forty monkeys and two men,"
That gives enc an idea of the dangers
incurred in the pastime. These uniortu-
nate accidents cannot be attributed to
any want Of skill In the use Of the rifle.
4 true Afrikander, as eacn colonist Of
the Cane of the Orange State, and OF
the Transvaal calls himself, never misses
a shot. but. before firing. he does not
always take time 10 reflect. IL
one of the crack shots in am
bush on the high ground makes
the slightest movement. ne runs
the risk Of receiving a bullet in his head.
But II is among the natives that the
bullets Of the hunters make the most
victims. In the gray light which pre-
cedes the dawn II Is not always easy 10
distinguish a baboon from Basuto.