the animals are in it, they have no
chance whatever of getting out again. The surface of the pit is
concealed by a thin crust of green rushes, and the hedges are sometimes
a mile long, and nearly the same width apart at the outer extremities.

We were still a considerable distance from the outer ends of the hedges,
when the natives spread out as above described, and I am convinced that
our line extended over at least four miles of ground. The circle, of
course, narrowed as they advanced, shouting wildly, in order to drive
the game into the enclosure.

That the country was teeming with game soon became apparent, for ever
and anon as we advanced a herd of gnus or buffaloes or hartbeests would
dart affrighted from their cover, and sweep over the open ground into
another place of shelter, out of which they were again driven as the
line advanced. In the course of half an hour we drove out hartbeests,
zebras, gnus, buffaloes, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and many other kinds of
smaller game, either singly or in herds.

"Now, lads," said Jack, approaching Peterkin and me as we walked
together, "it is quite evident that if we wish to see this sport in
perfection we must get outside the hedge, and run along towards the pit;
for there, in the natural course of things, we may expect the grand
climax. What say you? Shall we go?"

"Agreed," said I.

"Ditto," cried Peterkin.

So without more words we turned aside, followed by Makarooroo, leaped
the hedge, and running down along it soon reached the edge of the pit.

Here we found a number of the natives assembled with spears, looking
eagerly through the interstices of the hedges in expectation of the
advancing herds. We took up our stand on a convenient spot, and
prepared to wait patiently. But our patience was not severely tried.
We had not been more than five minutes stationed when the noise of the
closing line was heard, and a herd of buffaloes dashed wildly out from a
small piece of jungle in which they had sought shelter, and galloped
over the plain towards us. Suddenly they halted, and stood for a moment
snuffing the air, as if uncertain what to do; while we could see, even
at that distance, that every muscle of their bodies trembled with
mingled rage and terror. Before they could decide, a herd of gnus burst
from the same place; and presently a dozen zebras galloped out, tossing
up their heels and heads in magnificent indignation. These last
scattered, and approac