ustomed to wide horizons,
he can promptly distinguish objects at a distance, which, to an
ordinarily good eyesight, would need careful scanning through a
field-glass.

He is expert in finding and following any trail, and can promptly tell
the imprint from whatever animal it might be, or of whatever human
origin; an ideal scout and unsurpassed as a pioneer. When travelling
over roadless country the Boer's instinct will direct him in tracing
the most practicable route for his wagons, and with his experience he
can foretell what kind of topography he will in succession have to
traverse, avoiding unnegotiable spots and unnecessary detours, and when
about to halt, a surveying gaze will locate the safest and most suitable
position for his temporary camp. Such capacities serve with obvious
advantage in defensive and offensive war tactics. Prompt in seizing an
advantage and in avoiding danger, he has also learnt to be an adept in
ruses to decoy and mislead an enemy, and as for self-help and
resourcefulness, there is hardly a situation or difficulty conceivable
which will not be successfully surmounted. The usual Boer can also fend
for himself and cope with the minor perplexities of every-day life in
the field, which would strand a less initiated man. He can cook, bake
bread, mend clothes, make boots, repair saddles, harness, and vehicles,
and is full of expedients and able to make shift. Most of them know how
to shoe their horses, whilst many of them are expert also in working
wood and metals and similar handicrafts. In short, the Boers make ideal
scouts and are unique as colonizing pioneers. In their nomadic
wanderings and frequent wars, the Boers have gained much useful
experience in tactics, strategy, and in the wiles of diplomacy too.
They also learnt to adopt methods of organization, of cohesion, combined
action, and a certain amount of discipline among themselves.

They elect as subordinate and chief leaders men whose abilities and
influence have commended them for such responsible appointments. Before
committing themselves to any very important step these leaders would
first confer with the people, who in turn would generally be easily
swayed to their opinions, and who found by experience that it was safest
to follow their judgment. It thus also became a habit to leave the main
thinking over to those leaders, which enhanced unanimity and led to a
self-imposed obedience and discipline recognised as necessary for the
com