onsiderable bodies. We followed the
centre one. At length we found ourselves in a rocky country, which
compelled us to turn aside. Twice Donald fired, and each time brought
down an animal. I also killed one; but could with difficulty rein in my
horse while I reloaded my rifle. Away the springboks went, leaping over
the rocks with wonderful agility. We had been gradually ascending, when
Donald disappeared among the rocks and trees to the right, and shortly
afterwards I found myself going down the somewhat steep side of a hill,
with a number of springboks directly ahead of me. I again fired, but
missed, when I stopped to reload; and just then looking up, I saw a high
precipice, towards which several of the springboks were making. Rushing
on, regardless of the height of the cliff, they leaped over it. I
thought they must have broken their legs; but they alighted unhurt.
Just then I saw Donald coming on at full speed, directly after another
herd. They, too, made for the precipice. I shouted out to him, fearing
that he might not see it, and that he and his horse would fall over and
be killed. I shouted and waved again and again. Just before he reached
the edge he saw me, and though he could not have heard what I said, he
guessed there was danger, and reined in his steed; not, however, till
they were both on the point of rushing over. Scrambling up the hill, I
rejoined him. He had killed four antelopes--a welcome supply for our
camp. We might have slaughtered many more, but those we had got we
could not carry home. Gutting up four animals, we loaded our horses
with the meat, and then drew the remaining two into a hollow of a rock,
and filled up the entrance with stones and sand, hoping to send for them
in the evening.

The springboks are so called from their wonderful agility. They are
found in all parts of Southern Africa, and are more numerous than any
other variety of the antelope. In form they are very graceful--not
unlike the lovely gazelle of the north of Africa.

We had a somewhat fatiguing trudge towards the camp, though we had less
to complain of than our steeds. The supply of venison was very welcome,
though I was afraid, in consequence of our long chase, the intended
journey might be delayed another day. Donald complimented me on my
horsemanship; indeed, I had not been five minutes in the saddle before I
found myself perfectly at home. I was somewhat stiff, I must confess;
but the horses were