TRACKS OF RHINOCERI. 117 the former now visit only at rare and uncertain intervals, and where the presence of the latter is a thing entirely of the past. At Ma Ambasah there were plentiful marks of rhinoceri, and elephants not infrequently visited the neighbourhood.

It was our custom to draw for pairs to go out shooting, and we had done so, as usual, on this occasion. Lort Phillips and Aylmer had drawn together. I was to go with Colvin ; and my brothers decided on remaining in camp for the purpose of making observations, and taking photographs. We also drew for trackers ; Colvin and I got Salee, while the others took Mahomet, an excellent man whom we had engaged at Cassala.

We started up the dry river's bed, and saw numerous tracks of rhinoceri. One or two of these animals had evidently been drinking, during the night, at some pools of water we came across ; during the daytime they usually retire to the thick grass and almost impenetrable jungle that grows so thickly in this part of the country, and where they are almost un-get-atable. On the Settite there is none of this grass ; and, although it is much affected by the larger animals, their pursuit is rendered much more difficult where it abounds. One feels constantly sure of the presence of big game, when it is impossible to see it. A number of Base had accompanied us, eager for meat ; and we found it very difficult to keep them back. We had been on the fresh tracks of a large bull buffalo for some time, but, owing to the chattering of these fellows, we could not get near it, and at last, in despair, sat down, and refused to proceed farther till all but three or four had set their faces in the direction of the camp ; and we insisted that those we allowed with us should keep a long way in our rear, which with great difficulty we persuaded them to do.