FOREWORD

The author of this little volume, Mr. J. Alden Loring, is one of the three field naturalists who accompanied me during the eleven months that I spent in Africa, at the head of a scientific expedition sent out by the Smithsonian Institution. In the following pages Mr. Loring has chronicled many of the experiences that befell the expedition and its members, while some of the chapters are devoted to the experiences of trustworthy travellers and big-game hunters whom we met. What he describes as fact may unhesitatingly be accepted as such; and in the preface he clearly differentiates between the experiences in which he records fact, and those in which he tells stories merely founded on fact.

Theodore Roosevelt.

Oyster Bay, N. Y.,

September 19, 1913.

PREFACE

Because of its dangerous animals, and in some localities, its dangerous natives, Africa is probably the most lucrative country from which to gather material for a book of this character.

From the time that we boarded the S. S. Admiral, bound for Mombasa, we met English officers and settlers returning to their respective posts or homes, who rehearsed exciting experiences that at once convinced us that it would be impossible to live long in Africa without having at least one thrilling adventure.

The majority of these stories are literally true. They are the experiences of the various members of our party and of those of gentlemen we met, whose word cannot be doubted. The same can be said of the articles relating to the habits of the animals. The last seven chapters should not be accepted as actual fact. They are so far based on fact, however, that they are not improbable.

To the publishers of the following magazines, in which these stories have previously appeared, my thanks are due for the privilege of republishing them in this form: Outing Magazine, Out-door Life, Outdoor World and Recreation, The American Boy, Boys' Life, St. Nicholas Magazine, and The Youth's Companion,

J. Alden Loring.

OWEGO, N. Y.,

March 5, 1914.