Cool quotes of Stewart Edward White ("Lions in the Path")

[Benny Nganabbarru]

I just got this gem of a book in the mail, and have only read the first two chapters. It is excellent, and his writing is classic. He also has a great tongue-in-cheek sense of humour. Here are some quotes that I've found thus far:

"To be a true archer, one must entertain a sort of holy feeling. The mention of guns must be carefully avoided."

"People who deprecate it as cruel, or who laugh at it as ineffective, simply are not cognizant of the facts."

"The best wat to go at making your first bow is without hope, but with persistence."

"Fifty yards is what we might call a pretty certain range, though, of course, many deer have been shot with the long bow beyond that distance."

"And in evaluating the hunting pleasure, do not forget this: that a good close miss has a great kick in it. When you miss with the rifle, it is simply a catastrophe."

"More sport per head of game. How could conservation be better expressed?"

And this little snippet:

But one day came Young, bearing rather shamefacedly a strange and fearsome thing. It looked like a cross between a spear and a butcher knife. It was six inches or more long shaped like an arrowhead and whetted to a razor edge.
"What's that thing?" we begged to know.
"That?" said he, staring at it as though he saw it for the first time. "That? Why, that's a rhino head."
We pointed out that we were just going to get some shooting where game is very plenty, not to do any stunts; that the big fellows--
"It might come in handy," he countered vaguely.
He went away. Later, it developed, he made six of the things. What is worse, he infected Doc, who also made six. I did not. I am without rhino arrows. But then, as I said, I am not an archer; I only shoot the bow and arrow a little.

Stewart is the chap who took Pope and Young on their African adventure. I thought some of these were worth sharing. Now, for some more reading...

             

[TomMcDonald]

Bahhahahaha that last one is HILARIOUS!

[Al Kidner]

And where did you get this little "gem" my far off mate?

[Benny Nganabbarru]

I hunt for these old books at Amazon, Alibris, Bookfinder, or Biblioz.

[Falk]

 
Not that I am responsible for your purchase, but I mentioned it would be good reading. I am glad that I am not the only one who likes this classic. Enjoy the ride ...  

[tradtusker]

he he i like it