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THE LION

T II E E L E P II A N T.

THE LION

AND

THE ELEPHANT.

CHARLES JOHN ANDERSSOX,

AVTUOR OF

LAKE NGAMI," " THE OKOVAXGO RIVER," ETC.

EDITED BY

L. LLOYD,

AUTHOR OF

"FIELD SPOUTS OF THE NORTH OF EUROPE,"

ETC.

AY OXK VOLCMK.

LUX DOX :

HURST AND BLACKKTT, PUIILISIIKKS,

13, Gil K AT MARLBOKOL'GH STRIIKT,
1873.

All n-h-5 n=,TM-,l.

K
l
A 55

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

late Charles John Anderssou, the well
known traveller in Africa, and author of " Lako
Ngami" and " The Okovango River," ended his days
miserably, as so many other enterprising men have
done before him, in the wilds of that continent,
leaving behind him voluminous papers and notes,
which are now in my possession. Amongst the
rest, are materials for his contemplated great illumi-
nated work, " The Ave Fauna of Southern Africa."
of which an abstract has recently been published
by his talented friend, Mr. John Henry Gurney,
under the title of the " Birds of Damaraland, etc.,"
and as this valuable work has been very favourably
received, and poor Andersson, in consequence,
once more brought to the remembrance of his
numerous friends both in England and Sweden, 1
am induced to give publicity to the present volume,

1 216910

11 EDITOR S PREFACE.

which, as coming from the pen of one who pro-
bably saw more than most men, of the animals
therein spoken of, will not improbably interest
both the naturalist and sportsman.

Other notes of Audersson, relating not only to
his more recent travels, but also to the natural
history of various four-footed animals indigenous
to Southern Africa, are still in my possession, and
should the present work meet with the reception
it is to be hoped and trusted it will, these also may
probably be shortly published.

L. LLOYD.

GOTHEXliUKG,

Muy 30, 1873.

CONTENTS.

THE LION.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION— PLACES WHERE THE LION IS FOUND — LION HUNTS
IX AFRICA AND IN ASIA — DISTINCT SPECIES— NUMEROUS IN
SOUTHERN AFRICA — DESCRIPTION OF THE LION AND LIONESS —
THE FACULTIES OF THESE ANIMALS— THE LION'S ROAR— SIZE
AND WEIGHT — IMMENSE STRENGTH COMPARED WITH THAT OF
THE BENGAL TIGER — DOGS VERSUS THE LION — THE L1ON\S
PACES 3

CHAPTER II.

NATURE OF THE LION*S PREY— SAID TO EAT HIS MATE— DESTRUC-
TIVE TO CATTLE— THE LION A " MAN-EATER "—THE WHITE MAN
VERSUS THE BLACK— NATIVES COMPELLED TO LIVE IN TREKS —
MANNER IN WHICH THE LION SEIZES HIS PREY— THE L1ON*H
BOUND — THE WOUNDS HE INFLICTS— FOOT OF THE LION— HIS
GLUTTONY— FAMILIARITY OF INFERIOR ANIMALS WITH HIM —
THE LION'S FLESH- AGE TO WHICH ME ATTAINS— ATTEMPTS
SUICIDE - -1

Vlll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER III.

THE LION MONOGAMOUS — HIS GALLANTRY TO HIS MATE — LOVE AND
GALLANTRY AMONG LIONS — THE LIONESS A JILT— COMBATS OF
RIVAL SUITORS— THE PAIRING SEASON — PERIOD OF GESTATION —
THE CUBS— THEIR SIZE, APPEARANCE, AND COLOUR — DISPARITY
IN THE NUMBER OF THE SEXES — THE YOUNG LION'S APPRENTICE-
SHIP— DEPRIVING THE LIONESS OF HER CUBS . . 10

CHAPTER IV.

DARING OF THE LION— SENTINEL CARRIED OFF BY A LION —
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY — TWO FORMIDABLE " MAN-EATERS "
BUSHMAN KILLED BY A LION— UNSUCCESSFUL PURSUIT OF A
" MAN-KILLER" — BENEFIT CONFERRED ON THE CHILDREN OF
THE DESERT BY THE DEATH OF THE LION — APPALLING CATAS-
TROPHE— IRRUPTION OF A LION INTO A KRAAL — DARING SHOT
OF A LION-HUNTER — AUDACITY OF THE LION. . . 61

CHAPTER V.

INFLUENCE OF THE HUMAN EYE UPON THE LION— DIEDRICH
MiiLLER — GERT SCIIEPER's ENCOUNTER WITH A LION— MOF-
FATT — POWER OF THE HUMAN VOICE OVER THE MONARCH OF
BEASTS — THE ALGERIAN ARABS — GORDON CUMMING IN DANGER
— THE LION AFRAID OF RUSES — CUNNING OF THE LION — ILLUS-
TRATIONS FROM GREEN, CUMMING, MOFFATT . . 75

CHAPTER VI.

DAY AND NIGHT HAUNTS OK THE LION— THE LION AND LAMB
LYING DOWN TOGETHER— LIONS HUNTING IN COMPANY — AD-
VENTURE IN PURSUIT OF GNOOS — THE LION'S PREY — BRINGING
DOWN THE GIRAFFE — A PRECONCERTED PLOT — DOMESTICATION
OF THE LION — AN UNPROFITABLE CUSTOMER FOR THE BUTCHERS
—CAPACITY FOR INSTRUCTION — RESPECT FOR HIS KEEPER —
TEMPER IN CONFINEMENT— SCANDINAVIAN LYNX. 1»3

CONTEXTS. IX

CHAPTER VIII.

LION-HUNTING IN SOUTH AFRICA — CHASE BY THE COLONISTS —
THE LION'S LAIR— THOMPSON'S DESCRIPTION OF A HUNT— A
MAGNANIMOUS LION — NAMAQUA MODE OF HUNTING —NARROW
ESCAPE OF MR. ORWELL — A FIELD-OFFICER IN DANGER —
SALT-PANS— A SPORTSMAN'S FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE
MONARCH OF THE FOREST— LIONS AND DOGS . .118

CHAPTER IX.

LION-CHASE BY NATIVES — HABIT OF THE LION WHEN SEIZING HIS
PREY— THE CAFFRE MODE OF KILLING THE LION — THE SHIELD
— THE RING — RING-HUNT ON A GRAND SCALE — BUSHMAN
METHOD OF KILLING THE LION — RESCUE OF A LION-HUNTER —
DARING HUNTERS- PURSUIT OF THE LION BY THE AGGA-
JEERS . . . 112

CHAPTER X.

SHOOTING THE LION BY NIGHT— A NOT VERY ENVIABLE SITUA-
TION— PERILOUS POSITION — THE WOUNDED LION — EXCITING
HUNTING SCENE — NIGHT-SHOOTING — GORDON CUMMING's EXPE-
RIENCES—THE LION IN THE DARK — LIONS WATERING— THE
MELBODA-ARAB LION HUNTERS— THE SPRING-GUN— THE PIT-
FALL . ... lo(J

CHAPTER XI.

LION-HUNTING IN INDIA — ADVENTURES— MAJOR CHARLES DELA-
MAINE'S FIRST LION-STORY — MARKERS— BEATING THE PATCH —
LION AND ELEPHANT — DESPERATE STRUGGLK — DESPERATK
POSITION OF A MAHOUT — GALLANT CHARGE OF \\<M'M>KI>
LION — MA.IOK DELAMAINK'S SECOND LION-STORY PKRII.OIS
ADVENTURE — LION-HUNTING BY ROYALTY IN INDIA 171)

CHAPTER XII.

NUMBER OF PERSONS KILLED AND MfTILATED BY LIONS IN
AFRICA — REMARKABLE ESCAPE FROM A LIO.N's JAWS — MIGHTY
NIMRODS — PIET'S ADVENTURE WITH A LION — DANGERS OF THE
TRAVELLER IN AFRICA — WONDERFUL ESCAPE OF A NATIVE
FROM A LION — MOFFATT THE MISSIONARY IN JKOPARDY —
BARBARITIES OF THE MATABILE -VARIors ADVKN-TUKES WITH
LIONS — THE PRISONERS H>-_>

X CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIII.

ARMS BEST SUITED FOR LION-SHOOTING — THE LION'S RAGE AT A
BULLET — TENACITY OP LIFE — WOUNDS INFLICTED BY A DYING
LION— SAFEGUARDS — CAPE-HORSES — REFLECTIONS ON LION-
HUNTING—SIGNS OF THE LION'S WRATH— ALLEGED COWARDICE
— THE ALGERINE LION 215

THE ELEPHANT.

CHAPTER I.

COUNTRIES IN WHICH THE ELEPHANT IS FOUND— TWO VARIETIES
— DIFFERENCE OF THE INDIAN AND AFRICAN SPECIES— COLOUR,
HEIGHT, AND WEIGHT— THE PROBOSCIS— THE TUSKS— CARE WITH
WHICH THE ELEPHANT GUARDS ITS TRUNK— DENTITION — MOVE-
MENTS AND PACE— WHEELING ABOUT— ENORMOUS WEIGHT OF
THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT — THE SPOOR 239

CHAPTER II.

VOICE OF THE ELEPHANT— SENSES— HEARING, SIGHT, AND SMELL
— NATURAL DISPOSITION — MUTUAL AFFECTION — CARRYING
WATER TO A WOUNDED COMRADE— SAGACITY — FLESH OF THE
ELEPHANT— THE FOOT — PROBOSCIS AND FAT — HIDE AND EAR —
IVORY— LONGEVITY 200

CHAPTER III.

BREEDING HABITS — PERIOD OF GESTATION — THE CALF — SIZE OF
THE YOUNG ELEPHANT — ITS GROWTH —MATERNAL AND FILIAL
AFFECTION — TOUCHING STORY — CALF OF THE RHINOCEROS —
INCAPABLE OF DOMESTICATION —PET ELEPHANTS — EMPLOY-
MENT OF TIIK ELEPHANT IN WAR . 27*)

CONTEXTS. XI

CHAPTER IV.

GREGARIOUS HABITS OP THE ELEPHANT — LARGE HERBS -HAUNTS
— HABITS— IMITATIVE FACULTIES— A SQUADRON OF ELEPHANTS

— FOOD ON WHICH THEY SUBSIST — TREES UPROOTED BY ELE-
PHANTS—NOT A RUMINATING ANIMAL— QUANTITY OF WATER
DRUNK BY THE ELEPHANT —THROWING WATER OVER THE BODY

— PROTECTION FROM THE SUN .... 28(3

CHAPTER V.

STALKING GENERALLY DESCRIBED — THE AUTHOR'S OWN EX-
PERIENCES—TRACKING THE ELEPHANT— FATIGUE OF ELEPHANT-
SHOOTING—QUALITIES REQUISITE IN AN ELEPHANT-HUNTER —
PARTY OF OVAMBOES— SUCCESSFUL STALKING —NOTES FOR THE
GUIDANCE OF ELEPHANT-HUNTF.RS . . . . 3Ul

CHAPTER VI.

ELEPHANT-HUNTING ON HORSEBACK -HARRIS'S EXPERIENCES —
ADVENTURES OF GORDON GUMMING— DANGERS TO WHICH THE
MOUNTED ELEPHANT-HUNTER IS EXPOSED — DOGS— HARDSHIPS
ENDURED BY THE HUNTER ON HORSEBACK . . . u27

CHAPTER VIT.

ELEPHANT SHOOTING AT NIGHT — AMBUSHING FOR GAME— THE
AUTHOR'S EXPERIENCES AT THE "SCREEN" — DANGERS ATTEND-
ANT ON NIGHT-SHOOTING— PERSONAL ADVENTURES —A CRITICAL
POSITION — A SUCCESSFUL NIGHT'S SHOOTING — AN EVKNTKl'L
EPOCH OF MY LIFE . . ... 3W

CHAPTER VIII.

HAMSTRINGING OF ELEPHANTS BY THE CAFFRES — BRUCE's AC-
COUNT—THE PITFALL — USE OF POISONED JAVELINS — THE
RHINOCEROS, THE ELEPHANT'S ENEMY — COMBATS BETWEEN
MALE ELEPHANTS -STRUCK BY LIGHTNING —THE CHASSE IN
ARYS8INIA — THE AGOAJEERS — THEIR MANNER OF KILLING THE
ELEPHANT -FREEMASONRY AMONG HUNTERS . '•'••'>*

Xll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IX.

CASUALTIES TO ELEPHANT-HUNTERS — DEATH OF WAHLBERG —
CAREL KRIEGER'S FATAL ADVENTURE — REVENGE OF A WOUNDED
ELEPHANT— REMARKABLE ESCAPE OF LIEUTENANT MOODIE —
LIFE OF THE ELEPHANT-HUNTER — DANGERS AND HARDSHIPS
TO WHICH HE IS EXPOSED — MAD WAGER AND ITS FATAL
RESULT — ELEPHANT-HUNTING, BLOODY AND UNDESIRABLE

WORK 371

ILLUSTRATIONS,

THE AFRICAN LION . . . FfontlspicfC

LION ATTACKED BY DOGS . . . . . 1G3

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT ..... 239

A FURIOUS CHARGE 309

THE LION.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION — PLACES WHERE THE LION IS FOUND — LION HUNTS
IN AFRICA AND IN ASIA — DISTINCT SPECIES— NUMEROUS IN
SOUTHERN AFRICA — DESCRIPTION OF THE LION AND LIONESS —
THE FACULTIES OF THESE ANIMALS — THE LION'S ROAR — SIZK
AND WEIGHT — IMMENSE STRENGTH COMPARED WITH THAT OF
THE BENGAL TIGER — DOGS VERSUS THE LION — THE LION'S
PACES.

A LTHOUGH both in " LakeXgami," and " Tlic
-fj- River Okovango," many of my adventures
with the Lord of the African wilds are recorded,
much remains to be told of his habits, modes of
life, &c., some of which, perchance, m$j uot have
been noticed by other travellers and sportsmen.

The number of lions actually killed by myself
have not, it is true, been very great. Xeither in-
clination nor circumstances permitted me to devote
much time to their destruction. When leisure per-
mitted, the chase of the Elephant — probably the
most exciting and hazardous of African sports — was
my favourite pursuit; i may however safely say, I
never hesitated to attack the lion when he crossed
my path. Still I have seen him lace to face when
he has been infuriated by the anguish of mortal
wounds, have felt his breath fanning my cheek in tho

4 THE LION.

dead of the night, have assisted in depriving him
of his prey when maddened with hunger, have met
him in the ready swamp and in the dense jungle, have
" stalked " the antelope in his company, have seen
him pull down the stately giraffe, have roused him
in the midst of his " children," and encountered
him under many other circumstances — and without
taking undue credit to myself, I therefore think 1
am in some degree, at least, qualified to judge of the
royal beast and his habits.

The lion is found from within one hundred miles
or so of the Cape of Good Hope to the shores of
the Mediterranean, in short, through nearly the
length and breadth of Africa. As regards the more
southern portion of that continent, however, it is a
very generally received opinion with both colonists
and natives that there are two distinct species of
this animal, viz., the so called " black-maned " and
the " yellow-maned " lion; the former being de-
scribed as the longest in the body, and the latter as
the larger in regard to general proportions. The
dark colour of the mane of the "black-maned lion "
they furthermore say, is not attributable in any
way to age — the cause usually assigned by natu-
ralists— but it is of that hue from the first; and
this, their view of the matter, is in some degree
corroborated by a circumstance that came to rny
personal knowledge, and for the correctness of
which I can vouch. Two lions were shot on the
same spot, and almost at the same instant of time,
Both were full grown ; but one was young, whilst
the other was so old that lie had merely the stumps

SPECIES OF THE f.IOX. 5

of his teeth remaining, and yet the manes of both
were similar — that is blackish.

Besides the so called black and yellow-maned
lion, the Anna Zulu Caffirs, whose opinions
are by no means to be despised, distinguish
between the grey or white, the red and the
grey-necked lion (called by the Boers the blue-
necked), which they say is peculiarly savage ; and,
in addition, both hunters and natives make mention
of a maneless lion.

In Damora-land again, the inhabitants speak of
two kinds of lion. One of a whitish hue, maneless and
very long in the body, and hence designated by them
the Onkyama Omlaskv, that is the lion-giraffe ; and
the other as of a brownish, or of the usual tawny
colour, short in the body, and of a fierce disposition.
This they call Onhyama Okomba.

But the late Sir Cornwallis Harris (then captain),
who, as the reader may be aware, spent some time
in Southern Africa on a shooting excursion, alto-
gether gainsays the notion of two species of lions
being found there; for, after telling us "that, with
the exception of the mane of the African lion being
often larger and of a finer texture than that of the
Indian, attributable probably to the less jungly
nature of the country it infests, and to the more
advanced age to which it is allowed to attain, it is
in every respect (and often in this respect also),
precisely similar to that found in (-Ju/erat in India."
He goes on to say, " But I need hardly inform the
well-instructed reader that both the colour and the
size depend chiefly upon the animal's age, the

O THE LION.

development of his physical powers ; and of the
mane also, being principally influenced by a like
contingency. That, for instance, which has been
designated the ' maneless lion of Guzerat,' is nothing
more than a young lion whose mane has not shot
forth ; and I give this opinion with the less hesita-
tion, having slain the ' king of beasts ' in every stage
from whelphood to imbecility."

In Northern Africa, again, it would seem the
general opinion that there is more than one species
of lion. M. Gerard, the famous slayer of these
beasts, tells us, indeed, " that no less than three
species are found in Algeria, viz., the black lion
(el adrea), the fawn-coloured lion (el axfar), and
the grey lion (el zarzouri). He, moreover, goes into
many details relating to each, but his story is too long
for insertion in these pages.

The lion also inhabits the hotter portions of Asia,
amongst the rest, as said, certain districts in Ilin-
dostan. In parts of Turkey, Persia, Syria, £c., it
is far from uncommon. What may be the case in
the Holy Land at the present day, I know not; but
from the frequent allusions made to this animal in
the Bible, it would seem formerly to have abounded
there.*

In parts, at least, of Asia, as in Africa, the idea
is likewise entertained that there is more than one
species of lion. Layard, for instance, in his cele-
brated work, " Nineveh and Babylon," after telling

* Judges xiv. 5, f>; 1 Samuel xvii. -°4; T.sahn civ. 21; 1 Kings
xiii. 24, 25, 28; 2 Kings xvii. 25, 20; Jeremiah xlix. It); Nahum ii.
11, 12, 13.

OPINION OF NATURALISTS. 7

us that, on the River Karoom, he had seen lions
with a long black mane, goes on to say, " The in-
habitants of the country make a distinction between
them and the common maneless lion ; the former
are * kqfir ' or infidels, the others Mussulmans, By
a proper remonstrance, and at the same time pro-
nouncing the profession of faith, a true believer may
induce the one to spare his life, but the unbelieving
lion is inexorable."

Though the belief of there being two. or more
kinds of lion, not only in Southern and Northern
Africa, but in Asia, is, as shewn, pretty general,
yet great naturalists, on the contrary, assure us
there is only one species in the world, and that the
difference observable amongst these^' animals, in
regard to size, colour, &c., is solely attributable to the
effects of climate, soil, food, age, or other circum-
stances. " The lion," says Carpenter, the zoo-
logist, " is much more disposed to exhibit varieties
than most of the feline family, with the exception of
the domestic cat," and he quotes many unmistak-
able instances of animals originally of the same
race, changing their habits and character by
being removed to localities differing in physical
condition from those pertaining to the place of
their birth.

But be there only one species of lion, or be there
several, the subject is at all events deserving the
attention of naturalists, and others who devote
themselves to the advancement of science.

To resume : lions, though generally distributed
over the African continent, probably abound most

8 THE LION*.

in countries bordering on the torrid zone. In parts
of Southern Africa they are also very numerous, as
what follows will shew : —

" These rocks and vales and picturesque scenes,"
says Moffatt, when describing one of his journeys
in the interior, " were often vocal with the lion's
roar. It was a country once covered with a dense
population ; on the sides of the hills and Kashan
Mountains were towns in ruins, where thousands
once made the country alive, amidst fruitful vales
now covered with luxuriant grass, inhabited by
game. The extirpating invasions of the Mantaties
and Matabele had left to beasts of prey the undis-
puted right of these lovely woodland glens. The
lion, which had revelled on human flesh, as if con-
scious there was none to oppose him, roamed at
large, a terror to the traveller, who often hears
with dismay his mighty roaring echoed back by the
surrounding hills."

Elsewhere, when speaking of a wild and desolate
region that he was traversing, the worthy Mis-
sionary writes : — " The number of lions hereabouts
may be easily accounted for, when it is remem-
bered how thinly scattered are the inhabitants ;
and, indeed, the whole appearance of the country
impresses the mind with the idea that it is only fit
for beasts of prey."

And further on, when speaking of the Chuenyane
Mountains, he says : — " The number of lions here
was fearful. . . . During the night we heard their
roar from every point of the compass "

Then, again, we are told by M. Delegorgue, the

MAJESTIC APPEARANCE.

AfricaD traveller, naturalist, and sportsman, who
spent a considerable time in the Caffir country.
" that during the great migration or' the Dutch
Boers from the Cape Colony to their present settle-
ment, no fewer then 3SO lious were, killed by
them."

Harris, also, testifies to the groat number of
lions in the country where he was then shoot-
ing, in a letter to Colonel Delamaine, an equally
enthusiastic and renowned sportsman as himself.
He says : — " They are nearly as numerous as the
rhinoceros,* and used to visit our waggons by twos
and threes by daylight, and every night they made
a descent on our sheep and oxen, frequently killing
them, and generally driving thorn out of the thorn
fence into the wilderness to a distance of miles."

The lion — I here speak of the common type — is
a strikingly bold and majestic-looking animal ; his
large and shaggy mane, which ho can erect at plea-
sure, surrounding his awful front. His huge eye-
brows, his round and fiery eye-balls, which, upon
the least irritation, seem to glow with peculiar
lustre, together with the formidable appearance of
his fangs, exhibit a picture of terrific grandeur.
which no words can describe.

One must not, however, jud^o of the animal trom
the specimens usually exhibited in menageries; tot-
though these frequently equal in bulk those tound

* Of which animals, as ho h:ul previously informed h:> friend.
"ho on one- occasion, when bnnc'-'K t^ hU l>i\ vni.u- ^» diitaiuv ot
about a milel the head of :i koodoo shot otv the pivcodini; da> .
encountered no fewer than twenty-two, and was r.cccsMlated to shoot
thive of them to clear the wav."

10 THE LION.

in a wild state, yet being reared in confinement,
and deprived of the milk of the mother — of fresh
air, so to say — of liberty, &c., they too often acquire
a sickly, emaciated, and melancholy look, which,
coupled with the want of an ample mane, causes
them to contrast very unfavourably with their fel-
lows in a state of nature.

Harris, who had ample opportunities of making
the acquaintance of the lion in his native wilds
both in Africa and India, would seem, like myself,
to have been greatly struck by the different ap-
pearance the beast presents when in a state of
freedom from that when a wretched prisoner. His
words are : —

" Those who have seen the monarch of the forest
in crippling captivity, immured in a cage barely
double his own length, with his sinews relaxed by
confinement, have seen but the shadow of the
animal which ' clears the desert with his roving
eye.' "

The lioness is a much less imposing-looking
animal than the lion, being not only one-third
smaller, but devoid of a mane. When roused, how-
ever, either by rage or hunger, she has an even
more ferocious aspect than her stately mate, whose
countenance is often partially hidden by his flowing
inane.

It is said that, as a general rule, the lioness is
more fierce and active than the lion, and that such
as have never had young are more dangerous than
those that have had families.

The lion is possessed of a piercing sight, and his

EOAli Ob1 THE LION. 11

hearing is very acute, but his sense of smell would
not appear to be very nice. Indeed, to judge by
Gerard's adventures with the beast, which, by his
account, often approached to within a very few
paces of him. without being at all aware of his pre-
sence, it would not seern as if his olfactory nerves
served him in any very great stead.

The roar of the lion — perhaps one of the most
remarkable characteristics, so to say, of the animal
— is fearful, and when heard in the night time,
whether in the desert or the forest, impresses
one with something like awe. It much resembles
distant thunder. The Arabs of Northern Africa
have, indeed, only a single word to express his
voice, and that is Rad, or thunder.

When, however, people speak of the roar of the
lion, it is to be presumed they have in their mind's
eye the low, hollow, and half suppressed sigh, or
groan, that one so often hears in menageries. The
roar of the animal in its wild state is something very
different, and is truly terrific and appalling. But
it is seldom heard in all its intensity ; indeed, a
friend of mine, who frequently hunted the beast in
Southern Africa, only remembers hearing it twice,
and I, for my part, on not more than half-a-do/en
occasions. The lion's roar, however, even under
the mildest form, is most impressive and has not
been inaptly likened to the efforts " to disgorge
something from the throat."

The impression made on my own mind by the
lion's roar would seem to have been in great
measure shared by other travellers, who, as my-

12 THE LION.

self, have had ample opportunities of hearing it
in the animal's native wilds.

" Each night," writes Delegorgue, " these grand
carnivori disturbed by their roarings our sleep and
the repose of the cattle, confined within a circular
fence. There is something terrifying1 in this

O *J O

noise, the only one that troubles the night in these
solitudes, something which obliges me to acknow-
ledge the lion as the ' master ' in them."

" One of the most striking things connected with
the lion," says Gordon Gumming, " is his voice,
which is extremely grand and peculiarly striking.
It consists at times of a low, deep moaning, re-
peated five or six times, ending in faintly audible
sighs ; at other times, he startles the forest, with
loud, deep toned, solemn roars, repeated five or six
times in quick succession, each increasing in loud-
uess to the third or fourth, when his voice dies
away in five or six low muffled sounds very much
resembling distant thunder. At times, and not un-
frequently, a troop may be heard roaring in concert,
one assuming the lead, and two, three, or four
more regularly taking up their parts, like persons
singing a catch. Like our Scottish stags at the
rutting season, they roar loudest in cold, frosty
nights ; but on no occasions are their voices to be
heard in such perfection, or so intensely powerful,
as when two or three troops of strange lions
approach a fountain to drink at the same time.
When this occurs, every member of each troop
sounds a bold roar of defiance at the opposite parties ;
and when one roars, all roar together, and each

BOAIl OF THE LION. 1 •'>

seems to vie with his comrades in the intensity and
power of his voice. The power and grandeur of
these nocturnal concerts is inconceivably striking
and pleasing to the hunter's ear. The effect I may
remark, is greatly enhanced when the hearer happens
to be situated in the depths of the forest, at the
dead hour of midnight, unaccompanied by any
attendant, and ensconced within twenty yards of
the fountain which the surrounding troop of lions
are approaching. Such has been my situation
many scores of times ; and though I am allowed to
have a tolerably good taste for music, I consider
the catches with which I was then regaled as the
sweetest and most natural I ever heard."

" Elsewhere," Gordon Gumming observes, " as
a general rule, lions roar during the night ; their
sighing moans commencing as the shades of even-
ing envelop the forest, and continuing at intervals
throughout the hours of darkness."

According to Gerard, who had more opportu-
nities than most men of studying the roar of the
lion, " Jt is composed of a dozen sounds, com-
mencing with sighs which rise in volume as they
proceed, and finish as they began with an interval
between each."

" When a lion and a lioness are in company,"
Ge"rard further informs us, " the lioness is always
the first to roar, and this at the moment of leaving
the lair.

" The lion alternates with the lioness.

" In this manner they proceed on their way, roar-
ing every quarter of an hour until they have ap-

14 THE LION.

proached the Douar* which they propose despoiling,
and when their appetites are satisfied they recom-
mence roaring and continue until daylight.

" The lion, when alone, also roars on leaving his
den, and it often happens that he continues doing
so until he reaches the Douar.

" In the Summer, during the great heats, the
lion roars less, and sometimes not at all ; but in the
pairing season he makes ample amends for lost time."

''When the lion roars" says General Dumas,
"people pretend one rnay readily distinguish the
following words : — * Ahna on bai el inerct, ' that is
' I and the son of the woman.' Moreover, that lie
repeats twice ' len cl mcraj but 'Ahna' onty once,
from which they conclude he dares not recognise
any other creature than man besides himself."

The natives of parts of South Africa, it is to bo
remarked, assert they can readily distinguish be-
tween the roar of a hungry lion, or one intent on
mischief, and that of a lion whose appetite is al-
ready appeased. When the beast is hungry, his
roar, they say, is dull and stifled ; but when, on the
contrary, his belly is full, it is rather loud.

Moffatt testifies to the like dfect. " As we were
retiring to rest one night " —writes the Missionary,

* Arab village, or rather encampment, as there, nomad people arc
constantly on the move from one locality to the oilier, in accordance
with the season of the year, and the state of the pasturage, itc.
The "Douar" usually consists of from ten to fifteen tents pitched
in a circular form; and in the Winter time, at least, is commonly
situated on the western slope of a hill — the whole being surrounded
by a, high and strong fence — with a single opening for the people
and cattle.

THE HOAR AT MIDNIGHT. 1 j

when sojourning with some natives that he fell in
with in his wanderings, who lived entirely on roots
and the produce of the chase, and who seemed per-
fectly versed in all the tactics of the lion — " one
of those beasts passed near us, occasionally giving
a roar, which softly died away on the extended
plain, and it was responded to by another at a
distance. Directing the attention of these Balala,
and asking if they thought there was danger, they
turned their ears as to a voice with which they were
familiar, and after listening for a moment or two
replied. * There is no danger, he has eaten and is
going to sleep.' They were right, and we slept
also. Asking them in the morning how they knew
the lions were going to sleep, they replied : — ' We
live with them, they are our companions.' '

Impressive and terrible as is the roar of the lion,
cattle, unless they scent the beast, or have been
previously wounded by him, would not appear to
take so much notice of it as is generally repre-
sented. I at least have known the lion to
growl — ay, to roar most savagely — within gun-shot
of my bivouac, and not an ox or sheep stirred.*

* What Anderson here tells us seems somewhat contradictory to
the experiences of other travellers, to that of MofTatt. at least, who
at page lol says : " One night we were quietly bivouacked at a small
pool in the Orep river, where we never anticipated a visit from his
majesty; we had just closed our united evening worship, the hook
was still in my hand, and the closing notes of the song of praise
had scarcely fallen from our lips, when the territic roar of the lion
was heard; our oxen, which before were quietly chewing the cud,
rushed upon us, and over our fires, leaving us prostrated in a cloud
of dust and sand; hats and hymn-books, our biblo and our guns,
were all scattered in wild confusion. Providential 1}' no serious

16 THE LION.

And as further evidence of the little dread that
domestic animals entertain for the lion's roar, or
even for the beast himself, I may mention that it is
a usual practice with the South African hunters,
after having killed and flayed a lion, to strap his
skin behind the saddle, and the horse, even when
untrained to the chase, is rarely or never known to
shew symptoms of fear. Gerard indeed tells us, he
carried his first lion strapped on two mules placed
side by side.

The length of a South African adult lion, from the
nose to the extremity of the tail, I take to be
from eleven to twelve feet, and its height from heel
to shoulder, three and a-half feet and upwards. Indi-
viduals are, however, said to attain to a still larger
size.

Delegorgue when speaking of the District ofMas-
selica, on the Eastern coast, where he hunted for
some time, and where, from circumstances, he

injury was sustained; the oxen were pursued, brought b;ick, and
secured to the waggon, for we could ill aflbrd to lose any. Africaner,
seeing the reluctance of the people to pursue in a dark and gloomy
ravine, grasped a fire-brand, and exclaimed, 'Follow me,' and but
for this promptness and intrepidity we must have lost some of our
number, for nothing can exceed the terror of oxen at even the smell
of a lion. Though they may happen to lie in the worst condition
possible, worn out with fatigue and hunger, the moment the shaggy
monster is perceived they start off like race-horses, with their tails
erect, and sometimes days will elapse before they are found." — -El).

* The length of the dried skin of a wild beast is not to my mind
any criterion of its real size when living, because in my own country,
Sweden (and the like is probably the case in Africa), when the skin
of a bear or wolf, for instance, is nailed up to the wall to dry, it is
not infrequently drawn to an unnatural length, and one altogether
disproportioncd to its breadth.

SI/E AND WEIGHT. 17

thought, with some reason, that lions should be the
largest and strongest of the race, goes on to say.
* The dried skin* of one of these animals measured
from nose to tail (the latter one metre in length)
three metres, fifty centimetres."

The weight of the beast — so far as I am aware—
has never been correctly ascertained, but it is very
considerable ; and as I should imagine, cannot be
less than from five to six hundred pounds.

The lion inhabiting Northern Africa would seem
to be fully as heavy as that common to the
more southern portion of the continent. Gerard,
when speaking of what he calls the "black lion,"
which he describes as a trifle less than either the
"fawn-coloured" or the "grey," says: — " The
breadth of his forehead is a coudf'e, the length
of his body from the nose to the insertion of the
tail, which is a metre long, measures five
coudces ; the weight of his body varies between two
hundred and seventy-five and three hundred /,•//<>.$.''

Elsewhere, and when speaking of a huge lion (but
the species or variety he does not name), killed in a
great ckassc at which he was present, he tells us
that the beast must have weighed at least six hun-
dred livres, or some six hundred and sixty-one and
a-half English pounds.

The strength of the lion is enormous ; in Algeria
— according to Gerard — the Arabs say it is equal to
that of forty men. Hans, my faithful attendant,
told me he had known an instance where the beast
had broken the back of a large ox whilst it was
yet alive. This feat the lion accomplished when

18 THE LION.

planted, so to say, on the poor animal's bind quar-
ters;— for striking his claws deep into the neck of
the victim, he, by a violent effort, brought its fore
and hind quarters into such close proximity that the
spine, as a natural consequence, was at once separated.
He (Hans) told me, moreover, that on a certain
occasion a lion seized one of his largest oxen by
the muzzle, and dragged it away bodily to a dis-
tance, when he killed and devoured it at his leisure.
Thunberg's testimony is to the like effect. " The
lion," he says, "is possessed of such immense
strength that he will not only attack an ox of the
largest size, but will very nimbly throw it over
his shoulders, and leap over a fence four feet high
with it, although at the same time the ox's legs
hang dangling on the ground."

And Sparman tells us, " that he saw a lion in the
Cape Colony take a heifer in his mouth, and though
the legs trailed on the ground, ho carried it off as a
cat would a rat, and leaped a broad dike without the
least difficulty."

But what Montgomery Martin relates as to the
enormous strength of the lion, is still more extra-
ordinary. After stating " that a young lion has
been known to carry a good-sized horse a mile from
the spot where he killed it," lie goes on to say :
"An instance occurred in the Sneemoberg, where
one of these beasts carried off a two-year-old heifer ;
his " spoor " was followed by the hunters for five
hours on horseback, and throughout the whole dis-
tance, the carcase was ascertained to have touched
the ground only once or twice !"

STRENGTH AND PROWESS. 19

Notwithstanding the above proofs of the great
strength and power of the South African lion,
Englishmen who have hunted in India, where, as
said, this animal also abounds in certain districts,
are inclined to think that in these respects he is
inferior to the royal tiger, who has been known to
smash a bullock's head by a single blow of his paw!
That the strength of the lion should be inferior to

O

that of the tiger can, however, hardly be the case,
since their relative size is, I take it, much the same,
and the structure of the skeleton (however different
the outward form of the animal may be) is so
nearly alike as to make it difficult, if not impossible,
to distinguish the one from the other. The notion

CJ

in question is not unlikely to arise from the tiger
being in the habit of strik'uuj his victim ; whilst the
action of the lion, when despatching his prey, is
more cat-like — scratching as it were.

Speaking of the lion's strength and prowess,
it may be proper here to remark that Knglish
naturalists, after telling us that in the Cape Colony
the lion is hunted with dogs, go on to say : " The
hounds surround him ; and rushing upon him all at
once, soon tear him to pieces." It is not, of course,
for me to gainsay such high authorities; but. 1
strongly suspect that the reader, after perusing
these pages, will agree with me in thinking that
even if a score of dogs were simultaneously to
attack the king of beasts, not only would a few
of them bite the dust, but he himself' would corno
out of the conflict all but, or altogether unscathed !

The usual pace of a lion is a walk, and though

c 2

20 THE LION.

apparently rather slow, yet, from the great length
of his body, he is able to get over a good deal
of grouud in a short time. Indeed, he has been
known, in the course of the night, to cross a
plain which, at that particular point, was, as the
crow flies, forty-five miles in width.

Occasionally he trots, when his speed is not
inconsiderable.

His gallop — or rather succession of bounds — is, for
a short distance, very fast; nearly or quite equal
to that of a horse. Indeed, unless the steed has
somewhat the start when the beast charges, it will
be puzzled to escape. Many instances are on
record of horsemen who have incautiously ap-
proached too near to the lion, prior to firing, who
have been pulled down by him before they could
get out of harm's way. Happily, however, the
beast soon tires of the exertion of galloping, and
unless his first rush succeeds, he, for the most part,
soon halts and beats a retreat.

CHAPTER II.

NATURE OF THE LION'S PREY— SAID TO EAT HIS MATE — DESTRUC-
TIVE TO CATTLE— THE LION A " MAN-EATER " — THE WHITE MAN
VERSUS THE BLACK — NATIVES COMPELLED TO LIVE IN TREES —
MANNER IN WHICH THE LION SEIZES HIS PREY — THE LION'S
BOUND — THE WOUNDS HE INFLICTS — FOOT OF THE LION — HIS
GLUTTONY — FAMILIARITY OF INFERIOR ANIMALS WITH HIM —
THE LION'S FLESH — AGE TO WHICH HE ATTAINS — ATTEMPTS
SUICIDE.

lion preys on most of the animals inhabit-
J- ing the African wilds that chance to fall in
his way; but the antelope tribe would, seem to be
the chief objects of his pursuit. It happens, how-
ever, that the beast is beaten off by the powerful
gemsbok, or oryx, on whose long and sharp horns,
indeed, he is occasionally impaled, and in such wise
that, being unable to extricate himself, both in con-
sequence perish. Even the tall giraffe, as will here-
after be seen, is not unfrequently his victim.

At times, likewise, the young of the elephant
becomes his prey. " He lies in ambush for it,"
says Delegorgue, " and pulls it to the ground ; and
after strangling it, walks off without disputing his
prize with its dam, being certain of recovering it at
an after-period."

Occasionally, moreover, he attacks and kills the

22 THE LION.

buffalo, one of the fiercest and most formidable of
African beasts — but often has to pay dear for his
temerity ; for should there be several buffaloes in
company, or others near at hand, the probability is
he will be gored to death.

Delegorgue even goes so far as to say that the
lion not unfrequently destroys the huge white
rhinoceros, an animal which all but rivals the
elephant in regard to strength and bulk. His
words are : —

" Maintes fois trouvai-je des rhinoceros de la
plus haute taille, que ni leur poids, ni leur force,
]ii leur fureur, n'avaieut pu preserver de la mort.
La place de combat 6t.ait visible ; partout elle utait
fouMe, et 1'empreinte du lion s'y lisait sur chaque
point,"

This, however, is quite contrary to my own ex-
perience, and that of somo of the most celebrated
African hunters. As a rule, indeed, lions arc said
to make themselves scarce where the rhinoceros
abounds. Occasionally, it is true, the lion will
surprise and destroy the young of this animal as
well as that of the elephant ; but even the hyena is
known to accomplish this feat.

Unless the rhinoceros be previously wounded, 1
myself am doubtful if the lion ever ventures to
attack the adult animal ; and even if it be maimed )
he would not always seem to prove the victor. 1
judge so because when on one occasion I was fol-
lowing the spoor of a black rhinoceros (which is
greatly inferior in size and strength to the white)
that 1 had wounded on the preceding day, I came

SAID TO EAT HIS MATE. 23

to a spot where one, if not two lions, probably
taking advantage of bis crippled condition, bad
evidently attacked biin, and, after a desperate
scuffle, bad been compelled to beat a precipitate
retreat. In this case, however, the wounded animal
would appear to have been aided by a companion,
who had evidently only left him when he could
walk no further. This is the sole instance that has
come to my knowledge of the lion having the daring
to attack the rhinoceros, though I have seen it
stated in print that he not only frequently assails,
but even masters that horned monster.

x Once iu a time, moreover, the lion kills and eats
his brother lion. . On only a single occasion, how-
ever, has an instance of the kind come to my know-
ledge. This was when 1 was on my way to the
Lake Ngami. On a certain night we had badly
wounded a lion, which retreated growling into the
busli, and shortly afterwards a whole troop of lions
rushed on their disabled brother, and toj'e him to
pieces.

/And once in a time the lion makes a meal of his
mate/an instance of which came under my personal
notice ; it occurred thus :—

Early one morning a herdsman of ours came run-
ning up to us in great fright, and announced " that
a lion was devouring a lioness." We thought at first
that the man must be mistaken, but on proceeding
to the spot found his story to be perfectly true, and
that only the skull, the large bones, and the skin
of the animal were left. On examining the ground
more closely, the fresh remains of a young spring-

24 THK LION.

bok were discovered. We, therefore, conjectured
that the lion and lioness being very hungry, and the
antelope not proving a sufficient meal for both, they
had quarreled, and that he, after killing his wife,
had coolly eaten her also. And certainly, a most
substantial breakfast it must have been.

The lion is very destructive to the cattle and
sheep of the colonists and natives, especially when
several of them are in company, and many in-
stances have come to my knowledge where a
troop of these beasts have dashed into the fold
and destroyed a number of oxen equal to their own.
One night, indeed, when on my way from Damara
land to the Cape, and close to my bivouac, five lions
broke into a kraal belonging to a famous hunter,
afterwards in my employ, and slaughtered no fewer
than five cows.

But great as are the ravages of the lion amongst
the domestic animals of Southern Africa, they are
trifling in comparison with those the inhabitants of
Algeria have to complain of, which, as will hereafter
be shewn, are something terrible.

The lion, as is known, becomes occasionally a
regular " man-eater," and when such is the case
proves a dreadful scourge to the country.
Happily, however, not one lion perhaps in fifty
can properly come under the above denomina-
tion.

Various reasons are assigned for lions becoming
" man-eaters." Some imagine they first acquire the
taste for human flesh (which subsequently they are
said to prefer to that of all other) to certain tribes

MAN-EATEHS. 25

in the interior Dever burying their dead, but un-
ceremoniously leaving the corpses of their friends
exposed in the forest, or on the plain, as the case
may be, a prey to wild beasts or the vulture ; and
I can readily imagine that a lion thus " blooded,"
so to say, would have little hesitation, when oppor-
tunity presented itself, of springing upon and carry-
ing off the traveller or native thafc carne in his
way.

But the practice of getting rid of the dead in the
way spoken of does not exist in all parts of the in-
terior, where, nevertheless, " man -eaters " are to
be found. I am therefore inclined to believe that
the habit of certain lions making a meal of a man,
when they can get hold of him, arises rather from
incapacity on their part to secure their ordinary
prey than from anything else ; and I have the greater
reason to think this is the case, since young lions
are seldom found to indulge in human food. When
the beast becomes crippled, whether from wounds
or old age, and is no longer able to grapple with the
wild animals of his native haunts, it is only reason-
able to suppose he will seize the first and most
favourable opportunity of satisfying his hunger, and
this the exposed situation of the native villages
too often affords him.

Strangely enough, the lion, it is confidently
asserted, would rather dine off a black man than a
white, and the cause assigned is somewhat singular.

O

"The beast in question," says Thunberg, "had
much rather eat a Hottentot than a Christian

26 THE LION.

— perhaps because the Hottentot, being besmeared
with fat, always stinks,* and because, as he never
eats salt or spices, the juices of his body are not
so acrid."

In certain parts of Southern Africa that have
been devastated and partially depopulated by bloody
intestine wars, lions have become so numerous and
daring, and from feeding on the bodies of the slain,
have acquired such a taste for human flesh, that the
remaining inhabitants, to escape their clutches, have
been necessitated to erect their huts in most ex-
traordinary situations.

" Having travelled one hundred miles," says
Moffatt, " five days after leaving Morega we came
to the first cuttle outposts of the Matabele, when
we halted by a fine rivulet. My attention was
arrested by a beautiful and gigantic tree, standing
in a defile leading into an extensive and woody
ravine, between a high range of mountains. Seeing
some individuals employed on the ground under its
shade, and the conical points of what looked like
houses in miniature protruding through its ever-
green foliage, I proceeded thither, and found that
the tree was inhabited by several families of Bakoues,
the aborigines of the country. 1 ascended by the
notched trunk, and found, to my amazement, no
less than seventeen of these aerial abodes, and three

* This hint, it is to be hoped, will not be altogether thrown away
by certain individuals of my acquaintance, not remarkable for their
cleanly habits, so that, when they next visit the African wilds, they
may be induced, if only in si'lf-difoncc, to take with them a, change
of linen and a good supply of soap.

HOUSES OF THE HAKONES. -V

others unfinished. On reaching the topmost hut,
about thirty feet from the ground, I entered, and
sat down. Its only furniture was the hay which
covered the floor, a spear, a spoon, and a bowl full
of locusts. Not having eaten anything that day,
and, from the novelty of my situation, not wishing
to return immediately to the waggons, I asked a
woman who sat at the door, with a babe at her breast,
permission to eat. This she granted with pleasure,
and soon brought me some locusts in a powdered
state. Several more females came from the neigh-
bouring roosts, stepping from branch to branch to
see the stranger, who was to them as great a curiosity
as the tree was to him. I then visited the different
abodes, which were on several principal branches.
The structure of these houses was very simple. An
oblong scaffold, about seven feet wide, is formed of
straight sticks. On one end of this platform a
small* cone is formed, also of straight sticks, and
thatched with grass. A person can nearly stand
upright in it; the diameter of the floor is about six
feet. The house stands on the end of the oblong,
so as to leave a little square space before the door.
On the day previous I had passed several villages,
some containing forty houses, all built on poles about
seven or eight feet from the ground, in the form <>f
a circle ; the ascent and descent is by a knotty
branch of a tree placed in front of the house. In
the centre of the circle there is always a heap of the
bones of game they have killed. Such were the
domiciles of the impoverished thousands of the

28 THE LION.

aborigines of the country, wbo, having been scattered
and plundered by Moselekatse, had neither herd nor
stall, but subsisted on locusts, roots, and the chase,
They adopted this mode of architecture to escape
the lions which abounded in the country. During
the day the families descended to the shade beneath
to dress their daily food. When the inhabitants in-
creased, they supported the augmented weight on
the branches by upright sticks ; but when lightened
of their load, they removed them for fire-
wood."

The lion, as with others of the feline family,
seldom attacks his prey openly, and then only when
compelled by extreme hunger. For the most part
he steals upon it in the manner of a cat, or ambushes
himself near to the water, or a pathway frequented
by game. At such times he lies crouched on his
belly in a thicket, until the animal appoaches
sufficiently near, when with one prodigious bound
he pounces upon it. In most cases he is success-
ful, but should his intended victim escape, as at
times happens, from his having miscalculated the
distance, he either makes a second, or even a third
bound, which, however, usually proves fruitless, or
he returns disconcerted to his hiding-place, there
to wait for another opportunity.

The bound of the lion, when about to seize his
prey, is terrific. Though I for my own part should
not have imagined it to exceed twenty-five to
thirty feet, yet others estimate it to be very ranch
more. " From the spot where a noble male lion

IMMENSE BOUNDS. 20

had lain to where he alighted," says Delegorgue,
" measured eighteen* of my paces," and elsewhere
the same author, when speaking of another of those
beasts, accidentally disturbed by him from its
slumbers, informs us : — " He rose, gathered himself
up, and bounded forward (presenting to us his
broadside), to alight at fifteen paces distance, when he
bounded again. He seemed to fly. His mane re-
sembled a pair of wings ; but I and my companions
were so confounded and amazed at the sight, as to
put all thoughts of firing out of our heads. The
rapidity of the animal's bounds would, indeed, have
rendered the attempt useless — an arrow from the
bow, or the falcon when stooping on the quarry,
are not more rapid in their flight."

The height to which the lion can leap is also very
great — otherwise, why are the pit-falls in Algeria
for the capture of this animal, as Gerard tells us is
the case, ten metres in depth. Moffatt, indeed,
speaks of the beast jumping on to a rock ten to twelve
feet in altitude ; and Thomson, when describing
a lion-hunt, says : — " He (the lion) bounded over
the adjacent thicket like a cat over a foot-stool,
clearing brake and bushes twelve or fifteen feet high
as readily as if they had been tufts of grass." Dele-
gorgue's evidence is to the like effect. After tolling
us that he had one evening killed & ('nfn l>!cl><tf<

* I can quite credit Delegorgue's statement as to tin- extent of
ground covered by the lion in its bound ; the rather as, with people
generally — such at least is the casein Sweden— the pace usually em-
braces little more than two feet. Moreover, if I mistake not, a
horse in England has been known to leap a rivulet thirty-four feet
broad.

30 THE LION.

Gorgon, and had only time to take away the skin
and head, and that his Caffirs, who were heavily
laden, expressed a desire to secure the flesh of the
animal by placing it for the night in the fork of a
tree, at an elevation of fourteen feet from the ground,
he goes on to say, " I assisted them in the operation,
and we returned to camp. The next day, at dawn,
my men proceeded to the larder, which they found
entirely empty, not a piece of meat remained, all
had been carried off; and on the ground were seen
prints of lions' feet, proving the numerous vaults
they had made to possess themselves of our pro-
visions."

It is all but the universal belief of the natives,
and others, in Southern Africa, that the eyes of the
lion, -when ho bounds on his victim, and until he
has succeeded in killing it, are hermetically closed,
and that at such times a man may walk uncon-
cernedly up to the beast, and shoot, or otherwise
slay him, with impunity ! As will hereafter be
shewn, indeed, it is under these circumstances that
the natives of some districts on the Eastern Coast,
presuming on the animal's reputed blindness, fear-
lessly attack him.

The reasons assigned for the lion's thus closing his
eyes are various. That most commonly received
is that it is to protect those orbs from injury during
the death-struggles of the victim, a reason which to
me is not altogether satisfactory. That given by
M. Delegorgue is possibly more to the purpose.
After describing the manner in which the Cape
colonists hunt the lion (of which hereafter), and

WONDERFUL POWERS. -1

telling us that in the event of the beast charging
the best plan is to sacrifice the horse, he goes on to
say, " If the hunter afterwards wishes to approach
the furious carnivora, 'the proper time for the pur-
pose is when it is upon the body of its victim, be-
cause during the efforts the lion makes to slay it
the muscles of the jaws act in a most powerful man-
ner, while the neighbouring organs remain passive,
as if their co-operation were useless. Thus the
beast's eyes are closed, and he, indulging in
vengeance, sees no more than if he was stone-
blind."

Notwithstanding the <n*eat strength and prowess

tj O O 1

of the lion, it still not unfrequently happens that
after having seized his intended victim (especially if
it be the giraffe, or other of the larger denizens of
the wilds) it escapes from his murderous grasp,
though in most instances cruelly lacerated.

Delegorgue, for instance, when speaking of tho
prowess of the lion, says: — "All! can certify to
from ocular demonstration is, that I have seen on
the back of an old bull-buffalo (/>"* Cujjir) killed by
myself, four fearful furrows, four centimetres in
depth, reaching from the shoulder to the insertion of
the tail, caused by the claws of the beast in question."

Sir Samuel Baker also mentions an instance
showing the wonderful powers possessed by the
lion. After telling us that Florian, a former hunting1
associate of his, had been struck dead by a fearful
\)low on the head from the paw of one of these beasts
which he had previously wounded, lie goes on to say :
— " Great difficulty was experienced in extracting

32 THE LION.

the claws of the animal, which had penetrated the
skull of the unfortunate man."

It is a common belief that the lion only feeds on
animals he himself has slain ,' but such is not the
case, for many instances have come to my personal
knowledge that, when half-famished, he will not only
greedily devour the leavings of other beasts of prey,
but even condescend to carrion.

Animals slain by lions, it is to be observed, are
not unfrequently found all but untouched. In locali-
ties where game abounds this is easy of explanation,
but not so where it is scarce. By some it is con-
jectured that this abstinence on the part of the beast
arises from his having, while destroying his victim,
torn open the paunch, or stomach, the contents of
which have come in contact with the flesh, thereby
imparting to the latter a disagreeable odour, and
rendering it anything but palateable. If this be
really the fact, the lion is a much more delicate
feeder than the natives, whom I have frequently seen
cooking their viands in the half liquid and disagree-
able matter in question.

The quantity of flesh that a lion in a wild state
devours at a meal is something enormous. On more
than one occasion, I have known him to dispatch
the greater part of a zebra in the course of the night.
The lion eating up the lioness, as related, is another
proof of the extraordinary capabilities of his capacious
and elastic stomach.*

* The regular daily allowance for a full-grown lion at the Zoolo-
gical Gardens, Regent's Park, London, is eleven pounds of meat,
with which the animal would seem to be perfectly satisfied. But of

GLUTTONY. 33

Moffatt also seems to have been " taken aback "
by the gluttony of the lion. After describing an
attack made on his party by one of these beasts, on
which occasion it not only carried off a cow, but ate
up the poor creature within gunshot of the bivouack
fire, he £oes on to say :

"When -it was light we examined the spot, and
found, from the foot-marks, that the lion was a
large one, and had devoured the cow himself. J
had some difficulty in believing this, but was fully
convinced by the Baralongs pointing out to me that
the foot-marks of the other lions had not come
within thirty yards of the spot : two jackals only
had approached to lick up any little leavings. The
men pursued the " spoor,"* to find the fragments
where the lion had deposited them, while he retired
to a thicket to sleep during the day. I had often
heard how much a large hungry lion could eat, but
nothing less than a demonstration would have con-
vinced me that it was possible for him to have
eaten the flesh of a good-sized heifer, and many of
the bones besides, for scarcely a rib was left, and
some of the marrow-bones were broken as witli a
hammer, "f

coin-so the appetite of one in a state of nature, who can only cat his
fill occasionally, cannot be compared with that of OIK- imprisoned.

* Gerard, when speaking of the track of the lion, >ays : " Place
your hand upon the foot-marks, and if the. claws of the animal are
not covered by the fingers when spread our. it is a male and
full grown; if your hand covers the track, it is a lioness or a young
lion."

t "The excrement ot the lion," pays (Ic'rard. " is white, and filled
with large fragments of bone, If those are of tho thi'-kness of one's

34 THE LION.

The lion in the Cape Colony, and other more in-
habited parts of Southern Africa, frequently — as
shewn — carries, or drags, his prey to a considerable
distance before devouring it ; but in the interior of
the country, where the population is scanty, and
the beast subject to but little molestation, he, for
the most part, either feasts on it where it fell, or
removes it to some thicket in the immediate vicinity ;
and after he has satisfied his hunger for the time
being, which with a half-famished lion occupies
no little time, he either crouches beside it, or in
some retired spot near at hand. " Here," according
to Delegorgue, " he keeps guard over the remainder
of the carcase, from which both by night and day lie
drives away all carnivorous animals that would
share it with him. As regards quadrupeds, he lias
little trouble, for they, knowing his po\vers, obey
without reflection, and remain on the watch at
twenty, thirty, and forty paces distance, waiting
until such time as the ' Master ' leaves the spot
with a firm and grave step, and abandons to them
the residue of his royal repast ; but those who give
him most trouble are the vultures,* who, alighting
on the carcase, are always bearing away something
in spite of the king of the forest, or the ilourish of
his formidable paws."

Notwithstanding the respect usually shewn to the

wrist, they arc those of a full grown male lion ; if smaller, of a lioness
or a young lion."

* Elsewhere Dclegorgue, in his interesting work, tolls us "(hut
on one occasion he came on the c.ircase of a newly slain elephant,
so thickly covered with vultures that with a single ball he put no
fewer than nine of these disgusting birds ]KH-» <l>; cunibat..

STEAK AU l,tON. •'»•">

monarch of the desert by his inferiors, they some-
times have the impertinence to feed in company with
him on the same carcase. I myself have known
this to be the case with the dog, the jackal,* and
the hyena.

It happens occasionally, however, that the in-
truder pays dearly for his audacity. It is indeed
asserted by more than one experienced hunter that,
when the hyena proves troublesome, the lion has
been known to bite off all its feet,t and when thus
mutilated, leave the poor animal to its fate. Though
unable to vouch for the truth of the story, yet, as
in some degree corroborative of it, T niav mention
that I myself, on one occasion, f^ll in with a hyena
walking on his four stumps.

The flesh of the lion has a somewhat bad name
with naturalists and others, who, though admitting
that the natives of the countries inhabited by the
beast occasionally partake of it, describe it as having
a strong disagreeable smell and flavour. And M".
Delegorgue, when speaking of a lion that he had
recently killed, goes so for as to say "that the
odour of it was so rank and disgusting that he had
not the courage to taste it, but abandoned it to
the vultures." Of course it is not for me to con-
tradict great authorities, but, as stated in t lie " Ifiver

* It is difficult to account for the popular notion a> to the jackal
being the lion's provider. To my mind it would In- far ninn- rornvi
to reverse the adage, and say that the lion cater.-* lor the jack;!!, as it is
in great measure on the leavings of his roy.d friend that this pretty
little animal subsists.

t The same refined kind of cruelty has l>n<n wit in .-x d amongst
a certain species of African ants.

36 THE LION.

Okovango," " I on one occasion dined off steak
au lion, and found it very palateable and juicy, not
unlike veal, and very white."

In Northern* as in Southern Africa, lion's flesh
is eaten by the natives, though in the former rather
I believe as a charm. In Algeria, according to
Gerard, special value is set upon the heart of the
animal, which is chopped into small pieces, and
given to the children " to make them strong and
courageous."! " A lock of hair plucked from the
mane of the beast, and worn about the person,
is an amulet which will, it is believed, render the
wearer unconquerable in battle."

But, after all, why should not the flesh of the
lion be both eatable and nutritious ? Mr. Charles
Darwin writes me that that of the puma, which he
once partook of, is very palateable, whence he infers
that the lion's may not be bad-tasted. Then again Mr.
Lloyd, in his " Scandinavian Adventures," Vol. IT.
page 7, says : — "The flesh of all the tiger tribe is,
in England, considered the worst of carrion ; but

* "These Arabs," says Bruce, when speaking of a certain tribe
on the frontiers of Algiers and Tunis, " are immensely rich, paving
no tribute either to Tunis or Algiers. Tlie pretence for this ex-
emption is a very singular one. Uy the institution of their founder
they are obliged to live upon lions' flesh for their daily food, as far
as they can procure it ; with this they strictly comply, and in con-
sideration of the utility of this their vow, they are not taxed, like
other Arabs, with payments to the State. The consequence of this
life is, that they are excellent and well-armed horsemen, exceedingly
bold and undaunted hunters."

f Hence possibly the old saw, " wine is composed of women's
tougues and lions' hearts, for if a man partakes of a few glasses of
the generous liquor he will talk forever, and if needs be, fight the
devil himself."

THE SKIN A TKOPIIY. 37

this is a mistake, as regards the lynx at least,
which greatly resembles veal in appearance, and to
my personal knowledge, for I have often partaken
of it, is very palateable. Grimalkin in the hands
of Mr. Soyer would probably prove equally good."*

In Southern Africa, the skin of the lion, though of
little intrinsic value, is, as a trophy, greatly prized
by the hunters, and the like is the case, General
Dumas tells us, in Algeria.

" Les Arabes," says he, " croient qu'il est bon
de dormir sur un peau de lion ; on uloigne ainsi
les demons, on conjure le malheur, et on se preserve
de certaines maladies.

" Les grilles du lion montees en argent deviennent
des ornements pour les femmes, la peau de son
front est un talisman que certains homines placent
sur leurs tetes pour maintenir dans leurs cervelles
1'audace et 1'energie."

The lion is a lon^-lived animal. Buffo n and

o

other naturalists, it is true, estimate its age at only

* May not the prejudice against lion's flesh have more or less
originated with people who had only tasted that of beasts ancient as
the hills, or of such as had met their death in a way greatly to
deteriorate it !" That of a young bear, or even of one in-.its prime.js,
as I can certify, very good eating, whether roasted, boiled, or
smoked; whereas that of a very old gentleman, or of one shot under
peculiar circumstances, will hardly tempt the appetite of the least
fastidious; as a proof of this I, on one occasion, killed a large old
male after so severe a run on " skedor" ii. deep snow, that on cut-
ting up the beast twenty-four hours afterwards, all which time he had
lain exposed in the forest during very severe weather, his interior
fat was found to be in so liquid a state as to necessitate its removal
with a coffee cup. and the llesh, as a consequence iwliich was sub-
sequently smoked), was so tainted as to render it utterly unfit for
human food. — ED.

38 THE LION.

twenty or thirty years, and Gerard, on the authority
of the Arabs, at from thirty to forty; but unless its
days be cut short by accident, its existence is much
more prolonged than the above authorities imagine.
Even when in confinement, it has attained to a
most venerable age. The famous lion, Pompey,
which died in the Tower of London in ] 7GO, was
known to have been there above seventv years ;
and one brought from the river Gambia, and which
also died in that fortress not many years ago, had
attained to the venerable age of sixty-three.

It is asserted that when a lion finds himself dis-
abled, and Tillable to attack his pursuers, he will
not unfrequently turn his ire upon himself and
mutilate his own body.

Delegorgue's remarks on this subject are both
curious and interesting ; he says : —

" Certain animals, when they have been mortally
wounded, evince a weakness resulting either from
their inadequate means of defence, or from the mild-
ness of their disposition. Some utter plaintive cries,
thelike of which are never heard except at this critical
moment. Others shed tears. The elam (Bowlajthiix
Om/x), especially, patiently awaits the chasseur,
whom it seems to implore instead of opposing to
him its formidable horns. Others again simply
resign themselves to their fate without showing any
signs either of courage or of weakness.

The lion differs from all these. . . . If the vital
parts of its body be pierced, so that it is unable
to leave the spot, and its enemies keep at a dis-
tance, it abandons itself to despair, and its teeth and

SELF-MUTILATION. ^9

claws arc turned against its own person ; it crushes
its paws, and it breaks its talons, as if it wished to
be the author of its own annihilation. It is a verit-
able suicide, but which the weapons provided by
Nature do not permit it to consummate."

The fact that the lion, when, disabled by wounds,
it is prevented from either attacking or fleeing
from its enemies, mutilates itself in the manner de-
scribed above, is not, I believe, uncommon. Sir
Samuel Baker, indeed, records an instance to this
effect that came under his own eye ; for when de-
scribing (as will hereafter be seen) the dying moments
of a lioness, he says : — " Occasionally in her rage
she bit her own paws violently, and then struck
and clawed the ground."*

* Something of the kind described by Dclegorgue and Sir Samuel
Baker occurs, I take it, with other beasts besides the lion in their
death- struggles. Once indeed, I myself saw a. large and badly
wounded bear rear itself up on its hind legs against a young spruce
pine, which it very deeply scored with its fangs ; and when at a dis-
tance of some thirty or forty paces I killed it whilst in that posi-
tion.— ED.

40

CHAPTER III.

THE LION MONOGAMOUS— HIS GALLANTltY TO HIS MATE— LOVE AND
GALLANTRY AMONG LIONS— THE LIONESS A JILT — COMBATS OF
KIVAL SUITORS — THE PAIRING SEASON — PERIOD OF GESTATION —
THE CUBS — THEIR SIZE, APPEARANCE, AND COLOUR — DISPARITY
IN THE NUMBER OF THE SEXES — THE YOUNG LION'S APPRENTICE-
SHIP— DEPRIVING THE LIONESS OF HER CUBS.

/

rpHE lion is monogamous, andbv all accounts most

o «/

1 faithful to his mate. " He never leaves her," says
GeYard, "unless from compulsion, and entertains for
her a most enduring affection. The lion and the
lioness usually hunt in company. From the moment
the pair leave their den until their return to it, it is
always the lioness who proceeds in advance, and
when it is her pleasure to halt, he halts also. Ar-
riving near the " douar " that is to furnish a supper,
the lioness crouches outside of the fence that pro-
tects it, while her mate bounds bravely over the im-
pediment into the midst of the fold, and after helping
himself to what he deems best, carries it to his
better half. lie regards her, whilst feeding, with
infinite pleasure, and keeps guard that no ill may

l.oVti AND GALLAKTIiY. 41

befall her; thinking not of satisfying his own
hunger until such times as his wife has eaten her
fill. His love is not confined to the pairing season,
for at all times, and under all circumstances, lie
evinces for her the tenderest regard."

But the love and affection thus shewn by the lion
for the lioness, would not seem to be always duly
reciprocated. Indeed, according to the author just
quoted, " she is of a somewhat fickle disposition, for
if a stronger and more courageous lion presents
himself and solicits her favours, she deserts her
spouse, and places herself under the protection of
his rival." "What she seeks for in the first in-
stance," Gerard goes on to say, " is a full-grown
and adult mate, who is able to rid her of the young
lions, her suitors, whose constant combats with eacli
each other on her account weary her out." In
Algeria, according to Gerard, at the end of January,
when adult male lions, strangers to each other,
meet at the fountain, or elsewhere, desperate battles,
not unfrequently ending in the death of one or both
of the combatants, take place, yet it is more espe-
cially during the pairing season that those animals
exhibit a belligerent disposition.

" It is then not uncommon," says Gerard, in his
usual poetical style, " to see a lioness accompanied
by three or four young lions, her admirers, who fight
desperately amongst themselves for her favours; but
as she at length becomes weary of seeing that they
are unable to destroy one another on her account,
she leads them towards a errand old lion, whose

O *

42 THE LIOX.

valour she appreciates on hearing his roar-
ings.

" The lovers bravely play their part, and arrive,
with the lioness, in presence of the preferred rival.

" The preliminaries are soon settled, and the re-
sult of these battles is always certain. Attacked by
the three impudent youngsters, the old lion reviews
them without stirring; with the first grasp of
his jaws, he dispatches one of his assailants, with
the next he crushes the leg of a second, and the
third beast is only too happy if he escapes with an
eye, leaving the other eye at the end of the claw of
the victor.

" The arena free, the noble animal proudly shakes
his mane, and then crouches near to the lioness,
who, as the first token of affection, licks with a
fondling look the wounds he has received on her
account.

" When two adult lions meet," Gerard goes on to
say, "the affair does not terminate thus easily. An
Arab, of the tribe of Kesenna, related to me a com-
bat of the kind to which he himself was an eye-wit-
ness.

" It was during the rutting season with deer,
Mohammed, my informant, a great lover of
the chase, was one fine moonlight night perched
among the branches of an oak standing in the midst
of an extensive glade of the wood, and near to a
foot-path, awaiting the arrival of a hind he had pre-
viously observed in company with several stags.

" Towards midnight he saw a lioness, followed by
a full grown fawn-coloured lion, approaching his

TERUIFIC COMBAT. 43

ambush. The lioness left the path, advanced up to
the tree in which the man was seated, and crouched
at the foot of it. The lion in the meanwhile remained
stationary in the path- way, and appeared to listen.

" Mohammed now heard in the distance a scarcely
distinguishable roaring, to which the lioness re-
sponded. The fawn-coloured lion then began to
roar most awfully, which so frightened the chasseur
that, to prevent himself from falling to the ground,
he clung to the branches, and in the act of so
doing his gun dropped from out of his hands.

" The nearer the stranger lion approached the
spot, the louder roared the lioness. The fawn-
coloured lion now became furious, left the pathway
and went up to her, apparently to impose silence,
and then retraced his steps to the spot he had just
quitted, as if to say, ' Well ! let him come, I am
quite ready for him !'

" An hour afterwards, a lion, black as a wild
boar, made his appearance at the lower end of the
glade mentioned. The lioness rose from the ground,
seemingly with the intention of going up to him ; bat
the fawn-coloured lion, divining her purpose, bounded
past her direct for the enemy. Both lions crouched
prior to taking their spring, and then rushing on
one another fell together on the sward, never again
to rise !

"The duel was long, and terrible to tin- witness
of it.

'• "Whilst the bones cracked under the jaws of
the two powerful combatants, tlu-ir claws strewed
the glade with each others' entrails, and their roars,

44 THE LI OX.

at times subdued, and at others loud, told of their
wrath and their sufferings.

" At the commencement of the battle, the lioness
was crouched on her belly, and until its termination
she evinced, by the wagging of her tail, the pleasure
she experienced in seeing these two lions slaughter-
ing each other.

" When all was over, she advanced cautiously
up to the corpses, smelt them, then retreated, and
that without replying to the somewhat gross epithet
(though applicable enough to the occasion) which
Mohammed could not refrain from casting at her,
in lieu of a bullet, which was out of his power, his
gun, as I said, having fallen to the ground."

The period of gestation with the lioness is about
four months (French naturalists say one hundred and
eight days), and she usually brings forth her young
in the most solitary, inaccessible places. The cubs
are from two to four in number, according to the
age and strength of the mother, but commonly
there are only two, a male and a female. At their
birth they are nearly as large as an adult female
domestic cat, and their eyes are open, but
they continue helpless for several weeks. When
newly whelped, the fur is of a woolly or frizzled
texture, the shade of colour a little darker than
at a more mature age; and they are distinctly
clouded or brushed with deep brown, and have a
line of the same dark colour running along the
centre of the back. About the commencement of
the second year these markings begin to disappear.
Whilst the cubs are young, they are harm-

OURS. 45

less, pretty, and playful. Many are said to die
during dentition, more especially females ; and
this circumstance probably accounts for the dis-
parity observable between the sexes ; male lions, it
is calculated, being one third more numerous than
females.

" During the first days succeeding the birth of
the cubs," says Gerard, who gives us very valuable
information respecting the habits of lions during the
breeding season, "the mother never quits them for
a moment, leaving the father to provide for their
wants. It is not until they have attained the age
of three months, and the crisis of dentition is
passed, that she weans them, absenting herself from
the lair during several hours each day, and supply-
ing them with the flesh of sheep carefully divided
into small pieces.

" The lion, whose character, when arrived nt
mature age, is very grave, is not fond of remaining
witli his ' children,' who tire Ijim \vitli their
gambols ; and in order, therefore, to enjoy his rest
undisturbed, as also to be in readiness to come to
the aid of his family should it be required, lie makes
for himself a lair in the vicinity.

"At the age of four to five months, the rubs
follow the mother to the skirts of the wood where
the lion brings them food.

" At six months, and during a dark night, the
whole family change their abode; and from this
time up to the period when the cubs separate from
their parents they are constantly on the move.

" At eight months, to a year, after their birth,

46 THE LION.

the cubs commence attacking the flocks of sheep
and goats which, during the day-time, chance to
approach the neighbourhood of their lair. Some-
times they attack cattle;, but they are still so in-
experienced that it often happens they wound ten
where they kill a single one ; and the father, in
this case, is necessitated to interfere.

" It is not until the young lions are two years old
that they are able to slay a horse, an ox, or a camel
by a single grasp of the jaws at the throat, and to
leap over the fence, two metres in height, that
surrounds the ' Douar.'

" The period between the first and second year is
truly ruinous to the inhabitants. In fact, the
leonine family not only kill for their subsistence,
but to acquire the art of killing. It is easy to un-
derstand what such an apprenticeship must cost
those who furnish the materials.

" At the age of three years the cubs leave the
parents, that they may propagate their species ; but
it is not until their eighth year that they attain to
their full growth. They have then acquired all their
powers, and the males, who are one-third larger
than the females, have full manes.

"Whilst the cubs are in their infancv the mother
guards them with the tenderest care, and for their
support is more (hiring and ferocious than usual;
making excursions with greater boldness, and de-
stroying every animal that falls in her way, which
she afterwards carries to her progeny."

By all accounts, moreover, the lion himself is
never so much to be dreaded as when his partner

ABSTRACTION1 OK CUBS. 47

has a young family. " He then knows no fear,"
writes Gordon Gumming, " and will face a thousand
men. A remarkable instance of this kind came
under my own observation, which confirmed the
reports 1 had before heard from the natives. One
day, when out elephant-hunting in the territory of
the ' Baseleka,' accompanied by 250 men, I was
astonished suddenly to behold a majestic lion slowly
and steadily advancing towards us with a dignified
step and undaunted bearing, the most noble and
imposing that can be conceived. Lashing his tail
from side to side, and growling haughtily, his ter-
ribly expressive eye resolutely fixed upon us, and
displaying a show of ivory well calculated to inspire
terror amongst the timid ' Becuanas,' he approached.
A headlong flight of the 200 men \vas the imme-
diate result ; and, in the confusion of the moment,
four couple of my dogs, which they had been lead-
ing, were allowed to escape in their couples. These
instantly faced the lion, who, finding that by his
bold bearing he had succeeded in putting his
enemies to flight, now became anxious for the safely
of his little family, with which the lioness was re-
treating iu the background. Facing about, he fol-
lowed alter them with a haughty and independent
step, growling fiercely at the dogs which trotted
along on either side of him."

In Southern Africa, the cubs, when of a tender
age, are not un frequently abstracted 1 rom the den
during the absence of the mother; but the act is
accompanied witli much danger; for, should the
lioness return whilst the man is in the ac; ot de-

48 THE LION.

priving her of her progeny, or should she meet him
whilst bearing them away, the chances are he will
have to pay dearly for his temerity.

In Northern Africa, again, where, from the ravages
the lion commits amongst the herds of the natives,
every man's hand is against him, and he, in con-
sequence, is rendered more than usually savage, the
act of robbing the lioness of her whelps — oue of
somewhat common occurrence — is rendered doubly
hazardous. The manner of proceeding on these
occasions is, Ge"rard tells us, as follows : — •

" The situation of the lair having been ascer-
tained, the movements of the mother arc watched
by a scout from a neighbouring tree or high rock,
and when she is seen to absent herself from the
den, an Arab glides into it, and, after wrapping his
burnous around the cubs to stifle their cries, he
carries them away; a horseman is commonly near
at hand, who places the captives before him, and
rides off at speed.

" But thus to deprive the lioness of her young,"
Gerard goes on to say, "is very perilous, and often
attended with fatal results ;" in proof of which he
cites the following instance :—

"During the month of March, 1.S1-0, a lioness
deposited her cubs in a wood called ' FA Guela,'
situated in the mountains of Mezioun. The chief
of the country, Zeiden, made application for assist-
ance to Sedek-ben-Oumbark, sheik of the tribe
Beni-Fourraz, his neighbour; and at the appointed
day thirty men from each of those tribes assembled
in the defile of Mezioun at first dawn.

ARAB STOIIY OF A LION. 49

" These sixty Arabs, after having surrounded tho
thickets, gave several shouts, and as the lioness did
not appear, they entered it and took possession of
her two cubs.

" They were retiring noisily, imagining they had
nothing more to fear from the mother, when tho
Sheik, Sedek, who was somewhat behind the rest,
perceived tho beast coming out of the wood and
making directly towards him.

" He instantly called out to his nephew, Mecaoud
and his friend Ali-ben-Brahara, who ran to his as-
sistance. The lioness, however, instead of attack-
ing the sheik, who was mounted, rushed upon his
nephew, who was on foot.

" This man bravely awaited her approach, and
did not pull the trigger until the muzzle of his gun
touched the beast.

" The piece merely flashed in the pan !

" Mecaoud threw down his gun, and presented
to the lioness his left arm, enveloped in his bour-
nous.

" The beast seized hold of his arm and crushed it
into a pulp. The brave young man, without re-
treating a single step, and without uttering a com-
plaint, drew a pistol from under his bournous, and
lodged two balls in the lioness's belly, which com-
pelled her to let go her hold.

': In another moment she rushed upon Ali-ben-
Bruham, who sent a ball, though without much
effect, between her distended jaws. He was seized
by the shoulder and thrown to the ground. His
riijfht hand is crushed, several of his ribs are laid

O y

v,

50 THE LION.

bare, and he owed his life solely to the death of the
lioness, which expired on his body."

" Ali-Ben-Braham," Gerard goes on to say, " lives
still, but is a cripple. Mecaoud died twenty- four
days subsequent to the above rencontre."

"After a coup of the above nature," observes
General Dumas, when speaking of depriving the
mother of her offspring in the manner alluded to,
the whole country must be on their guard. For
seven or eight days together the lion traverses the
district in every direction, and all the while his
roarings are atrocious. He has become terrible.
It will not then be prudent to meet him."

CHAPTER IV.

DARING OF THE LION — SENTINEL CARRIED OFF BY A LION-
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY — TWO FORMIDABLE " MAN-EATERS "
BUSHMAN KILLED BY A LION — UNSUCCESSFUL PURSUIT OF A
" MAN-KILLER" — BENEFIT CONFERRED ON THE CHILDREN OF
THE DESERT BY THE DEATH OF THE LION— AIM'ALLI X<! CATAS-
TROPHE—IRRUPTION OF A LION INTO A KRAAL — DARING SHOT
OF A LION-HUNTER—AUDACITY OF THE LION.

BUT it is not only during the breeding season,
and when the cubs are small, that the lion
shows a bold front to the enemy, for at other times,
more especially in the night season, he frequently
exhibits a decree of courage and audacitv that

O v

almost exceeds belief.

" The waggons and cairle had been put up for the
night," says the Landrost, .lah Stem-berg, in de-
scribing a journey of his into the interior, "when
about midnight the cattle suddenly got into complete
confusion. About thirty paces from the tent Mood
a lion, which on seeing us walked away deliberately
about thirty paces farther, behind a small thorn-
bush, carrying something with him which I look
to be a young ox. \Ye iired m<>iv than sixty
shots at the bush. The south-east wind blew strong,
the sky was clear, and the moon shone very brightly,
so that we could perceive anything at a >hort dis-

i: _

52 THE LION.

tance. After the cattle had been quieted again, and
I had looked over everything, I missed the sentry
before the tent. We called as loudly as possible,
but in vain, nobody answered, from which I con-
cluded, he was carried off. Three or four men then
advanced very cautiously to the bush, which stood
right opposite the door of the tent, to see if they
could discover anything of the man; but retired
helter-skelter, for the lion, who was still there,
rose up and began to roar.

" About a hundred shots were again fired at the
bush, without our perceiving anything of the beast.
This induced one of the men again to approach it with
a firebrand in his hand, but as soon as he neared
the bush, the lion roared terribly, and leaped at
him, on which he threw the firebrand at the animal,
and the other people having fired about ten shots
at him, he returned immediately to his former
station.

" The firebrand which the man had thrown at the
lion had fallen in the midst of the bush, and favoured
by the wind, it began to burn with a great flame,
so that we could see very clearly into it, and through
it. We continued our firing into it. The night
passed away, and the day began to break, which
animated everyone to fire at the lion, because
he could not bo there without exposing himself
entirely. Seven men posted at the farthest waggons
watched to take him as he came out. At last, before
it became quite light, he walked up the hill with the
man in his mouth, when about forty shots were fired
without hitting him. He persevered in retaining

TERRIBLE TKACEDY. 53

his prey amidst fire and shots, and amidst it all
carried it securely off."

" When the day was more advanced," the Land-
rost further informs us, " the lion was tracked to
his lair and killed whilst lying over the mangled re-
mains of the poor sentinel."

Scenes of a similar nature to the above have
occurred on two several occasions, in the encamp-
ment of my friend, Frederick Green. The par-
ticulars of the first is from his journal, kindly placed
by him at my disposal.

" October 21, 1858.— Last night, a terrible tragedy
was enacted in my cattle-fold by two daring lions.
The night was intensely dark, with occasional rain ;
and, fearing lions miofht select such a niiHit to sur-

o o o

prise their prey, I sat up watching until a late hour.
I had just lain down, remarking to my friend that,
in case of a visit from these brutes, the oxen would
give the alarm, when on a sudden there arose an
awful scream, followed by a death-like groan, such
as I shall never forget ; the very recollection of
it chills my blood. Two lions had entered tho
enclosures, and succeeded in carrying away a poor
fellow, whom they tore to pieces and devoured
within a short distance of our camp. We neither
could nor dared attempt a rescue. The unfortunate
man was lying in his hut, with his wife and two little
children, when one of the monsters forced his way
through from the back, and sei/ed him, at the same
time inflicting two wounds upon the woman. Tho
poor wretch, in his hurried exit, had evidently, in
endeavouring to save himself, laid hold of the poles

54 THE LION.

of the hovel, for the whole back part of the tene-
ment was carried away.

"On making the terrible discovery, a scene ensued
•which defies description, and which must have been
seen to be fully realized. Of course, sleep was
afterwards out of the question ; and, in order to
guard as far as possible against a similar occurrence,
we kept up a constant discharge of firearms during
the remainder of this woful night.

" This morning, as soon as it was light enough
to see, we took up the spoor of the lions, and,
•within about 200 yards of the kraal, discovered
the spot where it was evident the poor man had
been destroyed and devoured. The belt he had
worn round his waist was alone left to tell of his
dreadful fate, though in following up the trail some
parts of his leg-bones were afterwards found. We
chased the brutes for about twelve miles, when we
were compelled to relinquish the pursuit, without
having obtained a shot at them — without, indeed,
having caught more than one glimpse of them in
the distance. I much regretted having started with-
out my horse, which, though useless as a hunter,
would undoubtedly have taken me sufficiently near
to get a shot, and to lead the pack of dogs up to the
enemy."

On the second day after the fatal accident, I
should add, Mr. Green bid farewell to the dreadful
place, thinking thereby to get rid of his terrible
foes; but they followed on his "spoor;" and on
the evening of the third day one of the " man-
eaters" once more entered his enclosures. On this

FEARFUL CATASTROPHE. ')•)

occasion, however, the horrid monster passed by the
oxen without molesting them, and entered the sheep
kraal and carried off one of its inmates, putting the
remainder to flight. " What with the screechings
of the terrified women and children," writes my
friend, "the hallooings of the men, the rush of the
cattle and the sheep, firebrands whizzing through
the air, the discharge of the firearms, the growls of
the lious, and other discordant noises, the scene
was one which baffles description. I levelled my
rifle at the marauder as he was passing the waggon,
not above five paces distant; but my gun unfor-
tunately missed fire, and, when I again pulled the
trigger, he had disappeared in the darkness. This
lion was almost immediately joined by his com-
panion, when they set up a roaring duet that lasted,
with very little intermission, until break of day.
Continued discharges of firearms kept them from
doing further mischief."

The particulars of the second catastrophe in my
friend's encampment, which occurred at an after-
period, he communicated to me by letter in the fol-
lowing words : — •

"At about ]] o'clock, P.M., 1 was startled out of
my sleep by a fearful shriek, such as I had only
once before heard uttered by a human being. The
thought at once struck me that the two notorious
'man-caters,' who had enacted so horrible a, tragedy
in my bivouac on a former occasion, were again
prowling about, and had perhaps seized some of the
Bushmen lately come to pay me a visit, and who
were encamped at the back of my kraal. Snatching

56 THE LION.

up my rifle and pistol, I bounded out of my bed,
and soon found my suspicions confirmed by the
dismal bowls and wailings of several terrified Bush-
men, wbom I met bastening towards my waggon for
protection ; and a poor youtb, wbom we bad cap-
tured tbe day before, was giving vent to bis distress
in piteous lamentations for tbe loss of bis fatber, tbe
Busbman Cbief, wbom one of tbe lions bad, be said,
destroyed.

"Calling to some of my people to follow, I hur-
ried away in tbe direction pointed out by tbe lad.
The night, wbicb in itself was intensely dark, re-
ceived an additional gloom from tbe shadow of
a cluster of tbick-bougbed trees under whicb we
were encamped. In order, therefore, to throw some
light on surrounding objects, we set fire to the
temporary huts, and commenced our search. M.
Habn, the missionary, who was of our party, also
came to our assistance witli a lantborn. Tbe dogs,
meantime, kept up a furious barking ; }Tet with the
certain knowledge that the cowardly murderer was
only a few paces from us, we could not obtain even
a glimpse of him.

" At length, to tbe horror of us all, we stumbled
on the mangled remains of the unfortunate Bushman
who had fallen a victim to the monster. One of bis
arms was bitten off at tbe shoulder, whilst his hand
still convulsively clutched a part of his dress. This,
and some portions of bis intestines, was all that
remained of a man, alive and quite unconscious of
bis fate only a very few minutes before. The sight
was both shocking and sickening in the extreme;

A NOTORIOUS MAN-EATER. 57

but, as ifc was now useless to continue a further
search in the dark, we returned to our respective
bivouacs. Sleep was, of course, out of the question.
The dreadful scene haunted my imagination un-
ceasingly, and I resolved, as soon as the day should
dawn, to pursue the horrible ' man-eater,' and, if
possible, to terminate his existence.

" Accordingly, on the following morning," my
friend goes on to say. " Every man possessed of .a
gun joined in the chase. At a short distance from
the camp the brute was discovered ; but though wo
followed him up for a long time, we could never
get a shot at him. The cowardly night-prowler
took care not to expose himself; and unfortunately
only two dogs ventured to face him. Had the
whole pack assailed the beast, he would certainly
have been brought to bay and despatched. We were
on several occasions close upon him, but the dense-
ness of the bush always helped him to escape before
we could get a good aim. At length we lost his
track, and after endeavouring in vain to recover it,
were compelled to face homewards without ridding
the country of so dire a " pest."

Though the lion in question escaped Mr. Green
for the time, yet it is satisfactory to add that at an
after-period this same animal (as there was every
reason to believe) met its deatli at his hands,
though this was at a considerable distance from the
spot where the melancholy catastrophe, just related,
occurred. It was further believed that this beast
was one of the two notorious " man-eaters" that

58 THE LI OX.

had some time previously carried off one of ray
friend's people.

These animals were very accurately described by
the natives, who said that the smaller of them catered
for the larger ; and that this daring monster had been
known to enter a village arid carry off no fewer than
three individuals the same night, returning in the day-
time to feast on the remains of the victims. They told
my friend, moreover, that upwards of one hundred
human beings had already fallen a prey to the beasts
in question, adding " that the Bushmen, located in
the neighbourhood, had been necessitated to fly
the country in consequence of so many of their kith
and kin having been killed by them."

"A Bushman, whom we found in the vicinity,
on our way northward," Mr. Green further wrote,
"fully corroborated this statement ; and on being
interrogated as to whether there were any villages
of his countrymen along the Omuramba to the east-
ward, replied at once that they could not live
there, as the lions destroyed so many of them."
The Darnaras, moreover, when speaking of these
formidable foes always said, " Those lions ! the
smaller alone killing the people, are known through-
out all this region, pointing at the same time to the
north, south, east, and west, and are the dread of
every one."

" Now it was the lesser of the ' man-eaters,' '
my friend went on to say, " of which I had so
happily rid the country, and I consequently felt
more pleased than if I had killed the largest bull-
elephant that roams the wastes of Africa. I had

DREADFUL INCIDENT. 59

by this acfc conferred a benefit on my friends, ' tho
children of the desert,' and had doubtless been tho
means of saving many from the horrible fate that
had of late fallen to the lot of numbers of their
intimates and relatives."

Gordon Gumming, again, very graphically de-
scribes a like dreadful incident to those just named,
and of which, like Mr. Steneberg and Mr. Green,
he was himself, so to say, a spectator.

" Having outspanned, we at once set about
making a ' kraal ' for the cattle, and that of the
worst description of thorn trees, as I had now
become very particular since my severe loss by lions
on the first of the month. I had yet, however,
a fearful lesson to learn, as to the nature and
character of those beasts, of which I had at
one time entertained so little fear; and on this
night a horrible tragedy was to be enacted in my
little lonely camp of so very awful and appalling a,
nature as to make the blood curdle in my veins. I
worked till near sundown at one side of the ' kraal '
with Hendrich, my first waggon-driver, I cutting

«/ O O

down the trees with my axe, and he dragging them
to the spot. When the 'kraal' was completed,
and tho cattle secured within it (as were also my
two waggons, the horses being made fast, to a
trekton stretched between the hind wheels of the
vehicles), [ turned my attention to preparing a
pot of barley-broth. Kor this purpose, I light oil
a fire outside of the 'kraal,' between it and the
water, close on the river-bank, and under a dense
bush grove of shady trees, but made no kind of

60 THE LION.

fence around this, our sitting place for the evening1.
" The Hottentots, without any reason, made their
fire about fifty paces from mine; they, according to
their usual custom, being satisfied with the shelter of a
large dense bush. The evening passed away cheer-
fully. Soon after it was dark we heard elephants
breaking the trees in the forest across the river;
and once or twice I strode away into the dark-
ness some distance from the fireside, to stand and
listen to them. I little, at that moment, imagined

* O

the imminent peril to which I was exposing my
life, or thought that a blood thirsty ' man-eater '
lion was couching near, and only watching his
opportunity to consign one of us to a most
horrible death. About three hours after the sun
went down, I called my men to come and take
their coffee and supper, which was ready for them
at my fire, and after supper three of them re-
turned before their comrades to their own fireside
and lay down : these were John Stofolus, Ilendrich,
and Ruyter. In a few minutes an ox came out
by the gate of the 'kraal' and walked round the
back of it, Hendrich got up and drove him in
again, and then went back to his fireside and lay
down. Hendrich and Ruyter lay on one side of
the fire under one blanket, and John Stofolus lay
on the other. At this moment I was sitting taking
some barley-broth, our fire was very small, and
the night pitchy dark and windy. Owing to our
proximity to the village the wood was very scarce,
the Bakalahari having burnt it all in their fires.
" Suddenly the appalling and murderous voice

DEATH OF HENDRlC'Il. 61

of an angry, blood-thirsty lion burst upon my car
within a few yards of us, followed by the shrieking
of the Hottentots; again and again the murderous
roar of attack was repeated. We heard John and
Ruyter shriek, ' The lion ! the lion !' Still for
a few moments we thought he was chasing one of
the dogs round the kraal : but next instant John
Stofolus rushed into the midst of us almost speech-
less with fear and terror, his eyes bursting from
their sockets, and shrieked out, ' The lion ! the
lion ! he has got Ileudrich, he dragged him away
from the fire beside me, I struck him with the burn-
ing brand upon the head, and he would not let go
his hold. Hendrich is dead ! 0 God ! Hendrich is
dead ! Let us take fire and seek him.' On hearing
this the rest of my people rushed about, shrieking and
yelling as if they were mad. I was angry with them
for their folly, and told them that if they did not
stand still and keep quiet the lion would have
another of us, and that very likely there \vasatroop
of them. I ordered the dogs, which were nearly all
fast, to be made loose, and the fire to be increased
as far as could be. T then shouted Hendrich's name,
but all was still. I told my men that Hendrich was
dead, and that a regiment of soldiers could not now
help him, and, hunting my dogs forward, had every-
thing brought within the kraal, when we lighted our
fire and closed the entrance as well as we could.

"My terrified people sat round the fire with guns
in their hands till the day broke, still fancying that
every moment the lion would return and spring
again into the midst of us. When the dogs were

62 THE LION.

first let go, the stupid brutes, as clogs often prove
when most required, instead of going at the lion,
rushed fiercely on one another, and fought des-
perately for several minutes ; after this they got his
wind, and, going at him, disclosed to us his posi-
tion. They kept up a continued barking until the
day dawned, the lion occasionally springing after
them and driving them in upon the kraal. The
horrible monster lay all night within forty yards of
us, consuming the wretched man whom he had
chosen for his prey. He had dragged him into a
little hollow at the back of the thick bush, beside
which the fire was kindled, and there he remained
until the day dawned, careless of our proximity.

"It appeared that when the unfortunate Hen d rich
rose to drive in the ox, the lion had watched him to his
fireside, and he had scarcely lain down when the
brute sprang upon him and Kuyter (for both lay
under one blanklet) with his appalling murderous
roar, and roaring as he lay, grappled him with his
fearful claws, and kept biting him on the breast and
shoulder, all the while feeling for his neck ; having
got hold of which, he at once dragged him back-
wards, round the bush into the dense shade.

"As the lion lay upon the unfortunate man, lie
faintly cried, 'Help me, help me! O (Jod! men,
help me !' After which the fearful beast got a hold
of his neck, and then all was still, except that his
comrades heard the bones of the neck crashing
between the teeth of the lion. John Stofolus had
lain with his back to the fire on the opposite side,
and on hearing the lion he sprang up, and, seizing a

THE "MAN-EATER" SLAIN. G3

large flaming brand belaboured him on the head
with the burning wood ; but the brute did not
take any notice of him. The Bushman had a nar-
row escape, the lion having inflicted two gashes in
his seat with his claws.

" The next morning, just as the day began to
dawn, we heard the lion draor<nn£ something up the

o o o o I

river-side, under cover of the bank. AVe drove the
cattle out of the kraal, and then proceeded to in-
spect the scene of the night's awful tragedy. In
the hollow, where the lion had lain consuming his
prey, we found one leg of the unfortunate Ileudrich,
bitten off below the knee, the shoe still on the foot,
and fragments -of the pea-coat lay around. Poor
Hendrich ! I knew the fragments of that old coat,
and had often marked them hanging in the dense
covers where the elephant had charged after my
unfortunate after-rider. Hendrich was by far the
best man 1 had about my waggon, of a most cheer-
ful disposition, a first-rate waggon-driver, fearless
in the field, ever active, willing, and obliging; his
loss to us all was very serious. I felt confounded
and utterly sick in my heart."

It is satisfactory to add that the poor Hottentot,
who met so horrible a death, was revenged on the
afternoon of the following day, when (Jonlon dim-
ming gallantly attacked and slew the " man-eater."

Happily, I may here remark in parenthesis, a
similar calamity to those just recorded never
occurred in my own encampment, though on
various occasions, during the hours of darkness,
lions have prowled about in its immediate vicinity,

64 THE LION.

making the welkin ring with their horrible roar-
ing. On a certain night, indeed, as was seen
by their tracks, they approached to within a
dozen paces of the fire of one of ray men. On
this occasion, they, moreover, killed ray two best
dogs, who had attacked them, and so cowed the
remaining two that for a long time afterwards
they would hardly leave my heels. When lions thus
visited our bivouac, the Damaras accompanying me
were in the habit of making the most hideous noises,
cursing and swearing at the beasts — a custom also
prevalent amongst the North African Arabs.

" On another occasion at about midnight," Gordon
Gumming elsewhere tells us, " a lion made a most
daring attack on my cattle ' kraal ' charging com-
pletely through the thick thorn hedge; he sent the
panic-stricken cattle flying in dire confusion, and
dashed to the ground a valuable ox, which lay
groaning in his powerful grasp. I was awakened
by the noise, and instantly directing a troop of
the dogs to be let loose, the cowardly beast was
put to flight. The poor ox sprang to his feet,
and joined his companions, but his fore and
hind quarters were so fearfully lacerated that I
was necessitated to shoot him on the following
morning."

CJ

On a dark and stormy night, it is to be noted,
the lion, " the stealthy prowling tyrant of the
wilderness," is ever the most active and daring,
and consequently, at such times, it behoves the
traveller to be more specially on his guard.

Mofl'att also testifies to the daring of the lion.

DAK 1X0 OF THE I-10N, G5

" On the night of our third day's journey in
the country of the Balalas," writes the worthy
Missionary, " we halted at a pool (khoJchale), and
listened on the lonely plain for the sounds of an
inhabitant, but could discover no light, and, amid
the darkness, were unable to trace footsteps to the
water. We let loose the wearied oxen to drink and
graze ; but as we were iimorant of the character of

<— > o

the company with which we might have to spend
the night, we took a fire-brand, and examined the
edges of the pool, to see, from the imprints, what
animals were in the habit of drinking there, and
with terror discovered many 'spoors ' of lions.
We immediately collected the oxen, and brought
them to the waggon, to which we fastened them
with the strongest thongs we had, having discovered
in their appearance something which indicated
that, either from scent or sight, they knew danger
was near. The two Barolongs had brought a young
cow with them, and though I recommended their
making her fast also, they very humorously replied
* that she was too wise to leave the waggons and
oxen, even though a lion should be scented.' We
took a little supper, which was followed by our even-
ing hymn and prayer. I retired only a few minutes
to my waggon to prepare for the night, when the
whole of the oxen started to their feet. A lion had
seized the cow in question only a few steps from
their tails, and dragged it to the distance of thirty
or forty paces, where we distinctly heard it tearing
the animal and breaking its bones, whilst its bellow-
ings were most pitiful. When these were over, 1

F

GO

T1JE LION.

seized my gun, but as it was too dark to see any object
at half the distance., I aimed at the spot where the
devouring jaws of the lion were heard. I fired again
and again, to which he replied with tremendous
roars, at the same time making a rush towards the
"waggons, so as exceedingly to terrify the oxen.
The two Barolongs engaged to take fire-brands,
advanced a few yards, and threw them at him so as to
afford me a degree of light that I might take aim,
the place being bushy. They had scarcely dis-
charged them from their hands when the flame
went out, and the enraged animal rushed towards
them with such swiftness that I had barely time to
turn the gun and fire between the men and the
lion, and providentially the ball struck the ground
immediately under his head, as we found by examina-
tion the following morning. From this surprise
he returned, growling fearfully. The men darted
through some thorn-bushes, with countenances
indicative of the utmost terror. It was now the
opinion of all that we had better let him alone if he
did not molest us.

" Having but a scanty supply of wood to keep up
a fire, one man crept among the bushes on one side
of the pool, while I proceeded for the same purpose
on the other side. L had not gone far when, look-
ing upwards to the edge of the small basin, I dis-
cerned between me and the sky four animals,
whose attention appeared to be directed to me by
the noise I made in breaking a dry stick. On closer
inspection, I found that the large, round, hairy-
headed visitors were lions and retreated on my

A FOKMinAIM.K UoN. <)

hands and foot towards the other side of the pool;
when, coming to my waggon-driver, to inform him
of our danger, I found him looking, with no littlo
alarm, in an opposite direction, and with good
reason, as no fewer than two lions, with a cub, were
eyeing us both, apparently as uncertain about us
as we were distrustful of them. They appeared, as
they always do in the dark, twice the usual size.
We thankfully decamped to the waggon, and sat
down to keep alive our scanty fire, while we listened
to the lion tearing and devouring his prey. When any
of the other hungry lions dared to approach, he would
pursue them for some paces, with a horrible howl,
which made our poor oxen tremble, and produced
anything but agreeable sensations in ourselves. We

mf

had reason for alarm, lest any of the six lions we
saw, fearless of our small tire, miofht rush in amonu:

* i-J O

us. The two Barolongs were grudging the lion his
fat meal, and would now and then break the silence
with a deep sigh and expressions of regret ' that
a vagabond lion should have such a feast on
their cow,' which they anticipated would have
afforded them many a draught of luscious milk.
Ho fore the day dawned, having deposited nearly the
whole of the carcase in his stomach, he collected
the head, backbone, parts of the legs, t he paunch,
which lie emptied of its contents, and the two clubs
which had been thrown at him, and walked oil,
leaving nothing but some fragments of bones, and
one of inv balls, which had hit the carcase, instead
of himself."

Again, "It is now more than two years ago,

G8 THE LION.

and in the very place where we now stand," said
Van Wyk, the Dutch colonist, to Professor Lich-
tenstein, " that 1 ventured to take one of the most
daring shots that ever was hazarded ; my wife was
sitting within the house near the door, the children
were playing about her; and I was without, near
to the house, busied in doing something to a waggon,
when suddenly, though it was mid-day, an enor-
mous lion appeared, came up and laid himself
down in the shade, upon the very threshold of the
door. My wife, either frozen with fear, or aware of
the danger of any attempt to fly, remained motion-
less in her place, while the children took refuge in
her lap. The cry they uttered attracted my atten-
tion, and I hastened towards the door; but my
astonishment may well be conceived when I found
the entrance to it barred in such a way. Although
the animal had not seen me, unarmed as 1 was,
escape seemed almost impossible, yet I glided
gently, scarcely knowing what I meant to do, to
the side of the house, up to the window of my
chamber, where I knew iny loaded gun was stand-
ing. By a most happy chance I had set it in the
corner close by the window, so that I could reach
it with my hand ; for, as you perceive, the opening
is too small to admit of my having got in ; and still
more fortunately the door of the room was open,
so that I could see the whole danger of the scene.

O

The lion was beginning to move, perhaps with the
intention of making a spring. There was no longer
any time to think; I called softly to the mother
not to be alarmed, and, invoking the name of the

A DAI; INC SHUT. GO

Lord, fired my piece. The ball passed directly
over my boy's head, and lodged in the forehead
of the lion immediately above his eyes, which shot
forth, as it were, sparks of fire, and stretched him
on the ground, so that he never stirred more.
Had [ failed in my aim," Van "Wyk went on to say,
" mother and children were all inevitably lost.
Had the boy moved he would have been struck,
the least turn in the lion and the shot had not been
mortal. To have taken an aim from without was
impossible, as the shadow of anyone advancing in
the bright sun would have betrayed him, and in
addition to all these chances against me, the head
of the creature was in some sort protected by the
door-post."

Freeman tells a somewhat similar story.

" A native was fearful," says he, " that ere long
he himself would be the victim of a lion that haunted
the neighbourhood, and had already preyed on
more than one of his family, unless he succeeded
in getting him killed. He therefore placed a kid
near to the door of his house to attract the beast,
intending to shoot him while he was attacking the
animal. The lion, however, leaped over the kid,
as if of no value, or not sufficiently dainty to satisfy
his wishes, and then walked deliberately into the
house. The man, however, had taken higher
views ; ho had climbed up outside, and was wait-
ing with his loaded gun on the roof, and on the
beast walking out of the house lie aimed his gun
well and shot him dead on the spot, thankful, no
doubt, at having saved himself and his kid."

70 THK LION.

However fabulous it may appear that a lion
should actually make his way into a dwelling house,
there can be little doubt that this has happened.
Once, indeed, as recorded in " Lake Ngarai," one
of these beasts actually found its way into the
church at Richterieldt. The alarm being given,
the Damaras, assegai in hand, rushed to the spot,
and seizing- him by the tail and ears, dragged him

o »/ J o o

bodily out of the sacred edifice. The poor brute
was actually dying of starvation, and offered but a
very feeble resistance. I myself saw his skin.

In further proof that the lion is not at all times
shy of approaching the abodes of men, I may men-
tion, in parenthesis, that I was informed by Mr.
Rath, the Rhenish missionary at Richterfeldt, in
Damaralaud, that lions, as well as other beasts of
prey, not seldom harboured in a tamarind grove
near at hand, and that it was no uncommon tiling
even for lions to proceed from thence into his gar-
den, and to approach to within a few paces of the
dwelling-house itself.

In corroboration of Mr. Rath, I may here state
that when, many years ago, Mr. Galton and myself
were encamped near to the tamarind grove just
spoken of, the men on a certain occasion asked and
obtained permission to spend the evening with an
acquaintance whose kraal was not far distant, and
as Mr. (jail on was then absent at the Mission House
and the dogs had followed our people, 1 was thus
left quite, alone. The night, though somewhat
warm, was delightfully bright and still. To enjoy
the beautiful weather 1 had takrn my bedding out

GRAND A1TEAKAXCE OP THE LION*. 71

of the waggon and placed it on the ground along-
side the wheels of the vehicle, which stood not
more than twenty paces distant from the brake hi
question. Being a bad sleeper I lay awake until a
very late hour. All nature was hushed and silent,
and the night so calm that I might have heard the
falling of a leaf. Suddenly my attention was drawn
to the tamarind clump, whence proceeded a low
rustling noise, like that of some animal cautiously
making its way through its mazes. Thinking it
probable that a hyena or a jackal was about to pay
me a visit, 1 sat up in my bed, and seizing my gun,
which I invariably kept within reach, prepared to
give the intruder a warm reception. Imagine my
surprise, however, when, instead of one or other of
these skulking animals, a stately lion stood sud-
denly before me ! In an instant my gun was pointed
at his breast, but hoping he would presently turn
his broadside towards me, which would have given
me a much better chance of destroying him, I
refrained from firing. In this expectation, how-
ever, 1 was disappointed, for on perceiving the
waggon, he retreated a step or two, and uttering
a low growl, vanished the next moment amongst
the bushes.

There is something so grand and imposing in the
appearance of the king of the beasts in his native
wilds, more especially when he stands in an atti-
tude of surprise or defiance, that it is impossible
not to be more or less awed in his pivsi'nce.

To proceed with my story, and further to show
the great daring of the lion, 1 may mention an

72 THE LION.

incident that occurred when Mr. Galton and myself
were travelling in company in Damaraland.

"With the exception of resting an hour or two by
the way, we had pushed on with the two waggons
(each, as is usual in Africa, drawn by twelve
oxen) during the night, when at day-break, and
just as we had reached the Swakop river, we were
suddenly startled by the most tremendous roaring
of lions, which, evidently, were close at hand. In
a few moments afterwards, two of those magnificent
beasts — male and female — emerged from the bushes
at about one hundred and fifty paces a-head of us.
On perceiving the cavalcade, they gave another
terrific roar, of so anarv a nature as to cause the

O \i

greatest consternation amongst the cattle. Those
attached to the foremost waggon wheeled round

o o

instantaneously ; and, before it was possible to
prevent them, ran right into the midst of the after-
most team, and I expected every moment to see
the vehicles capsized or smashed to atoms.

What with the bellowing of the oxen, the shout-
ing and screaming of the men, the smashing and
breaking of yokes, &c., and the continued roar of
the lions, the scene was such as to baffle all de-
scription.

The lion, himself, after having approached very
near to us, again retreated into the bushes ; but
the lioness seated herself quietly within less than a
hundred yards of the waggons, growling most
furiously. Throwing the reins over the saddle of
' Spring,' who, by-the-byo, had nearly unseated
me on the first appearance of the lions, I sprang

DAMARA CHASED BY A LIONESS. 73

to the ground, and seizing a double-barrelled gun,
which I always kept loaded for emergencies, I made
towards the beast, intending to punish her for her
audacity, when Hans imploringly begged me to
desist. " For," said he, " if you do not shoot her
dead on the spot, she will be down upon us in an
instant."

Allowing myself to be guided by his advice, I
refrained from firing, but, nevertheless, took up
my position within about fifty paces of, and op-
posite to, the lioness, as well to draw off her atten-
tion from the men, and thus enable them to put
the cattle and vehicles to rights, so as to be in readi-
ness to give her a warm reception, should she
think proper to charge.

A short time before we were thus unceremoniously
attacked, one of the draught oxen, which had
always been very wild, managed to escape from the
yoke, and a fleet-footed Dainara was left behind to
bring him on. In the midst of our confusion, we
heard cries of distress and loud shouting behind us ;
and, on looking round, we saw, to our horror, tho
lion in full chase both of the refractory ox and of the
man, who was trying to keep off his fierce pursuer
by violently waving the fire-brand which he carried
in his hand.* Telling Hans to mind the lioness as
well as he could in my absence, I immeditely ran
to the rescue of the Damara and his charge ; but,
before I had proceeded far, the ox, catching sight

* In the nights the Damaras invariably carry a fire-brand, which
they hold close to their bodies, in order to shelter themselves, in
some degree, from the wind and cold.

/4 THE LION.

of the remainder of the herd, made a successful
dash right across the lion's path, and fortunately
rejoined us in safety. The object of the lion was
clearly more the beast than the man ; for, upon find-
ing himself thus suddenly baffled, lie stopped short,
and, with a savage look at us, and an angry growl,
bounded out of sight as quick as thought ; and by
the time I returned to the waggons, the lioness
had thought fit to follow her lord's example. Thus,
almost without any effort on our side, we were
providentially saved from this most extraordinary
and dangerous attack.

At the first appearance of the lions, the men
took refuge in the waggons, and, long after the
danger was over, they trembled violently from fear
and apprehension.

As a general rule, a lion, unless previously
molested, will seldom attack an ox in the yoke, or
when attended by man, but long abstinence makes
him desperate.

After considerable trouble and difficulty, wo
succeeded in re-arranging the oxen, which had
become excessively scared. Two or three hours'
further travelling brought us, without other mishap,
safe to Richterfeldt, where our hair-breadth escape
was listened to with the deepest interest.

75

CHAPTER V.

INFLUENCE OF THE HUMAN EYE UPON THE LION — DIEDRICH
Mi'lLLER— GERT SCHEPElt'S ENCOUNTER WITH A LION— MOF-
FATT— POWER OF THE HUMAN VOICE OVER THE MONARCH OF
BEASTS— THE ALGERIAN ARABS— GORDON GUMMING IN DANGER
— THE LION AFRAID OF RUSES — CUNNING OF THE LION — ILLUS-
TRATIONS FROM GREEN, GUMMING, MOFFATT.

IF the human eye be intently fixed on the lion,
it is believed to have great influence on him.
Numerous instances, indeed, are on record where,
owing to a man having determinedly looked the

o *J

beast in the face, he has not only been deterred
from attacking him, but has become so cowed as
to have slunk away with his tail between his legs.

Diedrich Miiller, one of the most intrepid and
successful of South African Nirnrods, for example,
was one day hunting alone in the " weldt," when
he suddenly came upon a lion, which, so far from
giving way to him, seemed disposed, from 1 he angry
attitude it assumed, to dispute with him the
dominion of the desert. Diedrich instant Iv alighted,
and, confident in his unerring aim, levelled his
mighty roer* at the forehead of the beast, then
couched at some fifteen paces' distance, apparently

* The heavy !;un in u.<c viih the culonusts. which carries a hall of
several ounces in weitrht.

T,

THE LIOV.

in the act of springing on him, and pulled the
trigger; but at the instant the hunter fired, his
horse, whose bridle was round his arm, started
back, and caused him to miss his aim. The lion
bounded forward, but stopped within a few paces,
confronting Diedrich, who stood defenceless, his
gun discharged, and his horse running away. The
man and the beast stood for a short time looking
each other in the face. At length the lion moved
backwards, as if to go away. Diedrich began to
reload his gun ; the lion, looking over his shoulder,
growled and returned. Diedrich stood still. The
lion again moved cautiously off, and the Boer pro-
ceeded to ram down the bullet. The lion once
more looked back and growled angrily ; and this
occurred repeatedly, until the animal had got to
some distance, when he took fairly to his heels,
and bounded away.

There can be no doubt that in this instance
the resolution of Diedrich saved his life ; for had he
exhibited the least sign of fear, or given way an
inch, the savage beast would have instantly sprung
on him, and torn him to pieces.

The encounter of Gert Schepers, a Boer of the
Cradock district, with a lion had, however, a less
fortunate result. Gert was out hunting with a
neighbour, and coming to a fountain surrounded
with high reeds, he handed his gun to his comrade
whilst he proceeded in search of water, but he had
no sooner approached the pool than an enormous
lion sprang up close to his side and seized him by
the left arm. The man, thus taken by surprise,

TEE DEATH-GRAPPLE. 77

and aware that the least motion on his part would
insure his instant destruction, stood stock still, and
looked full in the face of the beast, on which the
latter, unable to withstand his gaze, closed his own
eyes, though still holding him fast with his fangs,
but without biting him severely. As they stood in
position for some moments, Gert beckoned to his
companion to approach and shoot the lion in the
forehead, which he might easily have done, as
the animal still kept his eyes fast closed ; but the
poltroon, instead of coming to the aid of his friend,
retreated to the top of a neighbouring rock.

Had Gert remained quiet for a few moments,
the lion, the hunters affirm, would have released
his hold and left him uninjured ; but he lost
patience, and seeing himself abandoned, drew his
knife, and with his whole force plunged it into the
animal's breast. The thrust was a deadly one; but
the enraged lion now strove to grapple with him ;
the hunter, who was a powerful man, used his
utmost efforts to keep it at arm's length, but the
beast, in its dying agonies, so dreadfully lacerated
his breast and arms as to lay the bones bare. At
length thev fell together: when Gerl's cowardly

»/ O */

comrade took courage to advance, and succeeded
in carrying his mangled friend to the nearest habi-
tation, where he expired of lockjaw on the third
day.

Moffatt, however, I would remark in parenthesis,
who probably knows more about the lion and its
habits than almost anyone else, docs not seem to
have much faith in the popular belief as to the lion

78 THE LION.

becoming cowed, and turnin^ tail, should one

O y O '

look him determinedly in the face, for he says :
" Though under ordinary circumstances this ex-
pedient may possibly succeed, yet if the beast be
accustomed to gorge on human flesh, and that he
be hungry, he does not spend time in gazing on the
human eye, as some are said to do, but seeks the
easiest and most expeditious way of making a meal
of a man."

The human voice, as with the human eye, would
also seem to make considerable impression on the
lion. The Natives of Southern Africa are fully
aware of this fact, and when, according to Sir A.

* * O

Alexander, the Bushmen find the beast devouring
his prey, they, to drive him from the carcase, that
they themselves may possess it, address him in
these words :

" ' What are you here for ? Have you got anv-

*/ J o »,

thing to eat? You make such a noise I thought you
had got something ? Don't think to come here and
quarrel with us, but go away now and eat flesh.'
Thus walking and talking for some time, the men
at length sit down facing the lion, when the as-
tonished animal probably moves off, and leaves the
remainder of his victim to the Bushmen "

Again, when Jonathan Af'rika, a man of great

f~) * O

courage and an excellent marksman, who had
caused many lions to bite the dust, and who for a
time was in my service1, was on one occasion riding
leisurely along, a fine lion suddenly rushed out of
the bushes a short distance in advance of him.
Tin-owing himself quickly off the ox, he gave chase

ARABS TAUNTING THE [JON. 70

to the beast, calling out loudly, " Xay, stop a little.
To-day wo must indeed talk with each other."
Whether the lion thought he could not escape, or
that he considered his dignity concerned, I shall
not, presume to say, but, at all events, he stopped
to look at his pursuer. No sooner, however, had he
turned his head than a well directed ball entered
one of his eyes and laid him low in an instant.

The Algerian Arabs, also, General Dumas tells
us, when about to assail the lion, and to cause him
to come forth from his lair, taunt him, and apply
to him the most opprobious epithets to be found iu
the Mussulman vocabulary, as for instance,

" There is he who deems himself the bravest of
the brave; he dares not appear before men; it is
not he, it is not the lion ; it is nothing but a
cowardly thief; may God confound him."

The Arabs iu question would seem to attribute
more efficacy to the human voice than even the
wild tribes of Southern Africa, for they say that, if
a man encounters a lion in the night time, he has
only to flourish his sabre, or other weapon that
he may have about him (taking care, however,
not to strike) in its face, and repeat the following
polite and amusing words, when the beast will
immediately go his way.

" Oh, the thief, the highway robber ; the son of her
that never refused (said no); do you want to frighten
me; do you not know that L am such a one, son
of such a one 'r liise, and let me go on my way."

By thus applying the epithet thief to the lion,
these men affirm the dignity of the royal beast be-

80 THE LION.

comes degraded, and he is so filled with shame that
he will allow himself to be driven away, or even
deprived of his prey, even by women and children.

They say, moreover, that should a robber meet
a lion, and that instead of taking to flight, he
coolly addresses the beast as follows, no harm will
come to him :

" Je ne suis pas ton affaire. Je suis un voleur ;
sauve-toi ; passe ton chemiii, ou, si tu veux, aliens
voler ensemble."

Gordon Gumming, when on one occasion in
considerable peril from a lioness, which was in the
act of attacking him, essayed on her, in the most
approved fashion, both his eye aud voice, and
would seem to have escaped the clutches of the
infuriated beast by the adoption of these expedients.

After informing us he was in the act of pursuing
two reitbucks, a male and a female, he goes on to
say, " Suddenly I observed two huge yellow
lionesses, about one hundred and fifty yards to my
left, walking along the edge of the reeds, and
holding a course parallel to my own. The reitbucks
smelt the lions aud lay down, I got very near them,
but they started off, and bounded straight away
from me. I fired and missed the buck.

" lluyter came towards me, and I ran forward
to obtain a view beyond a slight rise in the ground,
to see whether the lionesses had gone. In so
doing I came suddenly upon them, within about
seventy yards; they were standing looking at
Kuyter, I then very rashly commenced making a
rapid ' stalk' in upon them, and fired at the nearest,

A MOMENT OF DANGER. 81

having only one shot in my rifle. The ball told
loudly, and the lioness at which T had fired wheeled
right round, and came lashing her tail, showing
her teeth, and making that horrid murderous deep
growl which an angry lion generally utters. At
the same moment her comrade, who seemed better
to know that she was in the presence of man, made
a hasty retreat info the reeds. The instant the
lioness came on, T stood up to my full height, hold-
ing my rifle, and my arms extended, and high
above my head. Tins checked her in her course ;
but on looking round and observing Ruyter slowly
advancing, she was still more exasperated, and,
fancying that she was beincr surrounded, she mado

v O O

another forward movement, growling1 tcrriblv.

* tj o *

This was a moment of great danger ; I felt my
only chance of safety was extreme steadiness, so
standing motionless as a rock, with my eyes firmly
fixed upon her, I called out in a clear commanding
voice, 'Holloa! old girl, what's the hurry? Take
it easy ; holloa! holloa!' She instantly once more
halted, and seemed perplexed, looking round for
her comrade. T then thought it prudent to beat a
retreat, which I verv slowly did. She seemed un-
decided as to her future movements, and was
gazing after me, and snufliug the ground, when I
last beheld her."

At times, however, the human voice has also the
effect of rousing the ire of the beast, and lln;
natives, therefore, when desirous of ascertaining
his whereabouts, will shout with all their might,
which he, interpreting as a challenge, replies

82 THE LION.

•with a roar, and thus their purpose is gained. A
distinguished field-officer, of my acquaintance, in
the British service, who has had great experience
with lions, assures me that in this manner he has
more than once succeeded in discovering the
animal's retreat.

When the natives are about to attack the beast,
and whilst brandishing their weapons in his face,
they will taunt and abuse him in the most unmea-
sured terms. The like is the case when they wish
to drive the lion from his prey ! On one occasion,
indeed, as will be hereafter related, I myself was an
eye-witness to their thus possessing themselves
of his spoils.

Whether or not the human eye and the human
voice have the effect on the lion commonly attributed
to them, I am unable from my own experiences,
either to confirm or contradict ; what, however, I
can testify to is this, that the natives of South Africa
universally assert that the beast, from fear of
being circumvented in some wav or other, is often

o **

seized with a sudden panic, and retreats hastily.

Delegorgue when speaking on this subject says :
" They have assured me that so long as a man re-
mains in an upright position, the lion little fears
him, but if ho suddenly scats himself, or throws
himself flat on the ground in the long grass (here
some three feet high) and is consequently altogether
lost to view, the beast, owing to his dreading a
ruse of some kind, or that the enemy is about get-
ting into his rear, immediately takes the alarm and
hurriedly moves off'. Of this fact the Bushmen arc

THE LION'S DREAD OP A RUSE. 83

well a\varc, and make their attacks accordingly.

" I don't know whether it is allowable for me to
assume," Delegorgue goes on to remark, " that the
lion is really taken somewhat aback by a man thus
suddenly altering his position, or concealing him-
self, but this I can say, that on many occasions I
have adopted the expedients named, and in no one
instance has the beast remained on the spot. More-
over, when I have unwittingly kneeled down to
avoid the branches of trees that intercepted my
view of the lion, couched at only a few paces dis-
tance, that I might take a better aim, I have
always seen him seized with an irresistable panic ;
and independently of the instances to the like effect
that have come under my personal notice, thousands
of facts of a similar kind have been related to me by
chasseur* older and more experienced than myself."

"Again, on one occasion," said my friend,
Frederick Green, "a lion sprung at a woman who had
run away from an exasperated husband's blows and
threats, and had lain down beside a small bush, lie,
however, fell short of his mark, and seeing she did
not move, from dread no doubt, the coward, from fear
of a ruse probably, dared not attack her, but kept
walking round and round the poor creature, now
utterly paralysed with fright. This he continued
to do for a long time ; but at last, finding that his
intended victim remained motionless, he took him-
self off. Had the woman in this ease attempted to
stir," my friend went on to say, " there cannot be
the slightest doubt her fate would instantly have
been sealed. Indeed it is pretty well known that

84 THE LION.

a lion will not willingly attack any living thing
whilst on its guard and aware of his presence.

" The very next day," my friend added, " I shot
the beast in question."

In many of the Assyrian sculptures deposited in
the British Museum, we find the lion depicted not
only as an object of the chase, but as an emblem
of wisdom. If cunning and sagacity may be called
wisdom, it cannot be denied that this beast pos-
sesses those qualities in a high degree ; and if one
tenth of the stories told of him be true, he would
almost bear away the palm of wiliness from the fox.

" Let cavillers deny

That brutes have reason; sure 'tis something more,
Tis heaven directs, and stratagem inspires
Beyond the short extent of human thought."

Amongst the many instances of the royal beast's
cunning, that related to me by Mr. Green is not,
perhaps, the least curious.

He and young Bonfield had one night ensconced
themselves in a " screen"* to wait for elephants.
About nine o'clock, there being then no moon,
Green saw an animal, the outline of it rather,
which after a little consideration he concluded to bo
a lion ; and when shortly afterwards, it repassed
the " screen" he no longer entertained any doubts
as to its identity. Later in the evening the beast
passed and repassed their hiding-place repeatedly;

* That is, a small circular enclosure, six to eight feet in diameter,
the walls, usually consisting of loose stones, being about two feet in
height.

CUNNING OP THE LION. 85

but owing to the branches of an overhanging tree,
this they only found out by his tracks on the fol-
lowing morning. After a while, however, he would
appear to have tired of this system of reconnoiter-
ing, and walked over to the water, where he
couched facing the " screen." Now and then he
would advance towards them, and then retreat; then
lie would crouch low, as if waiting to see them move,
at times raising his head. Seeing that this manoeuvre
did not intimidate the enemy, he had recourse to
an extraordinary expedient. He rose suddenly,
and whilst running hither and thither, he set
up the most hideous noise, neither a roar nor
a growl, but something between the two. This,
nevertheless, availed him not, for Green and Bon-
field bravely kept their ground ; but Green admitted
that it was very nervous work, as the brute evi-
dently meant mischief.

Again the lion returned to his ambush, repeating
precisely his former tactics. Green would not fire
except from the direst necessity, as he knew the report
of his gun must necessarily frighten the elephants for
which he was waiting, should they happen to bo in
the neighbourhood ; but, at last, finding the wily
enemy resolved to hold his ground, he determined
attempting to oust him.

The lion was evidently at this time couched, and
though the reflection of the moon against the sky
was then just perceptible, yet the darkness in tho
valley was still so great that very little more than his
outline could bo made out. However, taking as
good an aim as tho circumstance admitted, my

86 THE LION.

friend pulled the trigger, upon which the beast gave
a tremendous bound, actually clearing a portion of
the water by which he was lying, followed by a terrific
growling and snarling. Bonfield called out, " The
lion is struck !" but Green hardly thought so, as
his aim could not have been very accurate.

Shortly afterwards they returned to camp ; but,
scarce^ had they reached it before the dogs began
to bark most furiously ; and next morning, as seen
by the tracks, it was found to have been a lion
which they had challenged. The brute, it seemed,
had actually followed their * spoor ' from the screen.

Green at first thought it must have been their
late enemy ; but, on returning to the " vley," they
found distinct traces of a second lion. It, more-
over, turned out that Bonfield was right when he
asserted that the one at which Green had fired was
struck ; for they not only found blood on the ground,
but pieces of the beast's fhngs and jawbone. An inch or
two higher or lower would probably have killed him.

Again, the lioness, when accompanied by her
progeny, and when danger threatens, is said not
unfrequently to resort to very cunning expedients
to insure their safety, of which Gerard relates a
somewhat remarkable instance.

" During the month of November, 181G," he
says, " it was reported to me that a lion had killed
a horse at the bottom of a deep ravine; but, on
examining the tracks of the animal, I came to the
conclusion that it must have been a lioness. I
watched at the foot of a mastic tree.

" The first night nothing ; the second night

DEFENCE OK CUBS. 87

nothing; the third night, however, at an early hour,
the mother, accompanied by her cubs, which were
pretty well grown, made her appearance.

" One of the cubs had already scented the pros-
trate horse, which was lying, belly upwards, in the
bed of the ravine, and at once made up to the car-
case. The mother had couched, and was watching
its proceedings, and, whilst looking about her on all
sides, perceived me. Our eyes had hardly met,
however, when, with a bound, she threw herself on
her cub, as if about to devour it. The poor creature
at once took to flight, and nothing remained before
me but the horse.

" A novice would have said to himself, ' Why did
I not fire ?' and would have considered the game as
lost. I knew that the game was not yet played,
and that it would not be easy to win it.

" Suddenly, to my left, and almost behind me, I
heard a noise as of a mouse rustling amongst the
bushes; and, directing my attention to that side, I
first perceived two great paws, then a long mous-
tache, and, finally, an enormous nose.

" The gun was to the shoulder, the finger to the
trigger; and at the instant that the eyes, fixed and
flashing, became visible, an ingot of iron departed
and did its work."

It is said that, should the lion, in making
his spring at a deer or other animal, fall short
of or pass over the victim, as not unf'requently
happens, he usually gives up fun her pursuit, and
returns sulkily, growling, to his ambush, there
to lie in wait for another opportunity.

88

THE LIOX.

At times, however, it is asserted that, prior to so
doing, he carefully, step by step, measures the
ground, so that he may not again miscalculate the
distance ; and certainly the following incidents, re-
lated by Moffatt, give, it must be confessed, some
countenance to the extraordinary statement.

" Passing along a vale," says the reverend gen-
tleman, " we came to a spot where the lion appeared
to have been exercising himself in the way of leap-
ing. As the natives are very expert in tracing the
manoeuvres of animals by their foot-marks, it was
soon discovered that a large lion had crept towards
a short black stump, very like the human form, and,
when within about adozen yards, had bounded towards
its supposed prey, but, to its mortification, fell short
of it by a foot or two. According to the testimony
of a native who had been watching the beast's pro-
ceedings, and who joined us soon afterwards, the
lion, after this failure, lay for some time steadfastly
eyeing the stump in question. He then arose, smelt
the object, and returned to the spot from which he
commenced his first leap, and leaped four successive
times, till at last he placed his paw on what, in the
first instance, he had imagined to be his prize."

<k On another occasion," Moffatt goes on to say,
" when Africaner, a famous native chieftain, and an
attendant, were travelling near a hill, from the foot
of which jutted out an isolated and precipitous rock
of some ten or twelve feet in height, they observed
a number of zebras following a track that passed
around the foot of the rock in question. A lion
was at the same time observed creeping towards the
zebras, and knowing that if he could at one leap

1'KEPAUING FOR A liOUND. 89

mount tlie rock, his next bound would be on to the
back of one or other of the poor animals, he made
the attempt; but, whether from the distance or the
height of the rock, he fell short of his mark, and
his head alone rested upon the top of the stone,
when he had the mortification of seeing the laro;o

O ij

stallion, who is always in the rear to defend the
troop, and whom he had intended to victimize,
gallop past him not only unscathed, but switching
his tail in the air as if in derision of the enemy.
His majesty then tried a second and a third leap at
the rock, and at length succeeded in fairly mount-
ing it. In the meantime two other lions came up,
and seemed to talk and roar away about something.
while1 the old lion led them round the rock and
round it again ; then he made another grand leap,
to show them what he and they must do next time.
' They evidently talked to each other,' Africaner
added, with the most perfect gravity ; ' but, though
loud enough, I could not understand a word they
said;' and, fearing lest we ourselves should be the
next objects of their skill, we crept away and left
them in council."

Impossible as it may seem that the lion should
practice- vaulting, that lie may properly judge the
distance his victim may be from him when IK- makes
his bound, as stated by MolVntt, yet, singularly
enough, similar stories are told of the fox in Mr.
Lloyd's" Scandinavian Adventures," vol. ii., page 51,
where we read :—

" A certain Jagare, who was one morning keeping
watch in the forest, saw a fox cautiously making
his approaches towards the stump of an old tree;

90 THE IJO.V.

when sufficiently near, be took a high and deter-
mined jump on to the top of it, and, after looking
around a while, hopped to the ground again. After
Reynard had repeated this knightly exercise several
times, he went his way ; but presently returned to
the spot, bearing in his mouth a pretty large and
heavy piece of dry oak ; and thus burdened, and,
as it would seem, for the purpose of testing his
vaulting powers, he renewed his leaps on to the
stump. After a time, however, and when he found
that, weighted as he was, he could make the ascent
with facility, he desisted from further efforts,
dropped the piece of wood from his mouth, and,
coiling himself up upon the top of the stump, re-
mained motionless, as if dead.

"At the approach of evening, an old sow, accom-
panied by her progeny, five or six in number, issued
from a neighbouring thicket, and, pursuing their
usual track, passed near to the stump in question.
Two of her sucklings were somewhat behind the
rest, and, just as they iieared his ambush, Mechel*
darted down from his perch upon one of them, and
in the twinkling of an eye bore it in triumph on to
the fastness he had so providently prepared before-
hand. Confounded at the shrieks of her offspring,
the old sow returned in fury to the spot, and, until
a late hour in the evening, made repeated desperate
efforts to storm the murderous stronghold ; but the
fox took the matter very coolly, and devoured the
pig under, or rather above, the very nose of its
mother, who at length, with the greatest reluctance,

* The nickname uf the fox in Sweden.

THE SENTINEL. 91

and without being able to revenge itself on the
crafty adversary, was forced to beat a retreat."

A notion prevails in South Africa that, when several
lions are in company, and they are chased, one of the
number (the duty being taken in turn) acts as senti-
nel, and watches the movements of the pursuers.

Something of this kind once came under my own
observation; but I speak guardedly, because the
peculiar manner in which the beasts conducted them-
selves, on the occasion I am about to relate, might
not impossibly have arisen rather from parental
affection than any other cause. The circumstances
were these : —

One day, when quite alone and on foot, I was
" stalking " a herd of pullahs, on the banks of the
river Tioge. Suddenly I found myself in the midst
of a troop of lions — a family party, consisting of
father and mother and two or three well-grown
cubs. All of them, old as well as young, had a
distinct greyish-white ring round the neck; they
were, as I believe, identical with the " blue necks "
of the Boers, mentioned in Chapter I., page o, which
are described as being of a very savage disposition.
On seeing me, they all hastily retreated. The
beasts had, however, so novel and peculiar a look
about them, that, although the danger of following
them up in so dense a brake as I was then in, was
considerable, 1 determined on doing so. \\ hilst
thus occupied, I several times sighted either the1 old
lions or the lioness, who evidently kept well in the
rear of the cubs for their better protection, and who
presently greeted me with an angry growl. Hut

92 THE LION.

eventually I lost sight of the troop altogether, and
that without opportunity having offered of getting
a favourable shot (for to fire at random would have
been sheer madness) at any one individual of the
party.

The death of the lion, as will be seen here-
after, is at times compassed by means of the spring-
gun. It not unfrequently happens, however, that,
although the piece, when examined, still remains on
the full cock, the bait, usually an animal that he
himself has killed, is found to have disappeared.
This, as shown by the foot-marks, is the handiwork
of the beast himself; for, instead of breasting the
string or wire (the trigger, in short) in crossing the
entrance to the little enclosure in which the decoy
is laid, he has cautiously crept under it; and thus,
without in any manner endangering his own person,
has obtained possession of the coveted prize.

The fox of the Arctic regions, Dr. Ray tells me,
resorts to a still more ingenious plan of getting
possession of the bait, and that with even less chance
of harm to himself. Having scented the delicacy,
Reynard cautiously approaches the trap, and scrapes
a hole in the snow immediately beneath it, and of
sufficient depth to conceal himself. This he then
enters, and excavating upwards, until he comes to
the plate on which the bait is placed, he pulls
boldly at it, and after the trap has sprung harm-
lessly over his head, he takes possession of the
prize, and devours it at his leisure.

Hereafter, when speaking of the manner in
which the lion usually hunts his prey, I shall have
more to say regarding the cunning of that beast.

93

CHAPTER VI.

DAY AND NIGHT HAUNTS OF THE LION — THE LION AND LAMB
LYING DOWN TOGETHER — LIONS HUNTING IN COMPANY — AD-
VENTURE IN PURSUIT OF GNOOS— THE LION'S PREY— BRINGING
DOWN THE GIRAFFE — A PRECONCERTED PLOT — DOMESTICATION
OF THE LION — AN UNPROFITABLE CUSTOMER FOR THE BUTCHERS
— CAPACITY FOR INSTRUCTION — RESPECT FOR HIS KEEPER —
TEMPER IN CONFINEMENT — SCANDINAVIAN LYNX.

lion is essentially a nocturnal animal. Even
the Royal Psalmist makes reference to this
matter, civ., verses 20, 21, 22. "Thou makest
darkness, and it is night, wherein all the beasts of
the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar
after their prey, and seek their meat from (Jod.
The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together,
and lay them down in their dens." *

During the day, the lion lies concealed on the
mountain side or beneath the shade of some umbra-
geous tree or wide-spreading bush. lie is also
partial to lofty reeds or long rank yellow grass,
such as occur in low lying " vleys." From those,
his haunts, he sallies forth when the sun goes down
and commences his nightly prowls.

Though his habits are in the main nocturnal, yet
in wild and desolate regions, where he is subject to

94 THE LION.

but little molestation, I have often encountered
him, even when the day has been well advanced,
either in pursuit of game, or devouring the carcase
of some animal he has slain during the past night,
but of which time had not permitted him to eat his
fill.

He may, moreover, be seen in the day-time
fraternising, so to say, with the various species of
antelope, which in numbers, literally innumerable,
feed amicably together on the extensive prairies,
or savannahs, intersecting the forests of Southern
Africa. Scenes of this kind, which remind us of
what we read in the Bible, as to " the lion and the
lamb lying down together," are not unfamiliar to
the traveller, but by no one better or more graphi-
cally described than by Delegorguc, who says :

" Hardly had we finished our labours," in allusion
to the flaying of a lion the party had just killed,
" when we saw three other large lions, with grave
mien and imposing presence, pacing to and fro
amongst the herds of gnoos, &c., pasturing every-
where around us. The nearest of the lions was within
two hundred and fifty paces of the waggon. Ho did
not badly represent a Caff re cheiftain counting his
flock. The agile gnoos, without exhibiting the
slightest fear, remained stationary, some within
forty and others sixty paces of the master of these
wilds; others, again, actually caracolled about him.
I confess that this sort of confidence would have
been looked on by me as temerity, had I not been
well aware that the lion only bounds, and is inca-
pable of contending in speed with the antelope.

HUNTING IN TKOOPS. 95

We contemplated this scene for more than an hour,
in which these kings of animals never compromised
their dignity in the slightest degree."

Though the lion, properly speaking, is not a
gregarious animal, he is still, not imfrcquently,
met with in smaller or larger troops. Indeed, I
myself have seen six or seven together, all of whom,
so far as I could judge, were full grown, or nearly
so ; and Freeman, after telling us that " it was a lion
country in which he was then travelling, but that
none had attacked his party, or had even the
curiosity to come to it," goes on to say, " A farmer,
in passing lately the same road as ourselves, saw
ten of those animals in company ; and another had
the gratification to count thirty, a sight that would
have thrown Gordon Gumming into ecstasies, and
many others into fits."

Lions, let people say what they will to the
contrary, hunt in companies ; and on these occa-
sions, as will hereafter be shown, often display
much subtlety and cunning, playing, as it were,
into each others' hands. In many instances, it is
true, the troop simply consists of the several mem-
bers of the same family, but in others, beyond all
doubt, adult males and females congregate together
for the better circumvention of their prey.

On one occasion, indeed, two adult lions and a
lioness were my companions, so to say, in a chaste.
The circumstances were as follows :

"Whilst out hunting early one morning, I espied
a, small troop of gnoos, quietly gra/iiig at a bend
of the river. Cautiously approaching them under

96 TUB LION.

shelter of the intervening ground, they suddenly
tossed their heads, switched their tails, scraped
the earth impatiently with their hoofs, and sniffed
the air. I was puzzled how to account for this un-
usual agitation, as, from my position, I was certain
they could not have discovered me. But I had not
much time for conjecture ; for the next instant I
was startled by the growl of some animal close to
me. On looking in the direction whence it pro-
ceeded, I discovered, to my utter astonishment, two
lions and a lioness on the rising ground just above
me; and, as it seemed, they also were on the look-
out for the gnoos. I instinctively levelled my piece
at the head of the nearest of the beasts ; but a
moment's reflection convinced me that the odds
were too great, and I, therefore, thought it best
to reserve my fire, so as to be in readiness to receive
them, should they charge. After having regarded
me for a few seconds, however, they growlingly
disappeared behind a sandhill.

" By this time, the gnoos had become aware of
the lions, and were making off at the top of their
speed. Being anxious to obtain a shot at them, 1
followed on their tracks ; but soon found, to my
dismay, that my three royal friends, with jaws dis_
tended, and uttering furious growls, were following
a course parallel to mine. Though I must confess
I did not at all like their looks, as only excessive
hunger could have induced them, in broad day, to
seek for victims, I nevertheless continued to follow
the tracks of the antelopes until they led me into the
bush, where I presently lost them, as well as myself.

" BILL " THE DAMARA. 97

On first seeing the gnoos, I left my henchman,
" Bill," a Damara lad, who carried my spare gun,
at some distance behind, with directions to follow
on my track according to circumstances. Now that
the gnoos were lost to me, I shouted loudly to the
youth, and also discharged my gun more than once,
but was unable to elicit a reply. Thinking, how-
ever, that he might have returned to our encamp-
ment (which was at no great distance) I also
repaired there. But " Bill " had not been heard of.
The harassing suspicion at once crossed my mind
that the lions had eaten him. Without a moment's
delay, I hurried back to the spot where I had last
seen the beasts, but all my endeavours to find the
poor fellow were unavailing. What with my anxiety
on his account, and my exertions under a broiling
sun (for if the weather was frosty at night, it cal-
cined one by day), I was unable to proceed farther,
and sat down on the ground to wait for the
arrival of the waggons, which were now moving
forward. Just at this moment, the J)amara, to my
inexpressible delight, emerged from the bush. His
story was soon told. Ho had, like myself, lost his
way, and it was long before he was able to recover
the right track.'

o

Again : late one evening I had badly wounded a
lion, and at an early hour on the succeeding morn-
ing was following the 1 ^ody tracks of the beast, in
the hope of putting m end to his career. Pre-
sently we came upon tho " spoor ' of a whole troop
of lions, and also that t, " a solita, y giraffe. So many
tracks confused us ; and whilst endeavouring to

ii

98 THE LION.

pick out from the rest those of the wounded lion, I
observed ray native attendants suddenly rush for-
ward, and the next instant the jungle re-echoed with
shouts of triumph. Thinking they had discovered
the lion we were in pursuit of, I also hurried for-
ward ; but imagine my surprise, on emerging into
an opening in the jungle, when I saw, not a dead
lion, as I expected, but five living lions (two males
and three females), two of whom were in the act of
pulling down a splendid giraffe, the other three
watching, close at hand, and with devouring looks,
the deadly strife !

The scene was of so imposing a nature that, for
the moment, I forgot I carried a gun. The natives,
however, in anticipation of a glorious gorge, dashed
madly forward, and, with the most piercing shrieks
and yells, compelled the lions to beat a hasty
retreat.

When I reached the giraffe, now stretched at full
length on the sand, it made a few ineffectual
attempts to raise its neck ; its body heaved and
quivered for a while, and then the poor animal was
dead. It had received several uerp gashes about
the flanks and chest, from the claws and teeth of
its fierce assailants. The strong and tough muscles
about the neck were also bitten through.

All thoughts of pursuing the wounded lion were
now out of the question. My natives remained
gorging on the carcass of the cumeleopard until it,
was devoured. A day or two afterwards, however, J
had the good fortune to fall in with my royal anta-
gonist, and finish him without much difficulty.

LIONS HUNTING IN COMPANY. 99

A somewhat similar scene — though the quarry was
a widely different one — was witnessed by Messrs.
Oswell and Vardon, the two well-known South
African travellers and sportsmen, from whose own
mouths I had the story. They were one day pur-
suing a wounded buffalo, on the shady banks of the
river Limpopo, when, to their great amazement,
three full-grown lions suddenly emerged from the
bush, and made a simultaneous attack on the re-
treating animal, who, notwithstanding his disabled
state, was not mastered by the beasts until after a
desperate and sanguinary battle; but though the
lions were the victors, they paid dearly fur their
audacity, as two out of the three were killed by my
friends whilst lying on the very body of the strug-
gling and dying victim.

Gordon Gumming also testifies to lions hunting iu
troops. After telling us that " it is a common
thii'g to come upon a full-grown lion and lioness
associated with three or four large ones, nearly full-
grown," he goes on to say : " At other times adult
males will be found associating ami hunting together
in a happy state of friendship. Two, three, or four
full-grown male lions may thus be discovered con-
sorting together."

Delegorgue also bears witness to lions hunting iu
company, as likewise to the great cunning they
often evince on these occasions. After telling us
" that during the winter, in the months of .June,
July, and August, when the grass is trampled down
or burnt by fire, a single lion cannot po^iiily sue

n -2

100 THE LION.

ceed in the chase, except at night," he goes on
to say : —

"At that season (the winter), therefore, one not
unfrequently sees those beasts in the day-time
hunting in large companies. The larger portion*
after forming a line, surround and drive the game
towards the gorges, the denies, and such passes in
the wood as are dense and difficult to traverse,
where one or more of the troop station themselves.
Such are the battues, conducted according to rule,
and without noise ; the emanations proceeding from
the lions, who always keep to windward of the
quarry, being sufficient to constrain the animals to
retreat before them.

" On two several occasions, and that with only a
few minutes' intervals between them," Delegorgue
goes on to say, " I and my chasseurs came suddenly
(the dense brake having previously intercepted our
view) on such a line of lions; twenty at iirst, thirty
afterwards. A rhinoceros which we were ' stalking '
appeared to be their specially-coveted object. Un-
fortunately our presence deranged their plan of
attack, and their presence constrained us to abandon
our first intention; and thus the rhinoceros owed
its safety to the ideas which simultaneously took pos-
session of two of its most formidable enemies."

Gordon Gumming fully corroborates what Dele-
gorgue says as to the cunning theJion displays when
hunting in company.

"I had," he writes, "lain about twenty minutes
in the waggon after my people had all started, and
was occupied in reading a book, when suddenly I

SELECTING A LEADER. 101

beard the oxen come trotting along in front of the
vehicle, us if sharply driven. On raising my head
from my pillow, I perceived a lioness following
within twenty yards of them, and next moment her
mate, a remarkable-looking lion, with a shaggv
mane which swept the ground, appeared in the
yellow grass in front of the oxen, waiting to put
them to flight. The plot had evidently been pre-
concerted between the pair, this being the usual
manner in which the lion attacks the buffalo.
Fortunately, the oxen would not run for them, and
the lions seemed surprised at the confidence of their
game."

Elsewhere it is stated that when lions are
" trooped," and chased, or when they apprehend
danger, one of the number acts as sentinel to the
rest ; and if we are to give credit to what Moflatt
tells us, "on the authority of Africaner" (the famous
Xamaqua chief spoken of a few pages back) " and
other men of God, and men who have been expe-
rienced Ximrods," lions, on the occasion of these
their hunts, are also in the habit of selecting a
leader.

"The old lion," said the chieftain in question,
"when with his 'children' (as the natives call his
whelps, though they be nearly as big as himself)
of course, acts in this capacity ; but when numbers
of lions are together, and happen t<> come on game,
the oldest or ablest creeps up to the object, whilst
the others crouch on the grass. If he be successful,
as is generally the case, he retires from the victim,
and lies down to breathe and rest, lor perhaps a

102 T1IF. LION.

quarter of an hour. In the meantime, the other
lions draw around him, and lie down at a respectful
distance. When the chief one, or leader, has had
his rest, he commences feeding on the abdomen
and breast, and after making sad havoc with these,
and the tit-bits of the carcass, lie will take a second
rest, none of the others in the interim presuming to
move. Having had a second gorge, he retires
finally from the victim. The other lions, intently
watching his movements, then rush on to the re-
mainder, and it is soon devoured. At other times, if
it happens to be a young lion that seizes the prey, and
that an older one afterwards comes up, the younger
at once retires until the elder has dined. " This," the
worthy Missionary adds, " was what Africaner called
'better manners than those of the Namaquas.' '

Lions, if captured when quite young, and treated
with kindness, become readily domesticated, and
greatly attached to their owners, whom they will
follow everywhere like dogs.

On entering, one day, the temporary hut of a
trader, in the vicinity of Lake Xgami, I imagined I
saw two fiery eyeballs glancing at me from under
the bed, but at the time L took no further notice of
the circumstance. A short while afterwards, how-
ever, some natives made their appearance, when, to
my surprise, a lion, about eight or nine months old,
suddenly sprang forward with a growl, in making
a similar movement from a waggon, some little time
previously, the beast had the.' misfortune to tumble
off the vehicle, and so injured his spine as to
become a cripple for life. He was much attached

CAPABILITY OP INSTRUCTION. 10^)

to his master, and lived on the most affectionate
terms with the dogs and other domestic animals.

Again : " On my first visit to Omer Pacha of
Hallah," says Layard, in his " Nineveh and Ba-
bylon," " he presented me with two lions. One
was nearly of full size, and was well known in the
bazaar and thoroughfares of Hillah, through which
he was allowed to wander unrestrained. The in-
habitants could accuse him of no other objectionable
habit than that of taking possession of the stalls of
the butchers, who, on his approach, made a hasty
retreat, leaving him in undisturbed possession of
their stores, until he had satisfied his hunger and
deemed it time to depart. He would also wait the
coming of the large ' kuffax,' or wicker boats, of the
fishermen ; and, driving away their owners, would
help himself to a kind of large barbel, for which he
appeared to have a decided relish. For this act of
depredation, the beast was perhaps less to be blame. I
than the Pacha, who rather encouraged a mode of
obtaining daily rations which, although of question-
able honesty, relieved him from butchers' bills.
When no longer hungry, he would stretch himself
in the sun, and allow the Arab boys to take such
liberties with him as, in their mischief, they might
devise. lie was talltT and larger than a St. Ber-
nard's dog, and like the lion generally found on
the banks of the rivers of Mesopotamia."

The lion, when in confinement, is very capable of
instruction. The performances on the stage of Van
Amburgh's pet beast we have all witnessed. Other
lions have also shown a deirree of lameness and

104 THE LION.

familiarity that is quite wonderful ; DOUG more so,
perhaps, than the one shown in a travelling mena-
gerie at Amsterdam, some years ago.

" After he had been pulled about, and made
to show his teeth," says an eye-witness, " he was
required to exhibit. Two young men in fancy
dresses entered the spacious cage; and, in the
meantime, the lion, apparently perfectly aware of
what he had to do, walked composedly round. He
was now made to jump over a rope held at different
heights ; next through a hoop and a barrel, and
again through the same covered with paper. All
this he did freely, compressing himself to go through
the narrow space, and alighting gracefully. His
next feat was to repeat the leap through the hoop
and barrel, with the paper set on fire. This he
evidently disliked, but, with some coaxing, went
through it. The animals were now all fed, but
the lion had not yet completed his share in the
night's entertainment, and was required to show his
forbearance by parting with, his food. The keeper
entered the cage, and took it repeatedly from him,
with no further resistance than that expressed by a
short clutch and growl ; his countenance had, how-
ever, lost its serenity, but how long his good temper
would have continued, after being so far tampered
with, is somewhat doubtful."

A remarkable instance of the fear — or rather,
perhaps, respect — that lions, such at least as are
publicly exhibited, entertain for the men who feed and
tend them, is related by Major Hamilton Smith :—

"A keeper of wild beasts at A'ew York," says the

AFFECTION FOU HIS KEEPER. 105

gallant officer, " had provided himself, on the ap-
proach of winter, with a fur-cap. The novelty <>f
the costume attracted the notice of the lion, wliich,
making a sudden clutch, tore the cap off his he;nl,
as he passed the cage; but, perceiving that tlio
keeper was the person whose head he had thus un-
ceremoniously uncovered, he immediately lay down.
The same animal," the Major adds, " once hearing
some noise under its cage, passed its paw through
the bar, and actually hauled up the keeper, who was
cleaning beneath ; but, as soon as lie perceived that
he had thus ill-used his master, he instantly lay
down upon his back, in an attitude of complete sub-
mission."*

Independent of the fear and respect the lion
usually entertains for the man by whom he is fed
and cared for, he would seem at times to entertain
a real affection for him, and, when occasion offers,
to evince his gratitude in an unmistakable wav. A
remarkable instance to this effect is related by
Montgomery Martin, in the case of a " huge pet
lion," to which he himself was an eye-witness.

"This was on board II. M.S. 'Ariadne.' The
animal, who was named ' J'rince,' had been
reared from a cubby Captain Marshall, the com-
mander ot the irigate, and as lie was quite tame,
he was allowed the run of the ship. lie was
good friends with the sailors, and in particular wi:h
the marine drummer, whom he delighted to seize by
the shoulder-knot and pull on his back.

"Things went on thus pleasantly fora while; but

* Griflitlis Cinit.T.

106 THE LION.

a slave-ship having been captured, and some of its
unfortunate inmates transferred to the 'Ariadne ' for
conveyance to the Mauritius, ' Prince's ' manners be-
came quite altered. He soon tore one of the slaves
down, and, until they were disembarked, it was
necessary to keep him in durance vile, instead of al-
lowing him to scamper about the deck like a huge
playful cat.

" ' Prince ' had a keeper to whom he was much
attached ; the man got drunk one day, and as the
Captain never forgave this crime, was ordered to be
flogged ; the grating was rigged on the main deck,
opposite ' Prince's ' den, a large barred-up place,
the pillars very strong and covered with iron.
When the keeper began to strip, ' Prince ' rose
gloomily from his couch and got as near to his friend
as possible ; on beholding the man's bare back he
walked hastily round the den, and when he saw the
boatswain inflict the first lash, his eyes sparkled
with fire, and his sides resounded with the strong
and quick lashings of his tail ; at last, when the
blood began to flow from the unfortunate man's back,
and the clotted ' cats ' jerked their gory knots close
to the lion's den, his fury became tremendous. lie
roared with a voice of thunder, shook the strong
bars of his prison as if they had been osiers, and
finding his efforts to break loose unavailing, he rolled
and shrieked in a manner the most terrific that it is
possible to conceive. The Captain, fearing he might
break loose, ordered the marines to load and pre-
sent at 'Prince;' this tin-cat redoubled his rage,
and at last the Captain, (whether from fear or

A NORLB ANIMAL. 107

clemency I will not say) desired tlie keeper to be
cast off and go to his friend. It is impossible to
describe the joy evinced by the lion ; he licked with
care the mangled and bleeding back of the cruelly
treated seaman, caressed him with his paws, which
he folded around the man as if to defy any one re-
newing a similar treatment, and it was only after
several hours that 'Prince1 would allow the keeper
to quit his protection, and return among those who
had so ill-used him."

The lion, moreover, on meeting a^ain after
lengthened absence with his former master or keeper,
not unfrequently evinces the greatest possible plea-
sure. This was remarkably shown in the case of an
animal named " Hubert," reared from infancy by
M. Gerard, but from whom he had been hmir sepa-
rated. The touching scene that occurred when they
again met, which was at the J<rr<liit '/>'x /'/<n//V.s',
in Paris, is thus described by the bold hunter.

"On entering the gallery called <A'.s /vr/Vx /iV<><v>-, I
was surprised at the state of the cages in which the
animals are condemned to live in fatal inactivity. I
was painfully impressed, especially by the pestilential
odour they exhale, causing a corrupt atmosphere,
which the hv;enas, dirtv and impure beasts if ever
there were anv, mav perhaps endure, but which
must necessarilv destroy the lions and panthers,
those splendid animals, with their neat, well polished
coats, who are cleanliness itself.

" While still under the painful influence which
had oppressed me at my entrance, I was slowly
progressing towards my lion's cage.

108 THE LION.

" He was lying down, lialf asleep, staring vacantly
on the persons who had preceded me. All of a
sudden he raises his head ; his eyes are dilated ; a
nervous movement contracts every muscle of his
face ; the tip of his tail trembles ; he has seen the
spahi uniform, but he has not yet recognised his
old master. In the meantime his anxious glance
was surveying me from head to foot, as if he was
striving to recall some remembrance. I came
close to him, and, unable longer to contain my
emotion, I stretched out my hand to him through
the bars of his cage.

" This was indeed a truly touching moment for
me and for all those present. Without ceasing to
devour me with his eyes, Hubert applied his nose
to my hand and began to inhale deeply, while at
each inspiration his eye became more clear, more
soft, more affectionate. Under the uniform, which
he had at once recognised, he was now beginning
to recognise the friend ; and I saw that one word
would suffice to dispel every remaining doubt.

" ' Hubert,' I said, caressing him, ' my old
soldier.'

"It was enough. With one furious bound ho
sprang against the iron bars of his prison, which
groaned arid shook again under this powerful shock.

"My 1'riends, frightened at the movement, had
drawn back hastily, entreating me to do the same.

" Noble animal ! who spreads terror and awe even
in the rapturous bursts of affection !

" Hubert was standing up, clinging to the bars,
endeavouring to break the obstacle whicli separated

CAPRICIOUS TEMPER. 109

us. In this position ho looked truly magnificent,
roaring with mingled joy and anger. His powerful
tongue was licking in blissful happiness the hand I
had given up to him, whilst his enormous paws were
softly trying to draw me towards him.

" If anyone else attempted to come near, Hubert
broke out into a most appalling fury ; but as soon
as they retired he became calm and affectionate as
before.

" I cannot express how painful our parting was on
that day. Twenty times I returned to try to mako
him comprehend that he should see me again, and
every time I withdrew he shook the whole gallery
with his tremendous bounds and roars."

When in confinement, however, the temper of the
lion is somewhat capricious ; and submissive as ho
may be, as a rule, to his master or keeper, but little
at times would seem to rouse his anger, when,
from the most docile, he all at once becomes the
most savage and ferocious of beasts, of which many
lamentable instances are on record.

Labat, for instance, makes mention of a gentle-
man who kept a lion in his chamber and employed
a servant to attend it, but the latter, as usual, mixed
his caresses with blows. This ill-judged association
continued for some time. One morning the gentle-
man was awakened by an unusual noise in his room,
and drawing the curtains, he perceived it to ju. coed
from the lion, which was growling over the ' «y of
the unhappy man, whom he had just killed, and \ hose
head he had separated from his body. The terror and
confusion of the gentleman may be readily conceived ;

110 THE LION.

he flew out of the room, and, with the assistance of
some people, had the animal secured from doing
further mischief.

Capriciousness of temper is not, however, con-
fined to the lion. There is probably no wild beast
more amusing than the bear when young, and yet
I have seen him, under the impulse of sudden fits
of passion, striking and injuring his best friends.

As stated in " Lake Ngami," when at Hull, on
my way to Africa, I had with me a collection of
birds and four-footed animals from Scandinavia,
which, through the kindness of the Secretary, I
was permitted to place in the Zoological Gardens
there. Amongst other animals were two brown
bears — twins — somewhat more titan a year old,
and playful as kittens when together. Indeed no
greater punishment could be inflicted upon these
beasts than to disunite them, for however short
a time. Still there was a marked contrast in their
dispositions. One of them was good-tempered and
gentle as a lamb, while the other frequently ex-
hibited signs of a sulky and treacherous character.
Tempted by an offer for the former of these animals,
I consented, alter much hesitation, to his being
separated from his brother.

It was long before I forgave myself this act.
On the following day, on my proceeding, as usual,
to inspect the collection, one of the keepers ran
up to me, in the greatest haste, exclaiming, " Sir,
I am glad you are come, for your bear has gone
mad !" He then told me that during the night
the beast had destroyed his den, and was found

A BEAU IX A FURY. Ill

iu the morning roaming wild about the garden.
Luckily the keeper managed to seize him just as
he was escaping into the country, and, with the help
of several others, succeeded in shutting him up
again. The bear, however, refused his food, and
raved in so fearful a manner that, unless he could
be quieted, it was clear he would do some mis-
chief.

On my arrival at his dt>n, I found the poor
brute in a most furious state, tearing the wooden
floor with his claws, and gnawing the barricaded
front with his teeth. I had no sooner opened the
door than he sprang furiously at me, and struck
me repeated blows with his powerful pa\vs. As,
however, I had reared him from a cub, we had too
often measured our strength together lor me to fear
him now, and I soon made him retreat into the
corner of his prison, W!HTO he remained howling
in the most heart-rendir -nanner. It was a most,
sickening sight to behoh: the poor creature with
his eyes bloodshot, and protruding from the
sockets, his mouth and chest while -with loam.
and his body encrusted with dirt. I am not ashamed
to confess that at one time I ielt my own eyes
moistened. Neither blosvs nor kind words were of
any effect ; they only served to irritate1 and infuriate
him ; and I saw clearly that the only remedy would
be, either to shoot him or restore him to his brother's
companionship. 1 chose the latter alternative;
and the purchaser of the other bear, my kind
friend, Sir Henry llunloke, on being informed of
the circumstance, consented to take this one also.

112 THE LTONT.

The temper of the northern lynx, again, like
that of the bear and lion, is not always to be
depended on. Once I reared three beautiful
specimens of this animal. As they were very
tame and playful, I and my deceased brother were
accustomed to take them into the room, where
they performed the most extravagant antics. One
day, whilst thus amusing ourselves, I observed
one of the young brutes seize my brother by the
neck, but as he kept laughing, 1 at first imagined
it was only merely playing with him. All of a
sudden, however, my brother became silent,
sighed, uttered sounds of distress, and at length
burst into tears. Rushing up to him, I discovered,
to my horror, that the lynx was clinging like a
leech to the back of the ear of the poor boy, and
rapidly drawing away his life-blood. Happily,
however, and before the brute had inflicted any
serious mischief, I succeeded in separating him
from his intended victim.

The natives of Southern Africa, I may here
remark, entertain many very singular notions,
or superstitions if you will, regarding the lion.
Amongst the rest, that when that beast finds
himself unable to bear away his victim to some
solitary place where he can satisfy his hunger in
quiet, he repairs to a certain bush, at the root of
which bulbs, possessed of peculiar virtues, are said
to grow; and after partaking of these wonderful
succulents his strength and vigour are believed to be
increased tenfold, and he is enabled to accomplish
his task with the greatest possible ease and facility.

AFRICAN LEGENDS. 113

Another of their notions is that though the lion
from its great strength is enabled to bear away on
his back an ox, or one of the larger of the antelope
tribe, in like manner as the fox a goose — yet, if it
happens to be a sheep that he has slain, he is inca-
pable, from some unexplained cause, of thus remov-
ing the animal from the spot, but is necessitated
to drag it along the ground.

Singularly enough, the like belief prevails amongst
the Arabs of Algeria, who, according to General
Dumas, account for this peculiarity in the following
amusing manner : —

" In relating what his strength enabled him to
effect, the lion said one day :

" ' An cha Allah /' —that is, if it pleases God, — ' I
shall carry off the horse without inconvenience.

" * An cha Allah ! whenever I please I shall bear
away a heifer, and her weight will not prevent me
from bounding or running.'

" When, however, he caught the sheep, he put it
so under him that he forgot the religious formula :
' // it pleases God /' and God, to punish him, decreed
that he should never be able to carry away the sheep
otherwise than IHJ dragging it along fln> ground."

During his journey ings in Great Namaqua-land,
Sir James Alexander was told by thonatives that tl.e
Bush-women have it in their power to change their
forms into lions, hyaenas, and other beasts of prey.
The following legend illustrates this superstition :

O O i

"Once on a time, a certain Xamaqua was travel-
ling in company with a Bushwomau carrying a child
on her back. They had proceeded some distance

i

114 THE LION.

on their journey, when a troop of wild horses
(zebras), appeared, and the man said to the woman,
' I am hungry ; and as I know you can turn yourself
into a lion, do so now, and catch us a wild horse,
that we may eat.'

" The woman answered, ' You'll be afraid.'

"'No, no,' said the man. 'I am afraid of dying
of hunger, but not of you.'

" Whilst he was speaking, hair began to appear
at the back of the woman's neck, her nails assumed
the appearance of claws, and her features altered.
She set down the child.

" The man alarmed at the change, climbed a tree
close by, while the woman glared at him fearfully ;
and, going to one side, she threw off her skin petti-
coat, when a perfect lion rushed out into the plain.
It bounded and crept among the bushes towards the
wild horses; and, springing on one of them, it fell,
and the lion lapped its blood. The lion then en me
back to where the child was crying, and the man
called from the tree, ' Enough ! enough ! Don't
hurt me. Put off your lion's shape. I'll never a>k
to see this again.'

" The lion looked at him and growled. ' I'll
remain here till I die,' exclaimed the man, ' if you
don't become a woman again.' The mane and tail
began to disappear, the lion went towards tho bush
where the skin petticoat lay; it was slipped on, and
the woman in her proper shape took up lb< child.
The man descended, partook of the horse's flesh,
but never again asked the woman to catch game for
him."

BECHUANA LEGEND. 115

With the Bechuanas, legends regarding the lion
are especially rife : —

" ' How dare you roar ?' said one day that beast
to the ostrich. * Why, because I can kill game like
yourself!' was the proud rejoinder. * I should like
to see that,' said his offended majesty. ' Very
well, you shall ;' and pointing to a herd of zebras
just then appearing in view, he continued : ' You
see those animals ?' and with that the ostrich set
off at full speed, and ere many minutes had elapsed,
the brave bird was in the midst of the troop kicking
violently to the right and left, and with such a good
will that he laid two of his victims prostrate with so
many blows. On seeing this, the lion felt both sur-
prised and annoyed, and, in his turn, attacked the
zebras ; but all his efforts proved vain. Notwith-
standing his bad luck, however, he did not despise
partaking of his rival's spoils, who, however, ab-
stained from eating. ' How,' said the lion ; * don't
you eat meat ?' ' Oh, I am not particularly fond
of it ; nevertheless, if you have any to spare, just
hand me a piece of the liver.' Having at last satis-
fied his hunger, the lion laid himself down, feigning
to sleep. In this position he perceived the ostrich
picking away, and gulping down sundry buds
and gravel pebbles. ' Aha,' thought he, * you
have got no teeth ; now we shall soon see who is
master !' with that his Majesty sprung to his feet,
and pouncing on his unsuspecting acquaintance, he
endeavoured to slay him. But he had reckoned
without mine host, for the ostrich laid about him so
lustily with his powerful legs, that ere long he suc-

I 2

116 TI1E LION.

ceecled in dispatching his treacherous acquaintance.

" The low booming, so peculiar to the ostrich,
and which even experienced ears are apt to mistake
for the subdued growl of the lion, is supposed to
have been the consequence of this successful victory
over the most dreaded of the denizens of the forest."

Amongst other curious legends treasured up by
the Bechuanas is that relating to the lizard and the
chameleon, which runs as follows : — •

" Thus spoke Morimo, the great spirit, to Chame-
leon, viz. : — ' Go to men and say, As I die and am
born again, so shall you die and be born again ;' but
JMorimo feeling impatient to have his message
speedily delivered, sent for the lizard, charging him
with the same errand. The lizard soon overtook the
sluggish chameleon, and passing him on the road
came and said to man : ' You shall die.' Soon after-
wards the chameleon also reached his destination, and
delivered his friendly message; but man refused to
credit it, saying: 'We are bound to believe the
first word.' But in revenge t hey killed both the lizard
and the chameleon ; the former on account of his
unfortunate message, and the latter because he was
,so slow; and this is the reason why they always
destroy these animals, whenever encountered."

Another of their legends runs thus : — " The stein-
bock once took the liberty to ridicule the tortoise,
on account of its sluggish movements, when the
latter indignantly exclaimed : '1 can get on just as
well as you, and challenge you to try your speed
with me.' Though, of course, incredulous as to the
truth of the bold assertion, the swift antelope agreed

SINGULAR NOTION. 1 1 7

to the match, and a certain day and place were ap-
pointed for the rendezvous. In the meantime, the
tortoise sent to all her friends and acquaintances,
informing them of the pending match, and requested
that they and their kindred would place themselves,
at short intervals, all along a certain line of country
— that agreed upon as the scene for the coining
race. The match was begun ; after a while, the
antelope, after proceeding at the top of his speed
for a time, came to a halt, at the same time calling
out: 'Where are you, friend?' 'Here, here!'
screamed the tortoise from amongst the grass. Off
started again the astonished steinbock at even greater
speed, and on repeating his question at intervals,
he always receives the same reply — ' Here, here !'
On, on went the puzzled beast, until at last it
dropped dead from exhaustion, and thus the sluggish
tortoise easily overcame his immensely more swift
but less strategic antagonist."

There is also another version of this story, in
which the steinbock, after having run some distance,
and not perceiving his friend, lay down to sleep —
the sun at the time being very hot — in which situa-
tion the sluggish tortoise passed him ; and when tho
antelope awoke, his opponent had already reached
the end of their common journey.

Regarding the sun again, certain of the Bcchuanas
entertain very singular notions, they believing that
the luminary which sets in the evening so suddenly is
during the course of the ensuing night, transferred
to the eastern hemisphere; but no one has yet seen
the phenomenon.

118

CHAPTER VIII.

LION-HUNTING IN SOUTH AFRICA— CHASE BY THE COLONISTS —
THE LION'S LAIR — THOMPSON'S DESCRIPTION OF A HUNT — A
MAGNANIMOUS LION — NAMAQUA MODE OF HUNTING— NARROW
ESCAPE OF MR. ORWELL — A FIELD-OFFICER IN DANGER —
SALT-PANS — A SPORTSMAN'S FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE
MONARCH OF THE FOREST — LIONS AND DOGS.

A WORD now as to the manner in which the
lion is killed in South Africa. Speaking
generally, however, the value of the beast's skin is so
trivial, and the danger of attacking him far from
slight, that unless he be a notorious " man-cater,"
or has committed depredations amongst the cattle,
he is, comparatively speaking, but little sought after
either by the Boers or natives.

With the colonists, the chaste of the lion is con-
ducted both on foot and on horseback ; and the
latter, being considered the safer and better plan, is,
for the most part, adopted. But whether mounted
or not, the hunters are almost always accompanied
by a number of dogs, who not only materially aid
in discovering the retreat of the beast, but by per-
severingly attacking him, tend, in great measure,
to draw off his attention from the men.

Several individuals usually take part in the hunt.

CHASE BY THE COLONISTS. 110

The " spoor" of the beast having been discovered,
it is followed up to its lair, which, though at times
amongst reeds, rank grass, and the like, is, for the
most part, in a dense thicket. When the hunters
have approached to within easy gun-shot of where
the beast is crouched, or at bay to the dogs, they,
if on horseback, dismount, and after wheeling their
steeds about, and " knee-haltering" them, draw up
in line, and, at a given signal, pour a broadside into
the luckless animal. If they are good shots, and the
distance inconsiderable, as is generally the case, the
lion is usually killed outright — or at least placed
lor* dt' combat ; but should their aim have been so
for erring that he has still the nse of his legs, he is
said almost invariably to " charge." In this case, the
hunters themselves find a pretty safe refuge behind
the horses which the lion almost invariably attacks
in the first instance, and one or other of which are
commonly either severely lacerated, or, it may be,
pays the penalty of its life; and whilst the enraged
beast is thus occupied with his victim, the hunters,
who usually escape scot-free, put an end to his
existence.

The better, however, to show the manner in
which the lion is hunted by the colonists, I will
give Thompson's description of a chase after that
animal, in which he himself took part :

" I was then residing," he writes, " on my farm,
or location, at Barion's Uiver, in the neighbourhood
of which numerous heads of large game, and conse-
quently beasts of prey, are abundant. One night a
liou, who had previously purloined a few sheep out

120 THE LION.

of the kraal, came down and killed my riding-horse
about a hundred yards from the door of my cabin.
Knowing that when he does not carry off his prey,
he usually conceals himself in the vicinity, and is,
moreover, very apt to be dangerously prowling about
the place in search of more game, I resolved to have
him destroyed, or dislodged, without delay. I there-
fore sent a messenger round the location, to invite
all who were willing to assist in the foray, to repair
to the place of rendezvous as speedily as possible.

" In an hour, every man of the party, with the ex-
ception of two pluckless fellows, who were kept at
home by the women, appeared ready mounted and
armed. We were also reinforced by about a dozen
of the bastard Hottentots, who resided at that time
upon our territory as tenants or herdsmen ; an
active and enterprising, though rather an unsteady
race of men.

" The first point was to track the lion to his
covert. This was effected by a few of the Hottentots
on foot, commencing from the spot where the
horse was killed. They followed the spoor through
grass and gravel, and brushwood, with astonishing
care and dexterity, where an inexperienced eye
could discern neither foot-print nor mark of any
kind, until, at length, we fairly tracked him into a
large ' bosch,' or straggling thicket of brushwood
and evergreens, about a mile distant.

" The next object was to drive him out of this
retreat, in order to attack him in a close phalanx,
•with more safety and effect. The approved mode,
in such cases, is to torment him with dogs till he

THOMPSON'S DESCRIPTION. 121

abandons his covert, and stands at bay in the open
plain. The whole band of hunters then inarch
forward together, and fire deliberately one by one.
If he does not speedily fall, but grows angry, and
turns upon his enemies, they must stand close to-
gether, and turn their horses rear outward — somo
holding them fast by the bridles, while the others
kneel to take a steady aim at the lion as he ap-
proaches, sometimes up to the very horses' heels,
crouching every now and then, as if to measure the
distance and strength of his enemies. This is the
moment to shoot him fairly in the forehead, or somo
other mortal part. If they continue to wound him
ineffectually, till he waxes furious and desperate, or
if the horses, startled by his terrific roar, grow
frantic with terror, and burst loose, the business
becomes rather serious, and may end in mischief,
especially if all the party are not men of average
coolness and experience. The frontier Boers are,
however, generally such excellent marksmen, and
withal so cool and deliberate, that they seldom fail
to shoot him dead as soon as they get within a fair
distance.

" In the present instance, we did not manage
matters quite so scientifically. The Bastards, after
recounting to us all these and other sage laws of
lion-hunting, were themselves the first to depart
from them. Finding that with the few indiflereut
hounds we had made but little impression on the
enemy, they divided themselves into t\vo or three
parties, and rode round the jungle, firing into the
spot where the dogs were barking round him — but

122 THE LION.

without effect. At length, after some hours spent
in tli us beating about the bush, the Scottish blood
of some of my countrymen began to get impatient,
and three of them announced their determina-
tion to break in and beard the lion in his den, pro-
vided three of the Bastards (who wrere superior
marksmen) would support them, and follow up their
fire, should the enemy venture to give battle. Ac-
cordingly, in they went (in spite of the warnings
of some more prudent men), to within fifteen to
twenty paces of the spot where the animal lay con-
cealed. He was couched among the roots of a large
evergreen, but with a small space of open ground
on one side of it ; and they fancied, on approaching,
that they saw him distinctly lying glaring at them
under the foliage. Channno- the Bastards to remain

O O O

firm, and level fair, should they miss, the Scottish
champions let fly together, and struck, not the lion,
as it afterwards proved, but a great block of red
stone, beyond which he was actually lying. Whether
any of the shot grazed him is uncertain; but with
no other warning than a furious growl, forth he
bolted from the bush. The rascally Bastards, in
place of pouring in their volley upon him, instantly
turned and ran helter-skelter, leaving him to do
his pleasure on the defenceless Scots, who, with
empty guns, were tumbling over each other in their
hurry to escape the clutch of the rampant savage.
In a twinkling ho was upon them, and with one
stroke of his paw dashed the nearest to the ground.
The scene was terrific ! There stood the lion, with
his foot upon the prostrate foe, looking round in

FORTUNATE FORBEARANCE. 12

conscious pride upon the bands of bis assailants,
and with a port the most noble and imposing that
can be conceived. It was the most magnificent

o

sight I ever witnessed. The danger of our friends,
however, rendered it at the moment too terrible to
enjoy either the grand or the ludicrous part of the
picture. We expected, every moment, to see one
or more of them torn in pieces; nor, though the
rest of the party were standing within fifty paces,
with their guns cocked and levelled, durst we fire
for their assistance. One was lying under the lion's
feet, and the other scrambling towards us in such a
way as to intercept our aim upon him. All this
passed far more rapidly than I have described
it ; but, luckily, the lion, after steadily surveying us
for a few seconds, seemed willing to be quit of us on
fair terms ; and, with a fortunate forbearance, turned
calmly away ; and, driving the snarling dogs like
rats from his heels, bounded over the adjoining
thicket like a cat over a footstool, clearing bushes
twelve or fifteen feet high, as readily as if they had
been tufts of grass; and, abandoning the jungle,
retreated towards the mountains.

" After ascertaining the state of our rescued com-
rade, who fortunately had sustained no other injury
than a slight scratch on the back, and a severe bruise
on the ribs, from the force with which the animal
had dashed him to the ground, we renewed the
chase, with Hottentots and hounds in full cry.

In a short time we again came up with the
eneniv, and found him standing at bay under an
old mimosa tree, by the side of a mountain stream

124 THE LION.

which we had distinguished by the name of Douglas
Water. The dogs were barking round, but afraid
to approach him, for he was now beginning to
growl fiercely, and brandish his tail in a manner
that showed that he was meditating mischief.
Some of the Hottentots, by taking a circuit
between him and the mountain, crossed the stream
and stationed themselves on the top of a precipice
overhanging the spot where he stood at bay, whilst
others of them took up a position on the opposite
side of the glen, and whilst the poor fellow was
thus placed between two fires, which occupied his
attention and prevented his retreat, we kept battering
at him until he fell covered with wounds and glory."

The Namaqua Hottentots who border on the
Cape Colony, and amongst whom there are many
half-breeds, when they hunt the lion are usually
on foot, and, as with the Boers, several in company.
But the cliaxxe with these men is, I am assured,
conducted in so extraordinary and cautious a
manner as to be utterly devoid of either danger
or excitement They never dream of firing until a
distant, safe, and convenient position has been
found, when they all sit down comfortably together,
so that the attack, or rather the defence, is only
made from one side.

Though the colonists and their neighbours the
Xamaquas usually hunt the lion, as shown, in large
parties, and are thus enabled to oppose to the
beast a regular battery, yet at other times only a
single individual — most commonly a foreigner who
has visited Africa for the sake of sport — takes part

PUUSU1T OF A LIONESS. 125

in the chasse. Indeed, provided the country be
tolerably open, and the man well mounted, he ought
to make pretty sure of his game.

On these occasions the hunter usually reserves
liis fire until such times as the lion crouches, or
stands at bay to the dogs, which if he be hard pressed
soon occurs. The man then reins up within easy
distance of, and in a parallel line with the beast, and,
without dismounting, discharges his piece, taking
care at the same instant to dig his spurs into the
sides of his steed, and lo ride off at full speed, for if
life be left in the lion he is pretty sure to " charge."

Hence the Chasseur must be careful not to ap-
proach the brute too closely when he is about to
deliver his fire, for its speed is such, for a short
distance at least, that unless the horse has a pretty
good start, the issue becomes somewhat doubtful.
Indeed, from being in too close proximity to the
lion, when he made his rush, more than one
of my friends have been plaeed in the most dangerous
and critical positions.

Mr. Oswell, for example, was one day pursuing a
lioness, who after a while took refugj in a dense
thicket. The dogs attacked her gallantly, but
though her growls were loud and many, the bushes
prevented my friend from obtaining a sight of her.
Presently, however, having passed some little dis-
tance beyond the brake where she was couched, he-
was attracted by a noise behind him, and mi looking
round, saw the enraged beast bounding towards him
Being on .Mr. Os well's right side, lie was, unfor-
tunately, unable lo fire ; but even had it been oilier-

126 THE LION.

wise he would hardly have had time, for in a second
or two he felt his horse stagger under him, and, on
turning his head, saw the lioness perched on the
hind quarters of the poor animal. Happily for my
friend, the horse, at the instant of the attack,
swerved to one side, and coming in contact with a
thick thorn-bush, both the rider and the furious
brute were swept from off its back to the ground.
The concussion stunned Mr. Oswell, and he had no
recollection of what afterwards occurred. As the
lioness, however, did not molest him in any way,
the presumption is that, what with the fall and the
onset of the dogs, she became confused, and again
betook herself to cover.

Another friend of mine, a distinguished field-
officer in Her Britannic Majesty's Service, but whose
name I am not at liberty to mention, had also a very
narrow escape from a lioness, and that under very
extraordinary circumstances. He had fired at the
beast (having previously killed its mate), but from
the unsteadiness of his horse he was unable to take
a correct aim, and the ball had merely grazed her
shoulder. She instantly charged with the usual
demonstrations of fury, and though he urged his
jaded steed to the utmost of its powers, the lioness
gained rapidly upon him ; at last, indeed, she ap-
proached so near that lie was prepared to strike her
on the head with the butt end of his rifle. At this
critical moment, however, to his great surprise and
delight, the enraged brute suddenly stopped short
in her course, and lay down on her belly, for which
singular freak my friend was utterly unable to

BATTLE WITH A LION. 127

account. He conjectured, however, that she was
so exhausted by the severe chase that, when about
to make her last bound, which might not im-
probably have proved fatal, her strength utterly
failed her.

" Returning one afternoon with Maphooh," says
Harris, (than whom no man more frequently at-
tacked when alone the lord of the Indian and African
wilds,) " to a koodoo that I had shot, in order to
take up the head, which I had concealed in a bush,
I was surprised to find an enormous lion feasting
upon the carcass ; an odious assemblage of eager
vultures, as usual, garrisoned the trees, wait-
ing their turn when the gorged monarch should
make way for them. Immediately upon my appear-
ance he walked heavily off, expressing, by a stiHed
growl, his displeasure at being thus unceremoniously
disturbed at dinner. It was not destined, however,
that our acquaintance should cease here ; for,
passing the scene of this introductory interview
the following morning, Richardson and myself
were suddenly made aware of the monster's
presence by perceiving a pair of gooseberry eyes
glaring upon us from beneath a shady bush ; and
instantly upon reining up our horses, the grim
savage bolted out with a roar like thunder, and
bounded across the plain with thr ability <>' a grey-
hound. The luxuriant beauty of his shaggy black
mane, which almost swept the groun-l, tempted us,
contrary to established rule, to !_;ive him battle,
with the design of obtaining posse.-sion of his
spoils; and he no sooner felt himself hotly pur-
sued than he faced about, and stood at bay in a

128 THE LION.

mimosa grove, measuring the strength of his
assailants with a port the most noble and im-
posing. Disliking our appearance, however, and
not relishing the smell of gunpowder, he soon
abandoned the grove, and took up his position on
the summit of an adjacent stony hill, the base of
which being thickly clothed with thorn-trees, we
could only obtain a view of him from the distance
of three hundred yards. Crouched on this fortified
pinnacle, like the sculptured figure at the entrance
of a nobleman's park, the enemy disdainfully sur-
veyed us for several minutes, daring us to approach,
with an air of conscious power and pride which
well beseemed his grizzly form. As the rifle-balls
struck the ground nearer and nearer at each dis-
charge, his wrath, as indicated by his glistening
eyes, increased roar, and impatient switching of
his tail, was clearly getting the mastery over his
prudence. Presently a shot broke his leg. Down
he came upon the other three with reckless im-
petuosity, his tail straight out and whirling on its
axis, his mane bristling on end, and his eyeballs
flashing rage and vengeance. Unable, however,
to overtake our horses, he shortly retreated under
a heavy fire, limping and discomfited, to his strong-
hold. Again we bombarded him, and, again ex-
asperated, he rushed into the plain with headlong1
fury, the blood now streaming from his open jaws,
and dyeing his mane with crimson. It was a
gallant charge, but it was to be his last. A well-
directed shot arrested him in full career; lie pitched
upon his skull, and throwing a complete summer-
sault, subsided amid a cloud of dust."

SALT-PANS. 129

In certain parts of Southern Africa, the face of
the country is studded with pit-like hollows, or
basins, called, " salt-pans." Though many of
these are of limited extent, others, again, occupy
a vast extent of ground.* Some are covered
with a saline incrustation (hence their desig-
nation), whilst others, from the moisture of the
soil — for in the rainy season they are flooded —
are luxuriantly overgrown with rank grass, reeds,
&c. These " salt-pans," provided there be game
in the vicinity for them to prey on, are often the
resorts and strongholds of lions. Hero they breed
and rear their young, and if left undisturbed, not
only multiply greatly, but become much attached
to their wild home, from which, at times, there is
great difficulty in dislodging them.

It was from one of these, their fortresses, that-
the field-officer, spoken of a few pages back, dis-
lodged on one occasion, by the aid of a number of
natives, the discharge of fire-arms, shouting, and
the burning of the reeds, no fewer than thirteen
lions, causing them to take refuge in the country
beyond, which was pretty open, and here, single
handed, when mounted, he shot six, that were
full grown. The cubs, he, like a true sportsman,
would not condescend to molest in any way.

Gordon Gumming, as is known, also killed num-
bers of lions single-handed, so to say. He thus
describes his first encounter with the king, or rather
queen, of beasts : —

* The Xwclvi, situated to the eastward of Lake Ntrami, in said
to be a huudred miles long with an average breadth oHitiecu miles.

Jv

130 TOE LION.

" Suddenly I observed a number of vultures
seated on the plain, about a quarter of a mile ahead
of us, and close beside them stood a huge lioness,
consuming a blesblok which she had killed. She
was assisted in her repast by about a dozen jackals,
which were feasting along with her in the most
friendly and confidential manner. Directing my
followers' attention to the spot, I remarked, ' I see
the lion;' to which they replied, ' Whar ? whar ?
Yah, Almaytig ; dat is he;' and instantly reining
in their steeds, and wheeling about, they pressed
their heels to their horses' sides, and were pre-
paring to betake themselves to flight. I asked
them what they were going to do? To which thev

a/ O O «/

answered, ' We have not yet placed caps on our
rifles.' This was true ; but while this short con-
versation was passing, the lioness had observed us.
Raising her full, round face, she overhauled us for
a lew seconds, and then set off at a smart canter
towards a range of mountains some miles to the
northward ; the whole troop of jackals also started
off in another direction ; there was, therefore, no
time to think of caps. The first move was to brin^
her to bay, and not a second was to be lost. Spur-
ring my good and lively steed, and shouting to my
men to follow, I flew across the plain, and, beiii"-
fortunately mounted on Colesberg, the flower of my
stud, I gained upon her at every stride. This was
to me a joyful moment, and I at once made up my
mind that she or I must die.

"The lioness having had a long start of me, we
went over a considerable extent of ground before I

ENCOUNTER WITH A LIONESS. lol

came up with her. She was a full-grown beast, and
the bare and level nature of the plain added to her
imposing appearance. Finding that I gained upon
her, she reduced her pace from a canter to a trot,
carrying her tail stuck out behind her, and slewed
a little to one side. I shouted loudly to her to halt,
as I wished to speak with her, upon which she
suddenly pulled up, and sat on her haunches like a
dog, with her back towards me, not even deigning
to look round. She then appeared to say to her-
self, 'Does this fellow know whom he is after?'
Having thus sat for half a minute, as if involved in
thought, she sprang to her feet, and, facing about,
stood looking at me for a few seconds, moving her

o * o

tail slowly from side to side, showing her teeth, and
growling fiercely. She next made a short run for-
ward, making a loud rumbling noise like thunder.
This she did to intimidate me ; but, finding that I
did not flinch an inch, nor seem to heed her hostile
demonstrations, she quietly stretched out her mass-
ive arms, arid lay down on the grass. My Hotten-
tots now coming up, we all three dismounted, and
drawing our rifles from their holsters, we looked to
see if the powder was in the nipples, and put on our
caps. While this was doing the lioness sat up,
and showed evident symptoms of uneasiness. She
looked first at us, and then behind her, as it to see
if the coast was clear; alter which she made a
short run towards us, uttering her deep-drawn
murderous growl. Having secured the three horses
to one another by their rheims, we led them on as it
we intended to pass her, in the hope ot obtaining a

K -2

132 THE LION.

broadside. But this she carefully avoided to ex-
pose, presenting only her full front. I had given
Stofulus my Moore rifle, with orders to shoot her if
she should spring upon me, but on no account to
fire before me. Kleinberg was to stand ready to
hand me my Purdey rifle, in case the two-grooved
Dixon should not prove sufficient. My men, as yet,
had been steady, but they were in a precious stew,
their faces having assumed a ghastly paleness ; and
I had a painful feeling that I could place no reliance
on them.

" Now, then, for it, neck or nothing ! She is
within sixty yards of us, and she keeps advancing.
We turned the horses' tails to her. I knelt on one
side, and, taking a steady aim at her breast, let fly.
The ball cracked loudly on her tawny hide, and
crippled her in the shoulder, upon which she
" charged" with an appalling roar, and in the
twinkling of an eye was in the midst of us. At
this moment Stofulus's rifle exploded in his hand,
and Kleinberg, whom I had ordered to stand ready
by me, danced about like a duck in a gale of wind.
The lioness sprang upon Colesberg, and fearfully
lacerated his ribs and haunches with her horrid
teeth and claws ; the worst wound was on his
haunch, which exhibited a sickening, yawning gash,
more than twelve inches long, almost laying bare
the very bone. I was very cool and steady, and
did not feel in the least degree nervous, having
fortunately great confidence in my own shooting ;
but I must confess, when the whole affair was over,
I felt that it was a very awful situation, and attended

DEATH-STRUGGLES. Io3

with extreme peril, as I had no friend with me on
whom I could rely.

" When the lioness sprang on Colesberg, I stood
out from the horses, ready with my second barrel
for the first chance she should give me of a clear
shot. This she quickly did; for, seemingly satis-
fied with the revenge she had now taken, she
quitted Colesberg, and, slewing her tail to one side,
trotted sulkily past within a few paces of me, taking
one step to the left. 1 pitched my rifle to my
shoulder, and in another second the lioness was
stretched on the plain. In the struggles of death
she half turned on her back, and stretched
her neck and fore-arms convulsively, when she
fell back to her former position ; her mighty
arms hung powerless by her side, her lower jaw
fell, blood streamed from her mouth, and she ex-
pired. At the moment I fired my second shot,
StofuhiSj who hardly knew whether he was alive or
dead, allowed the three horses to escape. These
galloped frantically across the plain, on which lie
and Klcinberg instantly started after them, leaving
me standing alone and unarmed within a few paces
of the lioness, which they, from their anxiety to be
out of the way, evidently considered quite callable
of doing further mischief.

" Such is ever the case with these worthies, and
with nearly all the natives of South Africa. No
reliance can be placed on them. They will to a
certainty forsake their master in the must dastardly
manner in the hour of peril, and leave him in tin-
lurch. A stranger, however, hearing these fellows

134 THE LION.

recounting their own gallant adventures, when
sitting in the evening along with their comrades
round a blazing fire, or under the influence of their
adored ' Cape smoke,' or native brandy, might fancy
them to be the bravest of the brave.

" Having skinned the lioness and cut off her head,
we placed her trophies upon Beauty, and held for
the camp. Before we had proceeded a hundred
yards from the carcass, upwards of sixty vultures,
whom the lioness had often fed, were feasting on her
remains.

" We led Colesberg slowly home, where having
washed his wounds, and carefully stitched them to-
gether, I ordered the cold-water cure to be adopted.
Under this treatment his hurts soon healed, and he
eventually recovered."

Again writes Gordon Gumming, " Just as Swiut
had milked the cows, and was driving them from
the wooded peninsula in which we lay, athwart the
open ground, to graze with my other cattle in the
forest beyond, he beheld four majestic lions walking
slowly across the " vley " a fe\v hundred yards
below my camp, and disappear over the river's
bank, at a favourite drin king-place. These mighty
monarchs of the waste had been holding a prolonged
repast over the carcases of some xebras killed by
Present, and had now come down to the river to
slake their thirst.

" This being reported, I instantly saddled up two
horses, and directing my boys to lead after me as
quickly as possible ray small remaining pack of dogs,
I rodo forth, accompanied by Carey carrying a

BKIXGIXG LIOXS TO BAY. 1 .'55

spare gun, to give battle to the four grim lion*.
As I rode out of the peninsula, they showed the;n-
selves on the bank of the river, and, guessing that
their first move would be a disgraceful flight, I
determined to ride so as to make them think that I
had not observed them, until 1 should be able to cut
off their retreat from the river, across the open vley,
to the endless forest beyond. That point being
gained, I knew that they, still doubtful of my having
observed them, would hold their ground on the
river's bank until the dogs came up, when I could
more advantageously make the attack.

" I cantered along, holding as if I meant to pass
the lions at a distance of a quarter of a mile, until
I was opposite to them, when I altered my course,
and inclined a little nearer. The lions then showed
symptoms of uneasiness ; they rose to their feet,
and overhauling us for half a minute, disappeared
over the bank. They reappeared, however, directly
a little further down ; and finding that their present
position was bare, they walked majestically along the
top of the bank to a spot a few hundred yards lower,
where it was well wooded. Here they seemed half
inclined to await my attack; two stretched out
their massive arms and lay down in the grass, and
the other two sat up like dogs on their haunches.
Deeming it probable that when my do<_rs fame up
and I approached, they would still retreat and make a
bolt across the open vley, 1 directed Carey to canter
forward and take up the ground in the centre of the
vley about four hundred yards in advance, whereby
the lions would be compelled either to give us battle

136 THE LION.

or swim the river, which, although narrow, I knew
they would be very reluctant to do.

" I now sat in my saddle anxiously awaiting the
arrival of the dogs ; and while thus momentarily
disengaged, I was much struck with the majestic
and truly appalling appearance which these four
noble lions exhibited. They were all full grown
immense males, and I felt, I must confess, a little
nervous, and very uncertain as to what might be
the issue of the attack.

" When the dogs came up I rode straight in to-
wards the lions. They sprang to their feet, and trotted
slowly down along the bank of the river, once or
twice halting and facing about for half a minute.
Immediately below them, there was a small well
determined bend of the stream, forming a sort of
peninsula. Into this bend they disappeared, and
the next moment I was upon them with my dogs.

"They had taken shelter in a dense angle of the
peninsula, well sheltered by high trees and reeds.
Into this retreat the dogs at once boldly followed
them, making a loud barking, that was instantly
followed by the terrible voices of the lions, which
turned about and charged to the edge of the cover.
Next moment, however, I heard them plunge into
the river, when I sprang from my horse, and
running to the top of the bank, saw three of the'm
ascending the opposite bank, the dogs following.
One of them bounded away across the open plain at
top speed, but the other two, iinding themselves
followed by the dogs, immediately turned to bay.
It was now my turn, so taking them coolly right

GLORIOUS DOUBLE-SHOT. l'J7

and left with my little rifle, I made the most glorious
double shot that a sportsman's heart could desire,
disabling them both in the shoulder before they
were even a\vare of my position. Then snatching
my other gun from Carey, who that moment had
ridden up to my assistance, I finished the first lion
with a shot about the heart, and brought the second

O

to a stand-still by disabling him in his hind quarters
He quickly crept into a dense, wide, dark green
bush, in which for a long time it was impossible to
obtain a glimpse of him. At length a clod of earth
falling near his hiding-place, he made a move which
disclosed to me his position, and I finished him with
three more shots, all along the middle of his back.
Carey swam across the river to flog off the dogs ;
and when these came through to me, I beat up the
peninsula in quest of the fourth lion, which had,
however made off. Wo then crossed the river
a little higher up, and proceeded to inspect the noble
prizes I had won. Both lions were well up in
their years. I kept the skin and skull of the finest
specimen, but only the claws and the tail of the other,
one of whose canine teeth was worn down to the
socket with caries, which seemed very much to have
effected his general condition."

Paircs nii"-ht be filled wit.h somewhat similar ex-

o O

ploits to the above of Gordon dimming; but I shall
confine myself to narrating two of his <•//".•>•.»•<'>•, as
proving in a remarkable manner the truth of my
statement in the first chapter, as to the little1 elianee
dogs, however numerous and courageous they may
be, have against the lord of the lores.!.

133 THE LION.

After telling us that " he was traversing the
country beyond the Hart River, where the grass
was tall and rank, and where copses of considerable
size of thorn-trees and grey-leaved bushes were
scattered over the landscape," he goes on to say : —

"It was a still and secluded spot! I observed
several vultures soaring over one of the covers in
question, within a quarter of a mile of the waggons,
and thinking it very probable that they were
attracted by some lion devouring his prey, I ordered
a couple of horses to be saddled, and rode towards
the place with one after-rider and about a dozen of
my dogs. I was right in my conjecture ; for, as I
cantered along, I had the satisfaction to behold a
majestic old black-maned lion walking parallel to me,
and within a hundred yards. He had not yet ob-
served me; he looked so dark that at the first
glance I mistook him in the long grass for a blue
wildebeest ; next moment, however, he turned his
large, full, imposing face to me, and I knew that it
was he. Shouting to the dogs with all my might, I
at once dashed towards him, followed by my after-
rider at a respectful distance, carrying my rifle.

" The lion, as I expected, was panic-stricken, and
took to his heels, bounding through the long
grass at top speed. The dogs wont at him in gallant
fctyle, I following not far behind them, and yelling
to encourage my pack. The lion, finding we had
the speed of him, reduced his pace to a sulky trot,
and the dogs came up and followed barking within
a few yards on each side of him. In half a minute
more I had passed ahead, and halted my horse for a

LION AND DOGS. 139

shot ; but looking round for my after-rider, who
carried my rifle, I beheld him slowly approaching
with pallid countenance at least a hundred yards
behind. The lion faced about, and springing on
Shepherd, one of my favourite dogs, he lay for
several seconds upon him, and having bitten him so
that he could not rise, he continued his course. A
few moments after he knocked over another dog>
called Virgin, which escaped with a slight scratch.
The lion had now gained the edge of a small cover,
and Booi, coming up at a very easy pace, handed
me my rifle. In another minute the noble beast
came to bay in a thick bush, and, facing round, lay
down to await our attack. I then rode up to within
twelve yards of him, and halting my horse, I ended
the grim lion's career with a single ball behind the
shoulder, cutting the main arteries close to the
heart. On receiving the ball his head dropped to
the ground, and gasping for a moment, he expired.
I dismounted, and, plucking a lock of hair from his
mane, I placed it in my bosom and returned to
camp, having been absent barely ten minute's.

" After breakfast a party went to inspect the lion,
and bring home his trophies. On proceeding to
seek for Shepherd, the dog which the lion had
knocked over in the chase, 1 found him with his
back broken and his bowels protruding from a gash
in the stomach; 1 was therefore obliged to end his
miseries with a ball."

Again, and after saying that information had been
brought him by one of his people that a lion had
been seen in the neighbourhood of his bivouack,

140 THE LIOX.

the distinguished Nimrod in question writes as
follows : —

" I rode directly for the spot where the beast was
supposed to be, and drawing near to it, two savage
lionesses sat up in the grass and growled fiercely at
us. An unlucky belt of reeds, about sixty yards
long and twenty broad, intervened between me and
the lionesses, and on perceiving their danger, they
at once dashed into this cover." Then followed the
most woeful cutting up and destruction among my
best and most valuable dogs (thirty in number) . The
lionesses had it all their own way. In vain I rode
round and round the small cover, endeavouring to
obtain a peep of them, which would have enabled
me to put a speedy conclusion to the murderous
work within. The reeds were so tall and dense
that, although the lionesses were often at bay within
eight or ten yards of me, it was impossible to see
them. At length one came outside the cover on the
opposite side, when I fired a shot from the saddle.
My horse was unsteady, nevertheless I wounded her,
and acknowledging the shot with angry growls, she
re-entered the reeds.

" A number of the dogs, which had gone after a
herd of blue wildebeests, now returned, and, coming
down through the long grass, started a third lioness,
which came growling down into the cover and joined
her comrades. This was the signal for my united
pack to make a bold sally into the centre of the
lion's den, when they were savagely met by the
three lionesses, who rushed furiously up and down,
knocking the dogs about with just as much facility

MASSACRE OP DOGS. 1-11

as three cats would have disposed of the same
number of mice. For several minutes nothing was
to be heard but the crashing of the reeds, the
growling of the lions, and the barking and shriek-
ing of the mangled pack ; it was truly a most painful
moment to my feelings. Carey, who had come up
to assist me, remarked to me that ' there was an
awful massacre going on among the dogs ;' and he
was right. Night now setting in put an end to
this horrid work, and, with feelings of remorse and
deep regret at my folly in not having at once called
off my poor dogs, I wended my way to camp. On
numbering the slain, three of my best hounds were
found to have forfeited their lives in the unequal
contest, and seven or eight more were very badly
wounded, exposing the most fearful gashes, from
which several of them never recovered."

142

CHAPTER IX.

LION-CHASE BY NATIVES — HABIT OF THE LION WHEN SEIZING HIS
PREY— THE CAFFRE MODE OF KILLING THE LION — THE SHIELD
— THE KING — RING-HUNT ON A GRAND SCALE — BUSHMAN
METHOD OF KILLING THE LION— RESCUE OF A LION-HUNTER —
DARING HUNTERS — PURSUIT OF THE LION BY THE AGAGEIRS.

proceed. By the natives of Southern Africa
— of the interior at least — the lion is gene-
rally hunted on foot, and where fire-arms are want-
ing, as is generally the case, the men are seldom
otherwise armed than with the assegais and the
bow and arrow. As with the Colonists and Euro-
peans, however, they are for the most part accom-
panied by numerous dogs, which are undoubtedly a
great protection.

Their manner of conducting the clmsxe. of this
beast varies somewhat; and, in certain districts
methods, both singular and curious, are adopted for
the furtherance of his destruction.

As said in the first chapter, it is the general belief
among the natives that when the lion is in the act
of seizing its victim, and until such times as he has
deprived it of life, he, for some reason or other,
closes his eyes. Of this fact, the Cadres, bordering

CITASSE 1)Y THE NATIVES. 14

on the Cape Colony, Delegorgue tells us, are per-
fectly well aware. And should the beast be met
with at such times, they, presuming on his blind-
ness, fearlessly attack him. Their plan of proceed-
ing is as ingenious as daring : —

O CD O

" One of them, carrying a large shield of a con-
cave form, made of thick buffalo hide, approaches
the animal boldly, and hurls at him an assegai, or
javelin. The lion bounds on the aggressor, but the
man in the meauwhile has thrown himself at full
length on the ground, covered by his buckler.
Whilst the beast is trying the effect of his claws
and teeth on the concave side of the shield, where
they make no impression, lie loses a favourable
opportunity. He redoubles his efforts. And in the
meantime the armed men surround him, and pierce
his body with numerous assegais, all of which he
fancies he receives from the individual lying beneath
the shield. The assailants retire, the lion grows
faint, and soon falls beside the CafFre with the
buckler, who takes care not to move until the
terrible brute has ceased to exhibit signs of life."

In other parts of the country the natives form a
ring, in the old Scottish fashion, around the lion,
and attack him on all sides.

Harris, when speaking of a hunt of this kind,
says: — " In accordance with African caprice, which
assigns a parasol to the male instead of the female
sex, the sons of the desert are on these occasions
provided with a long pointed stall', surmounted with
black ostrich feathers, which then prove very ser-
viceable ; for being stuck in the ground at the

7 O O

144 THE LIOX.

proper moment, tliey divert the attention of the
charging beast from the object of his vengeance,
and thus enable the rest of the party to rush on and
destroy him with their assegais."

By the native chieftains the " ring-hunts" in
question are at times conducted on a very grand
scale, both as regards the number of men taking
part in them, and the extent of ground embraced by
the cordon.

" On these occasions," says Harris, when speak-
ing of the redoubtable Moselekatse, " he is attended
by a retinue of several thousands of his subjects,
who extend themselves in a circle, enclosing many
miles of country, and gradually converging so as to
bring incredible numbers of wild animals within a
small focus. Still advancing, the ring at length
becomes a thick and continuous line of men, hem-
ming in the game on all sides, which, in desperate
efforts to escape, displays the most daring and
dangerous exhibition of sport that can be conceived.
As the scene closes, the spears of the warriors deal
death around them, affording a picture thrilling to
the sportsman, and striking in the extreme."

The chieftain just named, I may mention in
parenthesis, was possessed of enormous herds of
horned cattle, many of which were pastured at long
distances from his own residence, and, as with cattle
everywhere else in the wilds of Africa, were not uri-
frcquently attacked by lions. " When such was
the case," says Harris (and Moffatt, at page 54'3,
testifies to the like effect), " the death either of the
beasts, or of one or more- of the guardians of the

SINGULAR EXPEDIENT. 145

herd, whose lives are held of no account whatever,
invariably ensued. Armed only with the assegai ami
shield, these men rush on the marauder, and should
they prove the victors, they retire from tho conflict,
bearing the head and feet of the lion to their royal
master. These are left to decompose within the
fence of the imperial kraal, which, as I have already
explained, is strewed with the bones of wild
animals."

Elsewhere the gallant officer tells us : — " No om>
dare present himself before this dreaded ruler who
has been wounded in an ignoble part iu battle, or
who has failed in his duty to the very letter."

Again, the Bushmen, when they wish to be quit
of the lion — which is not always the case, as on tho
remains of his victims they in certain districts
depend in some measure for their food — resort to a
singular expedient to attain their ends.

" It has been remarked by these men," says Dr.
Phillips, the Missionary, " that the lion generally
kills and devours his prey either at an early hour in
the morning or at sunset. When, therefore, they
purpose slaying the beast, they notice at sun-rise
where the springboks are grazing, and if they then
appear alarmed and run off, they conclude the
animals have been attacked by the lion. Marking
accurately the spot where the alarm took place,
they, about eleven o'clock of the day, when the sun is
powerful, and the enemy they seek is supposed to be
fast asleep, carefully examine the ground, and finding
the beast in a state of unguarded security, they
lodge a poisoned arrow in his breast. The moment

i.

146 THE LION.

the lion is thus struck, he springs from his lair, and
bounds off as helpless as the stricken deer. The
work is done ! The shaft of death has pierced his
heart, without even breaking the slumbers of the
lioness, which may have been lyino- beside him.

•/ «/ o

And in the course of a few hours, or even less (the
Bushmen knowing where to look for him) he is
found either dead, or in the agonies of death."

Another expedient adopted by the natives of cer-
tain parts of Africa for the destruction of the lion,
or rather in aid thereof, which, from its singularity,
is deserving of notice, is thus related by Freeman,
at page 336 of his interesting work :—

After telling us "' that when the beast has become
accustomed to human flesh, he will not willingly eat
anything else ; and that when a neighbourhood has
been infested by a * man-eater,' the people form
themselves into a band, and proceed in search of
the royal foe, whom they beard in his very den,"
he goes on to say, " Standing close by one another,
the lion would make his spring, every man ot course
hoping he might escape the attack, when instantly
others would dash for ward fnul wi;:r f/»> /^v/.sf.s ia.il,
liftiiuj it HJ> close, tn flu1 In »1 1/ with- <til their ndfjht,
thus not only astonixlthif} the animal, and absolutely
taking him off his guard, but rendering his effort s
powerless for the moment, whilst others, airain,
closed in with their spears, and at once stabbed the
monster through and through. All this was done,"
Freeman adds, " not for the exciting pleasure of a
lion-hunt, nor as an exhibition of prowess, but to rid
the vicinitv of their villages of a dreadful eneniv.

THE DYING BITE. 147

and to save themselves from becoming, in turn, the
breakfast or supper of the monster of the desert."

Elsewhere, Freeman confesses to having long
been incredulous as to the truth of what has been
just stated ; but that he subsequently met a Mr.
Lemare, who formerly resided at Mortito, and was
familiar with the Kallihari country, " who assured
him that the remarkable accounts circulated as to
people of that part of Africa catrhhuj lions />// the
tail, was a fact ; that he himself knew the method to
prevail; and that it was certainly not uncommon
amongst the natives."

Fabulous as what has just been related may
appear to some, yet its truth is fully corroborated
by Sir A. Alexander, who, after speaking of the
wonderful intrepidity and desperate courage the

N often display when attacking wild beasts,

goes on to say : —

"Thus, I saw a man of the name of Lynx, who
had had his hand crushed by a lion that had killed
one of his cattle. Now, it is the custom in the land
to let those beasts alone, unless they destroy persons
or property; but if they do, it is always understood
that a hunt must take place. So Lynx, with three
of his cousins, went forth to attack the governor.

" They tracked him to a bush, and were prepar-
ing their guns for the encounter, when the lion
rushed out unexpectedly — on which the three
cousins fled, leaving Lynx, who was immediately
overthrown by the brute, to his fate. The monster
seized the unfortunate man by the left arm, and was
dragging him off to destroy him at his leisure, when

i, -2

148 THE LION.

the runaways, seeing his predicament, returned.
One jumped on to the back of the lion, and pulled
stoutly at his ears to make him let go his hold ;
another hung on by the tail to stop him ; whilst the
third, watching his opportunity, sent a ball through
his forehead. The animal then quitted Lynx's arm,
but, in his death agonies, crushed his hand with his
teeth. The dying bite of a beast of prey," Sir
A. Alexander adds, "is always the worst."

In parts of Africa — in Abyssinia at least — the
elephant, as will hereafter be shown, is circumvented
(hamstrung) by certain famous hunters called Agga-
jeers, with the sword alone, and that both on horse-
back and on foot. This I can well understand ; but
that these men, when armed only with that weapon,
should be in the habit of thus attacking and slayingthe
lion — as that distinguished traveller and sportsman,
Sir Samuel Baker, assures us is the case — seems
almost incomprehensible. He himself, however, when
in company with several of these daring Ximrods,
once took part in a chase of the kind ; and as his
story is well and spiritedly told, I give it to the
reader in his own words :

" We had crossed the river, and, as we passed
through an opening in the belt of jungle on the banks,
and entered on a plain interspersed with clumps
of bush, we perceived, at about two hundred yards
distance, a magnificent lion, whose shaggy mane
gave him a colossal appearance, as lie stalked
quietly along the flat sandy ground towards the
pin co of his daily retreat. The Aggajeers whispered
" El Assut" (the lion), and instinctively the swords

CHASSE BY AGGAJEKKS. 149

flashed from their sheaths. In an instant the horses
were at full speed, sweeping over the level ground.
The lion had not observed us, but on hearing the
sound of the hoofs, he halted and raised his head,
regarding us for a moment with wonder, as we rapidly
decreased our distance, when, thinking retreat ad-
visable, he bounded otf, followed by the excited
hunters, as hard as the horses could be pressed.
Having obtained a good start, we had gained upon
him, and we kept up the pace until we arrived within
about eighty yards of the lion, who, although he
appeared to fly easily along like a cat, did not equal
the speed of the horses. It was a beautiful sight;
Aggahr was an exceedingly fast horse, and having
formerly belonged to one of the llamran hunters,
he thoroughly understood his work. His gallop
was perfection, and his long steady stride was as
easy to himself as to his rider ; there was no neces-
sity to guide him, as he followed an animal like a
greyhound, and sailed between the stems of the
numerous trees, carefully avoiding their trunks, and
choosing his route where the branches allowed
ample room for the rider to pass beneath. In about
five minutes we had run the lion straight across tin-
plain, through several open strips of mimosa, and we
were now within a lew yards of him, but unfor-
tunately, just as Talier and Abou Do dashed forward
in the endeavour to ride upon eit lu-r Hank, he sprang
down a precipitous ravine, and disappeared in the
thick thorns.

"This ravine formed a broad bottom, which,
covered with dense screen nubbuk, continued for a

150 THE LION.

great distance, and effectually saved the lion. I was
much disappointed, as we should have had a glorious
fight, and I had long sought for an opportunity of
witnessing an attack on the lion with the sword.

O

The Aggajeers were equally annoyed, and they
explained that they should have been certain to kill
him. Their plan was to ride upon either flank, at a
few yards distance, when he would have charged
one man, who would have dashed away, while the
other hunter would have slashed the lion through
the back with his sword. They declared that a
good hunter should be able to protect himself by a
back-handed blow with his sword, should the lion
attack the horse from behind ; but that the great
danger in a lion-hunt arose, when the animal took
refuge in a solitary bush, and turned to bay. In
such instances, the hunters surrounded the bush,
and rode directly towards him, when he generally
sprang out upon some man or horse, and was then
cut down immediately by the sabre of the next
hunter. The Aggajeers declared that, in the event
of an actual fight, the death of the lion was sure
although one or more men or horses might bo
wounded, or perhaps killed."

Though Sir Samuel Baker was never fortunate

o

enough to see the lion vanquished by the sabre alone,
yet several of these noble beasts fell to his deadly
rifle, and amongst them more than one that he
"bearded in its very den," a feat not so very often
performed even by the boldest of Ximrods. After
telling us that on a certain night they were serenaded

SIR SAMUEL UAKi;U. I -A

in all quarters by lions, one of whom actually visited
his camp, he goes on to say,

" Being resolved to circumvent one or other of
these beasts, I, on the following morning, therefore
took Talicr Noor, with Hadji AH and Hassan, two
of my trusty Tokrooris, and went straight to the
spot where I left the carcass of the buffalo I had
shot on the preceding day. As I had expected,
nothing remained, not even a bone, the ground was
much trampled, and tracks of lions were upon the
sand, but the body of the buffalo had been dragged
into the thorny jungle. 1 was determined, if possible,
to get a shot; therefore, 1 followed carefully the
track left by the carcass, which hail formed a path
in the withered grass. Unfortunately the lions had
dragged the buffalo down wind, therefore, after I
had arrived within the thick uabbuk and high grass
I came to the conclusion that my only chance would
be to make a long circuit, and to creep up wind
through the thorns, until I should be advised by
my nose of the position of the carcass, which would
by this time be in a state of putrefaction, and the
lions would most probably be with the body. Ac-
cordingly, I struck off to my left, and continuing
straight forward for some hundred yards, I again
struck into the thick jungle, and came round to the
wind. Success depended on extreme cant ion, there-
fore I advised my three men to keep close behind
mo with the spare rifles, as L carried my single-
barrelled Bcattic. This rifle was extremely accurate,
therefore I had chosen it for this close work, when
I expected to get a shot at the eye or the forehead

152 THE LION.

of a lion crouching in the bush. Softly and with
difficulty I crept forward, followed closely by my men,
through the high withered grass, beneath the dense
green nabbuk bushes, peering through the thick
covert, with nerves strung to the full pitch, and
the finger on the trigger, ready for any emergency.
We had thus advanced for about half an hour,
during which I frequently applied my nose to within
a foot of the ground to catch the scent, when
a sudden puff of wind brought the unmistakeable
smell of decomposing flesh. For a moment I halted,
and looking round to my men, I made a sign that
we were near to the carcass, and that they were to
be ready with the rifles. Again I crept forward,
bending, and sometimes crawling, beneath the thorns,
to avoid the slightest noise. As I approached the
scent became stronger, until at length I felt that I
must be close to the carcass. This was highly
exciting. Fully prepared for a quick shot, I
stealthily crept on. A tremendous roar in the dense
thorns within a few feet of me suddenly brought the
rifle to my shoulder; almost on the same instant
I observed the three-quarter figure of either a lion
or a' lioness within three yards of me, on the other
side of the bush, under which I had been creeping,
the foliage concealed the head, but 1 could almost
have touched the shoulder with my riile. Much
depended upon the bullet, and I fired exactly through
the centre of the shoulder. Another tremendous
roar, and a crash in the bushes as the animal made
a bound forward, was succeeded by a similar roar,
as another lion took the exact position ot the last,

A FINE CHANCE LOST. Io3

and stood wondering at the report of the rifle, ami
seeking for the cause of this intrusion. This was a
grand lion with a shaggy inane; but I was unloaded.
Keeping my eyes fixed on the beast, I stretched
my hand back fora spare rifle; the lion remained
standing, but gazing up wind with his head raised,
snuffing in the air for a scent of the enemy. Xo
rifle was put into my hand. I looked back for an
instant, and saw my Tokrooris faltering about five
yards behind me. Hooked daggers at them, gnashing
my teeth and shaking my fist. They saw the lion,
and Talier Noor, snatching a rifle from Hadji Ali,
was just about to bring it, when Hassan, ashamed,
ran forward — the lion disappeared at the same
moment. Never was such a fine chance lost through
the indecision of the gun-bearers, and I made a vow
never to carry a single-barrelled rifle again when
hunting large game. If 1 had had my dear little
Fletcher 24, 1 should have nailed the lion to a
certainty. However, there was not much time
for reflection. Where was the first lion ? So;ne
remains of the buffalo lay upon my right, and I
expected to find the lion most probably crouch-
ing in the thorns somewhere near us. Having re-
loaded, I took one of my Reillv Xo. 1" rifle, and
listened attentivelv for a sound. Presently I heard
within a few yards a low gro\vl. Talier Noor drew
his sword, and with his shield before him. he searched
for the lion, while I crept, forward towards the
sound, which was repeated. A loud roar, ace >m-
panied bv a rush in the jungle, showed us a glimpse
oi the lion, as he bounded oil' within ten or twelve

154 THE LTON.

yards, but I had no chance to fire. Again the low
growl was repeated, and upon quietly creeping
towards the spot, I saw a splendid animal crouched
upon the ground, among the withered and broken
grass. The lioness lay dying with the bullet wound
in the shoulder. Occasionally, in her rage, she bit
her own paw violently, and then struck and clawed
the ground. A pool of blood lay by her side. She
was about ten yards from us, and I instructed my
men to throw a clod of earth at her, (there were no
stones), to prove whether she could rise, while I
stood ready with my rifle. She merely replied with
a dull roar, and I terminated her misery by a ball
through the head. She was a beautiful animal, the
patch of the bullet was sticking in the wound, she
was shot through both shoulders."

But the most singular plan of circumventing the
lion — not practised in Southern Africa, it is true,
and which, therefore, by rights, should not find a
place in these pages — is that described by Layard
in his " Nineveh and Babylon."

" The ]\Iaidan Arabs," says he, " boast of capturing
the lion in the following manner, and trustworthy
persons have assured me they have seen the feat per-
formed. A man havingbound his right arm with strips
of tamarish, and holding in his hand a strong piece of
the same wood, about a foot or more in length, that
has been hardened in the fire and sharpened at both
ends, will advance boldly into the animal's lair.
When the lion springs upon him, he forces the wood
between its jaws, which will then be held open,
whilst he can despatch the astonished beast at his

GAGGING. 105

leisure with the pistol which he holds in his left
hand."

* With every submission to Mr. Layard, I take the above to be a
fable. If the lion quietly walked up to a man on his hind legs, as
the bear is at times said to do, it might be possible to gag him, bufc
when we recollect that the lion is accustomed to bound on his prey,
that is, with a force almost sufficient to upset the Monument, tho
thing seems to mo all but impracticable. Besides, is a man's
life to depend on a pistol, and that in his left hand ? Why, twenty
to thirty balls, and those tolerably well placed, arc often insufficient,
as has been already shown, or will be shown in these pages, to
kill the beast. Layard, to my notions, had much better stick to his
excavations rather than attempt to stick such fictions into tho
public. — ED.

150

CHAPTER X.

SHOOTING THE LION BY NIGHT — A NOT VERY ENVIABLE SITUA-
TION— PERILOUS POSITION — THE WOUNDED LION — EXCITING
HUNTING SCENE — NIGHT-SHOOTING — GORDON CUMMING^S EXPE-
RIENCES— THE LION IN THE DARK — LIONS WATERING — THE
MELBODA-ARAB LION HUNTERS — THE SPRING-GUN — THE PITFALL.

BESIDES openly attacking the lion by clay, the
colonists and others not unfrequently shoot
him during the night season, either whilst devouring
the remains of a deer or other animal that he him-
self has slain, or the carcass of one laid out in the
wilderness to decoy him, or it may be at the fountain
when he repairs to it to quench his thirst.

I myself have had more than one adventure with
lions when watching during the hours of darkness
in my " screen," (of a similar nature to that de-
scribed in a note at page 81) for elephants and other
large game.

On one occasion, I must confess to having felt
rather uncomfortable. I had posted myself in a
dense mimosa brake, commanding the approach to
a certain river at a point much frequented by wild
animals and flanked by an immense pit-fall. The
darkness was deepened by surrounding thick foliage
and high river -banks. Indeed, so black was the
night that 1 could not discern even the muzzle of

NIGHT SHOOTING. 157

my gun. The gloominess of my solitude was in-
creased by the occasional " Qua-qua !" of the night
heron, which made the succeeding hush more dreary,
during which even the falling of leaves and the rustl-
ing of insects among dry grass were hailed as a relief
to the oppressive silence. To a man in a savage
wilderness, and without a companion, silence, espe-
cially when combined with utter privation of light,
is inexpressibly solemn. It strikes the mind not
merely as a negation, but as a threatening presence.
It seems ominous. I shall never forget the loneli-
ness and sense of desolation I felt on this occasion.
It was past midnight, and still no game appeared.

Suddenly, I fancied I heard the purr and breathing
of an animal close behind me; but, as no other
indications of any living thing ensued, I attributed
the sounds to a heated imagination. All at once,
however, the dismal stillness was disturbed by the
quick steps of a troop of pallahs, descending the
stony slope leading direct to my ambush. Stooping
as low as possible, in order to catch their outline, I
awaited their arrival with my gun on full cock.
Xearer and nearer they came, till at last I fancied
the leader was on the verge of the pit-fall; but, just
at that moment, there was a low, stifled growl, n
rush, and then a faint cry as of some dying animal.
All was again silent. Though the impenetrable
darkness prevented me from seeing anything, I
could no longer doubt that I was in the immediate
vicinity of a lion. I freely acknowledge that I felt
awed, well knowing that were he to attack me I
should be completely at his mercy. My situation

158 THE LIOX.

was critical in the extreme. Straining eyes and ears
to discover the beast's whereabout, I held my breath
in fearful suspense, whilst every nerve was strung
to the highest pitch. Presently I heard, to my
astonishment, the report of a gun within fifty paces
of my hiding-place ; then a second and a third shot.
This made matters worse; for I now became appre-
hensive that the men, not aware of my presence,
might direct their fire towards me. I therefore
sprang to my feet, and vociferated — " Who's there ?"
"Sir! the lion — the lion !" replied Eyebrecht, the
interpreter, for it was no other. The next instant
he stood trembling before me. He had it appears
been sent by the chief Amral to call me back (he
entertaining great apprehensions for my personal
safety, several of his people having recently been
either killed or cruelly mangled by lions, then un-
usually numerous in the country, when on the watch
in the night time for game) — but had encountered
the beast in his path, and fired in order to frighten
him away.

Early next morning a number of Hottentots came
to examine the ground, when, as 1 had expected,
we found the foot-prints of a lion at the very back
of my "screen," and scarcely distant the length of
the gun-barrel from where my own person had been,
where lie had evidently been crouching previously
to leaping on the palhih (whose cry 1 had heard in
the night) ; but which, though wounded, had effected
its escape. How far the beast intended me mischief
is hard to say, but in any case my situation had not
been an enviable one.

IKYING POSITION. 1 09

At a subsequent period I was placed in an even
more trying position. Journeying in a very lonely
part of the country, and accompanied only by a
single native, 1 arrived one day at a fountain situated
in a defile, amongst some craggy rocks. The water
issued from different places amongst these cliffs,
forming little pools here and there; and though
the place was difficult of access, elephants, and
other large game, were in the habit of flocking to
the water nightlv. As the stony nature of the ground
afforded excellent ' ambuscades,' and being much in
want of provision, I determined to watch the pools
in question for a night or two.

The first night was a failure ; but in the second, I
succeeded in killing a white rhinoceros. After this,
though 1 watched long and well, nothing appeared,
and at last sleep overtook me. How long 1 slumbered
J know not ; but all of a sudden I thought, or dreamt,
that I was in danger. From much night -watching
mv hearing and si^ht had Lrraduallv acquired such

•/ ( O c-

an acuteness that, even in sleep, 1 was able to
retain a certain consciousness of what was passing
around me; and it is probable that L was indebted
to this remarkable faculty for the preservation of
my life on the present occasion. At first, I. could
not divest my.-clf of fear; and, for a while, my
senses were too confused to enable me to form any
accurate notion of ! lie imagined danger. (Jradually,
however, consciousness returned, and 1 could dis-
tinctly hear the breathing of an animal close to my
face, accompanied by a purr like that of a cat.
Onl one animal 1 knew existed in /7<'>v y/<o-/x,

160 THE LTOX.

capable of producing the sound; and I at once came
to the conclusion that a lion was actually smelling
at my person.

If a man had ever cause for dread, I think I
certainly had on this occasion. I became seriously
alarmed. o\Iy first impulse was to get hold of my
gun, which was lying ready cocked immediately
before me, and the next to raise myself partially
from my recumbent position. In doing so, I made as
little noise as possible; but slight though it might
be, it was sufficient to attract the notice of the
beast, who uttered a imiff kind of <2TO\vl, too well

* O O '

known to be misunderstood. Following with my
eyes the direction of the sound, I endeavoured to
discover the lion, but could only make out a large
dark mass looming through the night-mist. Scarcely
knowing what I was about, I instinctively levelled
my gun at the beast. My finger was on the
trigger ; for a moment I hesitated ; but, by a
sudden impulse, pulled it, and the next instant,
the surrounding rocks rang with the report,
followed by roarings from the beast, as if in
the agonies of death. Well knowing what a
wounded lion is capable of, and how utterly helpless
I was, I regretted rny rashness. The wounded
beast, who at times seemed to be within a few paces
of the " screen," and at others at some little distance,
was rolling on, and tearing up, the ground, in con-
vulsive agonies. How long this struggle between
life and death lasted is hard to say, but to me it
appeared an age. Gradually, however, and to my
great relief, his roars and moans subsided, and after
a while ceased altogether.

ADVENTURE WTT1I LIONS. 101

Dawn at length appeared ; but it was not until
after some time, and then with much caution, that
I ventured to ascertain the fate of the lion, whom,
to my great satisfaction, I found dead within fifty
yards of my place of concealment. The beast was
of an average size ; but, unfortunately, the hyaenas
and jackals had played sad havoc with his skin.

Some time previously, my men had also shot a
lion in this identical spot; but owing to his fearful
growls, whilst dying, they thought it best to de-
camp at once without ascertaining his fate.

On another occasion, when ensconced alone in my
" screen," I had a little adventure with lions, which
exhibited these beasts in a somewhat new light.

In the early part of the night I had observed
several animals gliding noiselessly to the water, but
considerably out of range. Not being able to make
them out, I slipped quietly out of my ambush, and
approached the spot -where they were drinking.
From the nature of the ground I was enabled to
approach them un perceived, yet was incapable
to distinguish the species. Still, from the sound of
lapping at the water, I concluded they were hyienas
before me, and as one of them was leaving the
"vley" I fired. The bullet took effect, and,
uttering a growl, the beast disappeared. Where-
upon 1 muttered to myself, " Surely they cannot
be lions ?"

The remaining two beasts had, in the meantime,
ceased drinking, and were moving lazily away, when
a low shrill whistle from me at once arrested their
steps. 1 levelled at the foremost and pulled the trig-

M

162 THE LION.

ger, but in vain this time, as my ball went too high —
in short, right over the object aimed at. The animal,
however, did not budge an inch, and I now saw
clearly a lion before me. Rising to my feet, I shouted
in order to drive him off; but he remained stationary.
I did not at all like his appearance, and hastened at
once back to my place of concealment to reload.

When again quite ready, and on the look-out for
him, I found that both he and his companions were
gone. Almost immediately afterwards, however,
two lions, which I imagined to be the same, ap-
proached the water. Having drunk their fill they
were about to retrace their steps, when suddenly
(my person being purposely exposed to view), they
espied me, and after eyeing me for a few seconds,
one of them, the largest, made straight for my
"screen." This seemed strange; but to make
sure of his intentions. I shouted louldly when
the brute was within about forty yards of me.
To my utter surprise, he, instead of moving
off, came quickly on till at a distance of twenty-
five paces, or thereabouts, when he suddenly
couched, evidently preparing to spring on me.
Dropping the double-barrelled gun, which I held in
iny hand at the moment, I sei/ed the elephant rifle,
levelled, took a very steady aim at liis breast,
and fired. The bullet sped true, and I thought I
had killed him outright, as lie rolled over and over
on the ground several times; but not so, for, pre-
sently, he scrambled up and decamped. However,
J had no doubt in my own mind that the wound he
had received would prove fatal. On receiving the

A FIRST-RATE PRIZE. 1 Go

shot, he gave a startling growl, and in making his
escape was joined by his comrade, who, while the
duel was pending, had remained a passive spectator.

At daybreak we took up the spoor of the stricken
animal, and had only proceeded about two hundred
yards when the dogs gave tongue at a small brake,
where, immediately afterwards, I saw a stately
lion rise to his feet and limp forward two or three
paces. But the exertion was too much for him ; lie
halted, and turning half round looked fiercely at his
assailants. Not being myself in a favourable posi-
tion, I -shouted to my men to fire. Kamapjee
responded to the call, and the beast dropped to rise
no more.

In an. instant the dogs were clinging to his ears,
throat, head, &c. The brute, who was still alive,
grappled bravely with his assailants. Immediately
afterwards, half-a-dozen assegais were quivering in
his body, and a hundred more would soon have been
similarly sheathed, had I not promptly ridden up and
stopped the Damaras, who were rushing in crowds,
like so many maniacs, upon the prostrate foe. I
wished the dogs to finish the beast and they did so ;
but three of the best of them were wounded in the
scuffle, though only one seriously.

The lion, a male, proved a first-rate prize, in ex-
cellent condition, and of giant proportions, but
possessed of scarcely any mane. His head was very
beautiful — a perfect picture. My aim on the pre-
ceding night, we now found, had been most perlec*.
The bullet had entered exactly the centre of his chest,
and after traversing the entire length of hi.s body,

u '2

16 i THE LION.

had passed out through his right haunch. It was,
therefore, to me matter of wonder that he had so
long survived his wound.

This was decidedly the most exciting hunting
scene I ever witnessed. Besides my own people,
more than one hundred Damaras, (chiefly belonging
to a caravan bound for the Ovampo country, and
whose encampment was next to my own), were in
the field vociferating frightfully, and waving and
darting their ox-tailed plumaged assegais about with
a ferocity and earnestness that would have made a
stranger think they were preparing for some dread-
ful battle. Nearly as many more men, to say
nothing of a host of women and children, were seen
hastening towards us from the two camps, which
were in full view. Indeed, before the lion had
breathed his last, more than three hundred human
beings were on the spot.

Having giving the needful orders as to the disposal
of our prize, we took up the trail of the other lion
who, to judge from the quantity of blood lost, must
have been seriously wounded. Tracking him for
about half a mile, we came up wit.i him in a dense
bush. Scared, however, by the tremendous noise
made by the Damaras, and not having a sufficient
number of dogs left, the greater part having re-
turned home, to bring him to bay, he managed to
escape us. Once, indeed, we caught sight of tho
beast whilst he was crossing a small opening, but
here the cover becoming thicker than ever we left
him. The chase, though a short one, was exceed-
ingly animate ; and had 1 been alone, that is, with

NIGHT-SHOOTING. 1 G-J

merely my own people about me, it is very likely
I should have succeeded in dispatching this animal
also, apparently a lioness of huge stature.

Gordon Gumming, who frequently sojourned in
districts where, as it would appear, lions wore more
than usually numerous, seems to have devoted much
time to night shooting, and to have killed, among
a multitude of other animals, several of those beasts.
And as his adventures on more than one of these
occasions were of an interesting nature, and are
graphically and spiritedly told, I have taken leave
to transfer a few to these pages.

After describing the death of three buffaloes,
which one night that he passed in his " shooting-
box,"* as he calls it, fell to his deadly rifle, he goes
on to say :

" Hardly had the remainder of the herd (of buffa-
loes) retreated when the sound of teeth tearing at
the carcases of the slain was heard. At first I
fancied it was the hyaenas, and fired a shot to scare
them from the flesh. All was then still ; and, being
anxious to inspect the heads of the buffaloes, 1 went
boldly forward, taking the native (my companion)
along with me. We were within about live yards
of the nearest buffalo, when J observed a yellow
mass lying alongside of him, and at the same instant
a lion gave a deep growl. I thought it was all over
with me. The native shouted ' '/'</<;,' and springing

* Somewhat of a misnomer; the same consisting, as he elsewhere
tells us, "of a hedge of bushes sumc three feet in height, on the top
of which were placed dead clean old branches, all being firmly lashed
together with strips of the thorn-bush, so as to Conn a clear rest for
the rifles.''

166 THE LION.

away, instantly commenced blowing shrilly through
a charmed piece of bone, which he wore on his neck-
lace. I retreated to the man ; and we then knelt
down. The lion continued his meal, tearing away
at the buffalo, and growling at his wife and family,
whom I found next day, by the spoor, had accom-
panied him. Knowing that he would not molest me
if I left him alone, I proposed to the native to go to
our hole and lie down, but he would not hear of it,
and entreated me to fire at the lion. I fired three
different shots where I thought I saw him, but with-
out any effect; he would not so much as for a mo-
ment cease munching the buffalo.

" I then proceeded to lie down, and was soon
asleep, the native keeping watch over our destinies.
Some time after midnight more lions were heard
coming on from other directions, and my old friend
commenced roaring so loudly, that the native thought
proper to awake me.

" The first old lion now wanted to drink, and
whilst roaring terribly, hold right away for my two
unfortunate steeds, which were tethered at no great
distance. I felt rather alarmed for their safety;
but. trusting that the lion had had flesh enough for

CJ (D

one night, I lay still, and listened with an attentive
ear. .In a few minutes, to my utter horror, I heard
him spring upon one of the steeds with an angry
growl, and dasli him to the earth ; the steed gave a
slight groan, and all was still ; 1 listened to hear tho
sound of teeth, but all continued silent.

" Soon after this ' Tao ' was once more to be heard
munching the buffalo. In a few minutes he came

NICIIT-STTOOTINC. 177

forward, and stood on the bank close above us, and
roared most terribly, walking up and down, as if
meditating some mischief. I now thought it high
time to make a fire, and quickly collecting some dry
reeds and little sticks, in half a minute we had a
cheerful blaze.

" The lion, which had not yet got our wind, came
forward at once, to find out what the deuce was up ;
but, not seeing to his entire satisfaction from the
top of the bank, he was proceeding to descend by a
game-path in the river-bed within a few yards of us.
I happened at the very moment to go to this spot
to fetch more wood, and being entirely concealed
from the lion's view above by the intervening high
reeds, we actually met face to face.

" The first notice I got was his sudden spring to
one side, accompanied by repeated angry growls,
whilst I involuntarily made a convulsive spring
backwards, at the same time giving a fearful shriek,
such as I never remember uttering before. 1 fancied
just as he growled that ho was coming upon me; we
now heaped on more wood, and kept up a very
strong fire until the day dawned, the lions feasting
beside us all the time, notwithstanding the remon-
strances of the little native, who, with a true
Bechuana spirit, lamenting the loss of so much good
flesh, kept continually shouting and pelting them
with flaming brands.

" The next morning, when it was light, I arose
and inspected the buffaloes. The three that had
fallen were fine old cows, and two of them were
partly consumed by the lions. The ground all

168 THE LI OX.

around was packed flat with the spoor of the latter.
One particular spoor was nearly as large as that of
a borcle, or black rhinoceros.

" I then proceeded to inspect the steeds ; the sand
around them was also covered with the lion's spoor.
He had sprung upon the old grey, but had done him
no further injury than scratching his back through
the skin ; perhaps the beast had been scared by the
rheims, or, on discovering his spare condition, had
preferred the buffalo."

" Owing to the tawny colour with which Xature
has endowed the lion," Gordon Gumming goes on
to say, " he is perfectly invisible in the dark, and
although I have often heard them lapping water
under my very nose, not twenty yards from me,
1 could not possibly make out so much as the out-
line of their forms ....

" One thing conspicuous about them is their eyes,
which, on a dark night, glow like two balls of fire.

" And when a thirsty lion comes to the water,"
he further tells us, " he stretches out his massive
arms, lies down on his breast to drink, and makes
a loud lapping noise in drinking, not to be mistaken.
He continues lapping up the water for a long while,
and four or five times during the proceeding, he
pauses for half a minute as if to take breath."

Further on he remarks, " I remember a fact con-
nected with the lion's hour of drinking peculiar to
themselves — they seemed unwilling to visit the foun-
tain with good moonlight. Thus, when the moon
rose early, the lions deferred their hour of watering

SHOOTING FROM THE " MELBIDA." 100

until late in tlio morning, and when the moon rose
late, they drank at a very early hour of the night.
By this acute system many a grisly lion saved his
bacon, and is now luxuriating in the forests of South
Africa, which had otherwise fallen to the barrels of
my trusty ' Westley Richards.' '

In Northern Africa the lion, according to Gerard,
is also shot in the night time, and that from the
Nt'lbldn, signifying a place of refuge, which he thus
describes :

" It consists," he says, " of a hole dug in the
ground, of some three or four metres in length, by
one in depth, which hole is covered over witli logs
of wood ; and above these, again, are piled the
earth that has been thrown up in making the ex-
cavation. At the end of the ' melbida ' facing the
pathway, are five or six loop-holes for guns, and
at the other end is a small aperture to admit tho
chasseurs, which is afterwards closed by a large
stone. As it would be difficult to take aim at the lion
when merely passing the ' melbida,' the Arabs are
accustomed to place a hog, slaughtered for the pur-
pose, in the pathway in front of the loopholes, and
when the beast halts to smell at the carcass, the
men fire simultaneously.

" It is seldom the lion is killed outright ; most
commonly, he, on receiving the balls, bounds in
the direction of, and over the 'melbida,' little sus-
pecting that the enemy he seeks lies concealed be-
neath his feet. Afterwards, and when his strength
is exhausted by ferocious bounds on all sides, he
makes for the nearest thicket."

170 THE LION.

If, however, what • , tells us be gospel,

thus to shoot the lion from the ' melbicla ' must be a
somewhat perilous affair, for when speaking of that
in use with the Bedouin Arabs, which, from the
description, would seem to be very similar to the
Algerian one he says, " Sometimes, however, after
the beast has been wounded, he throws himself
upon the ' melbida,' and breaks with his huge claws
the planks that cover it, and devours the hunter
whom he finds hidden behind them."

The lion is also destroyed in Southern Africa by
means of the spring-gun, but the manner in which
this is set differs somewhat. According to Hans,
an old follower of mine in the desert, and whose
long experience with wild animals entitles him to be
looked upon as an authority — the best manner of
proceeding is as follows :

" A circular piece of ground of some extent is
in the first instance fenced in with thorn-bushes,
leaving one or more narrow openings for the admis-
sion of the lion. The bait — in preference the animal
he himself has killed — is laid in the middle of the
little enclosure in question. At the side of each of
the openings in the fence a gun is placed cross-
wise. The striiipr attached to the trigger . after

OO '

having been passed across the opening, and fastened
to a tree or bush on the opposite side, should be
somewhat slack. The best way of ascertaining its

•I O

proper tension is to put it back with the hand until
both ends are opposite the elbow. With regard to
the height of the gun above the ground, measure
the distance that your thumb and middle finger

THE PIT- FALL. 171

will span above the knee. When the gun is level
with this, and the string adjusted as above, the ball
will penetrate the lion's heart."

As regards South Africa, at least, the lion is
seldom or never taken in the pit-fall. That these
beasts occasionally find their way into such as are
intended for the giraffe, and other large game, is
true, but by the aid of their claws they would
invariably seem to dig themselves out.

An amusing incident of this kind occurred near to
the place where my friend, Frederick Green, had on
one occasion "unyoked." The lion found himself
engulphed in the one compartment of a double- j>if-
/<///, (similar to that into which I myself and my
horse — as elsewhere related — were one fine day pre-
cipated), whilst in the other compartment was an
ostrich. But in this case the beast took the matter
very coolly — for it was not until he had devoured
the greater part of his fellow-prisoner that he took
the trouble to extricate himself from the toils.

Delegorguc again testifies to the inutility of the pit-
fall, of such at least as are in use in Southern Africa,
for the capture of the lion. " On one occasion,"
lie writes, " we found two of these devices in near
proximity to each other. In the one was a young
pallah, living and unhurt, which bounded so high
on seeing us that we could touch its head with our
hands, notwithstanding the abvss was fifteen feet in

O J

depth. On the brink of the other, which was empty,
were visible traces of a large lion that had assuredly
taken possession of another pallah."

But in Northern Africa — in Algeria — the lion,

172 TTTE LION.

according to Gerard, is not tin frequently taken
in the pit-fall, but then it is constructed specially
for the capture of that beast, " some being," as
he says, " as much as ten metres in depth, with a
diameter of four or five metres, and narrower
above than below."

Various as are the means adopted by the natives
of Southern Africa to rid themselves of the lion,
they are still not unmindful of the old saw, " Pre-
vention is better than cure," and the Namaquas,
therefore, when encamping in a place known to be
frequented by those beasts, are in the habit of sprink-
ling the powder of a certain plant over the cattle
before turning them loose, believing that no harm
will then befall them. Absurd as the custom may
appear, is it nevertheless not impossible that the lion
may shun the odour of the powder in question, as
fleas are said to shun that of penny-royal ?

173

CHAPTER XI.

LION-HUNTING IN INDIA — ADVENTURES— MAJOR CHARLES DELA-
MAINE'S FIRST LION-STORY— MARKERS— BEATING THE PATCH —
LION AND ELEPHANT — DESPERATE STRUGGLE — DESPERATE
POSITION OF A MAHOUT— GALLANT CHARGE OF WOUNDED
LION— MAJOR DELAMAINE'S SECOND LION-STORY—PERILOUS
ADVENTURE — LION-HUNTING BY ROYALTY IN INDIA.

IJ^ROM the works of Gerard, Harris, Gordon
Gumming, Delegorgne, Sir Samuel Baker,
and a host of others, to say nothing of my own
humble contributions, on the wild sports of Africa,
it is pretty well known in what manner lion-hunting
is conducted on that continent. We are more in the
dark, however, as to the way in which it is usually
managed in India, in certain portions of which, it is
said, the lion is found in considerable numbers; and
though perhaps somewhat out of place in these
pages, yet, as the subject is interesting to sports-
men, at least, I venture to mention two very re-
markable lion-hunts kindly placed at my disposal by
Mr. Lloyd, who in a note to me says : —

"For the accompanying most interesting narra-
tives I am indebted to my friend, Major Charles
Delamaine of the Indian Army, to quote the words
of the lamented Sir Charles Napier (under whom

174 THE LION.

he commanded the 3rd Light Dragoons at the famous
battle of Hyderabad), " one of the best and bravest
of our cavalry officers," and whose exploits in the
jungle, moreover, have seldom been equalled, and
never, I believe surpassed. Usually he pursued the
lion on horseback, and if the country was fairly
open, he in most cases came off the victor. One
day, indeed, he thus slew either three or four of
these beasts, and all were full grown. His plan of
proceedings was similar to that described as occa-
sionally adopted in Southern Africa, viz., to rein up
his horse when within easy range of the lion, arid
then to give fire, and away. On several occasions,
however, he was in considerable personal jeopardy.
Once, in particular, he only escaped as by a miracle,
for having wounded a large lioness, the infuriated
animal immediately charged, and so nearly closed
with him that, when making her last bound,
her fore-paws actually touched the tail of the
steed.

" The Major was also in the habit of shooting
lions and tigers in the night-time from a ' screen,'
or other place of ambush, and at such times met
with singular and striking adventures." Mr. Lloyd,
in short, describes his friend as the first lion and
tiger hunter of his day, and says that, if all his
sporting deeds were recorded, the exploits of other
lion-slayers would sink into insignificance.

" The narration of his first adventure," Mr. Lloyd
goes on to say, " was written by me to the Major's
dictation, and as he subsequently perused the manu-
script, its accuracy cannot be called into question,

A LION STORY. 175

but the second, as may be observed by a note ap-
pended to it, he wrote himself at my request.

THE MAJOR'S FIRST LION STORY.

" "When quartered at Dessa, in Guzzerat, Major
(then Lieutenant) Delamaine, and Captain Har-
ris,* went out on one occasion near to the village
of Barnun-Warra, for the purpose of killing a large
lion that during three or four years had infested the
country thereabouts, and in the while had not only
destroyed much cattle but five of the inhabitants.

" The gentlemen were mounted on separate ele-
phants, and each was provided with at least three
guns, or rifles, and they were attended by from
fifteen to twenty natives on foot.

" The lion had been ' marked do\vn,' in the early
part of the morning, in the wooded banks of a tank,
bordering on the cultivated lands of the village,
which cover he had for some time haunted. The
country in the vicinity was flat, and in general iree
from jungle.

" The beast was believed to have his lair in a patch
of copse-wood where, from the jungle having been
some years previously cut away by the natives for
stakes and the like, the young trees had grown up
again so close and tangled, as to be almost impene-
trable. But the ' patch ' was of no great extent,
its area, perhaps, not exceeding that of Grosvenor
Square. The other parts of the wood surround-

* As elsewhere said, the late Sir Cormvallis Harris, one of the
first of Indian sportsmen, and well known for his interesting works
on Abyssinia, and the wild sports of Southern Africa.

176 THE LION.

ing the tank were in a state of nature, consisting
of bushes and timber trees.

" On reaching the ground, the natives were stationed
as 'markers ' in the trees thereabouts. But it was
not until the party had ' beaten ' . the ' patch ' with
the elephants for a considerable time that the lion
was discovered to be on foot, and some further time
elapsed before he was viewed as he was stealing
away from the brake, along a sort of hedge-row,
for the more open country beyond. Major Delamaine,
who was some forty or fifty paces from the beast,
then fired, and severely wounded him in the body.

" On receiving the ball, the lion immediately faced
about, and ' charged ' the Major's elephant, but
the nerves of the latter having been recently shaken
by wounds inflicted by a royal tiger, turned tail,
and regularly bolted. In the scurry through the
jungle, one of the Major's guns, having been
caught by a tree, fell from the howdah, and was
broken, a loss, as the sequel proved, that might
Lave been attended with very disastrous conse-
quences.

" But the lion soon gave up the chase, and retraced
his steps to the * patch ' from whence he had
been started. Here he was followed by Captain
Harris alone, the Major's elephant, from its late
fright, having become too unsteady to be taken into
thick cover.

" The Captain soon found and fired at the beast,
which in its turn instantly sprang at, and made a
fair lodgment on the head of the Captain's elephant,
but the latter being a large and powerful animal,

HUNTERS AT FAULT. 177

and accustomed to the chasse, almost instantly
shook off its fierce assailant, who fell with violence
to the ground. This desperate mode of attack and
reprisal was on both sides repeated in more than
one instance, and this, moreover, within view of
Major Delamaine, who, though prevented- — for the
reason mentioned — from taking part in the conflict,
was, from the outside of the brake, intently watching
the proceedings of his friend. But after a time,
whether from having left the " patch," or from having
concealed himself, thebeast was no longer to be found.

" It was at the period of the monsoon, and just
as the hunters were ' at fault,' there came on a
heavy shower of rain, when, principally for the
sake of the guns, it was deemed best to retire for
shelter to some trees in the more open country at a
few hundred paces distance.

" The storm soon passed over, but being doubtful
whether their guns might not be wet, it was thought
advisable to discharge them. This was no sooner
done, however, than the lion began to roar ter-
riiicallv, and continued doing so for some time, in

*/ * O

the direction of the late scene of conflict, from
which it was pretty evident, that, though they had
been unable to find him in the ' patch,' he had
been harboured there the whole time.

"When reloaded, the party therefore returned to
the 'patch,' and were informed by one of the
' markers ' that, on the report of the guns, the lion
had rushed roaring from thence into the more open
country, evidently for the purpose of venting his
rage on the first object that came across his path.

178 THE LION.

On proceeding a little further they were hailed
by another ' marker,' who told them that the brute
was crouched in a cluster of brambles, of very limited
extent, about twenty paces from the very tree in
which he himself was perched.

" As the country was pretty open around the
thicket in question, the sportsmen were enabled to
reconnoitre it rather narrowly, and that without
taking the elephants into the very thick of it, which
was deemed unadvisable, as, had those animals come
directly upon the lion, they might have been scared
and rendered unmanageable. But the brute was
not perceptible.

"From the cover being so limited in extent, it
appeared almost an impossibility that the lion could
be there, the rather, as the elephants, so remark-
able for their fine sense of smelling, did not seem at
all aware of his presence, and it was in consequence
imagined that the man must be mistaken. But as
he persisted in his story, it was determined to fire
a shot into the thicket, which was accordingly done,
though without any result.

" When a lion, which has been wounded and hotly
pursued, has ' lain up,' or hidden himself, for a time,
his position is generally known either by his roaring,
panting, or hard breathing ; but in this instance
there were no indications of the kind, which, coupled
with the shot having failed of effect, confirmed their
previous impression, and they were, therefore, on
the point of moving off' elsewhere.

" But as the { marker ' continued asseverating from
his tree that the beast was positively lying in the
very brake near to which they were standing, it

THE U0\ AND ELEPHANT. 1 70

was determined to try a second shot, which was fired
by Captain Harris's man, who was seated at the
back of his master's howdah.

" This had the desired effect, for the gun was
hardly discharged, when the lion, with a tremen-
dous roar, sprang up from his lurking place, and
in a second was once more on the head of Captain
Harris's elephant. But he was almost immediately
shaken off, when he retreated to the same brake
from whence he had issued, where, as before,
be was no longer discernible.

" A shot was therefore directed towards the spot
where he was supposed to lie, when he again
charged the Captain's elephant, and, on being dis-
lodged, slowly trotted off towards the ' patch ' that
harboured him in the first instance.*

" During the intli'e just described, Major Dela-
maine, from the apprehension of hitting some one,
had been deterred from firing ; but as the lion was
retreating, he discharged both barrels of his double
gun, and broke one of the hind legs of the beast.

" On receiving the wound, the lion immediately
turned and rushing at the Major's elephant, sprang

* It seems singular that during the several lodgments made by
the lion on the head of the elephant, its "mahout," or driver.
whose scat is on the neck of the latter, should not have been de-
stroyed, or at least grievously injured by the beast, but the poorfellow's
safety was probably attributable to the ponderous ears of tin-
elephant screening him from its sight. The "mahout" and the
lion, however, when the latter is lodged on the head of the elephant,
come so nearly in contact,, that the Major, as he told me, has, on
more occasions than one, seen the man strike the brute on the head
with the iron rod, about twelve inches in length, th it he carries in
his hand to direct the movements of the elephant. — KD.

x 2

ISO TUB LION.

iij) on to his hind-quarters, and fixed his fangs into
the thick part of the tail. The poor animal per-
fectly screamed from the extreme torture, which
\vas little to be wondered at, as this unfortunate
appendage had only a week previously been cruelly
lacerated by a huge tiger. The elephant now
swayed to and fro to such a degree that the Major
had difficulty in retaining his seat in the howdah ;
and was much less able to take an accurate aim
at the lion, which indeed, screened as the beast
was by the protruding rump of the elephant, would
have been scarcely practicable. The Major, besides,
had only one barrel remaining, and it, therefore,
behoved him to bo most cautious that his last
charge was not ineffectually expended.

" This trying scene continued for two or three
minutes, during which the Major anxiously looked
out for Captain Harris. But, unluckily, the Cap-
tain's elephant had been rendered unmanageable by
the maltreatment it had itself received from the
lion, and it was not, therefore, in the Captain's
power to render aid to his friend.

" The appearance of the lion at this time, mad-
dened as he was with pain and rage, the Major
described as most awful.

" At length the beast's long continued attacks on
the elephant caused the poor animal evidently to
giveaway, and to sink behind ; and, had the affair
continued a short time longer, there is no doubt
it would have been on its haunches, and the Major
at the mercy of the fierce assailant.

" Finding matters in this very critical state, it

A FOUJl HO U US' HUNT. IS I

became needful for the Major to risk everything.
Leaning, therefore, over the back of the howdali,
and clinging to it with the one hand, he, with
the other discharged his rifle, a very heavy one,
at the head of the lion (the piece at the time
oscillating, or swinging, in a manner corresponding
with the rolling of the elephant) and as luck would
have it, the ball, after crashing the beast's jaw-bone
subsequently threaded the whole length of its body.

" This caused the lion to let go his hold, and for a
few seconds he appeared partially paralysed, but re-
covering himself, he slowly retreated towards the
thicker cover.

" Subsequently he was again attacked by the
party, and in two or three instances charged them
as gallantly as ever; but as he was always received
with a heavy fire, an end was at length put to his
existence, though not until from twenty to thirty
balls had been lodged in his body.

" The hunt lasted altogether from three to lour

O

hours, during which time the Major himself saw the
lion four several times at least on the head of
Captain Harris's elephant, and once, as ho had good
reason to remember, on the haunches of the animal
ridden by himself.

" The Major described this lion as the most,
gallant that he, in his very numerous conflicts wilii
those animals, had ever encountered ; and if the
lion was brave, it must be admitted his assailants
were equally intrepid. The .Major considered the
beast as the largest he had ever been in at the death
of, its dimensions, stick measurement, being three

182 THE LION.

feet ten inches from heel to shoulder, and ten feet
four inches from nose to tail."

MAJOR DELAMAINE'S SECOND LION STORY.

" In 1831, the regiment was stationed atRajkote,
in the province of Guzzerat, and the villagers
having brought in word that some lions frequented
a small jungle in the vicinity of the village of
Bamurwar, twenty miles from the camp, the pug-
gics (trackers) and elephants were sent forward,
and Lieutenant AVoodhouse, myself, and Lieutenant
Laing followed the next morning.

" On our arrival at the tents, the puggies in-
formed us that they could find a e pug' or track, of
two days old, but none whatever of the preceding
night, so that there seemed little chance of our
meeting with sport. In the absence, however, of
something better to do, it was agreed, notwith-
standing the discouraging report, to take the field
and place ourselves in luck's way. Accordingly the
start was made, and we soon reached the ground.

"It was a tolerably extensive jungle ; on one side
running into small valleys and clefts in the hills,
and altogether a strong and tempting looking piece of
cover. " Woodhouse and myself, when alone, seldom
both mounted the elephant together, except in cover
quite impracticable for horses, the object then being
the better keeping the chase in sight in the event of its
running. On the present occasion, however, Wood-
house saying he preferred horseback, Laing and I
got on the elephant ; and men being properly dis-
posed in the trees around, we entered the jungle to
heat at random.

CROUCHING IN TUE COVER. 183

" Strange to say, we had hardly proceeded one
hundred yards, when two fine lions, young males,
but full grown, rose close before us, and one of
them fell instantly under the fire from the howdah.

" The other lion fled, and was for some time lost ;
but being at length viewed by some of the men
posted in the trees, and signalled as far ahead, I
left the elephant, and, accompanied by "\Voodhouse5
galloped in the direction pointed out. The in-
telligence, however, proved false, and the alarm
being soon after given in another quarter, we forth-
with proceeded towards the spot indicated.

" It so chanced that whilst we were winding
our way, as best we could, through the jungle, I
passed near the place where his Majesty had
established himself, and he immediately took after
me in the most vicious manner, and from the thick-
ness of the cover and the broken nature of the
ground, I had the greatest possible difficulty in
evading him. At one time, indeed, he was not
more than ten or twelve paces from me.

" He was now lost for a considerable time, per-
haps two hours, during which, as the wood was
dense, Woodhouse and I, having mounted the
elephant, had searched everywhere for him.

" At last ho was discovered at the extreme end
of the cover crouched close under a ' pcloo-bush,'
and, apparently, quite ready for business. This
was soon verified, for, on being fired at, he in-
stantly charged, and planted himself on the head of
our elephant. From this elevated position, however,
he, after receiving our fire, was soon shaken off by

184 THE LION.

the poor animal that bore us. Afterwards he re-
tired to a large thick bush, where, though we were
certain he was concealed in it, he could not readily
be seen.

" To look into this bush, it was necessary to
get nearer to it, but it was with the greatest diffi-
culty the elephant could be induced to approach it.
At length, however, we got her (it was a female) to
within ten or twelve yards of the bush, when the
lion, before he could be viewed, again bounded forth,
and the elephant swerving to one side, he formed a
lodgment upon her croup, and wounded the un-
fortunate creature very severely, coming also to
tolerably close quarters with Woodhouse, who was
seated in the hinder part of the 'howdah.'

" The lion again took refuge in a thicket, but as
the elephant was now so dreadfully frightened that
she would on no terms approach the spot where she
knew the enemy to be, ifc became a matter of debate
how the beast was next to be attacked ? Woodhouse
proposed, and it was agreed to by Laing (who had
now joined us) and myself, that we should proceed
on foot.

"All three, therefore, entered the thicket together,
and crept under the bushes, the branches of which
reached nearly to the ground, and when we got
sight of the lion, fired several shots into him at from
thirty to forty yards distance. Fortunately for us,
in our cramped situation, he did not charge, but
only answered each ball with a grunt, and at last
retired before us, so that we again lost sight of him.
" Subsequently, after having for a long time

UNEXPECTED ATTACK. 18-J

unsuccessfully searched the jungle, Laing and myself
mounted the elephant, that we might investigate
certain thick patches which — whilst on foot — we had
been unable properly to explore, for the cunning
animal would go anywhere freely, excepting, as just
said, the places where she was aware the lion was
crouched.

" Whilst thus occupied, Woodhouse, who was on
foot, and about fifty yards from us, discovered
our foe a short way off in a bush, and immediately
opened his battery. Having three guns, he fired
three or four shots, each of which, as before, was
greeted with a q-nmt ; but the animal evinced no

O O

disposition to act on the offensive.

" Woodhouse then exclaimed, ' D— - the brute,
he must be done up now ! I shall walk into him.'

" I said, ' Don't trust him, for you sec he
disregards all shot ! better let me come.' So
saying I left the elephant and joined him, taking
my double-barrelled rifle in my hand. Woodhouse
pointed out the lion to me ; 1 saw the yellow object
lying in the bush, but he was too much obscured
for us to discover his plight, or to see any par-
ticular part where we might hope to strike him
vitally.

" After a few words with Woodhouse as to the
probability of the lion being forthcoming, I said,
* I'll fire one of my barrels and ascertain the point.'
I did so accordingly, when to my surprise and
dismay he rushed forth as fresh as when we first
viewed him and came directly upon us — it was the
business of a moment. There was a little bush just

180 THE LION.

in front of us, and we both instinctively stooped,
or rather bobbed, behind it. The beast came on,
however, round the side where Woodhouse was. He
could oppose to him only an unloaded gun, which he
had in his hand ; but the lion seizing him at once by
the wrist, and clawing him on the shoulder, he fell
directly, the brute remaining on the top of him,
biting his arm ! I had another barrel left, and I
instantly placed the muzzle within two inches of his
side, in the region of the heart, and discharged it.
It was a heavy gun and of large bore (14), but he
took no notice whatever of the shot. Woodhouse
now said, ' There is another barrel,' alluding to
one of his own. There were three guns lying around
which I took up, and, one after the other, cocked
and snapped at the beast's head, but .with no result.
It afterwards appeared, however, that one of them,
though really loaded, wanted the copper cap.

" I had now no other alternative than to proceed in
quest of my other gun. To attempt'to knock a brute
of that description on the head would, I well knew,
have been worse than useless, his brain being too
well protected to be at all affected by any blow in
my power to inflict.

" It took me some little time to obtain and load my
gun ; for the elephant, hearing the roaring, had
carried off Laing, and the other people had fled. I,
however, at last got my ' Joe Manton ' fowling-
piece. It was only of 19 bore, but carried ball well,
and with this I returned towards the spot where
Woodhouse lay. Laing accompanied me, but from
his inexperience in the cJtasse, and want of expert-

DANGEROUS TOSITIOX. 167

ness in the use of fire-arms, I reckoned little upon
the assistance I might derive from him in case of
need. Good will was not, however, wanting, and
we advanced side by side to the rescue.

" Poor Woodhouse, I expected to find him dead,
and I must say I thought it was a bad business as
regards myself; for the brute, independent of the
natural ferocity of his disposition, seemed to possess
a charmed life, the shot not crippling him in the
slightest degree. And let it not for a moment
be supposed that the guns employed were light, or
ill directed. All was right in these respects, as was
fully shown in the sequel.

" There was dry grass of from one and a half to two
feet in height, with scattered bushes at the spot where
the accident occurred, and I did not know exactly
where Woodhouse lay, but advancing, and looking
earnestly around, I was delighted to hear his voice at
my left, saying, * Come in the other direction,' afraid,
doubtless, that, from our relative positions, my shot
might strike him. My attention was instantly dra\vn
to the spot whence the voice came, and I saw at that
moment the lion's head rising just above the grass at
twenty or twenty-five yards distance — he saluting me
at the same time with one of his pleasant growls,
and evidently coming on. There was no time for
hesitation, and in spite of Woodhouse's caution, 1
seized the opportunity, and with steady aim pulled
the trigger that was most likely to decide his fate as
well as my own. The result was instantaneous—
the beast's head dropped like a stone — he was in-
deed stone dead, the ball having passed in between
the eyes to the very brain.

188 THE LIOX.

" I ran up in time to see Woodhouse draw bis
arm from the brute's jaws. He was, poor fellow,
more composed than could be expected. His arm
was mashed to a pulp — his thumb hanging by a bit
of skin, and the hand otherwise dreadfully bitten
through. I had him conveyed to our tent, and
having splinted the arm, at night he was taken into
camp, where medical aid awaited him.

" The lion, on being brought to the village, was
found to have received from twenty-five to thirty-
balls, many of them in the head but none, with
the exception of the last, had actually penetrated
the brain."*

C. DELAMAINE.

In India lions were formerly more numerous than
at the present day; and the clmuxe of those beasts
was the favourite sport of the native Princes-
The great ambition of the Mogul, in the time of
Aurungzebe was, when mounted, to kill a lion,
as such an event not only gratified his pride, but
was looked on as a favourable prognostic for the
realm. Bernier, after telling us that hunting that
animal was the most perilous of amusements, and
peculiarly royal, as, except by special permission,
the king and princes were the only persons per-

* To this narrative of his adventure the Major appended the
following note.

"London, 10th March, 1846.
" My dear Lloyd,

"You have nearly killed me. I don't get home till very late, and
then have an hour or two ' at the old lion' to undergo.

" Yours truly,
"C. D ."

HUNTING IN INDIA. 189

mitted to engage in it, thus describes the way in
which matters were conducted.

" As a preliminary step, an ass is tied near the
spot where the game-keepers have ascertained the
lion retires. The wretched animal is soon devoured,
and after so ample a meal the lion never seeks for
other prey, but without molesting either oxen, sheep,
or shepherd, goes in quest of water, and, after
quenching his thirst, returns to his former place of
retirement, lie sleeps until the next morning,
when he finds and devours another ass which the
gamekeepers have brought to the same spot. In
this way they contrive, during several days, by allur-
ing the lion, to attacli him to one place, and when
information is received of the king's approach, they
fasten to the spot where so many others have been
sacrificed, an ass, down whose throat a large quantity
of opium has been forced. This last meal is intended
to produce a soporific effect upon the lion. The next
operation is to spread large nets, made on purpose,
which are gradually drawn closer, in the manner
practised in hunting Xil-ghaus. Everything being in
this state of preparation, the king arrives on an
elephant barbed with iron, attended by the
grand "Master of the hunt, some omrahs mounted
on elephants, a great number of gourre-berdars
on horseback, and of game-keepers on foot, armed
with half pikes. He immediately approaches the
net o.n the outside, and fires at the lion with a large
muskctoon. The wounded animal makes a' spring
at the elephant, according to the invariable practice
of lions, but is arrested by the net; and the king

190 THE LION.

continues to discharge his musketoon until tlio

O

lion is at length killed.

"It happened, however, during the last hunt, that
the enraged animal leaped over the net, rushed upon
a cavalier, whose horse he killed, and then effected
his escape fora time. Being pursued by the hunts-
men, he was at length found, and again enclosed in
nets. The whole army was on that occasion sub-
jected to great inconveniences, and thrown into a
considerable degree of confusion. We remained
three or four days patrolling in a country intersected
with torrents from the mountains, and covered with
underwood and long grass that nearly concealed

ft t-j tJ

the camels. 'No bazaars had been formed, and there
were no towns or villages near the army. Happy
those who, during this scene of disorder, could
satisfy the cravings of hunger ! Shall I explain the
weighty reason for this long detention in such
abominable quarters ? You must know then, that it is
considered a favourable omen when the king kills a
lion, as the escape of that animal is portentous of
infinite evil to the State. Accordingly, the termina-
tion of the hunt is attended with much grave
ceremony. The king being seated in the general
assemblage of the omrahs, the dead lion is brought
before him, and when the carcass has been accurately
measured and minutely examined, it is recorded in
the royal archives that such a king on such a day
slew a lion of such a size and with such a skin,
teeth were of such a length, and claws of such
dimensions."

We find in the Annals of Ilindoostan, that the

SULTAN MAUZAM'S ADVENTURE. 191

lion was occasionally hunted without these pre-
cautions. Bernier gives us a remarkable instance.
Aurungzebe, who was gratified by displays of
personal courage, and who had distinguished him-
self when a youth by attacking an elephant single-
handed, commanded his son, Sultan IVlauzam, in a
full assembly of omrahs, to kill a lion which had
descended from the mountains, and was then laying
waste the surrounding country. The grand master
of the hunt ventured to hope that Sultan Mauzam
might be permitted to avail himself of those capacious
nets which are ordinarily made use of in so perilous
a chase. " He shall attack the lion without nets,"
sternly replied the king, " when I was prince I
thought not of such precautions !" An order given
in so decisive a tone could not be disobeyed. The
Prince declined not the fearful undertaking, lie
encountered and overcame the tremendous beast,
with the loss of only two or three men ; some
horses were mangled, and the wounded lion bounded
on the head of the Sultan's elephant."

392

CHAPTER XII.

NUMBER OF PERSONS KILLED AND MUTILATED BY LIONS IN
AFRICA— REMARKABLE ESCAPE FROM A LION'S JAWS — MIGHTY
NIMRODS — PIET'S ADVENTURE WITH A LION — DANGERS OF THE
TRAVELLER IN AFRICA — WONDERFUL ESCAPE OF A NATIVE
FROM A LION— MOFFATT THE MISSIONARY IN JEOPARDY —
BARBARITIES OF THE MATABILE — VARIOUS ADVENTURES WITH
LIONS — THE PRISONERS.

IN South Africa, though many individuals are
annually killed by lions, they bear no propor-
tion to the number of the wounded. One would
have supposed when such powerful and ferocious
animals once had a poor fellow in his power
that it was all over with him ; but this is not
the case, for probably three out of four of those he
seizes escape with life, though often, it is true,
sadly mutilated. Why or wherefore this happens it
is not for me to say, but that such is the fact
is indisputable ! My statement is moreover, in
degree, evidenced by the numerous individuals
the traveller meets who have been in the clutches of,
and maltreated, by the beast.

And many have had narrow escapes from lions,
I myself among the rest. The circumstances were
these. One day, when eating my humble dinner, 1

OUSTING A LION FROM A BRAKE. 103

was interrupted by the arrival of several natives,
who, in breathless haste, related that an onycama, or
lion, had just killed one of their goats close to the
mission station (Richterfeldt), and begged of me to
lend them a hand in destroying the beast. They
had so often cried " wolf," that I did not give
much heed to their statements ; but, as they per-
sisted in their story, I at last determined to ascer-
tain the truth. Having strapped to my waist a
shooting-belt, containing the several requisites of a
hunter — sucli as bullets, caps, knife, £c., I shoul-
dered my trusty double-barrelled gun (after loading
it with steel-pointed balls), and followed the
men.

In a short time, wo reached the spot where the
lion was believed to have taken refuge. This was
in a dense tamarisk brake, of some considerable
extent, situated partly on, and partly below, the
sloping banks of the Swakop, near to its junction
with the Oinuteuna, one of its tributaries,

On the rising ground, above the brake in ques-
tion, were drawn up, in battle array, a number of
Damaras and Namaquas, some armed with assegais,
and a few with guns. Others of the party were in
the brake itself, endeavouring to oust the lion.

But as it seemed to me that the "beaters " were
timid, and, moreover, somewhat slow in their move-
ments, I called them back, and, accompanied by
only one or two persons, as also a few worthless
dogs, entered the brake myself. It was rather a
dangerous proceeding, for, in places, the cover was
so thick and tangled as to oblige me to creep en

194 THE LION.

my hands and knees 3 and the lion, in consequence,
might easily have pounced upon me without a
moment's warning. At that time, however, I had
not obtained any experimental knowledge of the
old saying — "A burnt child dreads the fire," and
therefore felt little or no apprehension.

Thus I had proceeded for some time; when sud-
denly, and within a few paces of where I stood, I
heard a low, angry growl, which caused the dogs,
with hair erect in the manner of hogs' bristle, and
with their tails between their legs, to slink behind
my heels. Immediately afterwards, a tremendous
shout of " Ongeama ! Ongeama ! " was raised by
the natives on the bank above, followed by a dis-
charge of fire-arms. Presently, however, all was
still again, for the lion, as I subsequently learnt,
after showing himself on the outskirts of the brake,
had retreated into it.

Once more I attempted to dislodge the beast ;
but, finding the enemy awaiting him in the more
open country, he was very loth to leave his strong-
hold. Again, however, I succeeded in driving him
to the edge of the brake, where, as in the first
instance, he was received with a volley; but. a
broom-stick would have been equally as efficacious
as a gun in the hands of these people, for, out of
a great number of shots that were fired, not one
seemed to have taken effect.

Worn out at length by my exertions, and dis-
gusted beyond measure at the way in which the
natives bungled the affair, I left the tamarisk brake,
and, rejoining them on the bank above, offered to

ONSKT OF A LION. 105

change places with them : but my proposal, as I ex-
pected, was forthwith declined.

As the day, however, was now fast drawing to a
close, I determined to make one other effort to de-
stroy the lion, and, should that prove unsuccessful,
to give up the chase. Accordingly, accompanied
by only a single native, I again entered the brake
in question, which I examined for some time with-
out seeing anything ; but on arriving at that part
of the cover we had first searched, and when in a
spot comparatively free from bushes, up suddenly
sprang the beast within a few paces of me. It
was a black-maued lion, one of the largest I
ever remember to have encountered in Africa. But
his movements were so rapid, so silent and smooth
withal, that it was not until he had partially entered
the thick cover (at which time he micrht have been

\ O

about thirty paces distant) that I could fire. On
receiving the ball, he wheeled short about, and,
with a terrific roar, bounded towards me. When
within a few paces, he couched as if about to spring,
having his head embedded, so to say, between his
fore- paws.

Drawing a large hunting-knife, and slipping it
over the wrist of my right hand, I dropped on one
knee, and, thus prepared, awaited his onset. Ir
was an awful moment of suspense and my situa-
tion was critical in the extreme. Still my presence
of mind never for a moment forsook me — indeed, [
felt that nothing but the most perfect coolness and
absolute self-command would be of any avail.

I would now have become the assailant ; but as —

o 2

196 THE LION.

owing to the intervening bushes, and clouds of dust
raised by the lion's lashing his tail against the
ground — I was unable to see his head, while to aim
at any other part would have been madness, I re-
frained from firing. Whilst intently watching his
every motion, he suddenly bounded towards me;
but — whether it was owing to his not perceiving
me, partially concealed as I was in the long grass,
or to my instinctively throwing my body on one
side, or to his miscalculating the distance — in
making his last spring, he went clear over me, and
alighted on the ground three or four paces beyond.
Instantly, and without rising, I wheeled round on
my knee, and discharged my second barrel ; and, as
his broadside was then towards me, I lodged a ball
in his shoulder, which it completely smashed. On
receiving my second fire, he made another and more
determined rush at me ; but, owing to his disabled
state, I happily avoided him. It was, however,
only by a hair's breadth, for he passed me within
arm's length. He afterwards scrambled into the
thick cover beyond, where, as night was then ap-
proaching, I did not deem it prudent to pursue
him.

At an early hour on the next morning, how-
ever, we followed his " spoor," and soon came to
the spot where he had passed the night. The
sand here was one patch of blood; and the
but-hes immediately about were broken, and beaten
down by his weight, as he had staggered to and
fro in his effort to get on his legs again. Strange
to say, however, we here lost all clue to the beast.

ESCAPE OF HANS. I'.'?

A largo troop of lions that had been feasting on
a giraffe in the early morning, had obliterated his
tracks; and it was not until some days after-
wards, when the carcase was in a state of de-
composition, that his death was ascertained, lie
breathed his last very near to where we were
" at fault ; " but, in prosecuting the search, we
had unfortunately taken exactly the opposite di-
rection.

The escape of Hans, my faithful follower — who,
as elsewhere said, was a most daring and successful
hunter — from the jaws of an infuriated lion, was
also very remarkable. He told me the story as we
were one day passing in company the spot where
the incident occurred, and I give it in his o\vn
words : —

" I was riding on 'ox-back' during broad day-
light," said he, " along the dry bed of the Swakop,
when I saw something dusky by the side of an
acacia tree two hundred yards off. This was a lion.
lie rose and "walked leisurely towards me. I had
my ' gun-bag ' by the side of the saddle, and rode
on, for there is no use in provoking hostilities sin-
gle-handed with a lion unless some object is to be
gained, as every sportsman at length acknowledges.
The coolest hand and the best shot are never safe,
for a bullet, however well aimed, is not certain to
disable the beast. After the lion had walked some
twenty or thirty yards, the ox on which I was
mounted either saw or smelt him, and became
furious. I had enough to do to keep my seat, for a
powerful long-horned ox tossing his head about,

198 THE LI OX.

and plunging wildly, is a most awkward steed for the
best of riders. The lion galloped up ; he and I
were side by side. The lion made his spring, and
one heavy paw came on the nape of the ox's neck,
and rolled him over; the other paw clutched my
arm, and tore the sleeve of my skirt to ribbons, but
did not wound me, and there we all three lay.
Though I was thrown upon my gun, I, nevertheless}
contrived to wriggle it out of the case, the lion
snarling and clutching at me all the time. For all
that, I put both bullets into the beast, which fell,
rose again and turned round, and then limped,
bleeding into a neighbouring thicket. Shaken as I

O "* O O

was I let him go. There were no dogs to follow
him, so he was allowed to die in peace; but, after-
wards, his 'spoor' was taken up, and his remains
found."

Again : lions had been unusually numerous and
daring one particular year iu the country about the
Missionary station at Hichterfeldt, where my friend
the Rev. Mr. Halm was then located; so numerous
were they, indeed, that his waggon-driver, Piet,
who, like my own follower, Hans, was a mighty
Nimrod, had, with the aid of his two foster-sons,
killed upwards of twenty in the course of a few
months, and many and wonderful were their escapes
irom those beasts.

One night, the old man was awakened by a pe-
culiar noise outside his door, which was constructed
so as to shut in two parts, The lower division was
closed, but the upper was left open on account of
the oppressive state of the atmosphere. Quietly

ENCOUNTERS WITH LIONS. 199

taking up his gun, Piet stole softly to the door, ex-
pecting to meet with a hvsena. as he knew that one

•/

of these beasts was in the habit of harassing the goat-
kids, which, for better security, he had " kraaled"
against the wall of the house. His amazement,
however, was great, when, instead of a hyaena, a
lion stood before him. Without losing his presence
of mind, he poked the muzzle of his piece against
the animal's head and blew out its brains.

Again : Riding along one morning in a very weak
state, having just recovered from a severe fever, a
lion suddenly rushed at him. The ox became
frightened, and threw the old man. One of his
feet was caught in the stirrup, but, fortunately,
the " veld " shoe slipped off. " I know," said the
veteran hunter, "I was thrown, and that I got
on my legs again, but in what manner is quite a
mystery to me to this day. I called, as loud as
my feeble voice permitted, to my people to bring a
gun, the lion always getting nearer and nearer,
until he stood within arm's length. I once or twice
tried to pull out my pistol, or my sword-knife,
which, as you know, I usually carry about me, but
in my anxiety I missed them. My jacket was
lying just in front of me on the ground, but the
brute had one of his paws on it. 1 felt desperate,
however, and, pulling it forcibly away, struck the
lion on the head, when he grinm-d and growled ter-
ribly, and I expected every moment he would tear
me to pieces. At this juncture my Damara, who
fortunately had heard my cries of distress, came
running up with my gun. Taking the piece from

200 THE LION.

the man, I fired at the lion, who had retreated a few
paces, where he sat quietly looking at me. I don't
know whether I hit him; for, what with the sud-
den fright and my weak constitution, I felt very
unsteady. Be that as it may, it had the effect of
scaring him away, for, at the report of the gun, .he
instantly betook himself to cover."

On another occasion, when the missionary
waggon was on its road to Walfish Bay, a lion
sprang unexpectedly into the midst of the sleep-
ing party, bivouacking at the time on the banks
of the Kubakop river. One of Piet's sons, who
was present, picked up his gun from the ground,
but, in order to prevent the dew from injuring it,
he had wrapped his waistcoat round the lock, and,
in the hurry, he was unable to disengage the
garment. Finding, however, that the lion was just
about to lay hold of him, he held out the piece and
fired at random, but fortunately with deadly effect.

Again, " the following fact," writes Moffatt,
" shows the fearful danger to which the solitary
traveller in the African wilds is at times exposed
from lions.

" A man belonging to M. Schinelen's congrega-
tion at Bethany, returning homewards from a visit
to his friends, took a circuitous course in order to
pass a small fountain, or rather pool, where he
hoped to kill an antelope to carry home to his
family. The sun had risen to some height at the
time he reached the spot, and seeing no game, he
laid his gun down on a low shelving rock, the back
part of which was covered with a species of dwarf

DANGER OF A SOLITARY TRAVELLED. 201

thorn-bushes. He went to the water, took a hearty
drink, returned to the rock, smoked his pipe, and,
being a little tired, fell asleep.

" In a short time the heat reflected from the rock
awoke him, and on opening his eyes he saw a large
lion couching before him, with its eyes glaring in
his face, and within little more than a yard of his
feet. He sat motionless for some minutes, till he
had recovered his presence of mind; then, eyeing
his gun, moved his hand slowly towards it. The
lion seeing him thus occupied, raised its head, and
gave a tremendous roar. He made another and
another attempt ; but the gun being far beyond his
reach, he gave it up, as the lion seemed well aware
of his object, and was enraged whenever he at-
tempted to move his hand. His situation was now
painful in the extreme ; the rock on which he sat
became so hot that he could scarcely bear his naked
feet to touch it, and he therefore kept moving them,
alternately placing one above the other.

" The day passed, and the night also, but the liou
never moved from the spot. The sun rose again,
and its intense heat soon rendered his loot past
feeling. At noon the lion rose and walked to the
water, only a few yards distant, looked behind as
he went, lest the man should move ; and seeing
him stretch out his hand to take his gun, turned in
a rage, and was on the point of springing upon him.
The animal went to the water, drank, and returning,
lay down again nt the edge of the rock.

" Another night passed ; the man, in describing
it, said he knew not whether he slept, but, if he

202 THE LION.

did, it must have been with his eyes open, as he
always saw the lion at his feet.

" Next day, in the forenoon, the animal went
again to the water, and while there, he listened to
some noise apparently from an opposite quarter, and
disappeared in the bushes. The man now made
another effort, and seized his gun; but on attempt-
ing to rise, he fell, his ancles being without power.
With his gun in his hand, he crept towards the
water, and drank, but looking at his feet, he saw, as
he expressed it, his 'toes roasted,' and the skin torn
off with the grass.

" There he sat a few moments, expecting the
lion's return, when he was resolved to send the
contents of his gun through its head ; but as it did
not appear, the poor fellow, tying his gun to his
back, made the best of his way on his hands and
knees to the nearest path, hoping some solitary
individual might pass. He could go no farther,
when, providentially, a person came up, who took
him to a place of safety, from whence he obtained
help, though he lost his toes, and was a cripple for
life."

MofiTatt further relates the wonderful escape of
another native from a lion, the particulars of which
he had from the man's own mouth.

" One night," said he, " I, and about a dozen
other hunters, were fast asleep, with a circle of
bushes placed around the fire. When the blaze was
extinguished, a lion suddenly sprang into the midst
of us, seized me by the shoulder, and, together with
my caross, dragged me to some distance. My com-

WONDERFUL ESCAPES. 203

panions, aroused by the scuffle, snatched up their
guns, and, not knowing one of their number had been
carried off, shot in the direction from which the noi.se
proceeded. One ball happened to wound the lion,
and, in trying to roar, it let me drop from its grasp, on
which I instantly ran off, leaving my mantle, and
bolted iu amongst my friends, crying out, ' Don't
shoot me!' for they supposed at the moment I was
the lion." The individual in question, Moffatt goes
on to say, " showed the ugly marks of the beast on
his shoulder."

Moffatt himself, on two several occasions, would
appear to have been in considerable jeopardy from
lions.

After telling us " that it is a pleasing, sometimes
an exciting, exercise, to look back on the rugged
path which we have been called to tread, and to
recount the dangers from which a gracious provi-
dence has rescued us, several of which, in my case,
have been so striking that, when I recall the cir-
cumstances, I am forcibly impressed with the
sentiment, that man is immortal until his work
is done," he goes on to say : —

" On the present journey, when travelling alone
in a woody and sequestered place, [ left the direct
road, to avoid a lord where there were many
crocodiles. 1 had not proceeded t\vo stone casts,
when it suddenly occurred to me that I should like
to examine a projecting rock which lay beyond the
path I had left. After examining the object which
had attracted my attention, 1 turned towards the
place whence I had come, in order to retrace my

204 THE LION.

steps, bat, saw a lion, which had caught scent of
me, looking about for his prey. I, of course,
made for the old ford, when, after throwing in, as
custom iry, some stones to frighten the crocodiles
away, I hastened to the other side, glad enough
to get the watery monsters between the lion and
myself. The lions in this part of the country," the
Missionary adds, " having gorged on human flesh,
do not spend time in looking at the 'human eye,'
as some are said to do, but seek the easiest and
most expeditious way of making a meal of a man."

Moffattj 1 may here mention, was at this time
in a ivgion that had recently been ravaged by
the Matabili, one of the fiercest and most un-
relenting of African tribes, and whom he else-
where paints in the very blackest of colours. His
words are : —

" They were not satisfied with simply capturing
cattle; nothing less than the entire subjection or
destruction of the vanquished would quench their
insatiable thirst for power. Thus, when they
conquered a town the terrified inhabitants were
driven in a mass to the outskirts, when the parents
and all the married women were slaughtered on the
spot. Such as dared to be brave in the defence
of their homes, their wives, and their children,
were reserved for a still more terrible death ; dry
grass, saturated with fat, was tied round their
naked bodies, and then set on fire. The youths
and girls were loaded as beasts of burden with
the spoils of the town, to be marched to the
homes of the victors. If the town was in an

IN JEOPARDY. 205

isolated position, the infants were either left to
perish with hunger, or to be devoured by beasts
of prey. Should a suspicion, however, arise in
the savage bosom that these helpless innocents might
fall into the hands of friends, they effectively pre-
vented this from taking place by collecting them
into a fold, and after raising over them a pile of
brushwood, applied the flaming torch to it, when
the town, but lately the scene of mirth, became
a heap of ashes.

"On such an event as that described occurring,"
MoiTatt goes on to say, " the lions scent the slain
and leave their lair. The hyaenas and jackals
emerge from their lurking places in broad day
and revel in the carnage, while a clou 1 of vul.uivs
may be seen descending on the living and the
dead, and holding a carnival on human Hesh !"

On another occasion Mofl'att considered him-
self in considerable jeopardy from a lion. After
telling us that on one of his journeys he had slept
in the open air, near to the door of the lint in
which the principal man of the village and his wife
resided, he goes on to say, " In the morning I
remarked to my host that it appeared some of the
cattle had broken loose during the night, as I had
heard something moving about on the outside ot
the thorn-fence under which L lav. 'Oh!' In-
replied, 'I \vas looking at the "spoor" just now,
it was the lion ;' adding that a few nights pre-
vious it sprang over the fence at the very place
where I had been lying, and seized a goat, with
which it bounded oft' through another part of the

206 THE LION.

fold. ' Look,' said he, ' there is part of some
of the mats we tore from the house and burned,
to frighten him away.' On asking him how he
could think of appointing me to sleep in that very
spot? 'Oh!' he rejoined, 'the lion would not
have the audacity to jump over on you.' This
remark produced a laugh from me, in which he
and his wife joined most heartily; and reminded
me of a circumstance in his own history, with
which I was well acquainted, viz., ' that he him-
self had once been in the jaws of a lion. "

Again, " Some short time since," writes Free-
man, " three men and a boy were sleeping in the
open air, whilst travelling through the Madoors'
country. Two of the men were by themselves ;
the other man and the boy were also by them-
selves, wrapt up in a blanket. Whilst they were
asleep, a lion came and walked off with the two
in the blanket ; they effected their escape, left
the monster in possession of the warm coverlet,
and stole back to their companions to give the
alarm. Whilst the man was relating the adven-
ture the lion came and pounced on him, seized
him by the neck, and killed him. lie had just
time to cry, ' Shoot ! shoot ! ' His companions did
so, shot the lion in the neck, and destroyed him.
Other lions were supposed to be in the neighbour-
hood, and the surviving two men and a boy es-
caped as fast as they could. They returned next
morning to get the body of their companion, and
inter it; but found that it had been devoured
during the night, and the very lion that they

ESCAPE OF A VIE BOER. 207

had shot had been devoured by some of his com-
panions."

Freeman further relates that, when at Manka-
rana, in the Kat-river settlement, he was told by one
of the chief men in the place, " that he himself
was once caught by a lion, and that his head was
actually between the jaws of the enormous mon-
ster; that he prayed God to have mercy on him,
and spare him;" and he added, "Even though
I never prayed before, I did so then most earnestly."
And his pra3*er, he believed, was heard, for the ani-
mal let go his hold, and left him.

"Lucas van Veinsen, a Vie Boer," Thomp-
son tells us, " was one morning, about daybreak,
riding across the open plain, near the Little Fish
River, when, observing a lion in the distance, he
endeavoured to avoid him by making a wide circuit.
There were thousands of spring-boks scattered over
the extensive flats ; but the lion, from the open na-
ture of the country, had been unsuccessful in hunt-
ing. Lucas soon perceived that he was not disposed
to let him pass without further parlance, and
that he was rapidly approaching to the encounter.
Being without his rifle, and otherwise little in-
clined to any closer acquaintance, he turned olT
at right angles, laid the sjambah freely to his horse's
flank, and galloped for life.

" But it was too late. The horse was fagged, and
bore a heavy man on his back. The lion was fresh,
and, furious with hunger, came down upon him
like a thunder-bolt. In a few seconds he overtook
Lucas, and, springing up behind, brought man and

208 THE LION.

horse in an instant to the ground. Luckily the Boer
was unhurt, and the lion was too eager in worrying
the horse to pay any immediate attention to the
rider. Hardly knowing how he escaped, he con-
trived to scramble out of the fray, and reached the
nearest house in safety."

" Within three nights," writes Delegorgue,
in his usual poetical phraseology, " M. Vernaas, a
Dutch Boer, of French extraction, had lost two
oxen. The tracks indicated a lioness as the author
of the theft. Irritated at being thus deprived of
his property, and fearing he should long have to pay
a similar tribute, Vernaas took his gun, carrying
eight balls to the pound, and proceeded in search of
the depredator. His son, a mere stripling, who
carried the ammunition, was his sole companion.
It was a double lesson he was about to give — the
first, to the lioness; the second, to show the child
how he was to conduct himself when ho became a
man.

" After the lapse of an hour, occupied in following
the spoor of the formidable quadruped, Vernaas
found himself on the borders of a cluster of reeds,
where he supposed, and with reason, that the lioness
was concealed— in fact, she was there.

" Vernaas, who was at a distance of some sixty
paces, fired, and wounded her. lie waited a mo-
ment, to ascertain the effect of his shot, when he was
attacked by her and thrown on his back. The terrible
animal, growling with satisfaction at having her
enemy in her power, opens a frightful mouth, gar-
nished with superb fangs, long, and perfectly white.

VERNAAS AND HIS SON. 209

Afterwards, the extended jaws of the beast embrace
the entire breadth of the man's chest, on which its
teeth leave four deep and bloody furrows.

" The youth had fled to a distance of a hundred
paces, lie could see his father lying on the ground
under the lioness, and tremblingly awaited the
terrible results which seemed in no wise doubtful.
But presently the beast, whether owing to gene-
rosity, or being merely desirous of inflicting on
her assailant wound for wound, slowly, gravely, and
frequently looking behind her, walked away from
the victim.

" All this time Vernaas had lain motionless as if
dead, but now that the brute had retreated, and his
oppressed breast could dilate more freely, he arose,
picked up his gun (the stock of which the lioness
had deeply scored with her fangs), and rejoined his
son. Then, reloading his piece, he retraced his
steps to the cluster of reeds in which the beast had
again taken refuge.

" ' It is the lioness, or I myself,' said Vernaas to
his son, ' that must die before the lapse of an hour,
and that within two hundred paces of this spot.'

* Yes, father, but how hard it is on me ; for, were 1
provided with a gun, 1 could kill the wicked beast

when it has thee in its clutches I wish for a

gun, father, dost thou comprehend;-' ' Yes, son,
the next time,' rejoined Vernaas.

" They advanced together in silence, until they
reached the edge of the reed-bed in question.

* Remain here, my son,' said the old man, who then
boldly entered the clump alone. Listening atten-

r

210 THE LTON.

tively, and with his eyes wide open, Yernaas was
guided by the motion of a reed. The instant after-
wards he found himself, at ten paces distance, face
to face with the lioness, who was licking her wounds.
She had no time even to look up, for the gun was
discharged — the ball entered her breast, and she
was a corpse !

" But, although no doubt could be entertained on
this point, Vernaas, mad with passion, gave the
carcase a desperate blow with the butt-end of his
piece."

Dr. Burchell gives the following description of
an encounter with lions. " The day was exceed-
ingly pleasant, and not a cloud to be seen. For
a mile or two we travelled alono: the banks of

O

the river, which, in this part, abounded in tail mat-
rushes. The dogs seemed much to enjoy prowling
about, examining every bush}' place, and at last
met with, some object among the rushes which
caused them to set up a most vehement and deter-
mined barking. We explored the spot with caution,
as we suspected, from the peculiar tone of their
bark, that it was, what it proved to be, a lion.
Having encouraged the dogs to drive him out, a
task which they performed with great willingness,
we had a full view of an enormous black-maned lion
and a lioness. The latter was seen only for a mi-
nute, as she made her escape up the river under
concealment of the rushes, but the lion came steadily
forward and stood to look at us. At this moment
we felt our situation not free from danger, as the
animal seemed preparing to spring upon us, arid we
were standing on the bank, at the distance of only

LIOV AND DOGS. 21 1

a few yards from him, most of us being on foot and
unarmed, without any visible possibility of escaping.
I had given up my horse to the hunters, and was on
foot myself, but there was no time for fear, and it
was useless to atteTupt avoiding him. Poor Truy
was in great alarm ; she clasped her infant to her
bosom, and screamed out as if she thought her de-
struction inevitable, calling to those who were near-
est the animal, ' Take care ! take care !' In great
fear for my safety, she had insisted on my moving
farther off. I, however, stood well upon my guard,
holding my pistols in my hand, with my linger upon
the trigger, and those who had muskets kept them-
selves prepared in the same manner. But at this
instant the dogs boldly flew in between us and the
lion, and, surrounding him, kept him at bay by their
violent and resolute barking. The courage of those
faithful animals was most admirable; they advanced
up to the side of the huge beast, and stood, making
the ^reatest clamours in his face, without the least an-

e> i

pearance of fear. The lion, conscious of his strength,
remained unmoved at their noisy attempts, and kept
his head turned towards us. At one moment the dogs,
perceiving his eye thus engaged, had advanced close
to his feet, and seemed as it they would actually sci/.e
hold of him; but they paid dearly for their impru-
dence, for, without discomposing the majestic and
steady attitude in which he stood fixed, he merely
moved his paw, and, at the next instant, 1 beheld
two lying dead. In doing this he made so little
exertion, that it was scarcely perceptible by what
means thev had been killed. Of the time which we

P 2

212 THE LION.

gained by tlie interference of the dogs not a moment
was lost; we fired upon him ; one of the balls went
through his side, just between the short ribs, and
blood began to flow, but the animal still remained
standing in the same position. We had now no
doubt that he would spring upon us; every gun was
instantly reloaded; but happily we were mistaken,
and were not sorry to see him move quietly away,
though I had hoped, in a few minutes, to have been
able to take hold of his paw without danger."

Gerard narrates the following singular story :
" Some years previous to the occupation of Con-
stantine there was amongst the prisoners condemned
to death two brothers, who were to be executed on
the following day.

"They were highwaymen,, of whom most sur-
prising feats of strength and courage were related.
The Bey, fearing they might escape, commanded
that they should be shackled in such wise that one
foot of each was enclosed in the same iron rinir,

O 7

which was afterwards riveted.

" Xo one knew how it happened, but certain it is
thai, when the executioner presented himself, the
prison was empty !

"After making vain efforts to sever or open the
ring, the two brothers succeeded, by taking by-
paths, in eluding observation and in gaining the
open country.

" At daybreak they hid themselves amongst the
rocks, and in the evening again continued their route.

" Towards midnight they were met by a lion.

"The two malefactors began to throw stones at

ST1JANG1-: STORY OK A 1,1 OX. :>

the beast, abusing him at the same time with ;ill
their might, to induce him to take himself off; but
the animal remained couched, and would not stir
from the spot.

" Finding that neither threats nor violence were
of any avail, they tried the efficacy of prayer, but
the lion bounded upon them, threw them down, and
quietly commenced devouring the elder by the side
of his brother, who counterfeited death.

" When the lion came to the leg which was con-
fined within the ring, he, finding resistance, bit off
the limb below the knee.

" Afier that his appetite was satisfied, and being
desirous of drinking, he left the spot and repaired
to a neighbouring spring,

" Imagining that he would return after appeasing
his thirst, the poor devil who remained alive now
looked about him for a place of refuge, and dragging
after him the leg of his brother, he hid himself in
a cave that he had the good fortune to meet with
in his path.

" Soon afterwards he heard the lion roaring with
rage, and it several times passed near to the cave
where he had concealed himself.

" At length morning came, and the lion retired (o
his lair.

" When the da}* was somewhat advanced, the un-
fortunate convict left his place of refuge, but he had
not proceeded far when he was confronted by se-
veral horsemen whom the Bey had sent in pursuit
of him. One of them took him up behind, and he
was brought back to Constantino and again incar-
cerated.

214 THE LION.

" The Bey, not believing in the story told him by
his people, was desirous of seeing the man himself,
who was brought into his presence, dragging after
him the leg of his unhappy brother. Notwith-
standing his reputation for cruelty, Ahmed Bey was
so affected at the sight that he ordered the pri-
soner's fetters to be struck off, and restored him
to liberty."

And if we go back to the olden times, we shall
find narrow escapes from the jaws of the lion as
numerous as at the present day. One of the most
notable was that of Sir John Gayner, Lord Mayor
of London in 1646, of whom it is related that, when
crossing a desert in the Turkish dominions, he was

O y

met by one of those beasts, who allowed him to pass
unmolested; ingratitude for which he made provi-
sion in his will that at St. Katherine's Church, in
Leadenhall Street, a Sermon should be annually
preached on the 16th November, in commemoration
of his happy deliverance. ]t was further provided
in the will that the minister was to have 20,->. for
the sermon, the clerk 2,s. (id., the sexton I,-.1., and
that the sum of £8 1G*. (]<l. should be distributed
amongst the necessitous inhabitants of the pariah.

215

CHAPTER XIII.

ARMS BEST SUITED FOR LION-SHOOTING— THE LION'S RAGE AT A
BULLET — TENACITY OF LIFE— WOUNDS INFLICTED BY A DYING
LION— SAFEGUARDS — CAPE-HORSES — REFLECTIONS ON LION-
HUNTING—SIGNS OF THE LION'S WRATH — ALLEGED COWARDICE
— THE ALGERINE LION.

AS regards the best weapons for lion shooting, I
feel somewhat incompetent to give an opinion.
From the want of horses and other circumstances, I
never, as I have said, systematically hunted the lion ;
and when I chanced to fall in with him, was seldom
armed with other than an ordinary double-rifle of
moderate calibre. Experienced African sportsmen,
I am aware, recommend such as carry ten or twelve
balls to the pound; but, to say nothing of the com-
mon-sized rifle being much more handy, I am not
sure that, if the ball be well placed, it will not do
its business just as effectually as a larger one.
In any case, that the ball should be hardened, or,
what is better, steel-pointed, is, I brh'eve, admitted
by everyone — the skull and bones of the lion not
being easily penetrated.

The Dutch Boers, however, amongst whom are
many first-rate chasseurs, would seem to prefer the
single to the double rifle; and that from the belief,

216 THE LION'.

as I understand, that when a man has only one
barrel to depend upon he always takes a deliberate
aim, whereas, if he has a second barrel in reserve,
he is very apt to fire the first hurriedly, and, as a
consequence, to shoot wide of the mark. This
single rifle, which in the Cape Colony is called a
" Roer," is a very formidable-looking affair, and
carries balls of several ounces in weight.

Singularly enough, I may here remark in paren-
thesis, that, should the ball aimed at the lion miss its
mark and form a lodgment in the ground imme-
diately near to him, he imagines it is the mis-
sile itself, and not the hunter, that has attempted to
injure him, and resents the offence accordingly.

" On discharging the first barrel of my double
gun at the lion, who was couched," says Delegorgue,
" the bullet imbedded itself in the earth at only a
few paces from his feet ; the beast made a furious
dash at the spot with his paw, thinking, perhaps,
to seize a portion of my person. This movement
he repeated on my sending him a second equally
unsuccessful missile. Isaac Neiokerk dispatched
a third ball, which whistled about his ears ; the
animal appeared exasperated at only having to do
with invisible objects ; he rose to depart, presenting
to us his broadside, when 1 lodged a ball in his
shoulder-blade, which passed clean through his
body. It was a mortal wound."

The bayonet, in lion-shooting, is never, I believe,
made use of in Southern Africa, and with good
reason ; for to say nothing of intervening boughs
and bushes impeding the use of the weapon, and its

LION-SIIOOTLNG. 217

weight, which is apt to make the haud unsteady,
and thus destroy the aim, it is perfectly certain that,
when the lion makes his rush, the sportsman, if
provided with one, would be knocked over by the
shock; and even supposing the vital parts to be
pierced, the man would, in all probability, be torn
to pieces by the infuriated beast before its life was
extinct.

Pistols, in lion-shooting, I take to be nearly as
valueless as the bayonet ; and they are, moreover,
much in one's way whether mounted or on toot. As
Kotje-Dafel, a famous cliiitsenr in the Caffre
country, told Delegorgue, " It is not with needles
that the lion is killed. He is strong, and it requires
a strong dose to produce a rapid hemorrhage."

The best point to aim at, when the lion is facing
you, and not too far distant, is between the eyes,
for, should the ball chance to penetrate the brain,
death is of course instantaneous.

On one occasion, soon after my first arrival in
Africa, I may mention that when stalking
alone, and on foot, a gemsbok, a full-grown lion
suddenly sprang out of a bush within some forty or
fifty paces of me. The brute's unexpected appear-
ance somewhat startled me, but I had so often been
balked in my attempts to get a shot at lions, that
I only hesitated for a moment. Accordingly, the
beast having turned round to look at me, 1 took a
deliberate aim at his forehead, and fired, and, as
good luck would have it, with deadly effect. Indeed,
so accurate was my aim that the ball almost
split his skull in two, and, as a matter of course,
killed him on the spot.

218 THE LION.

But if, on the contrary, the lion's broadside be
exposed to your view, the best point at which to
aim is perhaps the shoulder, as a ball through the
latter, though it may fail to kill, will most assuredly
cripple the beast. Many will say, " Fire behind the
shoulder, in the region of the heart." But should
you do so, and if the ball goes wide of that organ,
it will probably have little more immediate effect
than if directed against a brick wall ; and however
badly wounded the lion may be, the chances are
he forthwith charges his assailant. Even if the
projectile penetrates the heart, death does not
always ensue so rapidly as to prevent him from
attacking you.

The lion is exceedingly tenacious of life. Were
other evidence wanting of this being the case, that
of Major Delamaine's, in his description of the two
interesting hunts recorded in a preceding chapter,
would alone be sufficient. On both of these occa-
sions, as may be remembered, the beasts were
literally riddled with balls before life was extinct.

Gerard testifies to the like effect. After telling
us " that the lion would seem to be possessed of a
charmed life," he goes on to say : — " Whatever the
number of balls may be that have hit him, he does
not die until the heart or brain is pierced, and to
penetrate the latter is no easy matter, for parts of
the skull are so thick as actually to flatten the balls.
On making the autopsy of the lion of Bone, I dis-
covered that the second bullet had struck the
osfrontis, without breaking it. It had flattened on
the bone, as large as the palm of my hand, and

SAFEGUARDS IN LION-HUNTING. 219

thick as ten sheets of paper. Nor is it quite
certain," he goes on to say, " that even if the heart
is pierced, the wound will at once prove mortal.
It is asserted, indeed, that a lion, after being shot
through that organ, has been known to tear a horse
to pieces before expiring."

By all accounts, the lion is terrible in his death-
struggles, and it is then highly perilous to go near
him. " What is remarkable in the beast is this,"
says Gerard, and all lion-hunters tell the same
Ftory, " that the nearer he is to death, the more
dangerous he becomes." It is, moreover, the
generally received impression — with the natives at
least — that the wounds he inflicts when in his dying
agonies are infinitely more difficult to cure than
those inflicted by him at other times.

Dogs, and the more the better, are, I take it, a
great safeguard in lion-shooting. This was amply
shown in the case of Gordon dimming, who would
hardly have got off unhurt in his numerous duels
with the beast but for those valuable auxiliaries.
Their incessant attacks on the lion not only enable
a man to approach him unperceived, and thus fire
at a short distance, and with deliberation, but often,
in the event of his " charging," they divert his fury
from the hunter to themselves. Dogs, however,
should not be of too fierce and courageous a dispo-
sition, as such soon get killed ; mere curs, that
" give tongue" well, are the besr, for the purpose.

But whether they are high-couraged, or the con-
trary, the consumption of " dog-flesh" in lion-
shootii g is ahvavs, 1 take it, considerable. Gordon

220 THE LIOX.

Gumming, for instance, had at one trno, ha states,
as many as thirty, ami n:> doubt ho was constantly
replenishing his pack, yet on his return to civilisa-
tion, it would seem as if he had only three or four
remaining, the remainder of the poor creatures, the
larger portion at least, having been destroyed by
the beasts in question.

In the more open parts of the country at least, the
horse, in lion-shooting, is a great advantage, as it
not only enables one the more rapidly to come up
with the quarry, but, to a certain extent, is a safe-
guard also ; for should the beast " charge," and

O * O *

succeed in overtaking and overthrowing both the
steed and its rider, as not unfrequently happens, he,
in the first instance, almost invariably expends his
rage and fury on the former.

By all accounts the Cape horses, with a little
training, are admirably adapted for cither hunting
or shooting. " They are," says Harris, " hardy,
docile, and enduring. In the chase, the most for-
midable animal does not inspire them with the
slightest alarm ; and, the bridle being thrown over
their heads, they may generally be left standing in
the wilderness for hours together, without attempt-
ing to stir from the spot. They seldom trot; the
usual pace is a canter, and occasionally a gallop."

The endurance of these horses is something won-
derful. A striking instance of this occurred a few
years ago in Great Namaqua-land. The animal in
question belonged to a son of the Hottentot chief,
Zwartbooi, who, whilst hunting in an open tract of
country, fell in with a troop of eleven giraffes, to

I'KUILS OF J.IOX-1IUNTLNG. 221

which lie immediately gave chase, and the whole of
which he rode down and shot in succession in the
course of the day. But the immense exertion was
too much for the gallant creature, whose life was
thus sacrificed.

This remarkable horse was well known through-
out Great Naraaqua-land, and is said to have been
quite rnad with excitement when he observed a wild
animal ; and he only ceased to pursue when the game
was either killed or no longer in sight.

Another matter in lion-shooting, not exactly
a safeguard, it is true, but one that the sportsman
should bear in mind is, that if there be several in
company and the lion charges, while his com-
panions take to their heels, the best plan is to >tand
stock-still; in which case it is confidently asserted
that the beast, nine times out of ten, will pursue the
runaways in preference to the man who looks him
boldly in the face.

But even with every precaution, and under the
most favourable circumstances, the danger of lion-
hunting, it must be acknowledged, is considerable,
and few of those who have engaged to any extent in
this exciting amusement have come oil' altogether

O CD

unscathed. The perils attendant, on it are fully
appreciated by Gordon dimming, in the truth of
whose observations 1 fully concur. He says:—
" A recklessness of life, perfect coolness and sell-
possessiou, an acquaintance with the disposition and
manners of lions, and a tolerable knowledge of the
use of the rifle, are indispensable to him \\lio would
strive in the overpoweringlv-excitiug pas: hue of

222 THE LIOX.

hunting this justly-celebrated king of beasts."
A word now as to the character of the lion, &c. :
a subject which I have purposely reserved until this
time that the reader, from being acquainted with all
I have to tell about the beast, may be the better
able to form his own judgment. As, however, the
opinions of writers and sportsmen regarding the
character of the lion are various and contra-
dictory, T shall content myself with saying, in the
words of GeYard, that, in my opinion, the leading
characteristics of the animal are " courage and
slothfulness."

It is true there are those who altogether deny the
lion the former quality, and even go so far as to pro-
nounce him a poltroon. But this very erroneous
view of his character is of easy explanation. " The
existence of the lion," as has been well observed by
the author just named, " is divided into two distinct
periods, making him in some measure two distinct
animals. The two periods are the night and the
day. During the night ho roams the wilds in
search of prey, whilst in the day he is accustomed
to retire to the most solitary places, where he sleeps
at his ease. Because a person in the daytime has
met a lion, whom the sun or the flies have caused to
shift his quarters, and because he escapes from the
beast with impunity, he, without taking into
consideration that at that hour the animal was
half asleep, and that its belly was full, goes away
with the impression that the lion never ventures to
attack a man, and the beast is therefore branded
with cowardice. In fact, the lion does not kill for

MAN AND THE LION. 223

the mere pleasure of killing, but for food, and to
defend himself from attack."

That the lion in the daytime, unless previously
provoked, or exasperated by hunger, almost in-
variably retreats at the sight of a man, or on hearing
him approach, is a fact that almost every traveller
or sportsman (myself amongst the rest) who have
visited Southern Africa can testify to.

Harris, for instance, at page 258 of his enter-
taining work, says : —

" Scarcely a day passed without our seeing two or
three lions, but, like the rest of the animal creation,
they uniformly retreated when disturbed by the
approach of men. However troublesome we found
the intrusions of the feline race during the night,
they seldom, at any other time, showed the least
disposition to molest us unless we commenced
hostilities; and this, owing to the badness of our
horses, we rarely felfe disposed to do."

Delegorgue testifies to the same effect. " At the
sound of a man's steps or voice, the lion, whether
hidden in the wooded dell, in the deep ravine,
or stretched at length in the rank irrass, will

O ij

start from his hiding-place, and make a precipitate
retreat. In the bush he effects it noiselessly, and
by stealth ; but in the more exposed localities, it is
done slowly and with extreme caution, fearing,
perhaps, to compromise his dignity. He may then
be seen to turn round repeatedly, with a careless
air, as if his mind was pre-occupied, but at the same
time always taking care to increase the distance
between himself and his pursuer. Shout to him,

224 THE I.IOX.

and he will in all probability stop to listen, con-
tinuing bis course, bowever, wben tbe sound bas
ceased. If you do not wisb to encounter bim, you
bare only to lie down, wben be at once becomes
uneasy, be starts to bis feet, and if be perceives
nothing, often retreats hurriedly, and with apparent
confusion."

Though during the day the lion, as a rule, re-
treats at the sight of a man, yet at times be shows
unmistakable signs of displeasure.

" When the beast is wroth, or pinched with
hunger," says Kolbein, a quaint but often truthful
writer of tbe last century, " be erects and shakes
bis mane, and thwacks his back and sides very
briskly with bis tail. When he is in this action, 'tis
certain death to come in his way; and as he gene-
rally lurks for his prey behind bushes, and travellers
sometimes discover not the motion of his tail till
too late, one now and then fulls into his paws.
But if the lion shakes not bis mane, nor makes any
great motion with his tail, a traveller may reckon
upon it that he may pass safely by bim."

" A showman, who was exhibiting a lion," Kol-
bein adds, " was unexpectedly attacked by the
animal, who seized bim by the head. Whilst in tbe
beast's grasp, be called out to the bystanders, ' Is
be wagging his tail ?' ' Yes,' some one replied.
' Well, then,' the unfortunate man stammered forth,
' I'm a dead man.' And truly enough, for after
keeping his victim in suspense for a few seconds,
the brute put an end to the sufferings of his
master."

POLTROOXEBY OF THE LTOX. 225

Moffatt is amongst those who have no very high
opinion of the lion's courage, at least in the day-
time. He even goes so far as to say " that, with
all the beast's boldness, he sometimes proves an
arrant coward," and in proof thereof, relates
several instances of his seeminor poltroonery.

Amongst others, he savs " that he has known

v

the Bushmen, and even women and children, to
drive the lion from the prey he has just seized,
bv beating their sticks on drv hides and shouting."

* .

He also states " that he remembered a man having
come unexpectedly on a lion, and fainting at the
sight. The beast raised himself up to look over the
bushes, and seeing no one, he suspected a pV~»t, and
scampered off with his tail between his lei's."

Then, after relating the manner in which a native

* o

had been followed by a lion, the Missionary goes en
to say : —

"At length the animal lay down at the foo: of
the tree up which the poor fellow had taken refuge,
and kept watch all nicrht. Towards morning, how-

L *~

ever, sleep overcame the hitherto watchful Bash-
man. He dreamt that he had fallen into the lion's
mouth, and awaking at the moment he. in ^ su.tc

O

of fright and bewilderment, lost his ixi:ai:ce. and,
falling from amongst the branches, alighted h^vily
on the back of the beast, on which the monster,
thus unexpectedly saluted, ran off with a loud roar;
and the Bushman, also taking to his heels in an
opposite direction, returned in safety to his anxious
parents."

As regards the hours of darkness, nevertheless.

226 THE LION.

the Reverend gentleman would seem properly to
appreciate the lion, for elsewhere he says : — " But
on the approach of night his courage returns, and
that which during the day he dreads he now fear-
lessly attacks. Indeed, he will not unfrequently
seize the horse by the side of his rider, or the ox
that is tied to the waggon, or even the faithful dog.
Nay, he dares man himself."

Delegorgue, as well as Moffatt, would appear to
entertain but a poor opinion of the lion's courage,
which, he thinks, is only displayed on very special
occasions. After telling us that he has seen up-
wards of fifty of those beasts, and killed many, he
goes on to say : " But in no instance, not even
when badly wounded, did they show fight, but in-
variably retreated. Once, indeed, when I was
within ten paces of a lion and a lioness, and there
was no better weapon at hand than my double-
barreled gun, loaded with Number Five shot, I fired
at the one as well as the other, and both forthwith
made off, without daring to show their ire otherwise
than by a deep growl."

That the actions of the lion in the day-time,
when, to speak figuratively, he is somewhat in the
position of a fish out of water, often look very much
like poltroonery, cannot be denied, still, admitting
that, as with the bravest of men, he has his
mo'iiU'/iiix de peur, there cannot be a doubt that, on
very many occasions, actions of his, which have been
branded as cowardly, have rather arisen from fear
of falling into the toils than any other cause; and
if such be really the case, it is not at all surprising
that " lie should have made himself scarce."

TilE ALGERIAN LION. 22

In spite, therefore, of all that has been said and
written in disparagement of the lion's bravery, 1
venture to say that people who are well acquainted
with him in his native wilds, and who have con-
fronted him in battle, whether by night or by day,
will not fail to pronounce him amongst the bravest
of beasts ; and thousands of instances, in addition
to those recorded in these pages, might be adduced,
testifying to his undaunted and unconquerable
spirit. His daring, indeed, at times, almost exceeds
credence.

So much for the courage of the South African

O

lion; but in this quality, as also in " power" (which
means, I presume, both size and strength), he, ac-
cording to Gerard, is greatly surpassed by the lion
inhabiting Algeria.

" This terrible poacher," — such are Gerard's
words (or rather, perhaps, those of his critic),
when speaking of the lion — " who reposes all day in
his lair of olive trees, and stretches his refreshed
limbs only as the sun goes down, who throttles a
horse as a man stifles a mouse, and who calmly
breasts forty muskets levelled at his noble head, and
never sees an object that he is afraid to attack, in
no way resembles the lion of South Africa described
by Gordon Gumming. He is by far the more cou-
rageous, the more powerful, the more unscrupulous
animal. His roar is compared to thunder; lie
breaks past cork and lentile trees by the mere
weight of his enormous body; he picks up a man
in his jaws as a pet-dog picks up a ball of cotton ;
he springs upon his enemies even with a dozen

Q 2

228 THE LION.

balls in his carcase. The lioness respects him, and
consents to be wooed by him only when he has
destroyed the rest of her suitors."

But is all this gospel ? I think not. To me it
seems that " a lion is a lion all the world over ;"
in other words, that his courage, and other
qualities, are about on a par in every country.
We have at least the testimony of Harris and
Delamaine — who everyone must admit are compe-
tent judges of the matter — that the Indian and
South African Lion are identical in every respect,
courage included ; why, therefore, should there be
so great a difference between the latter and that of
Northern Africa, as Gerard tells us is the case ? It
is certainly possible that, from the terrible ravages
(as will presently be shewn) those beasts commit
in Algeria amongst the cattle, where, in conse-
quence, every man's hand is against them, they
become more than commonly savage and ferocious,
and lose that fear and respect for the human form
divine usually entertained by carnivorous animals ;
but even admitting this to be the case, the difficulty
is not altogether cleared up.

Amongst other instances adduced by Gerard, or
his critic, of the extraordinary bravery of the Al-
gerian lion, is the fact of Iris having been known
" calmly to brave forty muskets levelled at his noble
head." A great proof of courage, no doubt, but
surely it was equalled, if not surpassed, on the occa-
sion mentioned by Gordon Curnming, of a lion facing
not only forty, but two-hundred-and-fifty armed
men ; and had they not taken the alarm and hastily

MAGNANIMITY OF THE LIDX. --'•'

retreated, it would, in all probability, have " charged"
the cowardly crew. Then again, as shown in these
pages, the South African lion has, in many instances,
been known to carry off men from the bivouac fire,
when surrounded by many companions, and that in
spite of numerous shots and firebrands hurled at his
head.

I have also great doubts as to the Algerine lion
being superior in size and power to the South
African ; but as, unfortunately, neither the dimen-
sions of the beast nor its weight seem to have been
taken with any great accuracy in either country,
this point must be left undecided.

We will now speak of the lion's magnanimity,
which, from time immemorial, has been cried up to
the skies by poets and others. We are told, for
instance, that he has been known to despise weak and
contemptible enemies, and even to pardon their in-
sults when it has been in hi? power to punish them,
while we all know by heart the stories of the Lion of
Androcles, and that of Florence. These relations
may be true or false, but with that I have little to
do. All I know is that, during my long wanderings
in Southern Africa, nothing in the shape of noble--
ness of disposition on the part of the lion ever cam"
under the notice of either myself or anyone else,
whether native or colonist, with whom 1 eame into
contact. That he docs not always kill the man lui
stands over (even though previously wounded by
him), and consequently at his mercy, is perfectly
true, but to assign a cause for this, his seemingly-
capricious conduct, appears to me not only difficult,
but impossible.

230 THE LION.

That the lion may not be so bloody-minded as
some other carnivorous animals — the fox, for in-
stance, who when in the hen-roost not imfrequently
whisks off the heads of most of the inmates — is also
perfectly true ; for, as elsewhere said, he only kills
when hungry, or when attacked, but never for the
mere pleasure of killing ; but let his stomach be
empty, more especially in the night-time, and if
man or beast crosses his path, be assured he will
show no mercy. The Arabs, indeed, who are well
acquainted with his disposition, have the adage : —
" When thou settest off on a journey never go alone,
and always arm thyself as if thou wert going to meet
a lion."

Though the world at large considers the lion a
scourge, and one that it is desirable to get rid of by
every possible means, yet, strange to say, certain
of the Bushmen and other natives of Southern
Africa look upon the beast rather as a benefactor
than otherwise.* To those men he performs the
same part as the iackal is said to do to the lion,

I U '

* In certain parts of the African continent, indeed, the lion would
seem to be actually protected, so to say, and that for a singular
reason. "There are also," says Dr. Livingston, when traversing
countries bordering the Portuguese settlement on the West Coast,
"a great many lions and hyenas, and there is no check upon the
increase of the former, for the people, believing that the souls of
chiefs enter into them, never attempt to kill them ; they even believe
that the chief may metamorphose himself into a lion, kill any one he
chooses, and then return to the human form. Therefore when they
sec one they commence clapping their hands, which is the usual
mode of salutation here. The consequence is that lions and hyenas
are so abundant, that we see little huts made in trees, indicating the
places where some of the inhabitants have slept when benighted in
tin..- field.-,."

THE LION A BENEFACTOR. 231

viz., he acts as their provider; for, watching the
movements of the beast, they are frequently enabled,
as it is said, to possess themselves of such portions of
his victim as he may not have had time or inclination
to devour, or, it may be, of the carcase whilst still
intact.

On a certain occasion, I myself was an eye-
witness to an act of this description.

Returning somewhat late one very dark night
from Mr. Rath's house to our encampment, I was
suddenly startled by sounds of the most painful
description, not unlike the stifled groanings of a
person who is on the point of drowning. It at once
struck me that the lions had surprised some unfor-
tunate native whilst lying in ambush near the water
for wild animals that came there to drink. Whilst
listening in anxious suspense to the wailings in
question — which gradually became more and more
faint — there reached me from another quarter a
confused sound of human voices and of hurried
footsteps. This only tended to confirm my first
impression; but, from the impenetrable darkness,
1 could not ascertain anything with certainty. Being
unable, however, to endure the suspense any longer,
and regardless of the danger to which I exposed
myself, I caught up my fowling-piece, which hap-
pened to be loaded with ball, and sol out in the
direction whence the wailings — now fast dying
away — proceeded.

1 had not gone very far before I fell in with a
number of natives, who were hastening in the
same direction as myself.

232 THE LI OX.

My road, for the most part, lay through a dense
tamarisk coppice, and it was surprising to me how
I ever managed to thread the labyrinth. The hope
of saving human life, however, enabled mo to over-
come all obstacles. I might have been three or
four minutes in the brake, when, on coming to a
small opening, I suddenly encountered, and all but
stumbled over, a large black mass lying at my feet;
whilst, close to ray car, I heard the twang of a
bow-string, and the whizzing of an arrow. At the
same moment, and within a very few paces of where
I stood, I was startled by the terrific roar of a lion,
which seemed to shake the ground beneath me.

O

This was immediately followed by a savage and
exulting cry of triumph from a number of the na-
tives.

Having recovered from my surprise, I found that
the dark object that had nearly upset me was one
of the natives stooping over a dead zebra, which
the lion had just killed, and I then learnt, for the
first time, to my great astonishment as well as re-
lief, that the wailings which had caused me so much
uneasiness, and which 1 imagined were those of a
dying man, had proceeded from this poor animal.

The design of the natives, who, from the first,
I take it, well knew what they were about, was
simply to possess themselves of the zebra, in which
they had fully succeeded. Whilst some busied them-
selves in lighting a fire, the rest joined in a sort of
war-dance round the carcase, accompanied by the
most wild and fantastic gestures, totally disregard-
ing the proximity of the lion, who had only re-

STUIKINC; SCE.NE. o-

treated a few paces. As the fire began to blaze,
indeed, we could distinctly see him pacing to and
iro amongst the bushes on the edge of the river's

O O

bank.

He, moreover, forcibly reminded us of his pre-
sence by cruelly lacerating a small dog belonging
to one of the party, which had incautiously ap-
proached him t»o closely. By a slight touch of
his murderous paw he ripped up its body from head
to foot; but, notwithstanding that its entrails dragged
on the ground, the poor creature managed to crawl
to our lire, where it breathed its last in the course
of a few seconds. It was a most touching sight to
see the faithful animal wagging its tail in recogni-
tion of its master, who was trying to replace the
intestines, and to stop the flow of blood.

The savage features of the natives, which received
an unnaturally wild character as the glare of the
half-blazing tire fell upon them; the dving dog,
with its wild master stooping despondingly over
him; the mutilated carcase of the zebra; and the
presence of the lion, within a few paces of us, pre-
sented one of the most striking scenes it, was ever
my fortune to witness.

Delegorgue, also, testifies to the fact of the natives
of particular districts looking on the lion rather as
a blessing than a curse.

" People," he says, " who, by reason of disastrous
wars, are compelled to live on the produce of the
ground, or those who, like the Bushmen, exist
solely by the chase, are far from showing hatred to
the lion. To these he is in no way hurtful ; but,

234 THE LION.

on the contrary, in many respects useful. In truth,
from the manner in which these men hunt, which
insures neither certain nor great results, they are
often compelled to seek their subsistence in woods.
The lion leaves after him ample fragments, which
are by no means to be despised ; and every morn-
ing these are indicated by the vultures, who are
sure pilots. The cloaks of most of the Mahaschee
are made of the skins of the beast's victims, which
are rendered supple by means of the marrow ex-
tracted from their bones; whilst the men themselves
feed on the flesh. Hence these people shewed no
desire to assist mo in ridding the country of their
formidable neighbours, whose services they prized."
Then again, it is said, the lion is a benefactor in
this way ; that, were he not to keep down the nu-
merous granivorous animals that roam over the
boundless savannahs of Southern Africa, little herb-
age would remain for the cattle bclono-ing to the

o o o

colonists and natives. On this subject, Delegorgue
expresses himself very strongly.

" in point of fact," such are his words, " the
lion in these wilds is of incontestable utility, and I
prove it thus : that if from Drakensberg, the source
of the Vaal River, to the tropic of Capricorn, not a
lion existed, it is very certain that the herds of
gnoos and quaggas, already far too numerous, would
multiply in a frightful proportion. It would require
only ten years, and the pastoral people would not find
a blade of grass for their cattle .... There were
so many lions when I crossed from the Elands
River to the Vaal River, that almost every day we

EAVAGES OF THE LION IN ALGERTA. 235

saw several ; and nearly every night they attempted
to carry off our cattle. Nevertheless, their num-
bers proved insufficient to fulfil their mission, as
was exemplified by the fact that during the six
successive days I journeyed before reaching the Vaal
River my cattle were unable to find the least green
herbage. This was in the winter time, when every-
thing had been cropped off by the gnoos and
quaggas, whose mouths and teeth had literally
shaved the turf; and not an inch of ground was to
l)e seen whereon there was not the impress of a
foot. Indeed, where the soil was light and dry,
their feet had so broken up the ground, that it
almost resembled land under tillage."

" It follows," Delegorguo goes on to say, " that
had there not been lions to diminish the number
of granivorous wild animals, not only would the
Caffirs have been unable to find pasture for their
cattle, but the gnoos and quaggas — supposing
that emigration had been denied them — -would have
perished in masses from inanition."

Whatever may be the case in Southern Africa,
in the Northern portion of that continent, in
Algeria at least, the lion cannot surely be looked
on as a benefactor ; for although the number of
those beasts in that country is supposed l>v
Gerard not to exceed thirtv, vet the ravages they
commit amongst the cattle are something unheard
of. It, is calculated, indeed, as we learn from the
same authority, " that in Algeria alone, the lion
levies a tax on the Arabs ten times heavier than
the tribute they pay to the Frencli Government,

236 THE LION. .

that each lion kills cattle of all sorts to the animal
value of £300, and that in the course of the
beast's life his keep costs the ' Douars ' on
which he preys, eight thousand pounds."

If, therefore, the question be put to the natives
of Algeria as to whether they look on the lion as
a benefit or the contrary, I imagine there will be no
difficulty in divining their reply.

THE ELEPHANT.

Till: AFRICAN ELEPHANT.

CHAPTER I.

COUNTRIES IN WHICH THE ELEPHANT IS FOUND— TWO VARIETIES
— DIFFERENCE OF THE INDIAN AND AFRICAN SPECIES— COLOUR,
HEIGHT, AND WEIGHT— THE PROBOSCIS— THE TUSKS— CARE WITH
WHICH THE ELEPHANT GUARDS ITS TRUNK — DENTITION — MOVE-
MENTS AND PACE — WHEELING ABOUT— ENORMOUS WEIGHT OF
THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT— THE SPOOR.

" The Greek shall corao against tbo conqueror of the East,
By bis side there stalks to battle the huge earth-shaking beast,
The beast on whom the castle with all its guards does stand,
The beast that has between his eyes the serpent for a wand."
MACAULAY'S " LATS OF ANCIENT ROME." — The Prophecy of Cuss.

I

T is somewhat singular that, notwithstanding our
acquaintance from very remote ages with this

" The wisest of brutes, with gentle mind endowed,
Though powerful, not destructive,"

our knowledge of its habits, manners, and natural
history, in general, should be still so imperfect;
and though much of what I am about to relate
of this most interesting animal may be a " twice-
told tale," it is still to be hoped the reader will
find not only amusement, but matter that may not
previously have met his eye.

The elephant inhabits many countries extending
over an immense area, but there are only two known

240 THE ELEPHANT.

species in existence, namely, the African (Loxodonta
Africana), and the Indian (ElepJias Maximus, Lin.}.

As regards Africa, the elephant is found through-
out all the more central portions of that vast Con-
tinent, as high up, at least, as Abyssinia. Its limits
to the southward would appear to be about the
32nd degree of latitude. Little more than a century
ago it was an inhabitant of the Cape Colony,
where, by all accounts, the breed is now extinct.
Thuuberg, in his second journey into Caffraria, in
1773, informs us, indeed, that he met with a man
who told him " that in his younger days the elephant
was very numerous in the Dutch possessions, even
to near Cape Town itself; that in travelling to and
from that place one might kill great numbers of
them ; that he himself had often shot from four to
five in a day, and sometimes twelve or thirteen ; and
that twice in his life, when he was out in pursuit of
those animals, he had shot with his own gun twenty-
two each day."

Sparman says " that, in the country near the
Cape, elephants are sometimes seen in large herds,
consisting of many hundreds; and that, in the more
remote and unfrequented parts of the interior, they
are still more numerous."

Indeed, since the introduction of fire-arms, the
increased value of the tusks, and the esteem in
which the flesh of the elephant is held by the
natives, who slaughter both females and young
without mercy, the number of these animals, as
regards Southern Africa, would seem to be every-
where rapidly decreasing; and if the destruction

T'lE AFRICAN AND THE INDIAN ELEPHANT. 241

should continue in the same ratio as of late years,
the period of their final annihilation may not be
very far distant.

Two varieties of elephant are said to be peculiar
to Southern Africa; and some even seem to con-
sider them as distinct species. Thus Mr. Oswell,
who has had great experience in these matters, and
who has hunted both on the Limpopo and the
Zouga rivers, tells me " that the elephant of the
former locality is of large proportions, with small
tusks, whilst that of the latter is a comparatively
small animal, but has very heavy tusks." My own
imperfect knowledge of and acquaintance with this
animal, tends to corroborate the theory of the most
ivory being found in small, but of course full grown,
elephants.

But the African and the Indian elephant not only
differ widely in their habits, but are distinguished by
peculiarities of form.

One of the leading characteristics of the African
species is its ears, which arc not only of a some-
what different shape from the Indian, but of an
immensely superior size, covering the whole shoulder,
descending to the legs, and overlapping the neck,
" to the utter exclusion of the Mahout," as Captain
Harris truly observes. Of the great size of these
appendages, some idea may be formed from the fact
that, when a full-grown bull-elephant advances in
full charge with his ears cocked, his head measures
about fourteen feet from the tip of one car to that
of the other, in a direct line across the forehead.
Then, again, the head of the Indian species is

R

242 THE ELEPHANT.

perfectly distinct from that of the African. The
forehead of the former, when held in the natural
position of inaction, is perpendicular; and above
the slight convexity at the root of the trunk, there
is a depression, in shape like a herald's shield ; a
bullet in the lower portion of that shield would
reach the brain in a direct line. The head of the
African elephant is completely convex from the com-
mencement of the trunk to the back of the skull,
and the brain is situated much lower than that of
the Indian species ; the bone is of a denser quality,
and the cases for the reception of the tusks are so
closely parallel that there is barely room for a
bullet to find a chance of penetrating to the brain ;
it must be delivered in the exact centre, and ex-
tremely low, in the very root of the trunk ; even
then it will frequently pass above the brain, as the
animal generally carries his head high, and thrown
slightly back.

Hence, though a forehead-shot at an Indian ele-
phant, as testified to by several celebrated Indian
sportsmen of my acquaintance, is almost certain
death, yet to the African species the chances are
that not one bullet out of twenty, though it may
stagger him for an instant, or even cause him to
deviate from his course, will prove fatal. That such
is the fact was strikingly exemplified by Sir Samuel
Baker, who tells us that, though he on one occasion
lodged three successive balls from a heavily loaded
and large-bored rifle in the forehead of a charging
elephant (one of them when the creature was at
only some four paces distance), they had no other

PECULIARITIES OP THE TWO SPECIES. 24o

effect than somewhat to bewilder him, and cause
him momentarily to stay his headlong course. And
that the shots in question were well directed, was
shown after the death of the animal, " when the
three balls were found lodged so close together as

O O

only to occupy a space of about three inches."

Elsewhere, Sir Samuel says, " It was only in a
single instance that I succeeded in slaying an Afri-
can elephant with a front shot, although I have
steadily tried the experiment on several occasions."

Then, again, the back of the Indian elephant is
exceedingly convex, whilst that of the African is
exactly the reverse, and the concavity behind the
shoulder is succeeded by a peculiarity in the sudden
rise of the spine above the hips.

The African elephant is, besides, superior in
height, by a foot or more, to the average of the
Indian ; and both sexes are armed with formidable
tusks, with which weapons females of the last-
named species are not always, I believe, provided ;
or, if so, they are of comparatively diminutive
size.

The teeth of the African elephant, moreover,
differ materially from those of the Indian by con-
taining a lesser number of Iamino3 or plates, the
surfaces of which, instead of exhibiting straight and
parallel lines like those of the Indian, are shaped
in slight curves, which increase the power of
grinding.

The two species differ, not only in certain pecu-
liarities of form, but in their habits. The Indian
elephant, for example, dislikes the sun, and in-

ii 2

244 THE ELEPHANT.

variably retreats to thick shady forests at sunrise,
whereas the African species often enjoy themselves
in the burning sun during the hottest hours of the
day, amongst plains of withered grass many miles
from a jungle.

Again, the African elephant is a more decided
tree-feeder than the Indian, and the destruction
caused by these animals in a mimosa forest, as
will be shown hereafter, almost exceeds credence.

The African species is also more active than the
Indian in its movements, and more capable of
enduring the fatigue of long marches, as proved by
the distance it at times travels in search of food.

Of the two species, it is by far the most
dangerous, the forehead-shot, as I have shown,
being never to be depended on. The hunter must,
therefore, await the charge with the conviction that
the bullet will fail to kill.

The skin of the African elephant is of a tawny
colour ; but, owing to the animal's constant habit
of wallowing in the mire, its hide is generally
so begrimed with dirt that its real hue is hardly
discernible.

The average height of a full-grown male may be
taken at from eleven to twelve feet, which is about
a foot higher than the Indian ; but still larger are
occasionally killed. Indeed, if I remember right,
the late Sir Coruwallis Harris shot one in Abyssinia
that measured fourteen feet at the shoulder.
The female is considerably smaller then the male.
The weight of the animal seems never to have been
accurately ascertained ; but it must be from three
to four tons.

THE TRUNK. 245

Scientifically to describe so well-known an animal
as the elephant, would be worse than superfluous ;
and I shall therefore confine myself to speaking of its
more striking features.

The most remarkable of these, probably, is its
proboscis, or trunk, which is composed of mem-
branes, nerves, and muscles, and, in a full-grown
male, is some eight feet in length, and about five
feet in circumference at the base. Indeed, of all
the instruments which nature has liberally bestowed
on her most favoured productions, it is, perhaps,
the most complete, and from time immemorial
has commanded the admiration of all who have
witnessed its remarkable power. Cicero calls it,
by a bold figure of speech, " the elephant's hand."
Lucretius, even more expressively, describes it by
the word anguimanus, the snake hand; and the
Caffre, when he kills an elephant, approaches the
trunk with superstitious awe, and, cutting it off,
solemnly inters it, repeatedly exclaiming, " The
elephant is a great lord, and the trunk is his
hand."

It is an organ of both feeling and motion. The
animal can not only move and bond it, but can con-
tract, lengthen, and turn it in every direction. The
trunk is terminated by an extremely flexible pro-
longation of the muscles, destined to sei/o whatever
the animal desires. This may be considered his
finger, and opposed to it is a sort of thumb, which
enables him to hold fast the object which he wishes
to take up. Between the two are the nostrils. The
parts in question are equally flexible, and as capable

246 THE ELEPHANT.

of holding objects as the fingers of a man. He
lifts from the ground the smallest piece of money ;
he selects herbs and flowers, and gathers them one
by one ; he unties knots of rope, opens and shuts
gates, and, with his trunk, he grasps any body to
which it is applied so firmly that no force can tear
it from his gripe.

As an organ of touch, the proboscis of the
elephant is exquisitely fine. Elephants sometimes
go blind, and, under that privation, the poor animal
can, not only collect its food and discriminate its
quality by means of this wonderful instrument, but
travel, without much difficulty, over irregular ground,
avoiding lumps and hollows, and stepping over
ditches. The creature, under such circumstances,
rarely touches the ground with his trunk ; but, pro-
jecting it forward as far as possible, lets the finger,
which is coiled inward to protect the nostrils, skim
along the surface, to the inequalities of which it
adjusts itself with wonderful exactness.

With this organ the elephant collects his food,
liquid as well as solid. lie has no power to
apply his mouth (with the single exception of the
mode in which the young elephant sucks) to the
food to be taken ; and, therefore, whether he gather
the supply below or above his head, the substance is
introduced into his mouth by the inward flexure of
the trunk.

Under these circumstances, it is little surprising
that the elephant, whether in a state of nature or
under the control of man, should invariably keep
this invaluable member as much out of harm's way

IMPORTANCE OF THE TRUNK. 247

as possible. If he is attacked by a lion, or other
•wild beast, he carries his trunk as high in the air as
he can, and if this delicate organ is in the slightest
degree injured, the animal becomes \vild with rage
and terror. The instinct by which the creature de-
fends and preserves this precious instrument is in
proportion to its paramount importance. Mr.
Williamson saw an elephant whose trunk had been
cut through with a bill-hook, and though the wound
was healed the animal was perfectly helpless — un-
able to procure its own food, and incapable of tra-
velling without danger, lie was fed with bundles
of grass, which were put into his mouth ; had
he been in a state of nature he must have
perished.

An affecting example of the instinct with which
the elephant preserves his trunk was exhibited in the
death of the poor animal which was burnt in Dublin.
The author of the anatomical account says : —
" Doubtless the elephant's care to preserve his pro-
boscis was great; for, when we dissected him, MV
found it thrust near two feet into r.crtj lianl <jronii<l ;
upon which account wo thought it had been burnt
till the head was divided from the body, and then
we found it kept fast by the proboscis."

The elephant is extremely cautious of using his
trunk as a weapon. It is on his formidable tusks
that he chiefly relics, whether acting on the otfen-
sive or defensive; but he will not unfrequcutly throw
clods and stones with his trunk at objects which he
dislikes. Elephants often thus attack hogs, casting
these missiles with tolerable force and precision

248 THE ELEPHANT.

This fact is a confirmation of B usher's account of
the animal playing at ball. One of the elephants in
the Jardin des Plantes is extremely expert at playing
with a log of wood, which it often does to the
great amusement of the crowd.

The tusks of the elephant, another of its striking
features, which not only serve it as weapons of offence
or defence, as the case may be, but enable it to ob-
tain a large portion of its sustenance, are deeply
imbedded in the upper jaw of the skull, on either
side of the trunk. Nearly one-third of their whole
length is occupied by the sockets, which, as long as
the teeth continue to grow, are very thin. When
this is no longer the case, the sides of the hollow
become somewhat more solid, whilst the pulp is
gradually absorbed. Thus, in old female elephants,
it has been observed that the sockets were nearly
filled up with ivory, and it is a great wonder
how the animals were able to balance or retain
them.

The tusks of the female African elephant are, as
I have said, comparatively small, averaging probably
not more than twelve or fifteen pounds each ; the
largest I ever heard of did not weigh more than
twenty-nine pounds. Those of a full-grown male
are occasionally many times heavier. During my
visit to Lake Ngami, I saw several varying from
eighty to one hundred pounds each ; and I
have been given to understand that, both on the
cast and west coasts of Africa, tusks exceeding: one

' O

hundred poundsjarcjijyja^^ The

aggregate weight of two tusks of a _male elephant

THE TUSKS. 249

killed by Mr. Oswoll was two hundred and twenty-
four pounds ; near to the point of their [nsertion in
the head they measured twenty-threejjaches in girth,
whilst their length along the curve was seven feet,
eleven inches. The tusks of another shot by a Boer
on the Mariqua River were still larger, weighing no
less than three hundred and three pounds. Gordon
Gumming speaks of one in his collection as mea-
suring ten feet nine inches in length along the
curve, and one hundred and seventy-three pounds
in weight. Methuen makes mention of a still finer
tusk, its perpendicular length being eleven feet, six
inches ; and Hartenfels, in his " Elephantographia,"
speaks of one exceeding fourteen feet. But, enor-
mous as are the above dimensions, they are
as nothing in comparison with a tusk that, ac-
cording to Klokner, was sold at Amsterdam, the
weight of which was three hundred and fifty
pounds.*

As a rule, I would remark, short tusks are
weightier in proportion than long ones. 1 once
shot a comparatively young male elephant, the
tusks of which, notwithstanding their being broken
off at the points, and that neither protruded above
six or seven inches beyond the lips, weighed forty-
three and fifty-seven pounds, respectively. Had
they been perfect, and fully developed, my firm
impression is they would have exceeded one hundred
and fifty pounds each.

The formation of the tusks is very irregular,

* Is it not possible that this tusk belonged to a defunct species of
elephant — the so-called Mammoth-tusks, of which naturalists tell us,
have been known to weigh upwards of four hundred pounds each.

250 THE ELEPHANT.

but those which project horizontally, arching gradu-
ally upwards, and tapering to a point, are con-
sidered the handsomest. It is by no means easy,
however, to obtain two perfect teeth from the same
animal, for although they may originally have been
well-formed (which is not always the case) they are
often broken off, either at the point, or even close
to the sockets. The injury is supposed to have
been inflicted by the animals when in play, or when
pushing their tusks into the ground in search of
large succulent bulbs, or in tearing up the roots of
trees in order to be enabled to browse on the young
shoots and boughs. It may even be the result of
the determined and savage battles that take place
between males, fragments of strange tusks, as
elsewhere shewn, having occasionally been found
imbedded, not only in the heads, but in the bodies of
elephants.

In one instance, indeed, and the fact is perfectly
«/ well authenticated, " a piece of ivory, weighing
twenty-two pounds, was discovered in the stomach
of an old bull-elephant that was shot on the
Sharkakee E-iver by Jacque, Slekanen, and other
respectable and well-known hunters belonging to
Kruman, the missionary station of the Reverend
Mr. Moffatt. This animal had a large wound in
the side, which had closed up, and he had for
some time past stuck to the locality. He was
well known to the natives, two or three of
whom he had already killed in the most unprovoked
manner,, charging them at first sight. In like
manner he charged some ten or a dozen hunters

ELEPHANTS WITH ONE TUSK.

251

three times before they got a fair shot at him, arid
this without trumpeting, or the least warning. It
was well known to the natives living in that locality
that ho had fought with, and been wounded by,
another elephant, so that, for some time, ho showed
signs of weakness, from which, however, he gradually
recovered, and was at length killed by tho Kruman
hunters on the highway between tho Vie Falls and
Linganti, where ho molested almost every traveller
that passed. Upwards of two hundred shots
had been fired at this beast, and then the hunters
abandoned him in despair ; but next day he was
found dead."

The natives of India arc said to distinguish
elephants by tho shape of their tusks. Thus
they have "Putterig" (a bed or cot); "Soor"
(a hog) ; " Ankoos" (a crook), and so forth, accord-
ing to the resemblance of the tusk to these several
objects. In order, moreover, to make tho tusks
grow thicker, or perhaps for the sake of uniformity,
they (the natives of India) cut off portions of the
tusks of the living animals whilst young.

Elephants having only one tusk, without even tho
rudiments of another, are occasionally met with in
Southern Africa. When this is tho caso, the tusk,
the natives assure me, is invariably of an enormous
size. An animal of this kind (the tusk must also
be of a particular shape) is highly prized by tho
Hindoo Princes, by whom it is kept in stato, and
worshipped as a divinity. Tho Hindoo God of
Wisdom (Gancsa) is represented with a head like an
elephant, with only one tooth.

252 THE ELEP1IANT.

Many people profess to be able to judge of the
age of the elephant by his tusks ; but to my notions
they are a very uncertain criterion. In this opinion
I am borne out by my friend, Frederick Green, who
has probably killed as many of those animals as any
man in Southern Africa. In a note to me he says :

" I do not think, as a general rule, that the age
of the elephant can be ascertained by the size and
solidity of his tusks ; for instance, a large bull may
be observed with very small tusks. From the
appearance of the latter before they are taken out of
the head, he would be set down as a young elephant,
but one is surprised to find that the tusks are very
solid, or with a very small hollow in the root ; he is
then looked on as an old bull. On the other hand,
an elephant, similar in proportions, is shot with an
immense pair of tusks, say ninety, or even one
hundred, pounds each — a rare occurrence in this
part of Africa, I grant. He is of course termed a
very old bull, but when these tusks are examined
they are found to be very hollow, and, if solid in the
same proportion as the others, would perhaps attain
a weight of a hundred and twenty or thirty pounds.
I have remarked this on many occasions, both in
elephants killed and in tusks bartered. Again, a
large bull is frequently to be met with having
ridiculously small tusks, perhaps not exceeding
fourteen or sixteen pounds weight, and at the same
time very hollow. I remember a case in point
whilst hunting in the Omuramba-Omtaka. I was
returning home, having killed a large bull, when I
suddenly encountered two other bulls standing

SIZE OP TilE TUSKS. 253

under some large trees. I approached within thirty
paces, unobserved by them. One had his head
towards me, and I distinctly saw that he had a
large pair of tusks, I should think about sixty
pounds each. The other was broadside on, his head
partly concealed by the trees, but there was no mis-
taking the size of the two elephants, the latter being
much the larger of the two. I accordingly selected
him, and killed him ; but to my disgust, I found
his tusks absurdly small. I remember perfectly the
weight of these tusks, as I put them on the steel-
yards when they reached the waggon, and the two
weighed twenty-one pounds — eleven and ten each.
I do not believe, as some hunters have asserted,
that, as a general rule, the smaller bulls have the
larger tusks. The largest-tusked elephants which I
have killed, have been, with one or two exceptions,
the largest elephants, and several shot in the Mat-
tabili country, by my brother and self, were gigantic
in their proportions."

Somewhat corroborative of my friend's theory as
to the difficulty of judging the ago of the elephant
by the size of his tusks, I may mention that L re-
member once killing a bull, the tusks of which, not-
withstanding the stupendous si/e of the animal,
who measured twenty-six feet from foot to foot
across the shoulder, only weighed about one hun-
dred and thirty pounds.

The tusks, it is to be observed, arc very firmly
embedded in the elephant's skull, of which, indeed,
they would seem to form a portion, for, though they
may break, they can never be extracted from it during

254 THE ELEPHANT.

the animal's lifetime. It is owing to the tenacity with
which they hold fast to the jaw that the elephant is
enabled to obtain the chief part of its food, viz., suc-
culent bulbs, which it finds in the arid plains, and the
leaves, branches, and roots of trees ; for in the
event of the upper part of the latter being beyond
the reach of the creature's proboscis, it drives one of
its tusks (seldom or never both), in the manner of a
crowbar, under the roots of the tree, and, using it
as a lever, quickly succeeds in overthrowing it, the
sooner, as the mimosa, on which it chiefly feeds, has
no tap-root. But in this rough work the tusk is
not unfrequently broken.

Another remarkable instance, showing how firmly
the tusks are imbedded in the skull of the elephant,
is related by Gordon Gumming, who, when speaking
of a huge brute that he had mortally wounded,
says : —

" Just as the pangs of death came over him, he
stood trembling violently beside a thorny tree, and
kept pouring water from his trunk into his mouth
until he died, when he pitched heavily forward, with
the whole weight of his fore-quarters resting on the
points of his tusks. He lay in this posture for
several seconds, but the amazing pressure of the
carcase was more than the head was able to sup-
port ; he had fallen with his head so short under
him, that the tusks received little assistance from
his legs. Something must give way : the strain on
the mighty tusks was fair; they did not, therefore,
yield ; but the portion of his head in which the
tusks were imbedded, extending a long way above

DENTITION. 255

the eye, yielded, and burst with a muffled crash.
The tusks were thus free, and turned right round
in his head, so that a man could draw them out,
and the carcase fell over and rested on its side.
This was a very first-rate elephant, and the tusks
he carried were long and perfect."

It is not always, however, that the tusks will
stand a similar strain to this, as evidenced by what
the author just quoted tells us when describing the
conclusion of an elephant-hunt : —

"These two shots wound up the proceedings;
for, on receiving them, the animal backed stern fore-
most into the cover, and soon afterwards I heard
him fall over heavily — but, alas ! the sound was ac-
companied by a sharp crack, and, on running for-
ward, I found him lying dead, with his lovely tusk,
which lay under, snapped through the middle."

Dentition in the elephant is very curious and
interesting. Besides the tusks, which correspond
to the canine teeth in other quadrupeds, he has only
grinders — the incisors, or cutting-teeth, being en-
tirely absent. The total number of grinders con-
sists of from twenty to twenty-three teeth, or rather
lamina, in each side of either jaw ; but, from t lie whole
being enclosed in a bony case, theyhavo the appear-
ance of forming only a single tooth or grinder. A very
great number of years are supposed to be requisite
for the full development of a set of grinders ; indeed
they may be said never to bo completed, for, as one
set gradually wears away another is forming, a pro-
cess which continues to the end of life. They are
never supplied from beneath (as in animals in

256 THE ELEPHANT.

general), but from behind, from which circumstance
they are not shed. Even the milk-grinders, which
are four in number (one grinder in each side of
either jaw), are completed soon after birth, and are
said to cut in about eight or ten days.

Only one other animal, the wild hog of Guinea
(Sus JEtldopicus) , is believed to possess this pecu-
liar advantage ; and, as the completion of a case of
grinders requires a great number of years, it may
be inferred that it is an animal of great lon-
gevity. The structure of the tusks, moreover, of
this species of wild boar resembles that of the
elephant.

When about five or six months old, the milk-
tusks (which are never large) of the young
elephant cut the gum. Between its first and second
year these are again shed, and, soon afterwards,
the permanent ones make their appearance. Like
the palm amongst trees, and the horns of certain
animals, the tusks of the elephant receive their in-
crease internally from a kind of core or pulp, in the
shape of circular layers of ivory. If the period ne-
cessary for the completion of one of these lamince
could be ascertained, a tolerably fair guess as to
the age of the animal might be formed.

The usual pace of the elephant, when undis-
turbed, is a bold, free, sweeping walk. From the
spongy formation of his foot, his tread is exceedingly
light and quite inaudible; all his movements are
attended with a peculiar gentleness and grace ; his
whole appearance, when roaming in his native wilds,
is exceedingly grave and imposing.

PACE. 257

His fastest walk is about equal to tlie steady jog
trot of a man. When pushed, he assumes a kind
of ambling pace, which, in fleetness, is equal to a
gallop. He goes forward with ease and celerity ;
but — if English naturalists are to be credited —
" turns himself round with great difficulty, and that
'not without taking a pretty large circuit."

The latter statement may, possibly, bo in part
true of the Indian species, but certainly not of the
African, which, as I myself can testify, is by no
means slow in wheeling about when beset by ene-
mies. To show that this is the case, I can-
not do better than quote the experiences of Sir
Samuel Baker, who, when describing a hunt at
which he himself was present, and in which three na-
tives on foot attempted to hamstring an enraged
bull-elephant, says, — " The creature turned himself
round, as if on a pivot, with extreme quickness, and
charged headlong, first at one and then at the other
of his assailants, who, though they were as active
as monkeys, found it impossible to get behind him,
and thus attain their purpose."

The speed of the elephant is not very great, no-
thing like that of the horse ; but from the length of
his legs and body he is enabled to get pretty quickly
over the ground. In sandy districts, however, his
broad feet give him an advantage over the horse ;
for, while the latter sinks to the depth of several
inches at every step, the foot-prints of the elephant
are hardly perceptible.

Speaking on this subject, Mr. Moodie, the Afri-
can settler, when describing the tragic death of one

s

258 THE ELEPHANT.

of his party by an infuriated elephant, says : " The
quickest pace of the animal is a trot, and I observed
that the legs of the large male, which caught the
man, moved as fast as those of a horse when trot-
ting. I had afterwards the curiosity to measure
the distance between the prints of the elephant's
feet, and found that it was about nine feet where
he ran with the greatest speed in pursuit of his vic-
tim. This elephant did not exceed ten feet in
height." After ascertaining the number of steps a
horse usually takes in any given time whilst trot-
ting, and the length of each step, Moodie goes on
to say, " We may easily calculate the comparative
speed of an elephant with tolerable accuracy."

The strength of the African elephant is enormous.
On a certain occasion, I myself saw a huge male,
in his gambols, crush to the ground, at one and
the same time, three lofty trees, the stems of which
were from eight to ten inches in diameter. The feat
appeared to be accomplished partly by the weight
of his ponderous body, and partly by main force ;
for, twisting his proboscis round the trees, he leaned
obliquely forward, and the next instant the splin-
tered trunks were prostrated, and deeply buried in
the sandy soil. On another occasion, I had lodged
a ball in the most deadly part of an elephant's
shoulder, when the poor brute, in his death agonies,
encircled four tall acacias of equal size to the trees
just spoken of, and presently afterwards sank to
the ground amid a mass of broken boughs and
timber.

AVhen speaking of the " spoor," or track, of

A POWERFUL SWIMMER. 259

the elephant, my friend, Green, remarks, " As with
most other elephant-hunters, I, at one time, enter-
tained the impression that a deep-rutted ' spoor '
was a sure indication of an old bull; but T now
find it no criterion whatever. Many young bulls
have deeper rutted soles to their feet than old ones.
I think it entirely depends on the nature of the soil
of the country they are accustomed to ; for in-
stance : if a sandy soil, their ruts will be found very
deep and rough ; but if, on the contrary, a stony
country, they will be the reverse ; in some cases,
indeed, worn completely smooth. If, contrary to
this rule, an elephant be killed in a sandy country,
with the soles of his feet smooth, then he is
sure to have lately left a strange district, and
vice versa."

The elephant is a capital swimmer, and takes to
the water freely when in search of food. He swims
deep ; so much so, indeed, that the end of his pro-
boscis only is out of the water. With this instru-
ment for breathing, however, he will fearlessly cross
the most mighty rivers of the African continent.

s 2

260

CHAPTER II.

VOICE OF THE ELEPHANT— SENSES — HEARING, SIGHT, AND SMELL
— NATURAL DISPOSITION — MUTUAL AFFECTION — CARRYING
WATER TO A WOUNDED COMRADE— SAGACITY — FLESH OF THE
ELEPHANT — THE FOOT— PROBOSCIS AND FAT — HIDE AND EAR —
IVORY — LONGEVITY.

fPHE elephant has an expressive organ of voice.
JL The sounds which he utters have been dis-
tinguished, by his Asiatic keepers, into three kinds.
The first, which is very shrill, and is produced by
blowing through his trunk, is indicative of pleasure;
the second, produced by the mouth, is a low note
expressive of want ; the third, proceeding from
the throat, is a terrific roar of anger or revenge.

The sense . of hearing in the elephant is very
acute. The structure of its ear has been investi-
gated with great accuracy by Sir Everard Home,
who has come to the conclusion that the elephant
hears sounds at a greater distance than other animals,
and particularly that his sense is more acute than
that of man. He illustrates his position by several
statements (too long for insertion in these pages),
which he gives on the authority of Mr. Corse.*

* Afterwards Mr. Corse Scott, formerly Superintendent of the
East India Company's elephants at Toperah, a province of Bengal.

NATURAL DISrOSITIOX. 2G1

The elephant's scent is also remarkably acute,
as is indicated, according to naturalists, by the
formation of the animal's head. To the acuteness
of this sense I myself can personally testify, and
my experiences are fully borne out by my friend,
Frederick Green, who, in a note to me, says : —

" Elephants will detect where a man may have
passed for many hours after, by the scent left with
the impression of his foot. I have also known
elephants to flee from man when at a distance of
three miles at least, having detected the presence
of the human species by their scent, the wind blowing
in this quarter at the time."

The eye of the elephant is unusually small. Its
comparatively diminutive size contributes to its
protection from injury amidst the bushes where
lie seeks his food, and it is provided with a nictating
membrane, by which he is enabled to free it from
all small noxious substances, such as broken leaves
and insects. Small as the eye is, it is by no means
an imperfect organ, although he cannot direct its
range above the level of the head.

The natural disposition of the elephant would
seem to be mild and docile, as may be partly in-
ferred from the great facility with which, after
capture, he may be domesticated. That he is so,
is a merciful as well as wise dispensation; for if
he had possessed a ferocity equal to his powers, he
must have exterminated a very large part of the
animal creation.

" Calm amid scenes of havoc, in his own
Huge strength impregnable, the Elephant

262 THE ELEPHANT.

Offendeth none ; but leads a qiiiet life
Among his own contemporary trees,
Till Nature lays him gently down to rest,
Beneath the palm which he was wont to make
His prop in slumber ; there his relics lie
Longer than life itself had dwelt within them.
Bees in the ample hollow of his skull
Fill their wax citadels, and store their honey ;
Thence sally forth to forage through the fields,
And swarm in emigrating legions thence ;
Then little burrowing animals throw up
Hillocks beneath the over-arching ribs ;
While birds within the spiral labyrinth
Contrive their nests."

The impression on the minds of many people,
indeed, is that the elephant is a harmless creature,
and that, as with the giraffe, it is almost a crime to
destroy him. That in countries where he is left
altogether undisturbed, he is peacefully inclined, not
only towards the brute creation, but to mankind, I
can readily believe ; but in those where he is subject
to molestation, he can hardly be said to retain his
innocuousness, as instances innumerable are on
record, both in Africa and elsewhere, of his attack-
ing travellers and others who have not offended
him in any way.

In India, indeed, it would appear that large male
elephants (there called fjoondalis, or saims) are not
seldom found wandering from the herd, whence the
natives believe they are driven as a punishment for
their ferocious excesses. These animals are a terror
to the district, as, without the slightest provocation,
they will attack every man, woman, or child that
chances to cross their path.

SAGACITY AND AFFECTION. 203

Even when domesticated, especially during the
love season, the elephant, according to Mr. Corse,
not uufrequently evinces blind fury, at least towards
his congeners. On one occasion this gentleman
saw a stately male elephant gore two smaller ones,
in the midst of the herd, in a terrific manner.
" When the poor animals were thrown down, con-
scious of their impending fate, they roared most
piteously ; but notwithstanding their prostrate
situation and submissive cries, he unfeelingly and
deliberately drove his tusks through them, and
transfixed them to the ground."

But whether or not the elephant be the harmless
creature he is represented by many, certain it is
that to the sportsman he is the most formidable of
all the beasts, the lion not excepted, that roam the
African wilds; and few there are who make the
pursuit of him a profession, that do not, sooner or
later, come to grief of some kind.

Elephants, at times, show much solicitude for,
and attachment to, each other, and many instances
are on record in which, when one of these animals
has been wounded and disabled, a comrade has
come to the rescue. A very affecting incident of
the kind is related by Moodie.

" On this occasion," says that gentleman, when
describing a hunt, " we witnessed a touching in-
stance of affection and sagacity in the elephant, which
deserves to be related, as it so clearly illustrates the
character of the noble animal. Seeing the danger
and distress of her mate, the female from which I
so narrowly escaped, regardless of her o\vu danger,

264 THE ELEPHANT.

quitted her shelter in the wood, rushed out to his
assistance, walked round and round him, chasing
away the assailants, and returning to his side
caressed him. Whenever he attempted to walk,
she placed her flank, or her shoulder, to his wounded
side, and supported him."

Again, the Bushmen and other natives assert,
that the elephant will carry water to a wounded
companion who may be at a long distance in the
" Weldt," and unable himself to procure that liquid
from the fountain. Incredible as this may seem,
yet from what my friend, Frederick Green, writes
me, there would really appear to be much truth in
the story. He says :

" A case came under my own notice when hunt-
ing in the Lake Regions in the year 1851, which
tends greatly to corroborate the Bushmen's state-
ment. Owing to my ammunition being expended,
I had been compelled to leave an elephant that was
crippled, besides having eleven wounds in his body,
some thirty miles from my waggons. In trying to
reach the encampment, I lost my way, and it was
not until the following day, after wandering about
the whole of the night, that I got there, and that
in a very exhausted state.

" As I felt confident the elephant in question
would die of his wounds, one leg being broken, I dis-
patched Bushmen after him, instead of going myself;
but they, not attending to my commands, remained
for two days beside an elephant killed by my after-
rider on a previous occasion. It was, therefore, not
until the fourth evening after I left this elephant that

KEMARKABLE STORY. 265

the Bushmen came up to him, which was not far
from where I had seen him last. What followed I
must give in their own words :

" ' They found him still alive and standing, but
unable to walk, owing to his leg being broken.
They slept near him, thinking he might die during
the night ; but at an early hour after dark they
heard another elephant at a distance, apparently
calling, as he was answered by the wounded one.
The calls and answers continued until the stranger
came up, and they saw him giving the wounded one
water, after which he assisted in taking his maimed
companion away.'

" When this story was told me, I put it down
as a very ingenious fabrication of the Bushmen, and
determined to be led to the spot myself. Accord-
ingly, the next afternoon found mo at the identical
place where I had left the wounded elephant. I can
only add that the statement of the Bushmen, as to
the stranger elephant coming up to the maimed one,
was proved by the spoor; and their further asser-
tion, as to his having assisted his unfortunate friend
in removing elsewhere, was also fully verified from
the spoor of the two being close alongside each
other, the broken leg of the wounded one leaving
after it a deep furrow in the sand. As L was satis-
lied that these parts of their story were correct, 1
did not see any further reason to doubt the other.
I followed the spoor some few miles, but as the
evening was far advanced, and we were all suffering
from thirst, I relinquished the pursuit; but 1 heard,
the following year, that the wounded elephant had been

266 THE ELEPHANT.

found by the Bushmen, and their chief at the Lake
became the proprietor of a very fine pair of tusks."
The sagacity of the elephant is proverbial, and
instances innumerable are on record shewing his
superior intelligence. The Bushmen, and other
natives of South Africa, indeed, assert that, should
one of these animals happen to be eugulphed in a
pit-fall, his companions, not unfrequently, release
him from the toils. Strange as this story seems, yet
it is, nevertheless, in a great degree borne out by the
experiences of trustworthy authorities.

" In many instances, during my peregrinations in
the interior," writes my friend Frederick Green,
" have I observed where elephants have tumbled
into the trap, and succeeded in getting free again.
In these cases it was quite evident that, had the
prisoner been left alone, he could not possibly have
extricated himself. How the others managed to
liberate him, it is difficult to surmise. But that there
is a great hubbub amongst them when one unexpect-
edly falls into the abyss is evidenced by the fact that
the ground about is torn up by their feet in rushing
to and fro. Traces near the edges of the pit may
also be observed where those that have come to the
rescue have stood. The one entrapped also exerts
himself to the utmost by breaking away the sides,
or ends, of the pit with his tusks."

" But at times," my friend goes on to say, " the
elephant is precipitated head-foremost into the
trap, and then all help from his comrades appears
of no avail. This the latter appear to know, as
they hurry at once from the scene of the disaster,
and allow the unfortunate animal to perish."

TOE EESCUE OF COMRADES. 207

Mr. Moodie's testimony as to the elephant's ex-
tracting its comrade from the toils, is to tho like
effect as Mr. Green's. He says :

" A few clays before my arrival at Enon (a
missionary station) a troop of elephants came down,
one dark and rainy night, close to the outskirts of
the village. The Missionaries heard them bellow-
ing, and making an extraordinary noise for a long
time, at the upper end of their orchard ; but know-
ing well how dangerous it is to encounter these
powerful animals in the night, they kept close
within their houses till daylight. Next morning,
on examining the spot where they had heard the
elephants, they discovered the cause of all this
nocturnal uproar. There was at this spot a ditch,
or trench, about four or five feet in width, and
nearly fourteen in depth, which the industrious
Missionaries had recently cut through the bank of

V

the river, to lead out the water for the purpose of
irrigating some portion of their garden-ground,
and driving a corn-mill. Into this trench, which
was still unfinished, and without water, one of the
elephants had evidently fallen, for the marks of
his feet were distinctly visible at the bottom, as
well as tho imprint of his huge body in its sides.
How he had got into it was easy to conjecture; but
by what means, being once in, he had contrived to
get out again, was the marvel. By his own un-
aided efforts it was obviously impossible for such
an animal to have extricated himself. Could his
companions have assisted him ? There can be no
question that they had, though in what manner,

268 THE ELEPHANT.

unless by hauling him out with their trunks, it
would not be easy to conjecture ; and in corrobora-
tion of this supposition, I found, on examining the
spot myself, that the edges of the trench were deeply
indented with numerous impressions, as if the other
elephants had stationed themselves on either side,
some of them kneeling, and others on their feet,
and had thus, by their united efforts, and probably
after many failures, hoisted their unlucky brother
out of the pit."

It is here to be remarked that full-grown male
elephants seldom tumble into a pit-fall, whilst fe-
males, on the contrary, are not vmfrequently found
engulphed. This is not attributable to less sagacity
on the part of the latter, but may probably be thus
explained : — The male, in the full consciousness of
his superior strength, stands in no dread of other
denizens of the forest, and has only to guard against
subterraneous dangers. Accordingly, he invariably
carries his trunk near to, or actually touching, the
ground, and, by means of this exquisite organ of
smell and touch, is enabled to discover the toils in
time to avoid them. The female, on the other hand,
who is often accompanied by her young, and is
naturally anxious for their safety, generally car-
ries her proboscis in a somewhat elevated position,
which, though it enables her to discover the skulk-
ing hyasna, or other enemies of her offspring, ex-
poses her to be precipitated into the toils.

Again, it is positively asserted, by the Bush-
men and other natives who are accustomed to en-
trap elephants, that those wily animals, when they

DELIVEBAKCE FROM PITFALLS. 2C9

timely discover a pitfall, forthwith remove its cover-
ing, which is easily effected by means of their
trunks ; and to a certain extent at least, this
statement is confirmed by Mr. Green, who says : —

" On more than one occasion I have myself ob-
served the grass and sticks used to conceal the
recently-uncovered abyss strewed near to it on the
ground, and have seen the spoor of elephants about
the place, which left little doubt in my mind that
this had not been done by the hand of man, but by
these sagacious brutes."

" On other occasions," my friend goes on to say,
" I have seen the spoor of an elephant leading di-
rect to a pit-fall, and traced it to the very edge,
where he has detected the trap; and, turning on
one side, he has pulled some bushes out of the fence
connecting the several abysses, thus opening an-
other pathway for himself, and continuing his course
to the water."

My friend also tells me " that elephants, when
approaching at night waters of which they
entertain suspicion, will follow the spoor of others
that have gone before them; and should it have so
happened that the troop in advance has scented
danger and turned aside from the pool without
drinking, those that follow, although it may be
hours afterwards, will do so likewise."

The Namaqua Hottentots affirm, moreover, that
the elephant can distinguish between the foot-fall of
civilized man and that of the natives.

The flesh of the elephant is generally described by
travellers as " strong and disagreeable, partaking

270 THE ELEPHANT.

highly of the peculiar smell of the animal." It may
be so, but, for my part, I consider that of a young
animal at least as very palatable.

Everyone, however, agrees in saying that the
foot, if properly cooked, is a great delicacy. The na-
tive manner of preparing it is as follows : — A hole
should be dug in tbe earth, about four feet deep and
two feet six inches in diameter, the sides of which
should be perpendicular. In this a large fire should
be lighted, and kept burning for four or five hours,
with a continual supply of wood, so that the walls
may become red-hot. At the expiration of the blaze,
the foot should be laid on the glowing embers, and
the hole be covered closely with thick pieces of
green wood laid parallel together, so as to form a
sort of ceiling. This should be covered with wet grass,
and the whole should be plastered over with mud,
and stamped tightly down to retain the heat. Upon
the mud a quantity of earth should be heaped, and
the oven should not be opened for thirty hours or
more. At the expiration of that time the foot will
be perfectly baked ; the sole will separate like a
shoe, and expose a delicate substance, which, with a
little oil and vinegar, together with an allowance of
pepper and salt, is a delicious dish that will feed a
number of people. When circumstances, however,
permit, a more civilized plan of preparing the foot
is to half boil it in water, and, after adding a quan-
tity of fresh milk, allow it to simmer over a slow fire
till reduced to a kind of jelly. In that state it may
be eaten either hot or cold.

But why the proboscis should be looked on as a

PRESERVATION OF THE FAT. 271

delicacy equal to the foot, as some travellers tell us is
the case, altogether puzzles my comprehension,
since it consists of a mass of muscles, nearly forty
thousand in number, possessing distinct action,
according to Cuvier, and consequently very tough.

The fat of the elephant, which should be taken
from the body without delay, as, if left for a few
hours, it partakes of the peculiar smell of the animal,
which no amount of boiling will overcome, is ex-
tremely good for cooking purposes, and forms an
excellent substitute for butter. It is quite sweet,
and has no particular flavour, as is the case with
that of most other wild animals.

The boiling of the fat for preservation requires
much care, as it should attain so great a heat that a
few drops of water thrown upon the surface will
hiss and evaporate as though cast on molten lead.
It should then be strained, and when tolerably cool,
poured into vessels, and secured. No salt is neces-
sary, provided it is thoroughly boiled.

The quantity of fat, I should add, occasionally
obtained from a single elephant, more especially
from the female when pregnant, is almost incredible.
One killed by myself yielded many hundred- weight
of the purest fat, which, before being partially dried,
would pretty well have filled a Cape colonial waggon.
It was chiefly taken from the stomach ; and, as
seen from the outside, before being detached from
the carcase, might not inaptly be likened to icicles,
or rather to the stalactites found in caves. There
is also a great deal of fatty matter about the head
of the elephant ; and however poor in other respects
the creature may be, I have never seen this to fail.

272 THE ELEPHANT.

The hide of the elephant is converted to a variety
of purposes. Sparman, when speaking of it, says :
" It is not near so compact and close as those of
the rhinoceros and hippopotamus, but the texture
of it seems to be composed of larger tubes and
blood-vessels ; at the same time that the external
surface of it is more uneven, wrinkled, and knotty,
and therefore cannot be used for making of whips,
as are the skins of the animals above named."

Its ear is, by the natives and others, converted
into a -sort of truck, upon which they draw manure
and loads of various kinds ; and by the hunter it is
not unfrequently cut off on the spot, and converted
into a mat, on which he reposes whilst his people
are dividing the carcase.

Even the excrement of the elephant, which,
like sawdust, seems almost imperishable, is con-
verted to useful purposes, for, on emergencies at
least, it is used by the natives as a substitute for
tobacco. Indeed, I have seen my own Cape servants
smoke it. The great variety of roots, herbs, bulbs,
&c., on which the creature feeds, give, no doubt, a
certain aromatic odour to his droppings ; and, after
all, these may not be so bad a substitute for the
"weed" itself.

Kolbein testifies to the like effect. His words
are : " The Hottentots sometimes gather the excre-
ment for smoking, in the want of tobacco ; and,
indeed, the scent and flavour of it in smoking are
pretty much like it, as I myself have found, when
with company I have smoked it out of whim."

The great value of the elephant, however, lies in
its tusks, which form an important article of com-

IVORY. 273

merce. Taking large and small together, twenty-
eight thousajid-t»&ks are said annually to fimTtheTr
way into England alone, which will give some idea of
the great destruction committed amongst the animals
in question. The number killed in South Africa is
very great. Some idea of the havoc among them
may be formed from what the distinguished tra-
veller, Doctor Livingstone, tells us, " that within a
year and a half of his and Mr. Oswell's discovery of
Lake Ngami, no fewer than eleven hundred elephants
were slaughtered on and about the Zouga, the river
that falls out of that fine sheet of water."

Ivory is chiefly used for knife-handles, carved
ornaments, chess-men, billiard balls, musical and
mathematical instruments, and so_ forth. Dieppe,
where works of every description and the most
beautiful finish are prepared, would appear to be ,
the grand manufacturing place for this article.

The valuable discovery of flattening ivory by sub-
jecting it to heat has considerably enhanced its
value and usefulness. The price of good bull-
elephant teeth in the London market varies from
five to ten shillings per pound.

The texture of the ivory brought from Africa, i
may add, is said to be superior to that of India,
arising, it is supposed, from the drier atmosphere of
the first-named Continent, which tends to harden
and consolidate the tooth.

In olden times, ivory was also in great request.
It is stated that its consumption in architecture/^
painting, sculpture, &c., was at one period so great
in ancient Rome and Greece that the supplies ob-

T

274 THE ELEPHANT.

tained from Africa were found insufficient. With
the decline, however, of those countries, the demand
for this beautiful and durable article became
gradually less, and ultimately it fell quite into dis-
use. Indeed, the ivory trade seems to have been
suspended for upwards of a thousand years, a cir-
cumstance which allowed the poor elephants again
to increase and multiply. At this day, however,
the demand for ivory has revived; and now promises
fair, not only to rival the consumption of the
ancients, but to effect the destruction of the whole
species from which the commodity is obtained.

In closing these remarks, I may mention that
when the Portuguese arrived at Angola, in the be-
ginning of the seventeenth century, they found
ivory so abundant (having accumulated for ages)
that, according to the testimony of Andrew Battell,
the natives " had their idols of wood in most of
their towns fashioned like a negro, and at^the foot
thereof was a great heap of elephants' teeth, con-
taining three or four tons of them ; these were
piled in the earth, and upon them were set the
skulls of dead men, which they had slain in wars,
in commemoration of their victory."

Polybius tells us, " that some centuries before
his time, ivory was so abundant in Africa
ths.it some of the native tribes used tusks for pali-
sadings and door-posts." And this statement
is in no wise to bo discredited, as authentic
accounts have lately reached us, " that, up to a
very recent period, the people of Manyema (;i
country in the interior of Eastern Africa), btin^

AGE. 275

ignorant of the value of the precious article,
reared their huts upon ivory stanchions ; and that
ivory pillars and doors were common among them."

The elephant is a long-lived animal, a fact of which
there is sufficient evidence in the remarkable forma-
tion and durability of its teeth, and the number of
years that elapse (variously estimated from twenty- /
five to forty-five) before it arrives at maturity. But ^
to what age it actually attains does not seem quite
clear. It is on record, however, that, even in a
state of captivity, it has been known to exist from
one hundred and twenty to one hundred and thirty
years.. We read, indeed, in the life of Apollonius
of Tyana (a book of somewhat doubtful authority),
that at the tremendous battle on the banks of the
river Hydaspes, where Alexander the__Grciit broke
the power of the Indian I'Tmce, Porus, a great num-
ber of elephants were captured by the Macedonians,
and amongst the rest, the Monarch's own, called
Ajax, and that three hundred and fifty years after
this remarkable event, a traveller, who at that
period visited India, saw, as he himself informs us,
this identical elephant, " which the inhabitants per-
fumed with sweet odours and adorned with gar-
lands. On his tusks were rings of gold, on which
was inscribed, in Greek characters, ' Alexander,
son of Jupiter, dedicated Ajax to the sun.' ' The
Komaus, in the time of Gordian, adopted the
elephant as the symbol of eternity.

But great as may be the age to which the
elephant attains when in captivity, there can be
little doubt he lives much longer when in a state of
unrestrained freedom. T 2

276

CHAPTER III.

BREEDING HABITS — PERIOD OF GESTATION — THE CALF — SIZE OF
THE YOUNG ELEPHANT — ITS GROWTH — MATERNAL AND FILIAL
AFFECTION — TOUCHING STORY — CALF OF THE RHINOCEROS —
INCAPABLE OF DOMESTICATION — PET ELEPHANTS — EMPLOY-
MENT OF THE ELEPHANT IN WAR.

AS regards Southern Africa, at least, little seems
to be known, even to the natives themselves,
of the breeding habits of the elephant. This arises
partly from these animals pairing during the rainy
season, extending from February to the middle of
May, in which, while they are spread over an im-
mense extent of country, either wholly uninhabited
or only partially so, the hunters, owing to the
prevalence of the " horse-sickness," are, in a
great degree, prevented from going in pursuit of
them.

It is conjectured that the elephant begins to pro-
pagate his species long before he has arrived at
maturity. Indeed, there can be little doubt as to
this being the case, for females in India have been
known to grow very considerably after they have
become pregnant.

The period of gestation with the female elephant,
as has been ascertained by the observation of such

THE CALF. 277

as have bred in confinement, is some twenty months.
In about three months after her acquaintance
with the male, the first symptoms of pregnancy
are supposed to appear. She never brings forth
more than one at a birth, and that at considerable
intervals.

The young animal, when first born, is not much
larger than an ordinary calf, but its limbs are more
bulky and rounded. Its skin, which is of a pink
colour, smooth and soft to the touch, bears no
resemblance to the rough, wrinkled, bark-like ex-
terior that it assumes in after-life.

The calf begins to nibble and suck at the teats
(of which there are two, placed a little behind the
fore-legs) soon after birth, not, however, with its
proboscis, as, until lately, was generally believed,
but -with the mouth. Whilst sucking, the calf
presses the breast with its tiny trunk, which, by
natural instinct, it knows will make the milk flow
more readily into the mouth ; and this circumstance,
no doubt, has given rise to the fable in question ;
one, strange to say, adopted by Butfon and other
great authorities.

The mother, it should be remarked, never lies
down to give her young suck ; hence it often
happens that, when the dam is tall, she is obliged
to bend her body towards the calf, to enable it to
reach the nipple with its mouth ; and so sensible
are the attendants of this, that it is a common prac-
tice with them to raise a small mound of earth, six
to eight inches high, for the young one to stand on,
and thus save the mother the trouble of bending

278 THE ELEPHANT.

her body every time she gives it milk. The young
elephant, whilst sucking, always grasps the nipple,
which projects horizontally from the breast, with
the side of the mouth, which enables it to suck as it
runs along by the side of the mother, or even under
her belly.

The young are suckled for two years ; and in a
wild state it is said they run for suck to any female
near at hand, without regard to the mother. Hence
a cry of distress from any one of the young gene-
rally arouses the whole herd.

The young animal grows rapidly at first, but after-
wards more slowly, until it has reached its twentieth,
or, as some will have it, its twenty-second year.

Mr. Stephen Harris gives us some curious in-
formation in regard to the growth of the elephant.
Speaking of a young male that came under his
observation, he says : — " At its birth it measured
thirty-five inches in height. During the seven
following years it attained a height of six feet four
inches. With the exception of its fourth and fifth
year, the decrease of growth had been gradual and
proportionate."

Again : " In a female, which at the supposed age
of eleven years measured six feet nine inches, the
growth seems to have been much less regular. Thus,
during the next five years, she only added six inches
to her height, whilst, having become pregnant, she
grew no less than five inches in the short space of
twenty-one months. In the following seventeen
months, though again pregnant, she grew only half
an inch."

FILIAL AFFECTION. 270

If, therefore, the above measurements are applied
to the general growth of the elephant, due allowance
must be made for irregularity in the growth of the
female during pregnancy.

It has been said that the female elephant shows
much tenderness for her progeny; and it must be
admitted there are many instances on record tend-
ing to show that this is the case. I, for my part,
however, cannot confirm the statement, as my own
small experiences tend rather the other way. On a
certain occasion, indeed, I remember that one of
my native servants stabbed a calf to death in
the presence of the mother, and though the poor
creature cried most piteously, the dam allowed her-
self to be driven off by two or three cowardly dogs.

My friend, Frederick Green, would seem to be
pretty much of the same way of thinking as myself in
regard to this matter. " The female elephant," he
writes me, " does not appear to have that affection
for her offspring which one would be led to suppose.
It is a common occurrence to find calves in pit-falls,
whom the mothers, had they been so minded, might
easily have liberated. To judge from the appear-
ance of the surrounding ground, indeed, they would
not appear even to have attempted to rescue them."

But whether or not the mother evinces special
regard for her offspring, certain it is that the latter
is tenderly fond of its dam. Captain Harris relates
a very touching instance to this effect.

" Not an elephant," says this enthusiastic sports-
man, " was to be seen on the ground that was yes-
terday teeming with them; but, on reaching the

280 THE ELEPHANT.

glen [which had been the scene of our exploits
during the early part of the action, a calf of about
three-and-a-half feet high walked forth from a bush,
and saluted us with mournful piping notes. We
had observed the unhappy little wretch hovering
about its mother after she fell, and having, pro-
bably, been unable to overtake the herd, it had
passed a dreary night in the wood. Entwining its
little proboscis about our legs, the sagacious crea-
ture, after demonstrating its delight at our arrival
by a thousand ungainly antics, accompanied the
party to the body of its dam The con-
duct of the quaint little calf now became quite
affecting, and elicited the sympathy of everyone.
It ran round its mother's corpse with touching de-
monstrations of grief, piping sorrowfully, and vainly
attempting to raise her with its tiny trunk. I con-
fess that I had felt compunction in committing the
murder the day before, and now half resolved never
to assist in another ; for, in addition to the moving
behaviour of the young elephant, I had been unable
to divest myself of the idea that I was firing at my
old favourite Mowla-BuJchsht from whose gallant
back I had vanquished so many of my feline foes in
Guzerat — an impression which, however ridiculous
it must appear, detracted considerably from the
satisfaction I experienced."

My friend Green also testifies to the filial affec-
tion at times displayed by the calf — " he himself
having seen it," he tells me, " turn upon the hunter
in defence of its mother."

In parenthesis, I may mention that Gordon

EHINOCEROS CALVES. 281

Gumming relates a similar instance on the part of
a rhinoceros calf. After telling us he was recon-
noitring the forest in search of wounded game, he
goes on to say : —

" When I had proceeded a little further the dogs
ran forward, and next moment a rush of many feet
was heard charging towards where I stood ; it was
a troop of half-grown lions, with a lioness, which
dashed past me, followed by the dogs. They had
been feasting on a white rhinoceros I had wounded
two nights previously, now lying a little ahead.
Beside the carcass stood a fine fat calf. The poor
thing, no doubt fancying that its mother slept, had,
heedless of lions and the other wild animals that
had feasted there, remained beside its dead dam for
a day and two nights. Rhinoceros calves," he
goes on to say, " always stick to their mothers long
after they are dead."

The African elephant is, I believe, equally docile
as the Indian when domesticated, but we have no
account of a negro tribe that have ever tamed one
of these sagacious animals — their only maxim, as
some one truly says, is " kill and eat."

Young elephants have, however, often been kept
in confinement in Africa, by the colonists and others,
but, for some reason or other, they do not seem to
thrive. They linger awhile, and then die. An
acquaintance of mine had one for a considerable pe-
riod, which was extremely amusing and interesting.
A favourite trick of his consisted in pushing his
head between a person's legs, which usually ended
in a tremendous somersault on the part of the

282 THE ELEPHANT.

man. As he grew up, however, these gambols be-
came dangerous. Thus, my friend was one day
standing close to the side of a house, when the pet
suddenly rushed up from behind, and before he had
time to get out of the animal's way, he found him-
self immovably fixed against the wall; from which
disagreeable position he had some difficulty in ex-
tricating himself, and in the while, moreover, sus-
tained considerable injury.

I have never heard any satisfactory reason as-
signed why the African elephant should not be
domesticated as well as the Indian. It has been
urged by some that he is of a more ferocious and
less docile disposition ; but, surely, many elephants
engaged in the terrible battles between the Car-
thaginians and the Romans, belonged to the African
continent. Indeed, there can be no doubt that this
animal was then obtained as near as Barbary.
Jugurtha, the Numidian King, also employed it in
his wars against the common enemy of the world.
It is, moreover, recorded that during the Ptolemean
dynasty in Egypt, great numbers were obtained
from Ethiopia, which were used both to do battle
and to draw chariots, &c. Even the Romans them-
selves, after they had broken Hannibal's power in
the sanguinary engagement of Zama, employed the
African elephant against the Macedonians. Several
instances are mentioned, by ancient authors, of
Asiatic and African elephants being engaged against
each other,* but, singularly enough, they describe

* At the battle of Magnesia, between the Romans and the Syrians,
and in the contest between the third Ptolemy and Antiochus Theos,
King of Syria.

AFRICAN KLEPinXP. 283

the latter as very inferior, botli in height and
strength, to the Indian, which is the very reverse of
the fact.

In those days, the African elephant appears, from
all accounts, to have been quiet and tractable, and
it is, therefore, not very likely that his character
should be different at present. " What he did
in a state of nature two thousand years ago, he
does now. His natural habits, as well as those
of every living thing, are derived from his organ-
ization ; his structure is the best adapted to the
necessities of his existence ; and, as the structure
is invariably the same in the same species, wo
may conclude that the natural habits are equally
in accordance." It would, perhaps, be more
reasonable to attribute the popular belief as to
the incapacity of the African elephant for a do-
mesticated and disciplined life, to the " revolu-
tions of civilization." After a certain time, when
means had been found to oppose the formidable
power of the elephant, these animals became no
longer useful for the purposes of war ; even the
demand for them for the lloman Amphitheatre
wore away; the consequence of which was that
the process whereby the Egyptians, the Numi-
dians, and the Carthaginians had been accustomed
to tamo and train them, generally became lost.*
The incursions of the Arabs into Northern Africa,
to whose rapid movements these animals would

* According to Losinus, who travelled in the sixth century, the
Ethiopians had then already lost the art of training the elephant for

284 THE ELEPHANT.

have been of little or no use, was probably another
of the causes why the elephant was again permitted
to range his native haunts in unrestricted liberty.

It used to be a popular notion that female ele-
phants, captured when pregnant, showed the
greatest possible aversion to their young when,
at an after-period, they came into the world, and
not only refused to suckle, but actually ill-treated
them when they attempted to lay hold of the teat.
It was formerly believed, also, that the male ele-
phant, when reduced to a state of captivity, would
not propagate his species ; some imagining that
this was owing to his possessing the sentiment of
modesty in an unusually high degree ; others, that
his feelings for the loss of liberty were so acute as to
cause him to refuse obedience to the laws of nature,
lest he should entail on his progeny a fate similar
to his own. There were those, again, who asserted
that he lost the power of procreation when in
thraldom.

But all these idle fallacies have long since been
exploded. To say nothing of the ancient Romans
breeding the elephant when in confinement (as may
be safely inferred from the figure of a female in the
act of suckling her calf depicted on the walls of
Pompeii) there is, in the Transactions of the Philo-
sophical Society of London, in the year 1799, a
long and elaborate article on the habits of the
elephant, which must convince the most sceptical
that we have been labouring under a delusion. The
evidence, however, of Mr. Corse, who had for a
number of years the entire management of several

PROPAGATION OP THE SPECIES. 285

hundreds of elephants in India, sets this matter at
rest. He says : —

" Having mentioned a sufficient number of in-
stances to prove the ability as well as the inclina-
tion of the elephant to propagate his species in a
domestic state, and that without any signs of
modesty, and having ascertained the period of
gestation to be twenty months and eighteen days,
it may be necessary to observe that it is a difficult
matter to bring a male, who has been captured
in the prime of life, into good condition to act as
a stallion ; for being naturally bolder, and of a
more ungovernable disposition than the female, he
is not, in general, easily trained till reduced very
low ; and it requires considerable time, as well as
much expense and attention, before he can be
brought into such high order as is requisite. He
must also be of a gentle temper, and disposed to
put confidence in his keeper ; as he will not readily
have connection with a female, whilst under the
influence of fear or distrust. Of this I have seen
many instances — nor do I recollect one male ele-
phant in ten, which had been taken after attaining
its full growth, much inclined to intimacy witli the
other sex. This is a most convincing proof that
those males which are captured early in life, and
have been domesticated for many years, more
readily procreate their species than elephants taken
at a later period."

286

CHAPTER IV.

GREGARIOUS HABITS OF THE ELEPHANT— LARGE HERDS— HAUNTS

— HABITS — IMITATIVE FACULTIES — A SQUADRON OF ELEPHANTS

— FOOD ON WHICH THEY SUBSIST — TREES UPROOTED BY ELE-
PHANTS — NOT A RUMINATING ANIMAL — QUANTITY OF WATER
DRUNK BY THE ELEPHANT — THROWING WATER OVER THE BODY

— PROTECTION FROM THE SUN.

elephant is gregarious. " Like the beaver,"
says Buffon, " it loves the society of its
species. Elephants understand each other, assemble,
disperse, and act in concert."

Ordinarily the herd consists of females, with their
calves, and young males ; but the former are much
more numerous than the latter, probably, in the
proportion of twenty to one. It is a remarkable
fact that, neither in my own experience nor in that
of the elephant-hunters of my acquaintance, have
full-grown males (excepting in very rare instances)
been met with in company with the cows. On only
a single occasion, and that out of a herd of perhaps
little less than three hundred females, Mr. Oswald
informs me, does he recollect having met with a
mature male in their society, and the individual in
question, singularly enough, had not even the rudi-
ments of tusks. The old bulls keep to themselves,

GREGARIOUS HABITS. 297

and are found singly or in pairs, or consorting
together in small herds, varying, say, from four or
five to fifteen or twenty ; and it is only in the rainy
season, extending from February to May, during
which time, it is said, few hunters go in pur-
suit of these animals, that they (the old bulls) are
with the females ; and when the cold weather seta
in, they again retire from the company of the
latter.

Though I myself have never seen any very great
number of elephants congregated together — perhaps
not more than from one hundred to one hundred
and fifty — yet other South African travellers have
met with very enormous herds of those animals.
Both Harris and Oswell have seen, they tell us,
about three hundred in company. This number,
however, is as nothing compared with what we
read of on the East coast. It is asserted, indeed,
that in an extensive forest in that part of Africa
known as the " Fish River Bush" (where, from the
extent and denseness of the cover, elephants are
comparatively safe from persecution), no fewer than
fifteen hundred have been seen in the course of ;i
single day !

Mr. Rose, an engineer officer who travelled in
South Africa, goes even further. He informs us
that a certain hunter of his acquaintance told him
that he had once seen a herd consisting of three

o

thousand elephants ; and from the number i>l
paths he (Mr. Rose) himself observed, he imagined
there was no exaggeration in the account.

Without intending to tlir<>\v the shadow of a

288 THE ELEPHANT.

doubt on this statement of Mr. Rose, I wish
merely to point out that the multitude of paths
argues little or nothing, since a very small herd of
elephants, if left undisturbed for any length of time,
will produce them. Moreover, from the great bulk
of the animal, the space that such an immense troop
(three thousand) must necessarily occupy, would
be so extensive that it is questionable whether the
scope of vision could compass so vast a number,
more especially in a wooded locality. Indeed, I
scarcely know anything more deceptive, as regards
numbers, than a herd of animals in their native
wilds.

Major Denham, again, in his journey from Mour-
suk to Kouka, in Bournow, speaks of an enormous
herd of elephants that he there fell in with. " They
seemed," he tells us, " to cover the face of the
country ; whole trees were broken down where they
had fed, and where they had reposed their pon-
derous bodies, young trees, shrubs, and underwood
were crushed beneath their weight."

The favourite haunts of the elephant are deep
and boundless forests distant from the abodes of
man, and in near vicinity to rivers or foun-
tains ; but in districts where he is subject to
persecution, ho, in the day-time, retires for the
most part to inaccessible ravines and jungles, very
distant, it may be, from water, which he only visits
during the hours of darkness. Like the whale in
the ocean, the elephant on land is acquainted with,
and roams over, wide and extensive tracts. He is
extremely particular in always frequenting the

AN IMITATIVE ANIMAL. 280

freshest and most verdant parts of the forest ; and
when one district becomes parched and barren, he
will forsake it for years together, and wander far
and wide in quest of other and better pastures.

It is a commonly received opinion, I believe, that
the elephant always sleeps standing, or reclining, it
may be, against a tree or rock ; or, as regards
Southern Africa, against one of those gigantic ant-
hills* one there so frequently meets with ; but this
is not altogether the case ; for though, as a rule,
this may be his usual mode of reposing, yet in
regions where he is but little molested, he is not
unfrequently found stretched at full length on the
sward; and, in saying this, I am fully borne out
by my friend Frederick Green, who, like myself,
was at one time somewhat sceptical as to the ele-
phant ever sleeping otherwise than in an upright
position.

The elephant, according to Delegorgue, is a
very imitative animal — very much more so, I con-
fess, than I ever had the most distant idea of;
for, after speaking of a herd of those animals
recently disturbed by himself and party, he goes on
to say: —

" A portion of the troop ought, from the nature
of the country, to have passed within two hundred
paces of us, but as they made for the river, where

* My ideas of the nests of the termites, or white ants, were first
realised at Schraelcns Hope, n missionary station in Dumara Land,
some of the abodes of these interesting, though destructive, insects
measuring as much as one hundred feet iu diameter at the base, and
rising to about twenty feet in height.

I"

290 THE ELEPHANT.

the ground was falling, and their motions in con-
sequence quick, we were too late to intercept them.
As without doubt they had crossed the water, and
ascended the opposite bank, we therefore searched
to the right and left for them, frequently taking
advantage of ravines, that we might march with
the greater silence.

" On leaving one of these hollows for the higher
ground, that we might obtain a more extended view,
a dull and heavy sound, as of the trampling of a
large body of men, reached our ears. The noise
approached, as also the dust. A squadron of ele-
phants, in total ignorance of our presence, advanced
with rapid strides towards us. Three in front-
eleven in all.

"I was the first to perceive them. 'The ele-
phants ! Kotchoba ! Boulandja ! Be on your
guard ! Conceal yourselves amongst the bushes !
They are not aware of us. Hold straight, and
be not afraid.' But an irresistible desire, a dia-
bolical impulse, induced each of us to look up. It
was so natural to assure oneself first of the posi-
tion of the game, and the distance, before firing ;
and in our case the movement probably partly
proceeded from a feeling of apprehension, because
the animals were bearing down directly upon us,
and, if they did not trample us under foot, might
strike us with their tusks ; and, if so, what a
blow ! Twenty-five paces separated us from them.
They perceived us. I take the first, and fire : it
falls, sinking on its knees. Kotchoba addresses
himself to the second, which also falls on his

FOOD. 291

knees. Boulandja discharges his gun — his elephant
assumes the same attitude as the other two; and
all the rest, even to the eleventh, kneel in suc-
cession.

" Great God ! Twenty guns — forty guns charged,
if we had possessed them. ' Reload, lads, and
quickly.' But the laugh that this grotesque scene
created, deprived us of strength and the power
of motion.

" I had time, however, to fire at the last of the
troop as they were retreating, and, as a sou cent r,
lodged a ball in its buttocks.

" One alone remained on the spot, but standing
in a defiant attitude, when a ball in the brain
caused him to sink dead to the ground, like a
tower that had been undermined."

" Never during my Jii^er life," Delefforgue goes

O •/ O O O O

on to say, " have I witnessed a similar scene to
that described above. Meanwhile I am far from
disbelieving that with animals collected together ;i
spirit of imitation does exist."

The food of the elephant consists of grasses,
herbs, as also of succulent roots, of the situation
of which he is advised by his exquisite sense of
smell. To obtain them he turns up the ground
with his tusks, in the manner of a hog, so that ar
times whole acres may be seen where one would
almost suppose the plough had been doing its work.
He also feeds largely on the shoots, smaller branches,
and roots of certain trees, to gain access to which
he applies one of his tusks, as we would a crow-
bar, to the roots of the tree, to loosen the soil, and

u 2

292 THE ELEPHANT.

then laying hold of the trunk, pulls it to the
ground. Many of the larger Mimosa, however,
resist all his efforts, and it is, therefore, only after
heavy rains, when the ground is soft and loose,
that he can successfully attempt the operation.
The elephant consumes an immense quantity of
food, and passes the greater part of both day and
night in feeding.

The elephant does not ruminate, and has but one
stomach. This want, however, is amply supplied
by the magnitude and width of his intestines, which
are formed on the same principle as those of the
horse. " The colon of animals that live upon the
same species of food," observes Sir Bverard Home,
"is of greater length in proportion to the scanti-
ness of the supply. Amongst quadrupeds, this may
be illustrated by the length of the colon in the
elephant, being only twenty feet six inches, while
in the dromedary it is forty-two. The first inhabits
the fertile woods of Asia, the latter, the arid
deserts of Arabia. Many other remarkable facts
and striking analogies make it clear that some
process goes on in the colon, from which a
secondary supply of nourishment is produced."

Though water is indispensable to the elephant,
he would not seem to require so constant and
regular a supply as most other animals. In regions
where he is subject to persecution, he, it is said,
usually passes the day in lonely and secluded places,
far distant from the river or the fountain, which he
only visits during the hours of darkness. In dry
and warm weather this occurs nightly, but if the

WATERING. 05

weather be cool and cloudy, only every second or
third night. For this purpose he, about sunset,
leaves his mid-day haunts, and commences his
inarch towards the water, which he usually reaches
between the hours of nine and midnight, and after
he has drunk his fill, he retraces his steps to his
forest home.

My friend Green's remarks regarding the subject
in question, (in which, so far as my limited
experience extends, I fully concur) are not without
interest; he says : —

" Elephants in the cold season, in July and
August, do not appear to require water every night.
Males at that time will frequently remain in the
bush for three days without visiting the pool,
making excursions to it only every fourth, or, it
may be, third night. Females with small calves
require water more frequently, and during the
months just named repair to it every other night,
that is, leaving one night out. During the hot
weather in October, November, and December,
should no rain fall, it is different, as the males
then appear to require water every second night,
if not every night. After the rainy season, when
the desert portion of the country is well supplied
with vlcy water, it is very common to find elephants
frequenting the pool during the day-time ; in
districts where they are left undisturbed, noon-day
would, in fact, appear to be their natural time
of drinking. It is only when they are distrustful
of danger that they avoid going to water in the
heat of the day."

294 THE ELEPHANT.

It is the generally received belief, I apprehend,
that the elephant, after it has slaked its thirst, is
in the habit of spouting large quantities of water
from its trunk over its body for the purpose of
cooling it. If my eyes have not deceived me, I
myself, indeed, have seen the animal perform the
operation. My friend Green, nevertheless, would
seem to doubt such being the case ; he says :

"It is natural enough to believe that the African
elephant should repair to the pool for the purpose
of taking a bath, because, when in a domesticated
state, his Indian congener is in the habit of doing
so. Still, although I have had so many oppor-
tunities of observing these animals at water, during,
I may say, eleven years wanderings in the wilder-
ness, I never witnessed these ablutions. I
have frequently seen them repair to large waters
after drinking at smaller holes, and supposed it
was for the purpose in question, but noticed that
they only drank, and made no attempt to throw
water over their bodies. I am well aware they will
coat themselves over with mire, as a muddy jacket
protects them from the burning rays of a tropical
sun, and this expedient is more particularly ob-
servable in the ' Tsetse ' country, where it serves,
no doubt, to protect them, in degree at least, from
the bite of that poisonous insect."

In connection with the subject in question, I may
be permitted to add some remarks of Kolbein,
which, however quaint, may nevertheless contain
some truth.

" When elephants drink," he writes, " they first

DESTRUCTIVE TO VEGETATION. 295

trouble the water. Some are of opinion they do
this to avoid being shocked with the reflection of
their own ugly shapes. But in my opinion, they
do it by the same instinctive laws which direct
geese, ducks, and other birds to mix sand or gravel
frequently with the water they drink, in order to
carry off crudities and indigestion."

That elephants are very destructive to arborous
vegetation cannot be denied. Everyone who has
traversed the wooded regions of Southern Africa,
must admit such to be the case. In many instances
that have come under my own observation, this
destruction would seem to have been altogether
wanton. Often, indeed, have I seen regular ave-
nues, so to say, of trees that have been thrown
down by these animals without their having fed on
either their roots or branches; what, therefore,
could have induced them to take all this useless
trouble, is to me a mystery. " Possibly," as somo
one say?, " it was done to try their strength, or
one or other of the troop may have had the bump of
destructiveness about it ?"

When elephants abound in the near vicinity of
man, they are certainly not at all times the best of
neighbours, as what follows will show :

" In the year 1821," says Pringle, " during one
of my excursions in the interior, I happened to
spend a few days at the Moravian Missionary Settle-
ment of Enon, or White River. This place is si-
tuated in a wild but beautiful valley, near to the
foot of the Zwurberg Mountains, in the District of
Uitenhage, and is surrounded on every side by ex-

296 THE ELEPHANT.

tensive forests of evergreens, in which numerous
herds of elephants still find food and shelter. From
having been frequently hunted by the Boers and
Hottentots, these animals are become so shy as
scarcely ever to be seen during the day, except
amono; the most remote and inaccessible ravines

O

and jungles ; but in the night time they frequently
issue forth in large troops, and range, in search of
food, through the inhabited farms in the vicinity.
And on such occasions they sometimes revenge the
wrongs of their race upon the settlers, who have
taken possession of their ancient haunts, by pulling
up fruit-trees, treading down gardens and corn-
fields, breaking their ploughs, waggons, and so
forth.

" I do not mean, however, to affirm," Pringle
goes on to say, " that the elephants really do all
this mischief from feelings of revenge, or with the
direct intention of annoying their human persecu-
tors. They pull up the trees, probably, because
they want to brouse on their soft roots, and they
demolish the agricultural implements merely because
thev happen to be in the way."

During these nocturnal raids of the elephant on
the domains of the settlers and others, loss of hu-
man life occasionally occurs ; of which an instance
is related by Delegorgue.

" A small herd of these animals, five or six in
number, traversed, during the night, the upper
part of the bay, and paid a visit to the property of
the Englishman, Ogle; and having followed the
first foot-path, entered the woods and clambered

MAKES TRACKS THROUGH TUB JUNGLE.

up a hill. At the extremity of the path was a Kraal,
consisting of a dozen huts, inhabited by Caffres,
who were all sunk in profound sleep. These huts,
unfortunately, were unprotected by a dry thorn
fence. The leading elephant, probably by mistake7
crushed one of these huts. The inhabitants uttered
fearful cries ; the animal then took fright ; but in-
stead of returning the way he came, he, followed
by his comrades in succession, passed at a rapid
pace over the hut, whereby four persons were
crushed to death by their feet."

We read, moreover, that when on one occasion
there was a great drought in the country about
Benzuela, on the West Coast of Africa, a large
herd of elephants attacked the town, to get pos-
session of the wells, and were only driven away
by the inhabitants after a hard fight.

But though the elephant, from the destruction he
causes in the forest, and the ravages he occasionally
commits on the properties of the Colonists and
others, has a somewhat bad name, yet, as a set
off, he makes excellent path-ways, or tracks, through
the entangled jungle. Many of these, indeed^ have
proved of the greatest advantage to the pioneer of
civilization. I, for my own part, have frequently
taken advantage of them, for, besides being wide and
open, they are wonderfully straight, so much so
that in many instances it would be difficult to im-
prove upon them.

As with the lion, the natives of Southern Africa
entertain many very curious notions respecting the
elephant. According to popular belief the animal,

298 THE ELEPHANT.

when woun'ded and hotly pursued, will hide himself
behind a tree, and when his unwary pursuer has
approached sufficiently near, he will push down the
tree with his proboscis, with the object of causing
the man's destruction.

Amral, the chief of the Namaqua Hottentots,
told Mr. Galton and myself " that on one occa-
sion he and others were in pursuit of a troop of
elephants, and at length came to a waggon-track
which the animals had crossed. Here the latter, as
was seen by their spoor, had come to a halt, and,
after carefully examining the ground with their
trunks, had formed a circle, in the centre of which
the leader had taken up his position. Afterwards,
individuals were sent forth to make further investi-
gations. The Raad, or debate," the chieftain
went on to say, " must have been long and weighty,
for they (the elephants) had written much on the
ground with their probosces. The result of the
council was that to remain longer in the locality
would be dangerous, and they therefore came to
the unanimous resolution to decamp forthwith.
Our attempts to overtake the creatures," Amral
went on to say, " were useless, for, though we fol-
lowed their tracks until sunset, we saw no more of
them."

The tribe in question, T may add, believe "that
if a person shoots at an elephant and fails to kill
him, the animal will immediately make for the am-
bush, and, should he be unable to catch the enemy,
will forthwith destroy all he has left behind him.
Not content with this revenge, he will follow, in like

SOUTH AFRICAN SUPERSTITION. C99

manner as a dog, his persecutor to his home, and,
if fire be burning on the hearth, will seize a lighted
brand with his trunk, and fire the dwelling over its
owner's head."

The Namaquas, it is to be remarked, stand in
great dread of the elephant, and few are bold
enough to attack him, either on horseback or on
foot ; and fewer still will venture to taste of the
creature's flesh, "because," say they, "his sense is
so like unto that of a man."

With certain tribes it is, moreover, the belief that
the herd (of elephants) has a chief, or captain, who
never caters for himself, but is supplied with sus-
tenance by his subjects. These chiefs are said to
be regular swells in their way, their hides and tusks
being beautifully clean, thanks, no doubt, to the
fair sex by whom they live surrounded.

Another superstition regarding the elephant, very
prevalent in Southern Africa, is " that, after the
death of the animal, his companions drag the body
away to a distance and bury it." The almost un-
heard-of existence of a perfect specimen gives some
countenance, it must be confessed, to the idle story,
which to my mind is easy enough of solution : for,
however imperishable the giant structure may ap-
pear, the bones, on becoming separated from their
joints and sockets, are no doubt dispersed by the
hyaenas and other carnivorous animals. Even the
ponderous head may be found hundreds of paces
removed from where it was first deposited.

They tell you, moreover, that " if, when the ele-
phant is crossing a river, or taking a bath, he is

300

THE ELEPHANT.

molested by the crocodile, he forthwith seizes the
reptile with his trunk, and carries it far into the
' weldt,' until he meets with a forked tree suitable
for his purpose, when, after sufficiently enlarging
the opening between the forks, he thrusts his enemy
into the cavity, and, bidding it adieu, leaves it there
to perish."

This story, when told by the natives in their own

wav. is rather an amusing one,

./ '

301

CHAPTER V.

STALKING GENERALLY DESCRIBED — THE AUTHOR'S OWN EX-
PERIENCES—TRACKING THE ELEPHANT— FATIGUE OF ELEPHANT-
SHOOTING—QUALITIES REQUISITE IN AN ELEPHANT HUNTER —
PARTY OF OVAMBOES — SUCCESSFUL STALKING — NOTES FOR THE
GUIDANCE OF ELEPHANT-HUNTERS.

rpIIOUGH the elephant, if left unmolested, is of
J- a pacific disposition, yet, if roused and irri-
tated, he proves a most dangerous enemy, and, as
some will have it, " more difficult to conquer than
any other beast of chase." Be that as it may, he is
certainly the noblest game in the world, and from
his great power and sagacity, gives ample scope for
the hunter's skill and daring.

In Southern Africa, the chasso of this animal is
conducted as well on horseback as on foot. Where
the country is tolerably open, the former mode, as
being not only the most exciting and imposing, but
the safest, the least fatiguing, and the most suc-
cessful, is greatly to be preferred ; but in wooded
districts the elephant is perhaps " stalked " to fully
equal advantage.

Geographical researches being the main object of
my several journeys into the interior, and hunting
and shooting secondary considerations, it was only

302 THE ELEPHANT.

when subjects for the compass and the pencil were
temporarily exhausted, that I had opportunity to
enjoy my gun ; and if at such times I happened to
be in an elephant country, I cared little for any
other game ; following the creature's " spoor" by
day, and watching by the pool where he came to
quench his thirst during the hours of darkness,
were then rny chief occupations. During this period,
I had many interesting, and not a few dangerous
encounters with the huge animal ; and though
occasionally my success was inconsiderable, yet, on
the whole, I was well repaid for all my labour and
trouble ; not a few of my prizes proved splendid
specimens of the giant race, and bore tusks that
even Gordon Gumming would have beheld with
rapture.

From the exhausted state of my exchequer, how-
ever, and other circumstances, I was unable to
maintain a stud of horses suitable for elephant-
hunting, and was consequently compelled to pursue
the sport on my own legs ; that is, generally, for
once in a time I followed the spoor of the animal,
for a certain distance at least, on ox-back, my usual
way of travelling in Africa.

As, therefore, I am best acquainted with the
chasse of the elephant on foot, I will speak of it in
the first instance.

On arriving at a pool which elephants are known,
or suspected, to frequent for the purpose of slaking
their thirst, the ground in the vicinity is carefully
examined, and if there is evidence of these animals
having recently been there, preparations are at once

HOTTENTOT TRACKERS. 303

made, should they visit the water during the coming
night, to attack them on the following morning.

On these occasions the natives in scores — nay, in
hundreds — follow the sportsman to his bivouac,
which, for fear of alarming the elephants, is usually
at some little distance from the pool. They (the
natives) commonly arrive about daybreak ; it is a
strange sight to see these dusky and savage figures
gliding with phantom-like steps through the forest,
each equipped with a fire-brand (the custom of the
country) as a protection against the cold. It brings
to one's mind the fable of Ulysses' visit to the dead.
As the different parties arrive, fires are lighted,
round which the barbarians group themselves, im-
patiently waiting the first signs of day. Great
excitement prevails, but conversation is carried on
in a whisper.

As soon as it has become sufficiently liHit to dis-

*• o

tinguish the " spoor" of the elephant, one or two
experienced " trackers"* are dispatched to examine
the ground, and should their search prove satis-
factory, a suppressed murmur of delight runs
through the assembly. Springing to their feet,

* Vaillant, when speaking of the "trackers," says: — "What a
subtle sense is the sight of a Hottentot ! how he assists it by a difli-
cult and truly wonderful attention, upon a dry ground, where, in
spite of his great weight, the elephant scarcely leaves any trace ; in
the midst of dead leaves, scattered and curled up by the wind, the
African recognises hia step. He sees the way which the animal has
taken, and that which he himself must follow. A green leaf turned
up or broken off, a bud, or a little twig bruised or torn down, these,
and a thousand other circumstances, arc indications which never fail
'him. The most expert European hunter is completely baffled ; for
myself, I could never understand it."

304 THE ELEPHANT.

they all sling their well-stocked quivers across the
shoulder, snatch up bow and javelin, and take
the field.

Everything having been properly arranged on the
preceding evening, the sportsman's own prepara-
tions are soon completed; and after partaking of
some solid food, and a cup or two of strong coffee,
he quickly follows in the wake of the natives.

At first there is often delay and difficulty in
hitting on the right spoor caused by the elephants
and other large game frequently wandering about a
good deal, either before visiting the water or after
quenching their thirst ; but this difficulty overcome,
off start the " trackers,"* with the whole hunt at
their heels, at an astonishing pace — at times, in
short, amounting to a run. This rapid pace is kept
up as long as the atmosphere is moderately cool ;
but as the heat increases, the eagerness of the
" trackers " gradually diminishes, and you pursue
your way slowly and mechanically. Occasionally,
however, a false alarm of the presence of the elephants
causes a slight relief to the monotony of the pro-
ceedings. Here and there the animals have diverged
from their path to browse, but they again proceed.

* A singular custom (one said to be universally adopted by them
when " spooring" game) exists amongst the Bechuanas, viz., that when
a number of these men are in search of the elephant, or other beast,
the individual who first hits off the right track forthwith loudly
smacks his nether-end with his hand as a signal to his companions
of his success ; and when they aro afterwards traversing in a line the
mazes of the forest, each one warns the one behind him of any rough
sticks, stones, or thorns which lie -across the path by the same elegant
and friendly gesture.

FOLLOWING THE SPOOR. 305

Noon has arrived. The sun is in his zenith. Its
scorching rays descend vertically on your devoted
head ; the sand is so headed as to blister your feet,
and not a breath of wind stirs the atmosphere, which
is like that at the mouth of a heated furnace. You
are seized with giddiness and a burning thirst,
which your supply of half-boiling water is insuffi-
cient to quench. You look anxiously round for
some shady spot to rest your aching head ; but
recollecting that success depends almost entirely
upon your perseverance, you pursue your course
with a painful and listless step. The elephants are
at rest, but in another hour or two they will again
be moving.

Suddenly, and when almost ready to sink to the
ground from the united influence of heat, thirst, and
fatigue, a native, who has been considerably in
advance, is seen running towards you. His looks
bespeak important news. " The elephants, surely !
you involuntarily exclaim. Yes. Your surmises
are correct. Joy is depicted on every countenance ;
heat, thirst, fatigue, all are. forgotten in the absorb-
ing thought that you are near the object of your
pursuit.

But you are still a mile or two distant from tlu
animals, and a short halt is therefore made, partly
in order to recover breath and to examine your
wreapons, and partly to consult on the best mode of
attack; and this being settled, you again push for-
ward, taking great care to be under the wind of
the elephants.

The time that DOW elapses before coming in sight

306 THE ELEPHANT.

of the animals is one of intense interest. Not a
word is spoken ; you steal noiselessly on from bush
to bush, and occasionally a savage ascends a con-
spicuous tree to reconnoitre.

All at once the man in advance comes to a stand-
still, and, pushing the branches cautiously aside,
points to some dark, gigantic, and immovable masses
a short distance a-head. At first sight, their statue-
like and motionless appearance makes you almost
question the reality. But the occasional flapping
of the immense appendage, the ear, so conspicuous
in the African species, quickly dispels your doubts.
Those ponderous groups are, indeed, a herd of
elephants.

The " trackers " now fall back — their work is
done, yours still remains. Grasping the trusty
rifle, you advance with a beating heart. One
towering form appears above the rest; a glance at
his head shows two enormous alabaster teeth. To
him, as a matter of course, you direct your steps ;
you are within twenty paces of this monster of
flesh ; your finger is on the trigger. But, lo ! lie
suspects treachery. Raising his "wand" on higli,
and hoisting his " studding-sails," he takes a step
or two backwards, evidently preparing to charge
down upon you. This is a thrilling moment to tho
sportsman. No time, however, is to be lost ; you
pull the trigger, and the next instant the bullet is
well home in tho beast's body. Should you have
merely dealt him a flesh-wound, the chances are
small of your coming up with him, either on that
day or any other; but if, on the contrary, the missile

REMINISCENCES OF " STALKS." 307

has penetrated any of the vital parts, he curls up
his trunk, and, uttering a faint cry, plunges vio-
lently forward, and presently subsides in the dust.

The report of the gun is the signal for a general
and confused rush of the whole herd ; and should
they unfortunately come your way, it requires great
coolness and self-possession to guard against being
trampled to death by the towering masses. They
sweep past on these occasions witli the violence of a
tornado, carrying havoc and devastation in their path.

Having described in a general way the manner
in which the elephant-hunter usually proceeds when
on foot, I will now, for the readers' better under-
standing of the subject, relate two or three of my
own " stalks " after the noble creature.

Just prior to leaving a place called Orombola, I
took up the spoor of an immense herd of female
elephants. A short time before I had, on more
than one occasion, been so savagely attacked by
cows with calves, that I had my life placed in
great jeopardy, and, in consequence, had resolved
not again, without adequate cause, to molest troops
so constituted ; but in this instance I was induced
to depart from my newly-formed resolution, be-
cause, amongst the spoors in question, were those
of first-rate bulls, whom I hoped to tind by them-
selves, or lingering behind the rest.

The elephants, whose tracks we were now fol-
lowing, led us a long chaso. Hour after hour
elapsed, miles after miles of weary walking were
passed, without the least indication that they would
come to a halt. The zeal of the " trackers " be^an

O

x '2

308 THE ELEPHANT.

to flag, and I felt inclined to give up the pursuit,
when suddenly, about two o'clock in the after-
noon, we espied the rear-guard of the stupendous
game slowly wending their way across some rising
ground a short distance a-head. At this sight
every face brightened, the step became once more
elastic, and hunger, thirst, and fatigue were all
forgotten at the exciting prospect before us.

Leaving rny people behind, with the exception of
one of the native boys, I at once started in pursuit
of the quarry. The cover, unfortunately, was
scanty and unfavourable in the extreme; but, in
the hope of finding better, 1 followed leisurely and
cautiously in the immediate track of the elephants,
keeping a sharp look-out on every side, for fear of
leaving any behind. Suddenly my henchman pulled
me by the sleeve, and pointing at the same time to
a small brake on our left, above which appeared
the backs of several suspicious-looking objects,
whispered, " Bull-elephants." " Capital," I re-
sponded, in the same .subdued tone ; and, leaving
the herd we had so long been following, made for
that my man had just espied.

In a very short time I found myself within easy
range of the animals, but, to my dismay, discovered
they consisted almost wholly of females, with their
young. Amongst them, however, were two or
three fine males, one of whom evidently acted as
Paterfamilias., or, militarilv speaking, General of
Division, to this portion of the emigrants. This
particular elephant was standing a little apart
from the rest, but his shoulder, unfortunately, was

A FURIOUS CHARGE. 309

partially hidden by two well-grown calves, whom
the jolly old patriarch was busily caressing. A
very slight change of attitude was all I required
to enable me to send him to the land of shades,
and I waited in breathless anxiety for this oppor-
tunity. To my intense disappointment, however,
the huge beast all at once tossed his trunk on
high, and giving his sides two or three smart
slaps with his monstrous ears, turned abruptly round
a:id made off, instantly followed by the whole herd.
But it would never do to allow them thus to
escape. Springing therefore to my feet, and ad-
vancing a few steps, I levelled and fired at the
second in size of the males, just as he was dis-
appearing from view. The bullet struck him, but
very unsatisfactorily, as it glanced from off his hide
and went hissing through the air. In a moment
the retreating column turned right about, and made
a furious and headlong charge, all Int occr me. I
had thrown myself flat on the ground, sheltered
only by an insignificant little shrub. A false move
would have been my death. After looking about
him inquiringly, the Paterfamilias made a second
clash at the supposed foe, in which charge the en-
raged brute actually tore up by the roots and car-
ried off with him a whole tree. He looked the veiy
picture of rage and grandeur as, for a tew sccond>,
he stood exposed to full view, part of the shattered
tree still clinging to his tusks. 1 was thoroughly
scared, and held my breath in dreadful and
agonising suspense. Xot being able to discover
anything, he once more faced about and, accom-

310 THE ELEPHANT.

panied by the rest of the troop, was soon lost to
view in the jungle. I hailed their departure with
rapture ; for, though I had failed in my object, I
felt heartily thankful that my life was saved.

One morning when on a journey, principally de-
voted to geographical discoveries, while encamped
at a place called Hokahanja, in Damaraland, a native
suddenly " dropped in," and silently deposited at
ray feet a small branch of a thorn-tree. Any expla-
nation on the man's part was unnecessary; for,
after carefully examining the twig, which was much
jagged and cut by the marks of teeth, I at once
came to the conclusion that it had been torn from
its stem only a few hours previous by elephants.
I therefore merely inquired, " Where are they P and
how many in number ?" To the first of my queries
he replied by pointing to some low broken hills in
the neighbourhood ; to the second he could give no
precise answer. He had left some of his companions,
however, he told me, to watch the movements of
the animals.

In some ten minutes, I was en route, duly
equipped. After a rapid and hot march of rather
less than two hours' duration, we saw the three na-
tives left as sentinels running towards us in fiery
haste, exclaiming, out of breath, " We have seen
them ! we have seen them ! there are three of
them ! But there " —pointing to a small emi-
nence on which was posted one of their companions,
looking in the distance very much like a huge ba-
boon— " you can see for yourself." I did not wait
to be told this twice, and had soon the satisfaction

WITHIN RANGE. 311

of verifying with my own eyes the statements of the
natives.

The elephants were then distant about three
quarters of a mile, slowly browsing amongst some
brushwood at the foot of a low ridge. A few
seconds enabled me to make my arrangements.
Leaving a couple of men on the rock to watch their
movements, I proceeded with the rest to the attack,
making a considerable circuit in order to get to the
leeward of our game — the wind being at first ex-
ceedingly unfavourable.

Having gained the foot of the hill where the
animals were last seen, I sent two natives ahead,
up the hill, to reconnoitre. A low whistle, the sig-
nal to advance, was soon heard, which quickly-
brought me alongside of the scouts. The elephants
were still almost on the spot where they had been
first seen, but I could only make out two. Putting
fresh priming and cap to my rifle, and ramming the
bullet well home, I dropped noiselessly down the
rock, accompanied by one of my own Damaras,
who carried a spare gun. The rest of the party
were instructed to remain quiet within their hiding-
place. A couple of minutes' walk brought me
within range of one of the elephants, and, the cover
being admirable, I advanced to within about twenty-
five paces of the spot where he stood. lie was
then somewhat aslant from me, but soon turned his
broadside. Some minutes, however, elapsed before
I could make out the exact position of his shoulder.
1 once attempted to get a little ahead of him, but
soon found my situation less favourable than before,

312 THE ELEPHANT.

and therefore returned to my first post. With my
heavy rifle (carrying steel-pointed conical bullets,
three to the pound) ready poised in my hand, and
my double-barrelled smooth-bore ready cocked on
the ground beside me, I anxiously waited for a
chance to fire. I wanted him to move a step or
two forward, when I knew his shoulder must be
fully exposed. Suddenly he did so, and as quickly
I covered his heart — the jungle re-echoing the next
instant with the explosion of twelve drachms of
Hall's best rifle-powder. The effect was deadly;
with a frightful rush forward; — it was the most tre-
mendous plunge I ever witnessed by any wild
animal — he fell prostrate within one hundred and
fifty yards of my ambush.

Another elephant was evidently following on the
track of the stricken one. It is true I did not see
him, but inferred as much from the noise occasioned
by his flight, and, having quickly reloaded, I pur-
sued the fugitive.

Suddenly, and when within less. 'than twenty
paces, I found myself in his presence: The beast
was partially facing me, his huge cnr^i spread like a
pair of studding-sails, giving a defiant/ and threaten-
ing air to his whole attitude. I did not, however,
hesitate, but fired at once at his shoulder, when lie
instantly betook himself to flight. My henchman,
becoming alarmed at the close proximity of the

o i «/

gigantic creature, instead of handing me the spare
gun, also ran away.

Reloading the rifle, I was soon oive more in pur-
suit, and had shortlv the satisfaction of again

A SEVERE SHOCK. 313

sighting the poor beast, who, from the quantity of
blood in his spoor was evidently severely wounded.
My attendant having no\v rejoined me, I managed
this time to fire all my three barrels; but, though
every bullet told on his carcase, they had not the
effect of bringing him down. To my surprise and
satisfaction, nevertheless, he, instead of trying to
escape (perhaps from being unequal to the task),
began gradually to retrace his steps.

Hearing just at this time a peculiar hammering
sort of noise close under the hill, I turned aside to
ascertain the cause. Jt arose, I found, from a party
of Ovambos, who were plundering some bees' nests.
Several dogs accompanied the men, which, on our
approach, began to bark most furiously. For a
moment I really thought my quarry would escape
me; but my misgivings, fortunately, proved un-
founded, for T soon overtook the poor creature
resting under a small tree. I crept quite close to
him, and once more the contents of all my barrels
entered his ">ody, though without apparent eil'ect,
as he remained quite motionless.

Unfortunat M\ , whilst pulling the trigger of th.-
small-bore, both barrels went off together ; the gun
bcin^ light, and very heavily loaded, the recoil
was most powerful. The stock struck me violent Iv
on the face, and the left-hand cock, burying itself
deeply in my upper lip, loosened some of mv
teeth. The : hock almost stunned me; indeed, it
was enough to 'mve ] "">strated a horse, yet 1 almost,
instantly reccn jred myself.

Bullets for i iv lar/e rifle, and powder, now

314 THE ELEPHANT.

failed me, and I therefore sent my attendant for a
reserve of both that had been left with the men
on the rock, and, on his return, quickly terminated
the sufferings of the miserable creature.

Whilst thus engaged, a third elephant had been
seen bv the men on the look-out : and, being in-

•/ x ' o

formed he had gone in the direction of the spot
where the first of his comrades had fallen, I turned
off at once in search of him. I had not, however,
gone far, when I found myself surrounded by
numerous Ovatjimbas, or poor Damaras, making the
most terrific hubbub in celebration of my success ;
or, rather, at the prospect of a gorge on some
six tons of elephant's flesh. I cannot describe
the annoyance I felt at being thus unexpectedly
baffled in my object, for, of course, the animal in
question, scared by the noise, had precipitately left
the vicinity. Had it not been for the presence of
these men, I should probably have killed this one
also, which would, indeed, have made a glorious
day's sport.

As it was, I had done pretty well ; having bagged,
to use the sportsman's phrase, two fine young male
elephants, measuring respectively, from head to
shoulders, eleven and eleven and a half feet. Their
tusks, however, were not on a par with the
size of the animals, the largest not much exceeding
fifty pounds.

By this time more than fifty Damaras were on
the spot, whilst other natives, including Bushmen
and Berg Damaras from the neighbouring moun-

O <— ' o

tain Etjo, were flocking in on all sides. The

REMARKABLE STORY. 315

sudden, and to me perfectly astonishing and inex-
plicable, appearance of these carnivorants, strongly
reminded me of the approach of a flock of vultures.

The following morning I breakfasted on an
elephant's foot, done under the ashes, and a dish
of honey — a meal fit, for a king.

One more " stalk " after elephants, and I have
done with the subject. The story I am about to
relate is chiefly remarkable from the singular pre-
sentiment of success that preceded its occurrence,
which I not only felt, but announced to several
persons.

"We were travelling at the time in the dry bed of
the Omuramba, a periodical water-course, when I
was on my way to the river Okovango, and my
illness had for a time taken a favourable turn, when
traces of elephants became very numerous. Our
larder was then all but exhausted, so I determined
on replenishing it by a hunt for some of this big
game as soon as certain intelligence could be ob-
tained of its whereabouts.

And I had not long to wait ; for early on the
following morning we crossed the fresh spoor
of a middle-sized bull-elephant. r'ivo minutes
afterwards, I was in hot pursuit of the animal ;
and in less than an hour, he having " doubled "
on his track, 1 suddenly found myself lace to
face with him in a dense brake, the distance be-
tween us certainly not exceeding some fifteen
paces. Foreseeing the consequences that might
ensue, I felt at first averse to fire in my rather
awkward position, but there was no alternative.

316 THE ELEPHANT.

Raising the rifle, therefore, to my shoulder, and
taking a deliberate aim at the creature's fore-
Lead, I pulled the trigger. The result was that,
though my life was probably saved, the game was
gone. With one of those terrific screams so pe-
culiar to the species, the monster wheeled round
with the rapidity of lightning, and the next iu-
starit was out of sight; and, though I followed
his trail closely for a long time, I failed in again
sighting him.

I subsequently rejoined my waggon, both sick
and dispirited, yet resolved on another hunt before
the fever should resume its fatal sway over my
enervated frame; and thinking it probable that
elephants would wander our way during the night,
I directed Pereira,* my head-servant, to keep a
sharp look-out.

* This poor man, who was exceedingly well educated, speaking
several languages, and who for a length of time was in the employ of
Mr. Anderson, recently met his death in a very sad way. Several
articles had been stolon from him by some Bushmen, whom lie suc-
ceeded in capturing at the " werl't" of their chief, and by the aid of
some Damaras was conveying to his waggon. Night, however, over-
took the party half way, and Pereira, therefore, resolved to wait
niitil morning before continuing his journey, lie was followed, un-
observed, by three Bushmen, friends of the captives, who shortly
before daybreak crept stealthily upon his place of bivouac, and bv
the light of the fire, alongside which he was sleeping, discharged
three poisoned arrows at him. The first entered the left breast;
lie started up and seized his rifle, and whilst, in the act of firing,
another entered his arm close below the shoulder, causing him to
drop his gun, and the next moment the third struck him in the
stomach ; but the latter alone did not penetrate. With the deadly
shafts still embedded in the flesh, poor 1'oreira discharged his rifle at
the murderers, who fled, and made th>'ir escape in the obscurity of
the early morn, lie then summoned the Uamaras to his assistance.

ATTACK POSTPONED. 317

I had soon fallen into a deep but perturbed
slumber, my fancy busily depicting the scene of
my day's adventure, and wildly shaping the chances
of better success on the morrow, when, about
midnight, I was startled by the cry " Sir — sir, two
elephants are passing us on yonder bank." To
spring to my feet and to seize the rifle was the
work of an instant ; and as soon as my eyes had
become sufficiently clear of their sleepy film, I
perceived, at no great distance, not only two, but
three elephants, which, from their towering frames,
I at once concluded to be males. They were
marching with a steady but quick step ; and, sup-
posing they were about to quench their thirst at
some rain-pools hard by, I hastened to intercept
them. It soon became evident, however, that they
had taken the alarm, and being afraid that, were I
now to follow them, they might soon be alto-
gether lost to view in the dimness of a starlit
night, I deemed it best to postpone the attack
until dawn. Halting thereupon, I said to IVrcira,
who was following me with a spare rifle, " Xo,
don't let us disturb them now ; to-morrow morn-
ing, at break of day, we will take up their spoor."

The arrow which entered the flesh of (lie arm WHS rut out, but, (ho
other, which entered the breast, and appeared to havo passed round
the bladebonc, could not be, extracted, lie was carried on a rude
stretcher, hurriedly made for the purpose, to his " veldt-home," where
he lingered in great ngonv for five days. " The Bushmen's poison,"
the narrator of poor Percira's death goes on to say, " is usually very
fatal in its effects; but in this instance it had evidently become weak
either from exposure or age. Otherwise, he would not have survived
the fatal shafts for more than a few hours." — The Editor.

318 THE ELEPHANT.

I then added, half speaking to myself, and half
addressing my servant, " Two of these brutes, as
I certainly foresee, must and shall bite the dust
before the setting of to-morrow's sun."

Accordingly the first grey streaks of dawn had
hardly announced the arrival of the blushing day
when I was in pursuit of my lost quarry. They
had evidently visited a fountain in the neighbour-
hood, but the excessive rankness of the grass, and
the numerous tracks of other elephants who had
previously quenched their thirst there, made it so
very difficult to follow the spoor, that the sun
was high in the heavens before we had fairly
tracked them on the way to their noonday haunts.
Fortunately, they had progressed very leisurely,
which enabled us to gain on them rapidly, and in
a short time we viewed them in the distance. Two
out of the three were sauntering to and fro ; here
cropping tender shoots, there thrusting their mas-
sive tusks under the roots of trees, in order, by
toppling them over, to feed more conveniently on
their delicate leaves and sweet tendrils, whilst the
third was loitering in the rear, carelessly scraping
the sand with his flexible trunk, that he might
gain access to some favourite root or succulent
bulb.

Interesting as was the picture, I gave but a few
moments to its contemplation, and proceeded at
once to the attack. A short " stalk " sufficed to
bring me within easy range of the laggard. A
minute afterwards, the still morning air was dis-
turbed by the explosion of my trusty rifle. A

SUCCESSFUL HUNT. 319

shrill shriek announced that the bullet had been
well aimed, and immediately afterwards the stricken
animal disappeared, but not for long, as I soon
a<*ain sighted him. Owing, however, to a sudden

o o o

change in his position whilst I was taking aim, and
to the great distance, my second bullet seemed not
to harm him greatly, for though I had reason to
believe he was again hit, yet he turned quietly
round, peered deliberately in all directions with his
small, sinister-looking eyes, and before I had re-
loaded was once more lost to view.

I had not, however, proceeded more than a dozen
paces, when I caught a glimpse of the rump of an
elephant as it was disappearing behind a large tree,
environed by tall and thick bushes. Taking it for
granted that this was the wounded one, i approach-
ed the spot with the utmost circumspection ; and
it was well I did so, for I had no sooner fairly
rounded the tree in question than I discovered the
creature, then obliquely facing me, rubbing his hide
against the bushes. On seeing me, he at once drew
back a step or two, preparing to charge, when a
well-directed bullet, lodged in his right shoulder,
changed instantly his intended rush into a precipi-
tate flight. This shot so effectually crippled him,
however, that, by taking a short cut, 1 presently
managed to intercept his retreat; a second bullet
brought him to a stand-still, whilst a third, fired
almost immediately afterwards, stretched him on
the ground a corpse.

The whole hunt scarcely occupied ten minutes,
and I naturally felt gratified at its speed}' and suc-
cessful termination. Still, on a nearer inspection

320 THE ELEPHANT.

of the defunct elephant, I felt some disappointment
at its comparative smallness; and Kamapju, rny
henchman and tracker, exclaimed : " This is not)
the elephant you first fired at, Sir ! That was a
larger one." " Impossible," I replied, " surely I
have not made the same mistake as with the gi-
raffes at Omonboudi ?* No, I am quite sure I
have not." " You have though," rejoined the
man. " Very well," I said, " let us examine the
ground then," and we moved off for that purpose.
And certainly in the search we made, the track of
no other elephant was to be discovered. Kamapju,
nevertheless, continued to look positive, though
much perplexed.

Having returned to the carcase, we were shortly
joined by the rest of our party, one of whom said :
" Sir, in coining here, we came across an elephant
walking very slowly and stiffly, as if much hurt."
"Then Kamapju is, perhaps, right after all," I ex-
claimed, " let us go and sec." We did so, and had
not proceeded above a hundred yards in an oppo-
site direction to that just examined, when we
noticed another blood-spoor, quite distinct from
that of the animal I had slain. Pointing with exult-
ation to these marks, Kamapju, with a smile full of
meaning and satisfaction, looked full in my face,
and said as plainly as looks could speak : " Did I
not tell you so, Sir ! For the future trust to my
eyes and ears."

To cut a long story short, I will only add that,

* On which occasion I had killed two of these animals, though
only aware, in the first instance, of one having fallen.

LABORIOUS WORK. 321

notwithstanding the serious wound the animal had
received, he cost us many hours hard walking and
running, much dodging, great suffering from thirst,
and exposure to many perils, before we finally suc-
ceeded in bringing him down.

At length, therefore, my presentiment was ful-
filled to the letter ; but the excitement and exertion
of the hunt had been too much for me. The very
next morning, indeed, I was delirious, and months
elapsed before I could again shoulder my rifle.

As will be seen from the above, elephant-hunting
on foot, and in the hot season, is most laborious
and harassing work. Indeed, a long experience of
this pursuit has brought me to the conviction that,
under such circumstances, it is far more trying and
distressing to the constitution than the most severe
manual labour. It was rarely, or never, that I
could track, stalk, and kill my elephant, and return
to camp, in less than ten hours ; more frequently
I was absent from it for fourteen, or sixteen,
hours. Nay, I have been as much as two days and
a ni^ht en^a^ed in a single hunt. Mv attendants

o o o •

(natives) were, at times, so completely done up,
I myself being in general nearly as much so, that,
on their return to the bivouac, they would fall
asleep where they stood, alike indifferent to hunger,
to the chilling night-air, or to the scorching rays of
the sun, as the case might be. For my own part,
when fairly beaten, nothing could restore me to
myself but quiet, a plentiful supply of cool water,
and, above all, a good wash.

It was not, however, hunger or fatigue that was

Y

322 THE ELEPHANT.

most trying ; the heat was more so. The sun, " blaz-
ing in a sky of brass," heated the atmosphere to a state
of suffocation, and the loose sandy soil to a blistering
intensity that made water ! water ! the incessant
cry ; but water, frequently half-boiling, even when
we could carry a decent supply with us, rarely
allayed our burning thirst. Indeed, every fresh
draught seemed merely to augment our ardent
craving — often almost bordering on madness — for
more of the precious liquid. A giddiness, a languor,
a sense of oppression throughout the whole system,
a choking sensation in the throat, a difficulty of
speech, a fearful palpitation of the heart, and a
nightmare feeling about the chest, were the frequent
consequences of our excessive fatigues.

Words, however, can convey no adequate idea to
the reader of the hardships and sufferings of the
elephant-hunter on foot in the dry season of the
year, and in regions where water is scarce. Indeed,
experience alone can enable a man fully to under-
stand the severity of the sport in which he takes so
much delight. I remember on one occasion when,
after a long running chase, I had come to within one
hundred and fifty yards of an elephant that I had
seriously wounded, being so thoroughly exhausted
as to be unable to advance even a few steps farther
to enable me to give it the coup de grace. As a con-
sequence, I was necessitated to rest for a few
minutes, and when I had recovered sufficiently to
renew the attack, I found, to my great mortification
that the creature had moved off, and was lost to me
for ever.

ADVICE TO THE ELEPHANT-HOSIER. 32^

In conclusion, I would remark that, to be a suc-
cessful Joot elephant-hunter — in a decent degree at
least — requires the following qualities in a man, viz. :

To be able to run for many miles on a stretch,
and that, moreover, up hill if needful, without stop-
ping to take breath.

To have sufficient self-possession to await the
charge of an enraged elephant until he is within
half a dozen paces of the muzzle of the hunter's rifle.

To stand thirst like a savage.

The following notes in regard to elephant-hunting
may possibly be of use to those who are fond of the
sport ; more especially to such as, from circum-
stances, are compelled (as was the case with myself)
to pursue the animal on foot : —

If in tracking an elephant it keep straight doiru
wind for any considerable distance, and you have
reason to believe it will continue to do so, your
wisest plan will be to desist from farther pursuit ;
otherwise, the probabilities area hundred to one that
it will get the wind of you before you can come up
with it. By desisting from following the creature
you will gain two points, viz. — you will have the
chance of falling in with it on a future day, and you
will, in all probability, have been saved many hours
of fatiguing walking.

Again : If, when you are tracking an elephant in
a locality where those animals have been but little
hunted, and consequently have no very great dread
of man, the animal should happen to get the wind
of you, and move oil', don't despair of eventually
coming up with him. Keep ascending lofty trees,

Y 2

824 THE ELEPHANT.

and, if be is espied, make a considerable detour,
and try to get to leeward of him. When the wea-
ther is hot, the elephant does not run far before
again halting; even when wounded repeatedly, he
will only run a short distance at a time. I have
killed elephants hours after they have been first
wounded.

Use a heavy rifle with a large bullet ; such as are
conical and steel-pointed are preferable to all others.

Never attack an elephant in an open and ex-
posed situation, unless you delight in deliberately
risking your own life.

As almost everything depends on the first shot,
get as close as the locality admits of to the animal,
—twenty-five to thirty yards is my own distance,
but get nearer if it be practicable.

As regards the African elephant, at least, the
shoulder, or immediately behind it, in the region of
the heart, is, in my opinion, the best point at which
to aim. Never fire at the forehead unless the beast
charges; for, though a well-directed shot there will
probably have the effect of causing him to swerve
from his course, it will not once in twenty times
(for the reasons given in the first chapter) prove fatal.

Avoid cows with calves, also bulls accompanying
them, as these are usually very savage.

When an elephant is seen cocking his ears and
erecting his trunk, it is best to give him a wide
berth for a while, as he is then more than usually
dangerous to approach.

In following the spoor of a wounded elephant
—and the remark equally applies to the lion, the

STALKING. ;)2o

buffalo, tlit1 rhinoceros, and other dangerous game
— beware lio\v you proceed, as in a dense brake you
are very apt to walk on to the top of the brute bo-
f'ore you are aware of his presence ; and should you
be accompanied by a henchman, let him hold the
track (of which he should keep as much to wind-
ward as possible), whereby you will be enabled to
direct your whole attention to the quarry itself,
which, if badly hurt, and after running a short dis-
tance, not un frequently doubles suddenly in the
manner of a hare — in other words, retraces its steps,
though not perhaps exactly by the same path, and
whilst you are busily engaged in examining its
spoor, will rush upon you unperceived from behind
with the speed of lightning. From neglecting these
and similar precautions, many are the elephant hun-
ters who have lost their lives in Southern Africa.

When stalking, and attended by inexperienced
people, it is well to let the man who carries your
spare weapon (he is supposed to follow on your
steps) push it crosswise before him, or with the
butt end towards your own person. By not being
careful in this respect the most serious accidents
may result, since a grass-straw, or a twig, is sufficient
to catch and partially cock the gun, when an explo-
sion is pretty sure to follow.

It may be proper here to remark, in parenthesis,
that, in following the bloody track of an elephant,
the hunter not unfrequently finds every trace of
blood suddenly to cease, when confusion imme-
diately ensues as to which is the wounded animal.
It is difficult to explain the cause of this sudden
cessation of blood. Some suppose that, as is re-

326 THE ELEPHANT.

ported of the bear, the animal plugs the wound, but
I must confess to being very incredulous on this
point. As, however, blood in large quantities does
not usually flow from the wound itself, but from
either the trunk or the mouth, is it not far more
reasonable to suppose that the creature has the
power of retaining a large quantity of that fluid
in either the one or the other of these receptacles.
I have observed an elephant holding the end of its
trunk up for the purpose, as it seemed to me, of
preventing the blood from falling ; and I have like-
wise found, after death, a vast quantity of blood in
the animal's mouth, from which and the proboscis
it then flowed out in a complete stream, whereas
from the place where it had received the shot — a
distance of a mile or more — only a few drops (in
some instances, indeed, none whatever) could be
observed. Blood will also run strongly from a
wound for a certain time after the animal has re-
ceived the shot, but owing to the thickness of its
skin the aperture made by the bullet soon collapses,
and the blood is therefore stopped.

In conclusion it may bo proper for me to remark
that, when stalking -elephants or other large game,
I have found a close-fitting skull-cap, with a
grey wide-awake over it, very advantageous for the
head. When game is spied, hand the hat to your
attendant, and you are at once in stalking order.
The skull-cap is sufficient protection against a tro-
pical sun, and affords no prominent mark for the
quarry. It serves also as a night-cap. A com-
mon shooting-cap is much too warm, whilst a wide-
awake alone is too conspicuous.

327

CHAPTER VI.

ELEPHANT-HUNTING ON HORSEBACK— HARRIS'S EXPERIENCES —
ADVENTURES OF GORDON GUMMING — DANGERS TO WHICH THE
MOUNTED ELEPHANT-HUNTER IS EXPOSED — DOGS — HARDSHIPS
ENDURED BY THE HUNTER ON HORSEBACK.

HAVING in a preceding chapter described the
manner in which the sportsman, when on
foot, usually hunts the elephant, I will now say a
word as to how his operations are conducted if he
be mounted, which, as I have said, is a safer and far
more preferable way of enjoying the chasse of that
animal. ]\Iy personal experiences on horseback are,
however, very limited, and for the little I know, and
am enabled to communicate to the reader, I am for
the most part indebted to what has been told me bv

I »

friends who have indulged largely in that amuse-

O •/

ment.

The usual plan of proceeding is, in the first
instance, to ride alongside of the elephant, which, if
the sportsman be well mounted, and the country
pretty open, is commonly easily accomplished, and
to fire behind his shoulder. Should the animal then
charge, as he is very apt to do when wounded, the
huntsman must get out of the way the beot he can ;

328 THE ELEPHANT.

when the rush is over, he reloads, though* without
dismounting, and renews the attack in like manner
as before. Once in a time an elephant will drop to
a single ball, but more generally it requires several,
or it may be very many, to lay him low. We read,
indeed, of fifty, or even one hundred balls, being
lodged in his body before that object has been
accomplished.

The following account of a very successful hunt
on horseback, by Captain Harris, will, however,
give the reader a far better idea of the manner
in which matters are conducted than any descrip-
tion of mine.

After telling us that on the day preceding his
party had, " from a commanding eminence, seen the
face of the highly picturesque landscape covered
with these stately beasts browsing in indolent
security, and bathing in the pillowed stream," he
goes on to say : — " The elephants, nearly all females,
were at least one hundred in number, and on being
attacked they

" Trampling their path through wood and brake,
And canes, which crackling fell before their way,"

rushed frantically down a ravine with upraised ears
and tossing trunks, screaming wildly, and levelling
everything before them. A shot fired from the
bank, while it sealed the fate of the leader, turned
the rest back ; and this persecution was re-
peated until they became fairly stupefied. On one
occasion they attempted to retrieve the day by a

THE MOUNTED ELEPHANT-HUNTER. 320

headlong charge from several quarters at the snmo
moment, and we were, often so surrounded by small
detachments that it appeared doubtful which party
would bo obliged to quit the Held. The sound of
our voices, however, uniformly turned the scale, and
declared man the victor."

lu a letter — now in my possession — to a brother-
sportsman in India, the gallant captain further says :
" I have seen as many as three hundred elephants
in a, grouf), and a single ball in the forehead,* as
they pass in review order within thirty paces, does
the business It is usual to ' yah' the ele-
phant— that is, ride with him before firing; but
after a little crammiug, they become bewildered and
' gobiah,' and stand about in groups and clumps
within twenty-five yards. I was always fancying I
was peppering away at my old favourite Mowlah "
the elephant, I may remark parenthetically, from
whose back the captain, as he elsewhere informs us,
had, in India, slain great numbers both of lions and
tigers.

What Captain Harris tells us as to the facility
with which a well-mounted man, in a country
tolerably free from timber, may approach and cir-
cumvent the elephant, would seem to be fully borno
out by the experiences of Gordon Gumming, who,
in his interesting work, says :—

" On the 27th of August, we came upon a largo
extent of burning grass, which the Bakalahari kindle

* Surely the Captain menus the temple, where a bullet usually
proves fatal, and not the forehead, where, as regards the African
eleuhant, as we have said, it rarelv kills?

330 THE ELEPHANT.

to make the young herbage spring up with greater
facility ; and, during the day, discovered a herd of
bull-elephants quietly browsing on the side of a hill,
two hundred yards to windward of us. I started
them with an unearthly yell, and, selecting the
finest, fired both barrels behind his shoulder, when
he instantly turned upon me, and, in his impetuous
career, charged head-foremost against a large bushy
tree, which he sent flying before him, high into the
air, he himself coming down at the same moment
violently on his knees. He thus met the raging fire,
and wheeled to the right-about.

" I followed, loading and firing as fast as possible,
sometimes at the head, and at others behind the
shoulder, until the elephant's fore-quarters were
severely punished ; notwithstanding which he con-
tinued to hold stoutly on, leaving the grass and
branches of the forest scarlet in his wake.

" On one occasion, he endeavoured to escape by
charging desperately amid the thickest of the flames ;
but this did not avail him, for I was soon alongside,
and blazed away at him until I began to think he
was ball-proof. Having fired thirty-five rounds,
with my two-grooved rifle, I opened upon him with
the Dutch six-pounder; and when forty bullets had
perforated his hide1, he began for the first time to
show symptoms of exhaustion. Poor old fellow !
it was now all over with him ; so I resolved to
expend no more ammunition, and shortly afterwards
he subsided in the dust."

Again, "On the 31st August we held for To-
wan nie, a strong fountain in the gravelly bed of a

A VETERAN OF TilE FOREST. 3.51

periodical river ; and hero I came in full view of
the tallest and largest bull-elephant I had ever seen.
He stood broadside to me, at upwards of one hun-
dred yards, and halting my horse, I fired at his
shoulder, and secured him with a single shot. The
ball caught him high upon the shoulder-blade,
rendering him instantly dead lame.

" 1 resolved to devote a short time to the con-
templation of this noble elephant before I should
lay him low. It was, indeed, a striking sight; and
as I gazed upon the stupendous veteran of the
loivst, I thought of the red deer which I loved to
follow on my own native hills, and felt that, though
the Fates had driven me to a distant land, it was
a good exchange which I had made, for I was now
a chief over boundless forests, which yielded un-
speakably more noble and exciting sport.

" Having admired the elephant for a time, I made
some experiments for vulnerable points, and ap-
proaching very near, fired several bullets at different
parts of his enormous skull. These did not seem
to affect him in the slightest degree — he only
acknowledged the shots by a 'salaam-like' move-
ment of his trunk, with the point of which he
irentlv touched the wound with a striking and

o . o

peculiar action. Surprised and shocked to tind
that I was only tormenting and prolonging the
sufferings of the noble beast, which bore his trials
with such dignified composure, 1 resolved to finish
the proceeding with all pos>ible dispatch ; accord-
ingly, I opened fire upon him behind the shoulder,
and tired six shots with the two-grooved, which
must eventually have proved mortal, but as yet he

002 THE ELEPHANT.

evinced no visible distress. After this I fired three
shots at the same part, with the Dutch six-pounder.
Large tears now trickled from his eyes, which he
slowly shut and opened; his colossal frame shivered
convulsively, and, falling on his side, he expired.
The tusks of this elephant were beautifully arched,
and the heaviest I have yet met with, averaging
ninety pounds a-piece.

" In case any fair reader may misinterpret my
motive for making experiments to find out the
most vulnurable point," Gordon Gumming goes on
to say, " I beg them to remark that my object was
not to torture the animal, but to put an end to its
life and pain in the quickest manner possible. I
had often lamented having to inflict so many
wounds on these noble animals before they fell."

So much for the facility with which the elephant
maybe "overhauled" arid "extinguished" by the
well-mounted sportsman, where the country is
tolerably open. Not so, however, if the animal
holds to jungly ground, more especially if strewn
with broken and uprooted trees (the handiwork of
the elephant), as in such situations the difficulty
of killing him is very greatly increased.

The hunter himself, moreover, is then exposed
to great peril, as, in the event of the beasts
charging, he is often puzzled to secure his re-
treat. On these occasions it is useless attempt-
ing to pick one's path, and there is consequently
great risk of a man's being swept from off the saddle
by the " Wochten-ligte" or wait-a-bit thorns,*

* On one of my journeys I counted no fewer than seven distinct

PEKILS OF TI1E MOUNTED HUNTER.

as the Dutch settlers very properly cnll these tor-
mentors, which environ him on all sides, but through
which the elephant crashes as if they were only so
many grass-stalks. Mr. Os well, indeed, met with a
mishap of this kind, and before he could roll him-
self out of the way of the elephant, the enraged
creature strode over his body, though, most fortun-
ately, without injuring him in any manner.

The mounted hunter is exposed to other perils.
It happens occasionally that his horse becomes so
terrified at the sight and trumpeting of the ele-
phant, when the animal is in the act of charging, as
" to be transfixed to the spot — to appear altogether
bewildered — to spread out its legs, and to tremble
violently." A friend of mine was once placed
in this very awkward position, when the only
alternative left him was to dismount and take to
his heels. His horse also got o(f " scot-free," for
no sooner had the enraged elephant seized him
with his trunk than the spell was broken ; with a
frantic bound the terrified animal tore itself away

species of thorny trees and bushes; and ;is the greater part of the
tliorns, or prickles, nre shaped on the fish-hook principle, each hook
being on the average capable of supporting a weight of seven pounds,
the reader can readily conceive the. consequences when H few score
of them lay hold of u man at once. \Vlieu travelling, they were ex-
ceedingly annoying. To say nothing of the injuries they inllicted on
onr persons, they tore to ribbons our clothes, our C.MMSSCS, and even
the pack saddle-bags, though made of .strong ox-hide. Once,
indeed, on returning to Hurmen, after a short absence, 1 possessed
hnrdly a decent article of clothing, and h.id not M. llahn, the
missionary, kindly taken pity on my forlorn condition. I am afraid
there would soon have been but little dill'erence between me and the
savage.

334 THE ELEPHANT.

from the giant grasp of the enemy, and started off
at full speed, though minus the saddle, which the
beast bore away in triumph.

Another danger to which the mounted hunter is
exposed, is the possible unmanageableness of his
horse, of which Gordon Gumming gives us a notable
instance. After telling us that " he had placed two
balls in the body of one of a small troop of female
elephants, and that the wounded animal subse-
quently dropped astern of the rest, and next mo-
ment was surrounded by the dogs, which, barking
angrily, engrossed her attention," he goes on to
say:—

" Having placed myself between the maimed ele-
phant and the retreating troop, I dismounted within
forty yards of her, in open ground ; and " Coles-
berg," being extremely frightened, gave me much
trouble, jerking my arm when I tried to fire. At
length I let fly ; but, on endeavouring to regain
the saddle, my horse would not allow me to mount ;
and when I tried to lead him and run for it, he
backed towards the enemy. At this moment I
heard another elephant close behind me, and look-
ing about, beheld " the friend," the one that had pre-
viously shown regard for its wounded comrade, with
uplifted trunk, charging down upon me at top
speed, trumpeting shrilly, and following an old
deaf pointer named Schwart, that trotted along
before her. I felt certain she would have either
me or the horse ; nevertheless, I determined not to
relinquish my steed, and held on by the bridle.
My men, who, of course, kept at a safe distance,

A FIRST DAY'S ELErilANT-SIIOOTING. 335

stood aghast with their mouths open, and for a few
seconds my position was certainly not an enviable
one. Fortunately, however, the dogs took off the
attention of the elephants, and just as they were
upon me, I managed to spring into the saddle, ex-
pecting every second to feel one of their trunks
laying hold of my body. Kleinboy and Isaac, pale
and almost speechless with fright, now handed me
my two-grooved rifle, when I returned to the charge,
and sent another brace of bullets into the wounded
elephant, but Colesberg was extremely unsteady, and
destroyed the correctness of my aim.

" The ' friend,' now seeming resolved to do some
mischief, charged furiously, and pursued me several
hundred yards I therefore deemed it proper to
give her a gentle hint to act less officiously ; and,
having loaded, and approached within thirty yards,
I gave it to her sharp, right and left, behind the
shoulder, upon which she at once made oil', witli
drooping trunk, and evidently with a mortal wound.

" I never recur to this, my first day's elephant
shooting," Gordon Gumming goes on to say, " with-
out regretting my folly in contenting myself with
securing only one elephant. The first was dying
and could not leave the ground ; the second was
also mortally wounded, and I had only to follow
and finish her; but I foolishly amused myself with
the first, which kept walking backwards, and stand-
ing by every tree she passed. Two more shots settled
her ; on receiving these, she tossed her trunk up
and down two or three times, and, falling on her
broadside against a thorny tree, which yielded like

336 THE ELEPHANT.

grass before her enormous weight, uttered a deep,
hoarse cry, and expired."

Dogs, in elephant-hunting, whether on horseback
or on foot (with the exception, of course, when one
is " stalking") I take to be the most valuable of
auxiliaries ; for by diverting the attention of the
creature, the danger to the sportsman is very
greatly lessened — that is, provided they do their
duty ; for if, in the event of the beast's pursuing
them, as is not uufrequently the case, they, instead
of boldly facing the enemy, run for shelter to the
heels of their owner, they only serve to increase his
peril. A striking instance to this effect once oc-
curred to Gordon Gumming, who, after telling us
that the elephant he was in pursuit of, being sorely
harassed by his dogs, had backed into cover, goes
on to say :

" But I was not long in coming up with him,
and running in, gave him two fine shots behind the
shoulder. The dogs also gave tongue, and the
consequence was a terrific charge, his tormentors
(the dogs) at once making for their master, thus
bringing the elephant right down upon me. I had
no time to gain my saddle, but ran for my life.
The dogs, fortunately, took off after Sunday (the
horse), who, alarmed at the trumpeting, dashed
frantically away ; and although, in the midst of a
most dangerous affray, I could not refrain from
laughing."

It is chiefly by the aid of dogs, which distract
the elephant's attention from themselves, that the
Bushmen, and other natives of Southern Africa, are

HARDSHIPS OF ELEPHANT-HUNTING. 337

enabled to slay the animal with their slender spears,
which, if properly directed, penetrate its bark-like
hide with the same facility as a knife a Stilton cheese.
As a number of men are usually engaged in

v O O

these hunts, or massacres if you will, the appear-
ance of the poor creature, prior to its sinking to
the ground from loss of blood, is not very dissimilar
to that of an angry porcupine.

The elephant, it is to be remarked, has an un-
accountable aversion to the canine race ; though,
during the chase, he not unfrequently turns on a
dog, he is said rarely to injure it with his trunk,
which, were he so disposed, he might at times readily
do ; and that he detests swine is recorded by every
naturalist, from Pliny to Button. It is even said
that if a hare, or other small animal, crosses his
path, he becomes immediately alarmed.

The fatigues and hardships of elephant-hunting
on foot, as shown in a former chapter, are exceed-
ingly great, and it may be affirmed that they are
710 less even when one is mounted. i\ot so, pos-
sibly, to the amateur sportsman, who, having every
comfort, and needful appliances at hand, usually,
I presume, takes the matter very easily; but cer-
tainly to the man who makes the pursuit of the animal
a sort of profession. I. judge so, at least, from what.
my friend Frederick (ireen, who comes under the
latter category, wrote me during one of his expe-
ditions in the interior.

" We worked hard to overtake the elephants,
following on their trail from day-break to dark,
until man and beast were utterly exhausted.

z

338 THE ELEPHANT.

We were frequently in the saddle for ten or eleven
hours together, under a burning tropical sun, with-
out either food or drink. Hunger we never felt,
but tongue cannot tell what an elephant-hunter
suffers from thirst when in the desert."

339

CHAPTER VII.

ELEPHANT-SHOOTING AT NIGHT — AMBUSHING FOR GAME — THE
AUTHOR'S EXPERIENCES AT THE " SCREEN"— DANGERS ATTEND-
ANT ON NIGHT-SHOOTING — PERSONAL ADVENTURES — A CRITICAL
POSITION — A SUCCESSFUL NIGHT'S SHOOTING — AN EVENTFUL
EPOCH OF MY LIFE.

MANY elephants are also shot during the hours
of darkness, on coming to the water to slake
their thirst; which sport, I am free to confess, has
always had more charms for me than even that of
stalking those animals by broad daylight. Others,
however, entertain a very different view of the matter.
A great sportsman and a great traveller,* whose
name I am not at liberty to mention, once told me
(prefacing his pleasant remark with a " saving your
presence") that he considered ambushing for game
at night nothing better than " dirty poaching."
But I must beg leave to differ from my friend, to
whose superior judgment in most sporting matters I
respectively bow, for I am quite sure he has had little
or no experience in this kind of shooting ; and, proba-
bly, for this simple reason, that he is always richly

* On asking the same gentleman what he thought of Dr. Living-
stone, he returned me the following characteristic reply, " Well ! to
look at the man you would think nothing of him ; but he is a plucky
little devil/'

340 THE ELEPHANT.

furnished with well-trained hunters, and thus has
at command the easiest and surest means of en-
joying his gun without the fatigues attendant on
night-watching. During my peregrinations, how-
ever, in South Africa, I have seen something of
every sort of sport —whether at night, by the side
of the water, or the " salt-lick," or by day
on foot, or on horseback, and I must conscien-
tiously declare that, in my opinion, a moonlight am-
bush by a pool frequented by numerous wild animals
is worth all the other modes of enjoying a gun put
together. In the first place, there is something
mysterious and thrilling in finding oneself the secret
and unsuspected spectator of the wild movements,
habits, and propensities of the denizens of nature's
varied and wonderful menagerie ; no hi^h feeding,

O * o i1 '

no prison-bars, no harsh and cruel keeper's voice
having yet enervated, damped, or destroyed the
elasticity, buoyancy, and frolicsomeness of animal life.
Then the intense excitement between each ex-
pected arrival ; the distant footfall, now heard
distinctly rattling over a rugged surface, now gently
vibrating on the strained ear, as it treads over softer
ground — it may be that of a small antelope or an
elephant, of a wild boar or a rhinoceros, of a gnu
or a giraffe, of a jackal or a lion. And what
opportunities present themselves of observing the
habits and peculiarities of each species, and even of
individuals, to say nothing of the terrible battles
ihat sometimes take place between animals wlien
thus congregated, and which can so rarely be wit-
nessed in the day-time. I have certainly learnt

AMIU'SIIINC I'OK (JA.MK. • > I 1

more of the untamed life of savage beasts, in a single
night of such peregrinations, than during months of
toilsome wanderings in the broad light of the sun.

To give the reader, however, a better opportunity
of judging between my critic and myself, I subjoin
an account of two or three nights spent bv me
"ambushing for game," nights which were certainly
not devoid of interest, though not always, it is true,
of the most pleasurable kind.

On one occasion I had arrived a few minutes be-
fore sunset at a large " vley," called Okavaoa,
which, from the number of elephants' footsteps in
the sand, was evidently much resorted to by those
animals. There was, however, danger in facing
them here; the locality, with the exception of
several gigantic ant-hills, described at page ~.S:»,
being destitute of adequate shelter, and time not
admitting of the construction of a "screen" like
that elsewhere described, in which 1 was accus-
tomed to ensconce myself on similar occasions.
Still I did not relish the idea of losing a chance,
and therefore determined, at all hazards, to take up
my position for the night in one of the artificial
mounds in question; and this the rather as the
moon was at the full, which was much in my
favour.

I had not been long perched in mv po>:
of observation before a cracking and crackling

O

amongst the trees and bushes in the neighbouring
thicket announced the approach of elephants, and
a few moments afterwards a do/.en or more huge
unwieldy figures looming in the distance told

THE ELEPHANT.

of tlieir arrival. They appeared to be young males.
I was too far off to fire with any certainty of suc-
cess, and therefore left my ambush in order to
"stalk" within range; but the beasts were on their
guard, and soon began to retreat — a shot at the
nearest hastening their departure. The lead sped
truly, but not fatally, and the troop immediately dis-
appeared.

I had scarcely withdrawn to my ant-hill when
another herd, consisting of full-grown bulls, rapidly
approached the water, with a steady, heedful step.
I ran to a small tree to intercept them, and, just as
the foremost had fairly passed me in rather dan-
gerous proximity, I pulled the trigger. On re-
ceiving the bullet the brute uttered a faint cry, and
with ears erect, his proboscis swaying to and fro,
turned and fled, passing within a few paces of the
spot where I stood. One of his companions took
the same course on the opposite side of the tree,
thus placing me between two tremendous foes. I
felt frightened, but, fortunately, they did not at-
tempt to molest me. To my surprise and vexation,
the stricken beast succeeded in making good his
retreat.

I felt annoyed at rny want of success, and was ask-
ing myself how it happened that my last shot had not
proved fatal, when I observed two other elephants
cautiously approaching the water, at a little dis-
tance from which they halted ; but, after awhile,
the leader, more courageous than his associate,
moved forward, stopping, nevertheless, now and
then to listen. I w;;s at. this time well concealed by

SHOOTING EXPERIENCES. 34-J

an ant-hill, and had my rifle in rest at my side.
Having arrived at within less than a dozen paces of
my ambush, the animal stopped short. That pause
proved his death-warrant, for, the next instant, a
well-directed ball pierced his heart. Turning
sharply round, and staggering forward about fifty
paces, he came heavily to the ground, a lifeless
mass. He proved a very fine elephant.

After a while his companion, who had retreated
on hearing the report of the gun, again made his
appearance, and I was flattering myself would give
me a chance of a broadside ; but just then, owing
to a sudden shift of wind, he got scent of me, and
was off in double quick time. As he was retreat-
ing, however, I pulled the trigger, and with good
effect, for he was next morning found dead at only
a short distance from the spot where he had received
the wound.

On discharging this last shot I was in a sitting
posture, and the recoil of the rifle fairly knocked
me head over heels, disabling at the same time my
right shoulder, which generally, on hunting excur-
sions, was protected by a pad ; but this, on the pre-
sent occasion, had been accidentally left behind at
the bivouac. My gun was then charged with twelve
drachms of powder, but afterwards I never ex-
ceeded nine-and-a-half, and found, by experience,
that quantity amply sufficient.

To say nothing of the excruciating pain I suffered
in my shoulder, I was also much hurt in the chest.
Nevertheless, I remained for a while longer at my
post, and was well rewarded for my patience, as the

344 THE ELEPHANT.

best of the night's entertainment was yet to come.

A large herd of female elephants with their
calves soon afterwards came on, perfectly heedless
of the firing that had just taken place, and with a
rush gained the water exactly opposite to my ant-
hill ; and subsequently other troops, consisting both
of cows and bulls, poured in from different quarters.
It was quite remarkable to observe how the animals
ranged themselves closely side by side, like a line of
infantry. They drew up in single file, the line
extending the entire width of the lake, which here
was about three hundred yards broad.

The moon was then nearly at its zenith, and shed
a glorious and dazzling light on the huge creatures
below me. I felt no inclination to disturb so
striking and interesting a picture; indeed, even
had I been so disposed, it would have availed me
little, as the vley, in the direction occupied by the
elephants, was totally destitute of cover; so all I
could do, and did, was to look on, sigh, and
admire.

When they had ceased drinking, and were about
moving away from the water, I hurried forward to
intercept their retreat, and as the very last of the
vast herd was about to disappear, I succeeded, with
some difficulty, in shouldering my rifle and firing.
The rush and trampling that followed the dis-
charge of the piece was truly most appalling ;
the animals actually yelled with rage. They
were indeed, as I shortly afterwards experienced
in a " stalk " after them that nearly cost me my
life, a most savage lot. My last shot, however,

CRITICAL POSITION. J3 15

though a hurried and uncertain one, took effect ; a
fine cow was killed by it, but her carcase was not
discovered till two days afterwards. On this night,
therefore, I " bagged " three elephants, besides
wounding two others.

On another occa>ion, when the night was very
dark, 1 had crept to within a short distance of seven
bull-elephants, and was endeavouring to pick out
the largest, when I was startled by a peculiar
rumbling noise close behind me.* Springing to my
feet, I perceived, to my surprise and alarm, a semi-
circle of female elephants, with their calves, bearin r
down upon me. My position was critical, being
between two fires, so to say, and I had no other
choice than either to plunge into the pool, which
could be crossed onlv bv swimming1 in the face of

i/ +>

the male elephants, or by breaking through the ranks
of the females. I adopted the latter alternative,
but first fired at the nearest of the seven bulls ;
and then, without a moment's delay, rushed on
the more open rank of the female phalanx, uttering
at the same time loud shouts. My cries caused a
momentary panic amongst the animals, of which I
took advantage, and slipped between them, dis-
charging my second barrel into the shoulder of the
nearest as I passed her. No sooner, however, had [
effected my escape than the whole herd made a simul-
taneous rush at me, and trumpeted so shrillv as to
cause every man at the camp, as I learnt afterwards,

* The low rumbling noise ono often hears when elephants arc
approaching the water, arises — say the Bushmen — not from the foot-
full of the animals, but from their stomachs.

346 THE ELEPHANT.

to start out of his sleep. Fortunately, the darkness
prevented the beasts from following me, and the
jungle being close by, I was soon in safety. During
my precipitate flight, however, I severely lacerated
my feet; for, when "stalking" the bulls, I had
taken off my shoes, that I might the better steal
upon them.

When, after a while, I ventured out of my place
of concealment, I found everything quiet, and only
one solitary elephant remaining. Having approached
within a short distance, I could distinctly see him lav-
ing his sides with water by means of his trunk. I im-
mediately suspected that ho belonged to the troop of
seven bulls, and was the one at which I had fired.
Seating myself right across his path, I quietly watched
his proceedings. After a time I saw him, as I thought,
moving off in an opposite direction. But I was
mistaken, for in another instant his towering form
loomed above me. It was too late to get out of the
way; so, quickly raising myself on one knee, I took
a steady aim at his foreleg. On receiving the ball,
he uttered the most plaintive cries, and rushing
past me, soon disappeared in the neighbouring
forest. The next afternoon ho was discovered dead
within rifle-shot of the water. It had been a very
successful night, for a fine female elephant had
fallen to my other shot.

Though many were rny adventures and hair-
breadth escapes at the " screen," those that befell
me on the night of the 15th of July, 1853, were the
most remarkable. That night, indeed, will ever be
remembered by me as one of the most eventful

NiGnT-snooTixG. 347

epochs of ray life, for in the course of it I was three
several times in the very jaws of death, and only
escaped destruction as by a miracle.

For a short time previous 1 had been encamped
at Kobis, a watering-station only a few days journey
from Lake Ngami, where I had been very successful
with the larger animals, especially rhinoceroses, of
which one night, I, in the course of five hours, shot
no fewer than eight,* of three different species, and,
had I persevered, I might have doubled the number;
but game, owing to the persecution to which it was
subjected, having at length become scarce and wary,
and elephants having, as I had heard, resorted to
Abeghan, a station still nearer the lake just named,
I proceeded to that place.

Somewhat incautiously I, on the night in ques-
tion, took up my position, quite alone as usual,
on a narrow neck of land dividing two small pools,
the space on either side of my " screen" (which, as
elsewhere said, was a small circular enclosure, six to
eight feet in diameter, and the walls of it — usually
consisting of loose stones — some two feet in height)
being only sufficient for a large animal to stand on
between myself and the water. I was provided
with a blanket, and two or three spare iruns.

it was one of those magnificent tropical moon-

* To the reader, the great "hag" made l>y me on this occasion
may appear to have been useless slaughter, but I can assure him
that neither on this, nor on any other occasion, when I have killrd u
number of wild animals, has a single pound of flesh been wasted,
for what was not consumed by mysc:f and people, was gn rdily
devoured by the natives, who usually followed on my track in
crowds.

348 THE KLEl'IIANT.

light nights when an indescribably soft and en-
chanting light is shed over the slumbering landscape ;
the moon was so bright and clear that I could dis-

O

cern even a small animal at a considerable distance.
I had just completed my arrangements, when a
noise, which I can liken only to the passage of a train
of artillery, broke the stillness of the air; it evi-
dently came from the direction of one of the
numerous stony paths, or rather tracks, leading to
the water, and I imagined it was caused by some
waggon that might have crossed the Kalahari desert.
Raising myself partially from my recumbent pos-
ture, 1 fixed my eyes steadily on the part of the
bush whence the strange sounds proceeded ; but
for some time I was unable to make out the cause.
All at once, however, the mystery was explained by
the appearance of an immense elephant, immediately
followed bv eighteen others. Their towering forms

*/ ~ O

told me at a glance they were all males. It was a
splendid sight to behold so many huge creatures
approaching with a free, sweeping, unsuspecting,
arid stately step. The somewhat elevated ground,
from which they emerged, and which gradually
sloped towards the water, together with the misty
night-air, gave an increased appearance of bulk and
mightiness to their naturally giant structures.

Crouching down as low as possible in my
" screen," 1 waited with beating heart and ready
rifle the approach of the leading male, who, uncon-
scious of peril, was making straight for my hiding-
place. His position was, however, unfavourable for
a good shot ; and I therefore reserved my fire, in

DESPERATE CHARGE. 349

tlie hope it might so far change as to expose the
outer part of his shoulder — the preferable point, as I
have said, to aim at when shooting at night. But, un-
fortunately, this chance was not afforded until he
was close upon me, when the nature of the ground
caused him to incline somewhat to one side. The
consequence was, that, while in the act of raising
the muzzle of my rifle over the " screen," my
person caught his eye, and before I could place the
piece to my shoulder, he swung himself round, and,
with trunk elevated and ears cocked, desperately
charged me. It was now too late to think of flight,
much less of slaying the savage beast. Mv own life

4/ O *'

was in imminent jeopardy, and seeing that, if I
remained partially erect, he would inevitably seize
me with his proboscis, I threw myself on my back
with some violence, in which position, and whilst
his enormous bulk towered above my head, F, with-
out shouldering my rifle, fired upwards at random
towards his chest, uttering, at the same time, the
most piercing shouts and cries. This change of
position in all probability saved my life ; for, at the
same instant, the trunk of the enraged animal de-
scended precisely on the spot where 1 had been
previously crouched, sweeping away the stones
(manv of a large size) that formed the fore part of
my "screen," like so many pebbles. In another
moment his broad fore-feet passed directly over mv
face.

1 now expected nothing short of being crushed
to death. But imngine my relief when, instead of
renewing the charge, he stferved to the left, and

350 THE ELEPHANT.

moved off with considerable rapidity — most hap-
pily without my having received other injuries
than a few bruises, occasioned by the falling of the
stones. Under Providence, I attribute my extra-
ordinary escape to the confusion of the animal,
caused by the wound I had inflicted on him, and to
the cries elicited from me when in my utmost peril.

Immediately after the elephant had left me, I
was on my legs : and, snatching up a spare rifle
lying at hand, I pointed it at him as he was retreat-
ing, and pulled the trigger ; but, to my intense
mortification, the piece missed fire. It was matter
of thankfulness to me, however, that a similar mis-
hap had not occurred when the animal charged ;
for had not my gun then exploded, nothing, as I
conceive, could have saved me from destruction.

During this scene, the rest of the elephants re-
treated into the bush ; but by the time I had
repaired my hiding-place they re-appeared, with
stealthy and cautious steps, on the opposite side
of the pool, though so distant that I could not fire
with any prospect of success. As they did not
approach nearer, I attempted to " stalk " them, but
they would not allow me to come to close quarters,
and, after awhile, moved off together.

Whilst pondering over my late wonderful escape,
I observed, at a little distance, a huge white rhino-
ceros protruding its ponderous and mis-shapen head
through the bushes, and presently afterwards it ap-
proached to within a dozen paces of my ambuscade.
Its broadside was then fully exposed to view, and,
notwithstanding that I still felt a little nervous from

SHOT AT A RHINOCEROS. 351

ray recent conflict with the elephant, I lost no time in
firing. The beast did not at once fall to the
ground, but, from appearances, I had every reason
to believe its days were numbered.

Scarcely had I reloaded, when a black rhinoceros
of the species Keitloa (a female, as it proved), stood
drinking at the water ; but her position, as with
the elephant in the first instance, was unfavourable
for a good shot. As, however, she was very near
me, I thought I was pretty sure of breaking her
leg, and thereby disabling her ; and in this I suc-
ceeded. My fire seemed to madden her ; she
rushed wildly forward on three legs, when I gave
her a second shot, though apparently with little or
no effect. I felt sorry at not being able to end her
sufferings at once; but as I was too well acquainted
with the habits of the rhinoceros to venture on
pursuing her under the circumstances, 1 determined
to wait patiently for day-light, and then destroy
her with the aid of my dogs. But it was not so
to be.

As no more elephants, or other large game, ap-
peared, I thought, after a time, it might be as well
to go in search of the white rhinoceros previously
wounded ; and I was not long in finding its carcase,
for my ball, as I supposed, had caused its almost
immediate death.

In headinsr back to mv " screen," I accident-

••

ally took a turn in the direction pursued by the
black rhinoceros, and by ill-luck, as the event
proved, at once encountered her. She was still on
her legs, but her position was unfavourable. Hop-

352 THE ELEPHANT.

ing, however, to make her change it for the better,
and thus enable me to destroy her at once, I took
up a stone and hurled it at her with all my force ;
when, snorting horribly, erecting her tail, keeping
her head close to the ground, and raising clouds of
dust with her feet, she rushed at me with fearful
fury. I had only just time to level my rifle and
fire before she was upon me ; and the next instan't,
whilst instinctively turning round for the purpose
of retreating, she laid me prostrate. The shock
was so violent as to send my rifle, powder-flask, and
ball-pouch, as also my cap, spinning into the air ;
the gun, indeed, as afterwards ascertained, to a
distance of fully ten feet. On the beast charging,
it crossed my mind that, unless I was gored at once
by her horn, her impetus would be such (after
knocking me down, which I took it for granted
she would do) as to carry her beyond me,
and I might thus be afforded a chance of escape.
So, indeed, it happened ; for having tumbled me
over (in doing which her head and the fore part
of her body, owing to the violence of her charge,
were half buried in the sand), and trampled on
me with great violence, her fore-quarter passed
over my body. Struggling for life, I seized my
opportunity, and, as she was recovering herself
for a renewal of the charge, I scrambled out from
between her hind legs.

But the enraged beast had not yet done with
me. Scarcely had I regained my feet, before she
struck me down a second time, and with her horn
ripped up my right thigh (though not very deeply)

REVENGE OF A RHINOCEROS. 353

from near the knee to the hip, with her fore-feet ;
moreover, she hit me a terrific blow on the left
shoulder, near the back of the neck. My ribs bent
under the enormous weight and pressure, and for a
moment I must, as I believe, have lost conscious-
ness. T have, at least, very indistinct notions of
what afterwards took place. All I remember is
that, when I raised my head, I heard a furious snort-
ing and plunging amongst the neighbouring bushes.

I now arose, though with great difficulty, and
made my way, in the best manner I was able, to-
wards a large tree near at hand, for shelter ; but
this precaution was needless ; the beast, for the
time at least, showing uo inclination further to mo-
lest me. Either in the melee, or owing to the con-
fusion caused by her wounds, she had lost sight of
me, or she felt satisfied with the revenge she had
taken. Be that as it may, I escaped with life,
though sadly wrounded and severely bruised, in
which disabled state I had great difficulty in getting
back to my " screen."

During the greater part of the recent conflict, 1
had preserved my presence of mind ; but after the
danger was over, and when I had leisure to collect
my scattered and confused senses, I was seized
with a nervous affection, causing a violent tremb-
ling. I have since killed many rhinoceroses, but
several weeks elapsed before I could again attack
those animals with any coolness.

About sunrise, Kamoja, my half-caste boy, whom
I had left on the preceding erening about half a
mile away, came to the " screen " to convey my

A A

354 THE ELEPHANT.

guns and other things to our encampment. In a
few words I related to him what had befallen me.
He listened with seeming incredulity ; but the sight
of my gashed thigh soon convinced him that I was
not in joke.

I afterwards directed him to take one of the
guns and proceed in search of the wounded rhi-
noceros, cautioning him to be careful in approach-
ino- the beast, which I had reason to believe was not

O *

yet dead. He had only been absent a few minutes,
when I heard a cry of distress. Striking my hand
against my forehead, I exclaimed, " Good God ! the
brute has attacked the lad also."

Seizing hold of my rifle, I scrambled through
the bushes as fast as my crippled condition would
permit ; and, when I had proceeded two or three
hundred yards, a scene suddenly presented itself
that I shall vividly remember to the last days of
my existence. Amongst some bushes, and within
a couple of yards of each other, stood the rhinoceros
and the young savage ; the former supporting her-
self on three legs, covered with blood and froth,
and snorting in the most furious manner ; the latter
petrified with fear — spell-bound, as it were — and
riveted to the spot. Creeping, therefore, to the
side of the rhinoceros opposite to that on which
the boy was standing, so as to draw her attention
from him, I levelled and fired, on which the beast
charged wildly to and fro, without any distinct
object, and whilst she was thus occupied, I poured
into her body shot after shot, but thought she
would never fall.

NARROW ESCAPE. 355

At length, however, she sank slowly to the
ground ; and imagining that she was in her death-
agonies, and all danger over, I walked unhesi-
tatingly close up to her, and was on the point
of placing the muzzle of my gun to her ear, to give
her the coup de grace, when, to my horror, she once
more rose on her legs.' Taking a hurried aim, I
pulled the trigger, and instantly retreated, with the
beast in full pursuit. The race, however, was a
short one ; for, just as I threw myself into a bush
for safety, she fell dead at my feet, so near me,
indeed, that I could have touched her with the
muzzle of my rifle. Another moment, and I should
probably have been impaled on her murderous
horn, which, though short, was sharp as a razor.

When reflecting on the wonderful and providen-
tial escapes I had recently experienced, my heart
was lifted in humble gratitude to the Almighty,
who had thus extended over me His protecting
hand.

The second day after the scenes described, my
bruises began to show themselves ; and on the third
day they were fully developed, giving nearly the
whole of my body a black and yellow hue. So far
as I was aware, none of my bones were broken ;
but burning and agonising pains in the region of
the chest were clearly symptomatic of severe internal
injury. Indeed, at first, serious apprehensions were
entertained for my life. After great suffering,
however, I had so far recovered as, with the aid
of my men, to mount my ox, and resume my
travels.

AA 2

356 THE ELEPHANT.

When shooting elephants, or other large game, in
the night season, it may be proper to add, the
sportsman will do well to affix a piece of white
paper, or fine rag, to the muzzle of his gun, and
secure it with a thin white thread behind the
" sight." He should then raise the paper, or
the rag, as the case may be, slightly in front ;
that is, nearest to the muzzle, in which position
it is to be kept by introducing a small twig,
or thick straw, beneath and on either side of the
" sight." If the paper lies flat on the barrel,
nothing is gained. When levelling the gun, let the
muzzle be sufficiently raised to enable you to catch
a full view of the paper, and then gradually lower it
until the paper is lost to view ; having thus got the
elevation of the object, pull the trigger. It requires,
however, some practice before a person can become
a tolerable night-shot.

The dangers attendant on night-shooting are, as
we have seen, not slight; but, independent of the
chance of being impaled on the tusk of the elephant
or the horn of the rhinoceros, the risk one incurs
from the lion is, as I have elsewhere said, not in-
considerable. To say nothing of the two occasions
when, as has been mentioned, those beasts stealthily
approached to within a few paces of my place of
concealment, with the intention, as I firmly believe,
of making a meal of me, numbers of men, when lying
in wait for large game during the hours of darkness,
are carried off by those animals. An instance of the
kind came under the immediate notice of my friend
Green, who, in a letter to me, says : —

PERILS OF NIGHT-SUOOTIXCI. 3>

" In the Bamanguato country it occurred on a
certain night that three or four natives proceeded
to the water with the object of lying in wait for
deer. One individual of the party, known as a suc-
cessful hunter, took up his position at some little
distance from his companions ; but feeling cold, he
left his place of concealment to join his friends, who
had a small fire in their ' screen.' On returning to
his own, he found it occupied by a lion, who in-
stantly pounced upon and devoured him."

358

CHAPTER VIII.

HAMSTRINGING OF ELEPHANTS BY THE CAFFRES— BRUCE'S AC-
COUNT — THE PITFALL — USE OF POISONED JAVELINS — THE
EHINOCEROS, THE ELEPHANT'S ENEMY — COMBATS BETWEEN
MALE ELEPHANTS — STRUCK BY LIGHTNING — THE CHASSE IN
ABYSSINIA— THE AGGAJEERS — THEIR MANNER OF KILLING THE
ELEPHANT — FREEMASONRY AMONG HUNTERS.

A CCOKDING to Montgomery Martin, " the
-HL. Caffres are accustomed to steal behind and
hamstring the elephant, after which it is easy for
them to dispatch the animal with their assegais ;" and
though this statement may be perfectly accurate,
yet I do not find it corroborated by any other South
African traveller, or sportsman.

In parts of Abyssinia, however, it is a common
practice with certain of the natives (the same spoken
of in Chapter IX., page 148), to attack the elephant
with the sword alone, and it is thus described by
the celebrated Bruce : —

" An hour before daylight, and after a hearty
breakfast," says this intrepid and truthful traveller,
" we mounted on horseback, to the number of about
thirty ; but there was another body, both of horse
and foot, who made hunting the elephant their par-
ticular business. These men dwell constantly in

AGGAJEERS. 359

the woods, and know very little of the use of bread,
living entirely on the flesh of the beasts they kill,
chiefly that of the elephant and rhinoceros. They
are exceedingly thin, light, and agile, both on horse-
back and on foot ; are very swarthy, though few of
them are black ; none of them woolly-headed, and
all of them have European features. They are
called Aggajeers, a name of their profession,. not of
their nation, which comes from the word cigar, and
signiGes to hough or hamstring with a sharp wea-
pon— more properly it means the cutting of the
tendon of the heel, and is a peculiarity of the
manner in which they kill the elephant, which is
shortly as follows : —

" Two men, absolutely naked, without any rag or
covering at all about them, get on horseback — a pre-
caution adopted for fear of being laid hold of by the
trees or bushes, in making their escape from a very
watchful enemy. One of these riders sits upon the
back of the horse, sometimes with a saddle and
sometimes without one, with only a switch or short
stick in one hand, carefully managing the bridle
with the other. Behind him sits his companion,
who has no other arms but a broadsword, such
as is used by Sclavonians, and is brought from
Trieste. His left hand is employed in grasping the
sword by the handle. About fourteen inches of tin1
blade is covered with whipcord. This part he takes
in his right hand, without any danger of being hurt
by it; and, though the edge of the lower part of
the sword is sharp as a razor, he carries it without
a scabbard.

360 THE ELEPHANT.

" As soon as the elephant is found feeding, the
horseman rides before him as near his face as pos-
sible; or, if he flies, crosses him in all directions,
crying out, ' I am such a man and such a man ; this
is my horse, that has such a name ; I killed your
father in such a place, and your grandfather in such
another; and I am now come to kill you ; you are
but an ass in comparison with them.' This non-
sense he verily believes the elephant understands.
Furious and angry at hearing the noise imme-
diately before him, he seeks to seize him with his
trunk or proboscis ; and, intent upon this, follows
the horse everywhere, turning round with him,
and neglecting to make his escape by running
straight forward, in which consists his only chance of
safety. After having made him turn once or twice
in pursuit of the horse, the horseman rides close up
alongside of him, and drops his companion just be-
hind on the off side ; and while he engages the
elephant's attention upon the horse, the footman
behind gives him a drawn stroke just above the
heel, or what in man is called the tendon Achilles.
This is the critical moment; the horseman imme-
diately wheels round, takes his companion up be-
hind him, and rides off full speed after the rest of
the herd, if they have started more than one.
Sometimes an expert Aggajeer will kill three out of
one herd. If the sword is good, and the man not
afraid, the tendon is commonly entirely separated ;
and if it is not cut through, it is generally so far
divided that the animal, with the stress he puts
upon it, breaks the remaining part asunder. In

ELEPHANT-HUNTING IN AP.YSStXIA. 01

either case, he remains incapable of advancing a
step till the horseman's return, or until his com-
panions, coming up, pierce the brute through with
javelins and lances; he then falls to the ground, and
expires from loss of blood.

" The Aggajeer nearest me presently lanced his
elephant, and left him standing. Ayto Engedan,
Ayto Confu, Guebra Marram, and several others,
fixed their spears in the other before the Aggajeer
had cut his tendons. My Aggajeer, however,
having wounded the first elephant, failed in the
pursuit of the second; and being close upon him at
the entrance of the wood, he received a violent blow
from the branch of a tree which the elephant had
bent with his weight, and, after passing, allowed it
to replace itself, when it knocked down both the
riders and very much hurt the horse. This, indeed,
is the great danger in elephant-hunting; for some
of the trees that are dry and short break by the
violent pressure of so immense a body moving with
such rapidity, and fall upon the pursuer, or across the
road. But the greatest number of these trees being
of a succulent quality, they bend without breaking,
and return quickly to their former position, when
they strike both horse and rider so violently that
they often beat them to pieces."

The above account of Bruce's, as to the manner in
which the elephant is killed in Abyssinia, has re-
cently been most fully corroborated by Sir Samuel
Baker, who, as it has been said, not only made the ac-
quaintance of certain of the " Aggajeers," the famous
Nirnrods spoken of by Bruce, but hunted for a con-

362 THE ELEPHANT.

siderable time in their company, and was a witness
to their wonderful performances. And, though in
the main the same tale is told by both the distin-
guished travellers, still, as the subject is interest-
ing, and Sir Samuel goes into more details,
I will take leave to quote what, in substance, he
says of the remarkable men in question.

" They, the Aggajeers, belong to a particular
tribe of Arabs — the Hamrans — inhabiting the
country south of Cassala, between that town and
the Base country, who are only to be distin-
guished from the neighbouring tribes by an extra
length of hair, worn parted down the centre, and
arranged in long curls, and who, when about to
attack the elephant, are merely armed with the
sword, which differs not in form from that usually
worn, but is bound with cord very closely from
the guard for about nine inches (Bruce says four-
teen) along the blade, to enable him to grasp it
with the right hand, whilst the hilt is held by the
left, thus converted into a two-handed sword. The
scabbard (Bruce speaks of the weapon being with-
out that appendage) is strengthened by an extra
covering formed of the elephant's ear.

" Their way of hunting the elephant differs.
Those hunters who cannot afford to purchase horses
hunt on foot, in parties not exceeding two persons.
Their method is to follow the tracks of the ele-
phant, so as to arrive at their game between the
hours of 10 a.m. and noon, at which time the
animal is either asleep or extremely listless, and
easy to approach. Should they discover it asleep,

EXTRAORDINARY STYLE OP HUNTING 3G3

one of the hunters creeps stealthily towards it, and
with one blow severs the trunk whilst stretched
upon the ground ; in which case the elephant starts
to his feet, whilst the hunters escape in the confusion
of the moment. The severing of the trunk causes
hemorrhage sufficient to ensure the death of the
elephant within about an hour. On the other hand,
should the elephant be awake on their arrival, it is
impossible for them to approach the trunk ; in such
case they creep up from behind, and give a tremen-
dous cut at the back sinew of the hind leg, about a
foot above the heel ; such a blow disables the ele-
phant at once, and renders comparatively easy a
second cut at the remaining leg. The arteries
being divided, the animal quickly bleeds to death.
These are the methods adopted by poor hunters
until, by the sale of ivory, they can purchase horses
for the higher branch of the art.

" When provided with horses, the party of hunters
should not exceed four. They start before day-
break, and ride slowly throughout the country in
search of elephants, generally keeping along the course
of a river, until they come upon the tracks which lead
them to the spot where a herd, or a single elephant,
may have drunk during the night. When once
upon the tracks, they follow last the retreating game.
The elephants may be twenty miles distant, but
that matters little to the AggajetTS. At length
they discover them, and the hunt begins. The first
step is to single out the bull with the largest tusks.
This is the commencement of the fight. After a
short hunt, the elephant turns upon his pursuers,

364 TEE ELEPHANT.

who scatter and fly from the headlong charge until
he gives up the pursuit ; but he again turns to bay
when further pressed by the hunters. It is the duty
of one man in particular to ride up close to the
head of the elephant, and thus to centre its atten-
tion upon himself. This ensures a desperate charge.
The greatest coolness and dexterity are then re-
quired by the hunter, who, now the hunted, must so
adapt the speed of his horse to the pace of the ele-
phant that the enraged beast gains in the race until
it almost reaches the tail of the horse. In this
manner the race continues. In the meantime, two
hunters gallop up behind the elephant, unseen by
the animal, whose attention is completely directed
to the horse almost within his grasp. With ex-
treme agility, when close to the heels of the ele-
phant, one of the hunters,, while at full speed,
springs to the ground with his drawn sword, while
his companion seizes the bridle, and with one dex-
terous two-handed blow severs the back sinew. He
immediately jumps out of the way, and remounts
his horse ; if the blow be successful, the ele-
phant becomes disabled by the first pressure of its
foot on the ground ; the enormous weight of the
animal dislocates the joint, and it is rendered
helpless. The hunter who has hitherto led the
elephant immediately turns, and riding to within a
few feet of the trunk, he induces the animal to
make another charge. This, clumsily made, affords
an easy opportunity for the Aggajeers behind to
slash the sinew of the remaining leg, and the im-
mense brute is thus reduced to a stand-still ; it dies of

ACCIDENT TO A HUNTER. 365

loss of blood in a short time, thus positively killed
by one. man with two strokes of the sword."

" That the above extraordinary style of hunting
should be attended with superlative danger, and
that the hunters ahould frequently fall victims to
their intrepidity must," as Sir Samuel Baker truly
remarks, " be evident to every one."

Still further, however, to shew the courage and
daring of the remarkable individuals in question, it
may be proper to mention that on a certain occa-
sion a number of men were sent by Sir Samuel into
the forest to bring home the flesh and spoils of
several elephants shot on the preceding day, and
that on the return of the party, one of the three
Aggajeers, named loli, who had accompanied it,
was borne on a litter to the encampment witli a
broken thigh. The cause of the accident was
tli us explained by Abou Do, one of the unfortunate
man's companions.

" While the party of camel-men and others were
engaged in cutting up the dead elephants, the three
Aggajeers had found the track of a bull that had
escaped wounded. In that country, where there
was no drop of water upon the east bank of the
Settite for a distance of sixty or seventy miles to
the river Gask, an elephant, if wounded, was afraid
to trust itself in the interior. One of our escaped
elephants had, therefore, returned to the thick
jungle, and was tracked by the Aggajeers to a
position within two or three hundred yards of the
dead elephants. As there wore no guns, two of
the Aggajeers, utterly reckless of consequences,

366 THE ELEPHANT.

resolved to ride through the narrow passage formed
by the large game, and to take their chance with
the elephant, sword in hand, loli, as usual, was
the first to lead, and upon his little grey mare he
advanced with the greatest difficulty through the
entangled thorns, broken by the passage of heavy
game ; to the right and left of the passage it was
impossible to move. Abou Do had wisely dis-
mounted, but Suleiman had followed loli. Upon
arriving within a few yards of the elephant, which
was invisible in the thick thorns, Abou Do crept
forward on foot, and discovered it standing, with
ears cocked, evidently waiting for the attack. As
loli followed on his light grey mare, the elephant
immediately perceived the white colour, and at once
charged forward. Escape was next to impossible,
loli turned his mare sharp round, and she bounded
off; but caught in the thorns, the mare fell, throw-
ing her rider in the path of the elephant^ which was,
within a few feet behind, in full chase. The mare
recovered herself in an instant, and rushed away ;
the elephant, attracted by the white colour of the
animal, neglected the man, upon whom he trod
in the pursuit, thus breaking his thigh. Abou Do,
who had been between the elephant and loli, had
wisely jumped into the thick thorns, and, as the
elephant passed him, he again sprang out behind,
and followed with his drawn sword, but too late
to save loli, as it was the affair of an instant.
Jumping over loli's body, he was just in time to
deliver a tremendous cut at the hind leg of the ele-
phant, which must otherwise have killed both horses,

IIAMRAM SWORD-HUNTERS. 367

and most probably Suleiman also, as the three were
caught in a cul-de-sac, in a passage that had no out-
let, and were at the animal's mercy.

" Abou Do seldom failed ; it was a difficult feat
to strike correctly in the narrow jungle passage,
with the elephant in full speed, but the blow was
fairly given, and the back sinew was divided. Not
content with the success of the cut, he immediately
repeated the stroke upon the other leg, as he feared
that the elephant, although disabled from rapid
motion, might turn and trample loli. The extraor-
dinary dexterity and courage required to effect this
feat can hardly be appreciated by those who have
never hunted a wild elephant; but the extreme agility,
pluck, and audacity of these Hamran sword-hunters
surpass all feats that I have ever witnessed."

In concluding these few particulars respecting the
Aggajeers, I would remark that Sir Samuel Baker,
in his first interview with those men, and prior to
seeing for himself their brave deeds in the field,
pays the following just and honorable tribute to
their merits.

" As I listened to these fine fellows, who in a
modest and unassuming manner recounted their
adventures as a matter of course, I felt exceedingly
small, ^ly whole life, from early manhood, had
been passed in wild sports, and I had imagined that
I understood as much as most people on the sub-
ject; but here were men who, without the aid of
the best rifles and deadly projectiles, went straight
at their game, and faced the lion in his den with
shield and sabre. There is a freemasonry among

368 THE ELEPHANT.

hunters, and my heart was drawn towards these
Aggajeers; we fraternized on the spot, and I looked
forward with intense pleasure to the day when we
might become allies in action."

After Sir Samuel had associated with them, and
had been an eye-witness to their wonderful per-
formances, he adds : —

" I have been rewarded by this alliance in being
now able to speak of the deeds of others that far
excel my own, and of bearing testimony to the won-
derful courage and dexterity of these Nimrods,
instead of continually relating anecdotes of dangers
in the first person, which cannot be more disagree-
able to the reader than to the narrator."

To proceed after this long digression. Besides
being hunted on horseback and on foot in the day-
time, and shot during the hours of darkness, when
repairing to the water to quench its thirst, the poor
elephant is destroyed by the natives of Southern
Africa by a variety of other means.

Occasionally, as said, it is taken in the " pitfall,"
in such as are dug for the rhinoceros, the giraffe,
or other of the larger denizens of the African wilds ;
but, with the exception of calves, this is a some-
what rare occurrence, the great sagacity of the
animal enabling it, in most instances, to avoid
the toils.

Another plan is for the hunter to conceal himself
amongst the branches of some umbrageous tree,
under which the elephant is accustomed to take
shelter during the noon-tide heats, and when the
unfortunate creature makes its appearance, to let

ELEPHANT AND RHINOCEROS. 3G9

fall on its body a heavy-weighted and poisoned
assegai, which soon does its deadly work.

From the- enormous bulk and power of the ele-
phant, and the consequent fear that its presence
creates amongst lesser animals, it cannot be said to
have many enemies besides man. Even the lion
himself slinks away from its presence, though its
young, when straying somewhat away from the
dam, occasionally fall a prey, as elsewhere said, to
the ferocious beast.

With the rhinoceros it has also occasional con-
flicts, which no doubt at times end fatally. When
at Omenbomle, we were told by the natives that a
short time before our arrival a furious fight had
taken place between the two animals. The rhino-
ceros made a desperate charge at the elephant,
striking its long sharp horn into the belly of the
latter with such force as to be unable to extricate;
the weapon, and the elephant, in its fall, crushed its
antagonist to death.

JMajor Lally stated to the author of " Oriental
Sports," moreover, that he himself once witnessed
from a distant hill a most furious combat between
a large male elephant and a rhinoceros, in which
the former was worsted and fled.

At times, also, the elephant succumbs to the
elements. Whilst a party of Bushmen were follow-
ing up the spoor of one of these animals that. I had
wounded on the preceding day, they came upon tin-
carcase of a female who had been struck dead bv
lightning. This was the first instance 1 had known
of these huge creatures being destroyed by the

B 15

370 THE ELEPHANT.

electric fluid, though it often occasions the death of
the smaller kinds of game. The natives, however,
assured me that the occurrence was not at all an
unfrequent one during the rainy season. They had
once stumbled, they told me, upon the remains of a
full-grown male, whose head had been completely
severed from the body by a thunder-stroke, and all
his bones completely smashed.

371

CHAPTER IX.

CASUALTIES TO ELEPHANT-HUNTERS — DEATH OP WAHLBEIir.—
CAREL KRIEOER'S FATAL ADVENTURE— REVENGE OF A WOUNDED
ELEPHANT— REMARKABLE ESCAPE OF LIEUTENANT MOODIE —
LIFE OF THE ELEPHANT-HUNTER — DANGERS AND HARDSHIP*
TO WHICH HE IS EXPOSED— MAD WAGER AND ITS FATAL KK-
SULT — ELEPHANT-HUNTING, BLOODY AND UNDESIRABLE WORK.

/CASUALTIES amoDgst elephant-hunters are
VJ of frequent occurrence. Not a few of those,
indeed, who systematically follow the pursuit,
whether for sport or commercial purposes,
come to grief sooner or later. One of the best-
known victims of the infuriated animal was my
friend and countryman, the late Professor Wahl-
berg, of whose tragical end it was my painful duty
to send the following account to the Cape of Good
Hope Press : —

Professor Wahlberg met his end whilst hunting
to the north-east of Lake Ngami. A Swede by
birth, ho arrived for the first time in this colony
(Table Bay) in September, 1838. He remained at
the Capo until the following April, 1839, when he
embarked for Port Natal. Hence he penetrated into
the interior, considerably beyond the Zulu country,
extending his expeditions even as far as the banks

'2 B B

372 THE ELEPHANT.

of the far-famed Limpopo. At one time he was
accompanied by the French naturalist, Delegorgue,
known to the world by his works on south-eastern
Africa.

M. Wahlberg's principal object in visiting this
part to the globe, seems to have been for purposes of
hunting, and the study of natural history, which
science he pursued with so much zeal, and to such
great advantage, as to be able to ship, from time
to time, to his native country, many tons of
curiosities, consisting chiefly of first-rate and beauti-
fully preserved specimens of almost all the quadru-
peds— from the bulky elephant down to the in-
significant mouse — indigenous to that part of Africa,
besides a great number and variety of birds and
insects. The collections, which were finally secured
by the Kongliga Vetenskapx Akadcmicn (Royal
Academy of Science) of Stockholm, were considered
of so much value and importance that, when
difficulties arose as to procuring the necessary
funds for the purchase, the King of Sweden was
heard to exclaim — "The means r>nust, be found;"
and through the generous interference of His
Majesty, the money was forthcoming. In a pecuniary
point of view, however, M. Wahlberg, derived no
benefit; for, if I am rightly informed, the amount
obtained for the collections — though by no means
inconsiderable — was barely sufficient to cover the
expenses incurred.

The Professor remained hunting and exploring
in South Africa until the month of May, 1840,
when the duties of his profession compelled him

1'KOFEssMu w.\iii.nF.i;i;. o, >

to hasten back to Sweden. But, as with almost
every other traveller \vho has on'ce tasted of (was
poisoned by, would perhaps be a more appropriate
expression) the sweets of roaming in unrestrained
freedom over the boundless plains and deserts ol
Africa, he longed to revisit a land that stands un-
rivalled in the beauties of nature, and in the ex-
uberance of its animal and vegetable productions.
A further inducement once more to behold and
explore this mysterious continent was afforded
him by the discovery of that "world-renowned"
Lake, the Ngami. Accordingly, he applied for fresh
leave of absence; and again we find him in Table
Bay towards the end of the year 180->, bent on
gaining fresh laurels, and adding to his already ex-
tensive store of knowledge.

The route to the Lake from "Walwich Bay
having then just been discovered, M. Wahlberg,
it seems, fixed upon this as the most eligible for
penetrating to the Lake region?, where he was in
hopes of finding a new and extensive field for his
investigations. Without delay he shipped himself
and goods for the port in question, which he
reached in safety. About this period I was on my
return from the Xirami, and being informed of the
intentions of -the distinguished naturalist, I looked
forward with very great pleasure to the prospect
of making his acquaintance, but circumstances
prevented the fulfilment of my agreeable anticipa-
tions.

Whilst the Professor was making his final ar-
rau^emeuts, my friend, Mr. Frederick Green, well

374 THE ELEPHANT.

known as an indefatigable sportsman and traveller,
having decided upon making a hunting expedition
to the Lake country, also arrived at Walwich Bay.
The pursuits of the two adventurers being in many
respects similar, an intimacy soon sprang up be-
tween them, and it was agreed upon that they
should make the journey together. However, Mr.
Green, owing to sickness and other causes, was
long detained on the coast, so long, indeed, that
M. Wahlberg found it necessary to proceed without
his new acquaintance ; but, travelling very leisurely,
my friend was eventually able to overtake him a few
days' journey on this side of the Lake. Here they
again separated. M. Wahlberg, accompanied only
by a few Damaras, started on a foot-expedition up
the Tionghe River, chiefly with a view of hunting
elephants. In this he was very successful ; and
after an absence of about five mouths, and after
having penetrated to Libebe (also called Debabe),
a place several hundred miles north of the Lake,
and never before visited by Europeans, lie returned
in safety to his encampment on the Ngami, laden
with the spoils of the chase. In the meantime,
Mr. Green, and a Mr. Wilson whom he met at the
Lake, had also made an excursion up the river in
question, chiefly performed by water. But I
will now let my friend tell the story in his own
words. In a letter (a copy of which has been
placed nt my disposal) addressed to the Swedish
Consul-General, Chevalier Letterstedt, Mr. Green
thus writes : —

" Upon my return from Debabu (my own jour-

MR. GREEN'S LETTER. 375

ney, during which I had met M. Wahlberg on his
way back to the Lake), having been accomplished
chiefly by water, it was my intention to have re-
traced my steps to Walwich Bay, but circumstances
prevented the intended movement ; and as my friend
decided upon spending the summer months in the
desert to the north-east of the Ngami, for the purpose
of hunting elephants, and completing his collection
of curiosities, and as he expressed his anxious
wish that I should accompany him, I was prevailed
upon to do so. Accordingly, we took our depart-
ure from the Lake on the 22nd of November, but
did not reach the land of elephants until the begin-
ning of February. After having hunted the ani-
mals in question for some time, and with various
success, M. Wahlberg one day (the 28th of Feb-
ruary) left the waggons, accompanied by two
Damaras, one of whom (Kooleman) was his con-
stant attendant on his shooting excursions, and
much attached to his master, who, on his part, I
know, looked upon him as a good and faithful ser-
vant, as well as a brave hunter. He also took with
him a Makalaka and a Bushman. The same morning
I also set off for the purpose of seeking elephants,
though in a direction different from that which

O

my friend had selected ; for owing to my being
subject to frequent attacks of fever, with which L
was seized previous to our departure from the Lake,
and the long duration of Mr. Wahlberg's expedi-
tions generally, I could not accompany him, but
was obliged to limit my distance so as to enable
me to return to mv wac^on the second or third

376 THE ELEPHANT.

day. On the present occasion M. Wahlberg
had intimated that it was his intention not to be
absent long ; and although his surmise proved in-
correct, yet, owing to his hunting excursions being
so very uncertain with regard to time, we did not
entertain that anxiety for his return which we
should have felt had he been more punctual, know-
ing that, so long as he was amongst the game he
was in search of, a month might elapse ere he made
his appearance. However, after waiting ten days
in vain for him, I became uneasy, more especially
as I could gain no information from the natives
respecting his whereabouts. Owing to my people,
as well as to myself, as before stated, suffering
severely from fever, I had determined on removing
the waggons to a more healthy situation, when, upon
the eve prior to my intended movement, the start-
ling intelligence that my unfortunate companion
had been killed by an elephant was conveyed to
me by his servants. The feelings of pain and
sorrow which so shocking an event occasioned to
all who were acquainted with him, cannot be easily
imagined, and will, I am sure, never be effaced
from my memory.

" The following are the particulars of M. Wahl-
berg's death, as related to mo by the Damaras
who accompanied him : — ' We proceeded,' said the
men, ' from the waggons in a westerly direction, and
on the day of our departure we struck upon the
spoor of a young bull-elephant, which we followed
until the third day, when we came up to him in
company with three others, one of which master

DEATH OF M WAHLDEHG. o/f

shot; another was killed by Kooleman. Tlicnco
we continued on the spoor of the t\vo remaining,
one of which we fell in with and shot on the
following day. The fourth morning1 we recovered
the track of the young bull which we had taken
up on the day of leaving the waggons. Not being
able to come up with him before nightfall, we slept
(as we had done on previous occasions) on the
spoor. The next day, feeling hungry, and having
managed to shoot a zebra, we camped for the night.
The ensuing day, still continuing on the track, we
reached a vley, where we bivouacked. Xext morn-
ing we passed through a village situated on the
banks of a large river called Tamalakan, or Tama-
nacle (see Dr. Livingstone's Ma})). The inhabi-
tants were Bakoba, from whom we obtained some
pumpkins, our master's provisions being exhausted.
In the evening of this day we at last overtook the
young elephant, which we found standing together
with another elephant (an old bull), in an open flat
near a small vley. We approached them with diffi-
culty. Our master and Kooleman fired throe shots
at the larger elephant, which then fled towards the
river, where we soon found and overtook him. M.
Wahlberg now sent us forward to turn the elephant
towards a point where he took up a position in
order to intercept him. We succeeded, and having
fired a shot at him, he ran furiously in the direction
of our master, but out of range. M. Y^ ahlberg,
accompanied by a Bushman from the wcrft we had
passed through, then followed his spoor. Shortly
afterwards, hearing the elephant trumpeting, we

378 THE ELEPHANT.

hastened to join our master, but had not proceeded
far when we met the Bushman running in breath-
less haste towards us. We inquired for M. Wahl-
berg and were told that the elephant had caught
him ! Hurrying to the spot indicated, we found
only the mangled remains of our poor master, which
the enraged beast had just quitted ; there was no
sign of life. Indeed, the body was so fearfully
mutilated as to be scarcely recognizable ; we care-
fully collected and buried the remains.'

*"' I deeply regret that, owing to the weak state
of my health," Mr. Green goes on to say, " I was
unable to proceed to the fatal spot ; but even could
I have reached the place, at least twelve days must
have elapsed from the time of the catastrophe, the
distance from our waggons being very considerable.

" M. Wahlberg was a most determined and a
most successful elephant - hunter, but he was far
too adventurous, and his bravery throughout this
dangerous hunting placed him in extreme peril with
elephants upon numerous occasions, and, alas !
terminated at last so fatally.

" I had frequently endeavoured to impress upon
M. Wahlberg the danger of ' foot-hunting,' but he
always insisted upon its being the most safe ; and,
though I myself had never thought of pursuing such
a course upon any former trip (nor had I ever met
a European during my journeys in this portion of
Africa who hunted elephants in any other way than
by means of thorough good horses), yet from the suc-
cess that attended my friend, I latterly also became
a foot-hunter. It was M. Wahlberg' s opinion that

M. WAHLBERG'S PRESENTIMENT OF ms FATE. 379

lie could always turn an elephant in his charge by
giving him a shot in the head, but, alas ! it seems
that on this occasion my unfortunate companion
had not even time to raise his gun to his shoulder
ere he was hurled to the ground and pinioned
between the tusks of the enraged brute. M.
Wahlberg's rifle was discovered broken short at the
stock by the elephant, as if the animal was possessed
of the intuitive knowledge that it was the weapon
employed for its destruction."

Poor M. Wahlberg seems to have had a presenti-
ment of his approaching fate. In another letter
from his head-man, Mr. Charles Cathcart Castry,
also addressed to Mr. Lettcrstedt, it is thus stated : —
" Some time previous to this awful event, M.
Wahlberg came one clay to me (Castry) and said,
' If anything serious should befall me, I wish you to
take my effects, collections, &c., to Mr. Letterstedt,
my agent at the Cape.' On asking him why lie
thought he would not return home alive, he replied :
' Why, I have had several narrow escapes from
elephants.' Upon this I remonstrated with him on
his apparent recklessness, and begged of him to be
more cautious and careful in his future dealings
with elephants. To this he seemed to turn a deaf
ear, merely remarking, ' I cannot help myself ; when
I get sight of the brutes, I seem to lose all appre-
hension.' '

Though M. Wahlberg's career as an African ele-
phant-hunter was rather a short one, I think I may
safely venture to affirm that the feats performed by
him have never been surpassed, either in daring or

380 THE ELEPHANT.

hardihood. I will only mention one instance out of
many which might be brought forward. Thus, on
a certain day, and in a few hours, he killed single-
handed no fewer than four elephants, besides wound-
ing a fifth ! Mr. Oswcll, unquestionably the best
elephant-hunter that ever rode on African soil,
once performed a somewhat similar feat (he killed
five bulls out of the same troop in a forenoon), but
then it must be remembered he was exceedingly
well mounted; the Swede accomplished his on foot !
The natives, who greatly respect courage and
boldness, almost worshipped M. Wahlberg. In
their expressive language they have been heard to
say of him that the Great Spirit Moreino, must have
given him a great heart. Or — that though " he
was a little man (he was of rather low stature), his
heart was larger than that of the bluest man."

O Oo

Again, " Carel Kricger," says Mr. Burchell, " was
an indefatigable and fearless hunter, and being also
an excellent marksman, often ventured into the
most dangerous situations. One day, having with
his party pursued a wounded elephant, the irritated
animal suddenly turned round, and singling him out
from the rest as the person by whom he had been
wounded, seized him with his trunk, and lifting
his wretched victim high in the air, dashed him
with fearful force to the ground. His companions,
struck with horror, fled precipitately from the fatal
scene, unable to turn their eyes to behold the rest of
the tragedy. But on the following day they repaired
to the spot, where they collected the few bones

ESCAPE OF LIEUTENANT MOODIE. 381

tbat could bo found, and buried them near the
spring. The enraged animal had not only trampled
his body literally to pieces, but could not feel its
vengeance satisfied till it had pounded the very
flesh into the dust, so that nothing of the unfor-
tunate man remained excepting a few of the larger
bones."

Many and many are the extraordinary escapes
that people have had from wounded and infuriated
elephants. That of Lieutenant Moodie, as recorded
by himself, is perhaps amongst the most remarkable.
After telling us that in the year 1821 he had re-
cently joined the semi-military settlement of Fred-
ericksburg, on the picturesque banks of the Gualana,
beyond the great Fish River, and that on the pre-
ceding day the party had shot a iemale elephant
he goes on to say :

" On the following morning, one of our servants
came to inform us that a large troop of elephants
was in the neighbourhood of the settlement, and
that several of our people were already on the \vay
to attack them. I instantly set oil' to join the
hunters, but, from losing my way in the jungle
through which 1 had to proceed, 1 could not over-
take them until after they had driven the elephants
from their first station. On getting out, of the
jungle I was proceeding through an open meadow
on the banks of the Gualana, to the spot where 1
heard the firing, when 1 was suddenly warned of
approaching danger, by loud cries of /<</x-<;/'/ (look
out!) coupled with my name in Dutch and English,
and at the same moment 1 heard the crackling of

382 THE ELEPHANT.

broken branches, produced by the elephants burst-
ing through the wood, and the tremendous screams
of their wrathful voices resounding among the
precipitous banks. Immediately a large female,
accompanied by two others of a smaller size, issued
from the edge of the jungle which skirted the mar-
gin. As they were not more than two hundred
yards off, and were proceeding directly towards me,
I had not much time to decide on my motions.
Being alone, and in the midst of a little open plain,
I saw that I must inevitably be caught, should I
fire in this position, and my shot not take effect.
I therefore retreated hastily out of their direct path,
thinking they would not observe me until I should
find a better opportunity to attack them. But in
this I was mistaken, for on looking back I per-
ceived, to my dismay, that they had left their
former course, and were rapidly pursuing and
gaining ground on me. Under these circumstances
I determined to reserve my fire as a last resource,
and turning off at right angles in the opposite direc-
tion, I made for the banks of the small river, with
a view to taking refuge among the rocks on the other
side, where I should have been safe. But before I
got within fifty paces of the river, the elephants
were within twenty yards of me, the large female
in the middle, and the other two on either side of
her, apparently with the intention of making sure
of me ; all of them screaming so tremendously that
I was almost stunned with the noise. I immediately
turned round, cocked my gun, and aimed at the
head of the largest — the female. But the gun un-

PERILOUS POSITION. 383

fortunately, from the powder being damp, hung fire,
till I was in the act of taking it from my shoulder,
when it went off, and the ball merely grazed the
side of the head. Halting only for an instant, the
animal again rushed furiously forward. I fell ; I
cannot say whether struck down by her trunk or
not. She then made a thrust at me with her tusk.
Luckily for me she had only one, which still more
luckily missed its mark. She then caught me with
her trunk by the middle, threw me beneath her
fore-feet and knocked me about between them for
a little space. I was scarcely in a condition to
compute the number of minutes very accurately.
Once she pressed her foot on my chest with such
force that I actually felt the bones, as it were,
bending under the weight ; and once she trod on
the middle of my arm, which fortunately lay flat ou
the ground at the time. During this rough hand-
ling, however, I never entirely lost rny recollection,
else I have little doubt she would have settled my
accounts with this world. But owing to the round-
ness of her foot, I generally managed, by twisting
my body aud limbs, to escape her direct tread.
While I was still undergoing this buffeting, Lieu-
tenant Chisholm, of the Royal Artillery Corps, and
Diedrich, a Hottentot, had come up, and fired
several shots at her, one of which hit her in the
shoulder ; and at the same time her companions, or
young ones, retiring, and screaming to her from the
edge of the forest, she reluctantly left me, giving
me a cuff or two with her hind feet in passing. 1
got up, picked up my gun, and staggered away as

384 THE ELEPHANT.

fast as my aching bones would allow me ; but
observing that she turned round, and looked back
towards me, before entering the bush, I lay down
in the long grass, by which means I escaped her
observation."

The life of the professed elephant-hunter is one
of great peril and privation, and there are few who
engage in it that do not, sooner or later, " go to

the wall." I was surprised to hear D say," so

writes Mr. Kose, " that it was his wish to leave his
present life, and to settle down quietly on his farm.
' Indeed,' I said, ' I should have thought that this
wild pursuit, and your former dangerous trade
(that of a smuggler), would render a quiet life some-
what sleepy.' ' I have a wife now, and shall have
children,' he replied, ' and have been driven to
this by debt and necessity. I have nearly got over
my difficulties, for in twenty months I and my
Hottentots have killed eight hundred elephants ;
four hundred of them have fallen to this good gun,
and when I am free I quit it. Scores of times have
the elephants charged around me, even within a
yard of the bush under which I had crept; and I
feel that it was a chance I was not crushed. Once
I had fired at a large troop in a deep ravine, one
side of which was formed by a steep cliff, which
echoed back the sound of the firing, and a hundred
elephants, with upraised ears, and loud screams,
and tossing trunks, rushed down the narrow pass,
and charged the echo, being the opposite side to that
where we stood when we fired, and the one to which
we had now moved ; myself and Hottentots lying

EXTRAORDINARY FEAT. 385

in the bush whilst they rushed past us. The boldest
hunter is killed at last. When pursued by a rhino-
ceros I have sprung down a high bank, not
knowing its depth, or whether I might not fall on a
rock or stump. No, sir, it is a life of no common
hardship and danger. I have been obliged to eat
the " veldtschoon" (untanned leather shoes) from
my feet.' "

The daring of some of these elephant-hunters
almost exceeds credence. One of the most re-
markable instances on record is that given to us by
Thompson, on the authority of a relative of the
hero of the story, a man named Marie1, a famous
Nimrod, who, in his day, had slain upwards of forty
of those animals. At a convivial meeting of friends
and neighbours to celebrate New Year's day,
when the company were heated with liquor, alul
each one had boastingly related deeds of hardihood
he himself had performed, Marie laid a wager that
he would go into the forest and pluck three hairs
from out of the tail of a living elephant !

This extraordinary feat he actually performed,
and returned safely with the trophy to his comrades.
But not satisfied with this specimen of his audacity,
he laid another bet that he would return and shoot
the same animal on the instant. lie went accord-
ingly with his mighty " lloer," but never came
back again. He had approached too incautiously,
and his first shot not proving effective, the enraged
creature rushed upon him before he could reload
or make his escape, and having thrust its tre-

c c

386 THE ELEPHANT.

mendous tusk through the poor fellow's body,
trampled him to a cake.

In closing this account of the chasse of the
elephant, I cannot refrain from remarking that,
however exciting the sport may be, it is after all
somewhat bloody work ; and it is impossible not to
feel regret at slaughtering these fine and harmless
creatures — more especially for mere amusement —
and I am not alone in thus thinking, for Captain
Harris, when describing to a friend his sporting
exploits with elephants in Southern Africa, says :
" But I must confess that, after the novelty had
worn off, I did not take much pleasure in the de-
struction of this noble beast.'

TIII'3 END.

London : Printed by A. Schulze, IS, 1'oland Street.

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MODERN TURKEY. By J. LEWIS FARLEY,

Consul of the Sublime Porte at Bristol. Second Edition. 1 vol. 14s.

CONTEXTS: — Beyrout; Beit-Miry; Mount Lebanon ; Travelling in Syria and Palestine,
a Day with theBedawins; Syria, Past and Present; the Empress Eugduie'n
Visit to Constantinople; the Suez Canal ; Turkish Women; Turkish Arma-
ments : Public Instruction ; the Capitulations ; Turkey as a Field for Emi-
gration; British Interests in Turkey; Turkish Finances; the Stuck Exchange ;
Geographical Position of the Empire ; Agricultural Products ; Fisheries; Minos;
Petroleum ; Roads ; Railways ; Docks and Harbours; Public Works, &c.
"Books on Turkey by impartial authorities are not very common, and we are
always glad to welcome anything that gives us the most recent information, and
appears to be written frankly and dispassionately." — Times.

"Mr. Farley has a good deal of interesting information to communicate, in regard
to the resources of modern Turkey ; and we may add that he puts it briefly, clearly,
and in an agreeable style." — Saturday Iteriew.

" Mr. Farley is to lie praised for the admirable manner in which he has marshall-
ed his facts. His style, too, is lucid and agreeable."- — Eranriiu'r.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS: A Narrative

of Discovery and Adventure in THE NORTH PACIFIC. By F. POOLE,
C.E. Edited by J. W. LYNDON. 8vo, with Illustrations. 15s.
"There can be no doubt about the spirit of enterprise and power of endurance
with which Mr. Poole is gifted, and much of his book is very exciting reading.
Nor are the parts of it which are the least novel the least interesting. The chap-
ters descriptive of his journeys round America, and across the Isthmus, with his
account of Sari Francisco and Victoria, will repay perusal." — 1'all Mall Gazette.

13, GREAT MARYBOROUGH STREET.

MESSRS. IIUKST AND BLACKETT'S
NEW WORKS— Continued.

THE SWITZERS. By W. HEPWOBTH DIXON.

Third Edition. 1 vol. demy 8vo. 15s.

COSTKXTS :— Mountain Men ; St Oothanl; Peopling the Alps; The Fight for Life ;

Itiun anil Koeks; Teuton and Celt ; The Communes; Commaual Authorities ;

Communal Government; Cantons and Half Cantons; Cantonal Hule; Canton

Ziirich ; Pure Democracy; A Hevo'.ution; Popular Victories; The League;

The Federal Pact; .Jesuits; Pilgrimage; Convent and Cauton •, St Meinrud'a

Cell ; Feast of the Rosary ; Last of the Benedictines ; Conflict of the Churches ;

School; Democracy at School; lieuevii; Scheme of Work ; Secondary Schools ;

School and Camp; Defence; Tho Public Force ; In the Field; Out Again; A

Crowning Service.

" Turn where wo will there is the same impassioned eloquence, the same lavish
wealth of metaphor, the same vigour of declamation, the s;ime general glow upon
the pages. Switzerland may be hackneyed as a country, yet there is freshness in
Mr. Dixon's subjects, Mr. Dixon throws a passing glance at the snow peaks and
glacier tlelds that are the Switzerland of the tourist. If he deals with the grand
catastrophes of nature, with avalanche, flood, and storm, it is in their relation
to the victims of the elements, for his topics are the people and their institutions.
We assent entirely to the parable of his preface." — Times.

"A lively, interesting, and altogether novel book on Switzerland. It is full of
valuable information on social, political, and ecclesiastical questions, and, like all
Mr. Dixou's books, it is eminently readable." — Dnilu Xeirs.

" We advise every one who cares for good literature to get a copy of this brilliant,
novel, and abundantly instructive account of the Switzers. The composition of the
book is in the very best style." — .\fur/iii«j 1'ust.

" A work of real and abiding value. Mr. Dixon has never painted with more
force and truth. His descriptions are accurate, impartial, and clear. Wo most
cordially recommend the book." — SUmJurd.

" A must interesting and useful work ; especially well timed when the questions
of military organization and primary education occupy so large a share of public
attention. There is that happy fusion of the picturesque and the practical in Mr.
Dixon's works which gives especially to tho present book its groat charm. It has
at once the graphic interest of a romance, uud the sterling value of an educational
e«say." — JJaily TeleyrapK

" Any respectable book on the Switzcrs and Switzerland is welcome to lovers of
the land and tho people, and we trust that Mr. Dixou'.s volume will be road in Swit-
zerland as well as in Knglaud." — Athenietiin.

" Mr. Dixon's book contains much readable and instructive matter." — Esainintr.
" A writer of much dramatic and descriptive power, and one who knows his way
to trustworthy sources of information. Mr. Dixon has given a clever and instructive
sketch of the salient features of the confederation. All who know the pluyground
of Kurope will thank the writer for so clear un account of the social institutions of
a free people." — (Jrajiltic.

THE LITERARY LIFE OF THE REV. WIL-
LIAM HARNESS, Vicar of All Saints, Knightsbridge, and Pro-

beiuhiry of St. Paul's. By tin; Huv. A. G. L/KSTRANGE. 8vo. l.'js.

"The book is a pleasant book, and will bo found excellent reading. All those
to whom the good name of Byron is dear, will read with an almost exquisite plea-
sure, tho testimony given by Harness. The tine qualities of the man are, -KM forth,
without any attempt to conceal his errors or his vices; as regards iln> latter, thur6
is shown to have been gross exaggeration in the report of them." — .Itfa-nvuin.

"This work will be read with much interest. The li-v. \Viiiium Harness w.is the
friend of Byron, and nf almo-t every literary celebrity of his time. He liked
to be about literary men, and they reciprocated thai liking. Byron, Miss Mitford,
tho Kemble*. Wordsworth, Southey, Coleridge, Uvinb. llogers. Sheridan. Theodore
Hook, Henry Hope, were among his friends; and the consequence of this varied
literary friendship is that his life, for richness in biographical leuils, is surpassed
by no recent publication except Crubb Hobmsou's Diary. " — A'c/m.

13. GREAT MARLBORODGH STREET.

MESSRS. HURST AND BLACKETT'S
NEW WORKS— Continued.

VOLS. I. & II. OF HER MAJESTY'S TOWER.

By W. HEPWORTH DIXON. DEDICATED BY EXPRESS
PERMISSION TO THE QUEEN. Sixth Edition. 8vo. 30s.

CONTENTS : — The Pile — Inner Ward and Outer Ward — The Wharf— River Rights —
The White Tower — Charles of Orleans — Uncle Gloucester — Prison Rules — Beau-
champ Tower— The good Lord Cobham— King and Cardinal — The Pilgrimage
of Grace — Madge Cheyne — Heirs to the Crown — The Nine Days' Queen — De-
throned—The Men of Kent — Courtney— No Cross no Crown— Cranmer, Lati-
mer, Ridley — White Roses— Princess Margaret— Plot and Counterplot— Mon-
sieur Charles — Bishop of Ross — Murder of Northumberland — Philip the Con-
fessor— Mass in the Tower — Sir Walter Raleigh — The Arabella Plot —
Raleigh's Walk— The Villain Waad— The Garden House— The Brick Tower
— The Anglo-Spanish Plot — Factious at Court — Lord Grey of Wilton —
Old English Catholics— The English Jesuits— White Webbs— The Priests' Plot
— Wilton Court — Last of a Noble Lino — Powder-Plot Room— Guy Fawkes —
Origin of the Plot — Vinegar House — Conspiracy at Large — The Jesuit's Move —
In London — November, 1(J05 — Hunted Down — In the Tower — Search for Gar-
net— End of the English Jesuits— The Catholic Lords — Harry Percy— The
Wizard Earl — A Real Arabella Plot — William Seymour — The Escape — Pursuit
— Dead in the Tower — Lady Frances Howard — Robert Carr — Powder Poisoning.

FROM THE TIMES:— "All the civilized world — English, Continental, and Ame-
rican— takes an interest in the Tower of London. The Tower is the stage
upon which has been enacted some of the grandest dramas and saddest tragedies
)n our national annals. If, in imagination, we take our stand on those time-worn
walls, and let century after century (lit past us, we shall see in duo succession the
majority of the most famous men and lovely women of England in the olden time.
Wo shall see them jesting, jousting, love-making, plotting, and then anon, per-
haps, commending their souls to God in the presence of a hideous masked Hguro,
bearing an axe in his hands. It is such pictures as these that Mr. Dixon, with
Considerable skill as an historical limner, has set before us in these volumes. Mr.
Dixon dashes off the scenes of Tower history with great spirit. His description!)
are given with such terseness and vigour that we should spoil them by any attempt
at condensation. As favourable examples of his narrative powers wo may call at-
tention to the story of the beautiful but unpopular Elinor, Queen of Henry III., and
the^description of Anne Uoleyn's first and second arrivals at the Tower. Then we
have the story of the bold Bishop of Durham, who escapes by the aid of a cord
hidden in a wine jar; and the tale of Mauil Fitzwalter, imprisoned and murdered
by the caitiff John. Passing onwards, we meet Charles of Orleans, the poetic
French Prince, captured at Agincourt, and detained for llve-and-twenty years a
prisoner in the Tower. Next we encounter the baleful form of Richard of Gloucester,
and are filled with indignation at the blackest of the black Tower deeds. As wo
draw nearer to modern times, wo have the sorrowful story of the Nine Days'
Queen, poor little Lady Jane Grey. The chapter entitled "No Cross, no Crown"
Is one of the most affecting in the book. A mature man can scarcely read it with-
out feeling the tears ready to trickle from his eyes. No part of the first volume
yields in intercut to the chapters wbich are devoted to the story of Sir Walter
Raleigh. The greater part of the second volume is occupied with the story of the
Gunpowder Plot. The narrative is extremely interesting, and will repay perusal.
Another atnse celfbre possessed of a perennial interest, is the murder of Sir Thomas
Ovorbury by Lord and Lady Somerset. Mr. Dixon tells the tale skilfully. In con-
clusion, wo may congratulate the author on this work. Both volumes are decided-
ly attractive, and throw much light on our national history."

" From first to last this work overflows with new information and original
thought, with poetry and picture. In these fascinating pages Mr. Dixou dis-
charges alternately the functions of the historian, and the historic biographer, with
tho insight, art, humour and accurate knowledge which never fail him when he
undertakes to illumiuo tho darksome recesses of our national story." — Aforniny Post.

"Wo earnestly recommend this remarkable work to those in quest of amuso-
mont and Instruction, at onco solid and refined.." — Duily Tdeyraph.

13, GREAT MARLBOROUOH STREET.

MESSRS. HURST AND BLACKETT'S
NEW VfGllKS— Continued.

VOLS. III. & IV. OF HER MAJESTY'S TOWER.

By W. HEPWORTH DIXON. DEDICATED BY EXPRESS
PERMISSION TO THE QUEEN. Completing the Work. Third
Edition. Demy 8vo. 30s.

CONTENTS : — A Favourite ; A Favourite's Friend ; The Countess of Suffolk ; To the
Tower; Lady Catherine Manners; House of Villiers; Revolution; Fall of Lord
Bacon; A Spanish Match; Spaniolizing; Henry Do Vero; The Mutter of Hol-
land; Sea Affairs ; The Pirate War ; Port and Court; A New Romanzo; Move
and Counter-move ; Pirate and Prison ; In the Murshalsea ; The Spanish Olive ;
Prisons Opened; A Parliament; Digby, Earl of Bristol ; Turn of Fortune; Eliot
Eloquent; Folton's Knife; An Assassin; Nine Gentlemen in the Tower; A
King's Revenge : Charles I. ; Pillars of State and Churr.h ; End of Wentworth ;
Laud's Last Troubles ; The Lieutenant's House; A Political Romance; Phi-
losophy at Bay ; Fate of an Idealist ; Britannia ; Killing not Murder; A Second
Buckingham; Roger, Earl of Castlemaine ; A Life of Plots ; The Two Penns;
A Quaker's Cell; Colonel Blood; Crown Jewels, King and Colonel ; Rye House
Plot ; Murder; A Patriot; The Good Old Cause; James. Duke of Monmouth;
The Unjust Judge; The Scottish Lords; The Countess of Nithisdale; Escaped,
Ciiusc of the Pretender; Reformers and Reform , Reform Riots ; Sir Francis
Burdett; A Summons to the Tower; Arthur Thistle wood; A Cabinet Council;
Cuto Street; Pursuit; Last Prisoners in the Tower.

" Mr. Dixon's lively and accurate work," — Timtx.

" This book is thoroughly entertaining, well-written, and instructive." — Eramintr.

"These volumes will place Mr. Uixon permanently on the roll of English authors
who have rendered their country a service, by his putting on record a truthful and
brilliant account of that most popular and instructive relic of mitii|uity. ' Her
Majesty's Tower;' the annals of which, as related in those volumes, are by turns
exciting and amusing, while they never fail to interest. Uur ancient stronghold
could have had no better historian than Mr. Dixou." — f'ost.

"By his merits of literary execution, his vivacious portraitures of historical
figures, his masterly powers of narrative and description, and the forco and grace-
ful ease of his stylo, Mr. Dixou will keep his hold upon u multitude of readers." —
Illustrated Neat.

"These volumes are two galleries of richly painted portraits of the noblest
men and most brilliant women, .besides others commemorated by English
history. The grand old H»ynl Keep, palace mid prison by turns, is ivvivillcd in
these volumes, which close the narrative, extending from tho era of Sir John Eliot,
who saw Kaleigh die in Palace Yard, to that of Thistlewood, the last prisoner im-
mured in the Tower. Few works are given to us, in those days, so abundant in
originality and research as Mr. Dixon's. " — StamltirJ.

HISTORY OF WILLIAM PENN, Founder of

Pennsylvania. By W. HKI-WOKTH DIXON. A NEW LIBRARY EDITION.
1 vol. domy Hvo, with Portrait. 12s.

" Mr. Pixon's ' William Penn ' ix, perhaps, the best of his books. Ho has now re-
vised and issued it with the addition of much fresh matter. It is now offered in a
sumptuous volume, matching with Mr. IMxon's recent books, to anew generation of
readers, who will thank Mr. IMxon for hi« Interesting and Instructive memoir of
one of the worthies of England." — Kj-niiiuier.

"' William Penn ' is a line and noble work. Eloquent, picturesque, and epigra-
mfitic in style, subtle and philosophical in insight, and moderate anil accurate in
statement, it is a modal of what a biography ought to be." — .SuW.iy Tinut.

"Tho character of this great Christian Englishman, William Penn. a true- hero
of moral and civil conquests, is one of the fairest in modern history. a'id muy bo
studied with protlt by his countrymen of all ages. This biography of him now
finally put into shape as a standard work of its kitnL in Mr. Uixon's most useful
production. Few books h'ive a more genial and wholesome interest, or convey
more beneficial instruction." — IlluttriittJ \tirn.

13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET

MESSRS, HURST AND BLACKETT'S
NEW WORKS— Continued.

HISTORY OF THE HORSE GUARDS, From

1750 to 1872. By J. H. STOCQUELER. 1 vol. 8vo. 14s.

"This book is useful and agreeably written, and capable of affording pleasure to
the non-military as well as to the military reader." — Morning Post.

"Mr. Stocqueler's volume has the merit of being readable, and contains a great
deal of information. In military circles especially the book will be popular." —
Standard.

" An excellent and most interesting History of the Horse-Guards; historical in
its facts, but intermixed with illustrative anecdotes, which by their raciuess and
vigour make it as interesting as a novel."— United Service Mag.

" Mr Ktocqueler possesses in an eminent degree all the requirements for the
production of a work of this kind. We can confidently recommend the ' History
of the Horse-Guards ' as a first-class service book, and one that should find a
niche in every garrison library." — United Service Gazette.

FREE RUSSIA. By W. HEPWORTH DIXON. Third

Edition 2 vols. 8vo, with Coloured Illustrations. 30s.

" Mr. Dixon's book will be certain not only to interest but to please its readers
and it deserves to do so. It contains a great deal that is worthy of attention, and
is likely to produce a very useful effect. The ignorance of the English people
with respect to Russia has long been so douse that we cannot avoid being grateful
to a writer who hsis taken the trouble to make personal acquaintance with that
seldom-visited land, and to bring before the eyes of his countrymen a picture of
its scenery and its people, which is so novel and interesting that it can scarcely
fail to arrest their attention." — Saturday Rttnac.

ANNALS OF OXFORD. By J. C. JEAFFRESOX,

B.A., Oxon. SecoJid Edition. 2 vols. 8vo. 30s.

"The pleasantest and most, informing book about Oxford that has ever been
written. Whilst these volumes will be eagerly perused by the sous of Alma Mater,
they will be read with scarcely less interest by the general reader." — Post.

"Those who turn to Mr. Jeaffreson's highly interesting work for solid informa-
tion or for amusement, will not be disappointed, llich in research and full of
antiquarian interest, these volumes abound in keen humour and well-bred wit.
A scholar-like fancy brightens every page. Mr. Jeaffrcson is a very model of a
cicerone; full of information, full of knowledge. The work well deserves to be
read, and merits a permanent niche in the library." — The Graphic.

SPORT AT HOME AND ABROAD. By LORD

WILLIAM PITT LENNOX. 2 vols. crown 8 vo. 21s.

"Two very amusing and instructive volumes, touching on all sorts of sport.
Stored with interesting matter the book will take the fancy of all lovers of pastime
by flood or field."— /Mr* Life.

"Lovers of sport will welcome this now work by Lord W. Lennox eagerly. We
have here experiences of sport of the most varied kind — from llshing in Upper
Canada to fowling in Siberia; from Highland deer hunting to angling on the quiet
banks of the Thames. Then description:* of ancient and modern gymnastics, sports
of England in the middle ages, hunting, fencing, wrestling, cricketing, and cock-
fighting. We may learn how to choose a yacht or a hound, a hunter or a rifle,
from these useful and amusing pages. We predict a success for this book." — Era.

PRAIRIE FARMS AND PRAIRIE FOLK. By

PARKER GILLMORE ("Ubiquo"). 2 vols. with Illustrations. 21s.

"Mr. (lillmore has written a book which will make the English reader take a
deep interest in Prairie Farms and Prairie Folk. His narrative of his Hojourn, his
description of the country, and of his neighbours, are all most readable. Mr. Gill-
niore's sporting feats are the themes of some of its best chapters." — Daily News.

13, GREAT MARYBOROUGH STREET.

MESSRS. HURST AND BLACKETT'S
NEW WORKS— Continued.

TURKISH HAREMS & CIRCASSIAN HOMES.

By Mns. HARVEY, of Ickwcll Bury. 8vo. Second Edition. 15s.
"Mrs. Harvey's hook could scarcely fail to bo plensant, for the excursion of
which it gives us an uccount must have been one of the most delightful and ro-
mantic voyages that ever was made. Mrs. Harvey not only saw a grout deal, but
Miw all that she did see to the best advantage. She was admitted into Turkish
interiors which are rarely penetrated, and, protected by an escort, was able to rido
far into the mountains of C'ircassia, whose lovely detllcs are full of dangers which
goal them to ordinary travellers. We cannot call to mind any account written of
late years which is so full of valuable information upon Turkish household life.
In noticing the intrinsic interest of Mrs. Harvey's book, wo must not forget to say
a word for her ability a.s a writer." — Times.

LIFE AND LETTERS OF WILLIAM BEWICK,

THE ARTIST. Edited by THOMAS LANDSEER, A.R.A. 2 vols.
large post 8vo, with Portrait. 24s.

'• Bewick's fellow pupil and old friend, Mr. T. T.andseer, the famous engraver,
has put the materials before us together with much skill . The literary sketches
which Bewick made of Hazlitt, Haydon, Shelley, Keats, Scott, Hogg, Jeffrey,
Muturin, and others, are extremely bright, apt, and cle.ir." — Atlun.euin.

A BOOK ABOUT THE CLERGY. By J. C.

JEAFFRESON, B.A., Oxon, author of " A Book about Lawyers," " A
Book about Doctors," &c. Second Edition. 2 vols Svo. 30s.

"This is a book of sterling excellence, in which all — laity as well as clergy — will
find entertainment and instruction: a book to bo bought and placed permanently
in our libraries. It is written in a terse and lively stylo throughout, it is eminently
fair and candid, and is full of interesting information on almost every tojr.c that
serves to illustrate the history of the English clergy" — J'imes.

THE CITIES OF THE NATIONS FELL. By

the Rev. JOHN GUMMING, D.D. Sn-ond Edition. 1 vol. Us.

" The work before us contains much historical information of interest and value.
We must applaud here, as we applauded In his treatise on The Seventh Vial, the
skill and diligence of the author in the vast and careful selection of faets, both phy-
sical mid moral, the interest of each when taken singly, and thu striking picture of
the whole when presented collectively to the view." — Kecord.

THE SEVENTH VIAL; cm, THE TIME OF

TROUBLE BEliUN, as shown in THE (MIEAT WAR, THE

DETHRONEMENT OF THE POPE, and other Collateral Events.

By the Rev. JOHN GUMMING, D.D., ive. Third Edition. 1 vol. Gs.

" Dr. Gumming Is the popular exponent of a school of prophetie interpretation,

and on this score has established a claim to attention. His l< •"!< furnishes an

instructive collection of the many si range portents of our day. Dr. dimming t-ikes

his facts very fairly. He bis a case, and the gravity of the subject must Command

the intention of readers." — Tuna.

MEMOIRS OF QUEEN IIORTENSE, MOTHER

OF NAPOLEON III. Cheaper Edition, in 1 vol. (is.

" A biography of the beautiful and unhappy Queen, more satisfactory than any we
have yet met with." — iJaily .\cirs.

THE LAI) YE SIIAKERLEY; being the Record of

the Life of a (io.nl and Noble Woman. A Cheshire Story. By
ONE of the HOUSE of EGERTON. Second Edition. 1 vol. (Js.

THE NEW AND POPULAR NOVELS

PUBLISHED BY HURST & BLACKETT.

PENRUDDOCKE. By HAMILTON AIDE, Author of

'• Rita," " The Marstons," &c. 3 vols.

OLIVER BEAUMONT and LORD LATIMER. By

Lady EMILY PONSONBY, Author of " The Discipline of Life." 3 vols.

LILIAN'S PENANCE. By the Author of « Recom-

monded to Mercy," " First in the Field," &c. 3 vols. (In June.)

WILLING TO DIE. By J. SHERIDAN LE FANU,

Author of " Uncle Silas," &c. 3 vols.

LOST FOR GOLD. By KATHARINE KING, Author

of " The Queen of the Regiment." 3 vols.

" Our readers will find much to interest them in this novel. It is the work of a
writer of lively imagination and real ability." — Messenger.

WILD GEORGIE. By JEAN MIDDLEMASS, Author

of " Lil." 3 vols.

" A Rtory of no ordinary interest and power." — Morning Post.

"* Wild Gteorgie ' will unquestionably add considerably to the author's literary
reputation. The charm of the novel is the deep interest of the plot, which never
flags for a moment. The characters are drawn with lifelike vigour." — Court Journal.

BEAUTIFUL EDITH. By the Author of « Ursula's

Love Story." 3 vols.

" ' Beautiful Edith ' is a pretty love-story — well written, and good in tone." —
Athenaeum.

"This novel will fascinate many readers. The character of the heroine is very
charming. The conversations are natural, original, and clover.'' — John Hull.

•'One of the very best novels that have been issued for a long period It will be-
come widely popular. The author possesses a charming stylo, and also a talent for
quiet humour." — Messenger.

PARTED LIVES. By Mrs. J. K. SPENDER, Author

of " Her own Fault," &c. 3 vols.

" A really admirable book. In power of description, analysis of character, and
marvellous felicity of expression, it is a book rarely surpassed." — John Hull.

"A novel with a high purpose, developed with considerable power, and marked
by keen observation and sagacious judgment of life and character. It is the best
of Mrs. Spender's stories. ' Middlemarch ' excepted, tho season has hardly pro-
duced a bettor novel." — liritish (itmrterly linirw.

"One of the best recent novels in Mrs. Spender's 'Parted Lives.' Tho plot is
well conceived and well worked out. There is a groat deal of cleverness in tho
character painting, and marked felicity of language; while tho story completely
carries one along in its development." — Standard.

A WOMAN AT THE WHEEL. ByA.M.ToBYN.

3 vols.

" A remarkably pleasant, readable, and well-told atory. Tho characters arc
worked out with tho utmost Hkill. Chcrrio May, tho 'Woman at tho Wheel,' is a
charming character, and on her as a typical claimant of tho highest order of wo-
inan'H rights tho interest of the story centres." — Miirnimj 1'oxt.

" This novel is a very good one. Its strength and merit lie in tho development
of tho heroine's character. In Chorrio May Miss Tobyu has produced a line, con-
sistent, and attractive picture."— Spectator.

10

THE NEW AND POPULAR NOVELS

PUBLISHED BY HURST & BLACKETT.

MAY. By MRS. OLIPHANT, Author of " Chronicles

of Carlingford," " Salom Chapel," &c. 3 vola.

"•May1 la one of the best novels of the year. Tho Fifoshire scenes nro
admirable bits of that quiot landscape painting in which Mrs. Oliphunt excels."—
Athfiiieum.

'• May's history is charmingly told." — Examiner.

"Mrs. Oliphant is always original. Her books have a certain stnmp of their
own. Tho gem of this novel -May' is the character of Mny or Marjory herself .
She is a grand creature, und wo congratulate Mrs. Oliphaut on the beauty and
harmony of her character." — Saturday Review.

" Mrs. Oliphant has stepped back oil her old ground again, and tread* ii with as
Huro a font as ever. Away in breezy Scotland lies the scene of thu story of Marjory
Hay-Heriot, commonly called May, whom the reader is made to see, understand,
anil love, by a few slight but exceedingly skilful touches." — Sivctator.

LITTLE KATE KIRBY. By F. W. ROBINSON,

Author of " Grandinothor'8 Money," " No Church," &c. Sccund
Edition. 3 vols.

"This is the best of Mr. Robinson's novels. It is a spirited story." — Sf/ertator.
" A very original book. Tho author manifests groat power of delineating cha-
racter. The fortunes of the Kirbys and the Wcstmairs are traced in a masterly
manner, and their singular fate fascinates the reader.'' — J»hn Hull.

" We consider this to bo Mr. Hobinson's must successful story ; true to life, well
conceived, well told, and containing a sound moral. The reader's ntttention is
riveted, and the interest sustained with unabated strength throughout" — StunJiir^L

FALSE CARDS. By HAWLEY SMART, Author of

" Breozio Langton," &c. 3 vols.

"This book contains plenty of the light, amusing reading for which the author
is already known 'False Cards ' will be a popular novel." — .\tln-wrutn.

" This story fulfils the promise found in • Breezie I.angton,' und deserved the
success and popularity foretold for its author. His style has gained in refinement
ami vigour, without losing any of the dash and sparkle that make it so attractive.
1 False Cards ' is pleasant reading from beginning to end." — M»r»itnj I'mt.

" Mr. Huwley Smart is a writer whose novels aie always welcome to the re-
viewer. He writes primarily to amuse. Although he may be more at home among
men, be can sketch attractive und womanly women. With its judicious mixtun- of
the grave, the gay, and the tender, the book is to bo recommended." — Si.it. AYri.-ir.

.BESSIE. By JULIA KAVANAGH, Author of " Nath-
alie," " Adolo," iVc. 3 vols.

"Miss Kavanagh's books are always readable. Bessie's own love story is one
of thu lx;st bits of autobiography Miss Kavanagh lias produced." — Att*tnrutn.

HIDDEN PERILS. By MAKY CECIL HAY. 3 vols.

"This novel is interesting and well put together. Its love story ia very pretty
and very pure." — .S/wc/«i/or.

"The author may Iwi congratulated on the power and talent displayed in this
story. It is full of well sustained interest, and c.mn.'t full to be popular." — !'<•>!

IN THE DAYS OF MY YOUTH. By AMELIA

13 EDWARDS, Author of "Barbara's History," Ac. 3 vol.-*.

"A novel which cannot fall to charm, being written in a bright, sparkling,
happy manner." — Murniny Pitft.

FATHER GODFREY. By the Author of "Anno

Dysart." 3 vols.

"A well-written story. Godfrey's character is tlnely drawn." — Mhfnirum.
"A book of considerable ability and of thrilling interest, F.ach character in
portrayed in a vivid manner, and the plot is well carried out"— John Hull.

|1atrona0e xif |jcr Jftajest-n.

Published annually, in One Vol., royal 8t-o, with the Arms beautifully
engraved, handsomely bound, ivith gilt edges, price '31s. 6d.

LODGE'S PEERAGE

AND BARONETAGE,

CORRECTED BY THE NOBILITY.

THE f DUTY-SECOND EDITION FOS 1873 IS NOW READY.

LODGE'S PEERAGE AND BAEONETAGE is acknowledged to be the most
complete, as •well as the most elegant, work of the kind. As an esta-
blished and authentic authority on all questions respecting the family
histories, honours, and connections of the titled aristocracy, no work has
ever stood so high. It is published under the especial patronage of Her
Majesty, and is annually corrected throughout, from the personal com-
munications of the Nobility. It is the only work of its class in which, the
type being kept constantly standing, every correction is .made in its proper
place to the date of publication, an advantage which gives it supremacy
over all its competitors. Independently of its full and authentic informa-
tion respecting the existing Peers and Baronets of the realm, the most
sedulous attention is given in its pages to the collateral branches of the
various noble families, and the names of many thousand individuals are
introduced, which do not appear in other records of the titled classes. For
its authority, correctness, and facility of arrangement, and the beauty of
its typography and binding, the work is justly entitled to the place it
occupies on the tables of Her Majesty and the Nobility.

LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTENTS.

Historical View of the Peerage.

Parliamentary lloll of the House of Lords.

English, Scotch, and Irish Peers, in their
orders of Precedence.

Alphabetical List of Peers of Great Britain
and the United Kingdom, holding supe-
rior rank in the Scotch or Irish Peerage.

Alphabetical list of Scotch and Irish Peers,
holding superior titles in the Peerage of
Oreat Britain and the United Kingdom.

A Collective list of Peers, in their order of
Precedence.

Table of Precedency among Men.

Table of Precedency among \\ omen.

The Queen and the Koyal Family.

Peers of the Blood Koyal.

The Peerage, alphabetically arranged.

Families of such Kxtiuct Peers as have left
Widows or Issue.

Alphabetical List of the Surnames of all the
Peers.

The Archbishops and Bishops of England,
Ireland, and the Colonies.

The Baronetage alphabetically arranged.

Alphabetical List of Surnames assumed by
members of Noble Families.

Alphabetical List of the Second Titles of
Peers, usually borne by their Eldest
Sons.

Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of
Dukes, Marquises, and Earls, who, hav-
ing married Commoners, retain the title
of Lady before their own Christian and
their Husband's Surnames.

Alphabetical Index to tlio Daughters of
Viscounts and Barons, who, having
married Commoners, are styled Honour-
able Mrs. ; and, in case of the husband
being a Baronet or Knight, Honourable
Lady.

Mottoes alphabetically arranged and trans-
lated.

"A work which corrects all errors of former works. It is a most useful publication.
We are happy to bear testimony to the fact that scrupulous accuracy is a distinguish-
ing feature of this book."— Times.

"Lodge's Peerage must supersede all other works of the kind, for two reasons: first, it
is on a better plan ; and secondly, it is better executed We can safely pronounce it to be
the readiest, the most useful, and exactcst of modern works on the subject." — Kiiectatar.

"A work of great value. It is the most faithful record wo possess of the aristo-
cracy of the day." — I'ost.

"The best existing, and, we believe, the best possible Peerage. It is the standard
authority on the subject." — Standard.

12

HURST & BLACKETFS STANDARD LIBRARY

OF CHEAP EDITIONS OF

POPULAR MODERN WORKS,

ILLUSTRATED BY MILLAIS, HOLMAN HUNT, LEECH, BIKKET FOSTER,
JOHN GILBERT, TENNIEL, SANDYS, E. HUGHES, &C.

Each in a Single Volume, elegantly printed, bound, and illustrated, price 6a.

I.— SAM SLICK'S NATURE AND HUMAN NATURE.

'•The first volume of Messrs. Hurst and Blackett's Standard Library of Cheap Editions
forms a very good beginning to what will doubtless be a very successful undertaking.
1 Nature and Hunan Nature' is one of the best of Sam Slick's witty and humorous
productions, and is well entitled to the. large circulation which it cannot fail to obtain
in its present convenient and cheap shape. The volume combines with the great recom-
mendations of a ciear, bold typo, and good paper, the lesser but attractive merits of
being well illustrated and elegantly bound," — Post.

IT.— JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.

"This is a very good and a very interesting work. It is designed to trace the career
from boyhood to ago of a perfect man — a Christian gentleman: and it abounds in inci-
dent both well and highly wrought Throughout it is conceived in a high spirit, and
written with great ability. This cheap and handsome new edition is worthy to pass
freely from hand to hand as a gift book in many households." — Examiner.

"The new and cheaper edition of this interesting work will doubtless meet with great
success. John Halifax, the hero of this most beautiful story, is no ordinary hero, and
this his history is no ordinary book. It is a full-length portrait of a true gentleman, ono
of nature's own nobility. It is also the history of a home, and a thoroughly English
one. The work abounds in incident, and is full of graphic power and true pathos. It
is a book that few will read without becoming wiser and bettor.'' — Scotsman,

III.— THE CRESCENT AND THE CROSS.

BY ELIOT WARBUKTOX.

"Independent of its value as an original narrative, and its useful and interesting
Information, this work is remarkable for the colouring power and play of fancy with
which its descriptions are enlivened. Among its greatest and most lasting charms is
its reverent and serious spirit" — Quarterly itrritic.

IV.— NATHALIE. By JULIA KAVANAGH.

" 'Nathalie' is Miss Kavanagh's best imaginative effort Its manner is gracious find
attractive. Its matter is good. A sentiment, a tenderness, are commanded by her
which are as individual as they are elegant" — Atfuiimum.

y._A WOMAN'S THOUGHTS ABOUT WOMEN.

BY THE AUTHOR OF "JOHN HALIFAX, (JKNTLKMAX."

"A book of sound counsel. It is ono of the most sensible works of its kind, well-
written, true-hearted, and altogether practical. Whoever wishes to give advice to a
youug lady may thank the author for means of doing so." — Examiner.

VI.— ADAM GRAEME. By MRS. OLIPHANT.

" A story awakening genuine emotion* of interest and delight by its admirable pic-
tures of Scottish life and scenery. The author sets before us the essential attributes of
Christian virtue, their deep and silent workings in the heart, and their beautiful mani-
festations in life, with a delicacy, power, and truth which can hardly bo surpassed."-/'i*l

VII.— SAM SLICK'S WISE SAWS AND MODERN
INSTANCES.

"The reputation of this book will stand n.s long as that of Scott's or Bulwer's Novels.
Its remarkable originality and happy descriptions of American life still continue tho
subject of universal admiration. The new edition forms a part of Messrs Hurst and
Blackett'a Cheap Standard Library, which has included some of tho very best specimens
of light literature that ever have been written." — JJfstt-ti-jfr.

HURST & BLACKETT'S STANDARD LIBRARY

(CONTINUED.)

Vin.— CARDINAL WISEMAN'S EECOLLECTIONS OF
THE LAST FOUR POPES.

" A picturesque book on Rome and its ecclesiastical sovereigns, by an eloquent Roman
Catholic. Cardinal Wiseman has treated a special subject with so much geniality, that
his recollections will excite no ill-feeling in those who are most conscientiously opposed
to every idea of human infallibility represented in Papal domination." — Athenteum.

IX.— A LIFE FOR A LIFE.

BY THE AUTHOR OF " JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN."

"In 'A Life for a Life ' the author is fortunate in a good subject, and has produced a
work of strong effect." — Atlienxum.

X.— THE OLD COURT SUBURB. By LEIGH HUNT.

" A delightful book, that will be welcome to all readers, and most welcome to those
who have a love for the best kinds of reading." — Examiner.

" A more agreeable and entertaining book has not been published since Boswell pro-
duced his reminiscences of Johnson." — Observer.

XI.— MARGARET AND HER BRIDESMAIDS.

" We recommend all who are in search of a fascinating novel to read this work for
themselves. They will find it well worth their while. There are a freshness and ori-
ginality about it quite charming " — Atlienxum.

XII.— THE OLD JUDGE. By SAM SLICK.

" The publications included in this Library have all been of good quality ; many give
information while they entertain, and of that class the book before us is a specimen.
The manner in which the Cheap Editions forming the series is produced, deserves
especial mention. The paper and print arc unexceptionable ; there is a stool engraving
in each volume, and the outsides of them will satisfy the purchaser who likes to see
books in handsome uniform." — Examiner.

XIII.— DARIEN. By ELIOT WARBURTON.

"This last production of the author of ' The Crescent and the Cross ' has the same
elements of a very wide popularity. It will please its thousands." — Globe.

XIV.— FAMILY ROMANCE ; OR, DOMESTIC ANNALS
OF THE ARISTOCRACY.

BY SIR BERNARD BURKE, ULSTER KING OF ARMS.

" It were impossible to praise too highly this most interesting book. It ought to be
found on every drawing-room table." — Standard.

XV.— THE LAIRD OF NORLAW. By MRS. OLIPHANT.

" The ' Laird of Norlaw ' fully sustains the author's high reputation." — Sunday Timei.

XVI.— THE ENGLISHWOMAN IN ITALY.

" Wo can praise Mrs. Oretton's book as interesting, unexaggerated, and full of oppor-
tune instruction." — Times.

XVIL— NOTHING NEW.

BY THE AUTHOR OF " JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN."

" 'Nothing New ' displays all those superior merits which have made 'John llallfoi '
one of the most popular works of the day." — Post,

XVIII.— FREER'S LIFE OF JEANNE D'ALBRET.

"Nothing can bo more interesting than Miss Frcer's story of the life of Joanne
U'Albrct, und the narrative !H as trustworthy an it is attractive." — Post.

XIX.— THE VALLEY OF A HUNDRED FIRES.

BST THE AUTHOR OF "MARGARET AND HER BRIDESMAIDS."
"If asked to classify this work, w e should give it a place between ' John Halifax * and
' The Caxtons.' " — Standard.

14

HURST & BLACKETT'S STANDARD LIBRARY

XX.— THE ROMANCE OF THE FORUM.

BY PKTEH BURKE, SERGEANT AT LAW.

" A work of singular interest, which can never fail to charm. The present cheap and
elogaut edition includes the true story of tho Colleen Bawn." — Illiutratetl Hewt.

XXL— ADELE. By JULIA KAVANAGH.

" ' Adfllfl ' is tho best work wo have read by Miss Kavanagh ; it is a charming story,
full of delicate character-painting." — At/irnieum.

XXII.— STUDIES FROM LIFE.

BY THE AUTHOR OF " JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN."
" Theso ' Studies <roni Life ' are remarkable for graphic power and observation. Tho
book will not diminish the reputation of tho accomplished author." — Saturday Review.

XXIII.— GRANDMOTHER'S MONEY.

" Wo commend '(irandmother's Money' to readers in search of a good novel The
characters are true to human nature, the story is interesting." — Athenieiun.

XXIV.— A BOOK ABOUT DOCTORS.

BY J. C. JEAFFRESON.

" A delightful book." — Athcnxum. " A book to be read and re-road ; fit for tho study
as well as tho drawiug-rooni table and the circulating library." — Lancet.

XXV.— NO CHURCH.

" We advise all who have tho opportunity to read this book." — Atheneeum.

XXVI.— MISTRESS AND MAID.

BY THE AUTHOR OF "JOHN' HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN."

"A good wholesome bonk, gracefully written, and as pleasant to read as it ia instruc-
tive."— AtheiHtiiiu. "A charming talc charmingly told." — UtanJanL

XXVII.— LOST AND SAVED. By HON. MRS. NORTON.

" ' Lost and Saved ' will be read with eager interest. It is a vigorous novel." — Ttmet.
"A novel of niro excellence. It is Mrs. Norton's best prose work." — Examiner.

XXVIII.— LES MISERABLES. By VICTOR HUGO.

AUTHORISKI) COPYRIGHT ENGLISH TRANSLATION.

"Tho merits of ' I.es Miserablos ' do not merely consist in the conception of It as a
whole; it abounds, page, after page, with details of unequalled beauty. In dealing with
all the emotions, doubts, fears, which go to make up our common Immunity. M. Victor
lingo has stumped upon every page tho hall-mark of genius.'' — y««r/<r/y llcru-tr.

XXIX.— BARBARA'S HISTORY.

BY AMELIA B. EDWARDS.

"It is not often that we light upon a novel of so much merit and interest as ' Barbara's
History.' It is a work conspicuous for UiHle and literary culture. It in a very graceful
ind charming honk, with a well-managed story, clearly-cut characters, and wntitnents
"xproHBOd with an exquisite elocutloa It in a bonk which tho world will like. This is
High praise jf a work of art, and so we intend it" — Timta.

XXX.— LIFE OF THE REV. EDWARD IRVING.

BY MRS. OLIl'HANT.

" A good book on a most interesting theme." — Timrt.

" A truly interesting and most affecting memoir. Irving's Life ought to have a niche
111 every gallery of religious biography. There arc few lives that will bo fuller of in-
struction, interest, and consolation." — .S-i/wn/./y li<-ri<-ir.

"Mrs. Oliphant's Life of Irving supplies a long-felt desideratum. It ia copious
earnest and eloquent" — Edinburgh Krrittr.

XXXI.— ST. OLAVE'S.

"This charming novel is tho work of one who possesses a great talent for writing, as
well as experience and knowledge of the world ' St Olavo's ' is tho work of an artist
The whole book is worth reading." — A thtnceum.

IS

HURST & BLACKETT'S STANDARD LIBRARY

XXXII.— SAM SLICK'S AMERICAN HUMOUR.

" Dip where you will into this lottery of fun, you are sure to draw out a prize." — Pott.

XXXIII.— CHRISTIAN'S MISTAKE.

BY THE AUTHOR OF " JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN."

" A more charming story, to our taste, has rarely been written. The writer has hit
off a circle of varied characters all true to nature. Even if tried by the standard of
the Archbishop of York, we should expect that even he would pronounce ' Christian's
Mistake ' a novel without a fault." — Times.

XXXIV.— ALEC FORBES OF HOWGLEN.

BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.

" No account of this story would give any idea of the profound interest that pervades
the work from the first page to the last" — Athenaeum.

XXXV.— AGNES. By MRS. OLIPHANT.

" ' Agnes ' is a novel superior to any of Mrs. Oliphant's former works." — Athenaeum.
"A story whose pathetic beauty will appeal irresistibly to all readers." — Post.

XXXVI.— A NOBLE LIFE.

BY THE AUTHOR OF "JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN."
" This is one of those pleasant tales in which the author of ' John Halifax ' speaks
out of a generous heart the purest truths of life." — Examiner.

XXXVII.— NEW AMERICA. By HEPWORTH DIXON.

" A very interesting book. Mr. Dixon has written thoughtfully and well." — Times.
Mr. Dixon's very entertaining and instructive work on New America." — Pall Mall Gaz.
"We recommend every one who feels any interest in human nature to read Mr.
Dixon's very interesting book." — Saturday Review.

XXXVIII.— ROBERT FALCONER.

BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.

" ' Robert Falconer ' is a work brimful of life and humour and of the deepest human
Interest. It is a book to be returned to again and again for the deep and searching
knowledge it evinces of human thoughts and feelings." — Atlienoeum.

XXXIX.— THE WOMAN'S KINGDOM.

BY THE AUTHOR OF "JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN."
'"The Woman's Kingdom' sustains the author's reputation as a writer of the
purest and noblest kind of domestic stories. — Allienxum.

XL.— ANNALS OF AN EVENTFUL LIFE.

BY GEORGE WEBBE DASENT, D.C.L.

"A racy, well-written, and original novel. The interest never flags. The whole
work sparkles with wit and humour." — Quarterly Review.

XLL— DAVID ELGINBROD.

BY GEORGE MAC DONALD, LL.D.

"A novel which is the work of a man of true genius. It will attract the highest
class of readers." — Times.

XLII.— A BRAVE LADY.

BY THE AUTHOR OF " JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN."

" A very good novel ; a thoughtful, well-written book, showing n tender sympathy
with human nature, and permeated by a pure and noble spirit'' — Examiner.

XL1II. -HANNAH.

BY THE AUTHOR OF " JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN."

" A powerful novel of social and domestic life. One of the most successful efforts of
a successful novelist." — Daily Neirs.

' A very pleasant, healthy story, well and artistically told. The book is sure of a
wide circle of readers. The character of IJaunah is one of rare beauty." — Standard,

16 /vy '

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