VITAL SHOTS. 31 



ELAND. 



For this animal we would recommend the same type of bullet as the former. It 

 is a harmless, inoffensive animal, but very tough to kill if the first shot is not a vital 

 one. 



LION. 



This animal is by far the most dangerous in Africa, for in proportion to the 

 number that have been shot there have been more fatal accidents with them than with 

 any other animal. 



The sportsman should, therefore, make a point of never firing at a lion until he 

 Is sure of his shot, for the first shot is the all-important one with all animals, and 

 more especially with a lion, for it is very difficult to find when wounded, owing to 

 its capability in taking cover, and because its colour harmonises so well with the 

 surrounding country. If broadside on, shoot at the point of the shoulder, and if 

 facing, at the base of the neck for a raking shot. 



The head is a very uncertain mark unless the beast is close, and should not be 

 tried. The same applies to the neck till one is fairly experienced. 



Small-bore rifles, such as the "256 Mannlicher or '303, are quite efficient for lion, 

 used with proper expanding bullets such as described in Chap. VIII. 



It is a fact that lion are more easily killed than many of the small buck of this 

 country, and die more quickly when hit well forward. If a lion charges it is best to 

 keep a shot up one's sleeve until he is quite close, and there is little probability of 

 missing him. 



At the last moment a jump aside might save one, but it would be a toss up. 



When following a wounded lion, a big-bore or shot-gun with S.S.G.'s should be 

 taken. 



If it goes into thick grass it should be burnt out, and if this is not possible 

 one should wait till the next day. 



Most of the fatal accidents which have occurred have been in following a 

 wounded lion into grass, where the chances are greatly in favour of the animal. 



BUCK. 



It is very difficult in a chapter like this to avoid repetition, as all animals are 

 built much alike as far as their interior anatomy goes. 



Buck will be generally shot in the body unless occasionally in the case of 



