LION (FELIS LEO). 131 



The most general way they are got is by sittmg up, either where they have killed 

 man or stock in a village, if the news can be obtained in time, or if a fresh kill is found 

 while out in the bush. If there is a convenient tree close by (within ten or fifteen 

 yards) a " machan " should be made in it. If there is not a convenient tree as near 

 as this, rather than risk a long shot at night, a " machan " should be made in a tree 

 in the vicinity, and the kill should be dragged to it. 



The lion will generally follow up on the scent, evidently thinking that some other 

 animal has dragged it off, but care should be taken not to touch the kill, but to drag 

 it with a rope. 



In making the " machan," a certain height above the ground is necessary, as 

 one's wind seems to escape him more when in the air. 



Everything in the neighbourhood should be left as intact as possible, and the 

 wood and grass for building should be brought from a little distance off. 



We would, while talking about the " machan," mention that even if the lion 

 detected the presence of man he would never locate him above him, even when he 

 heard his shots. 



Climbing animals, like the leopard and cat, are quick at spotting anything above 

 them, but other animals seldom think of looking upwards. 



The instance of a dog being whistled for by its master while up a ladder or out of 

 a window and looking in every direction but upwards must be familiar to 

 everyone. 



We have been heard turning round to get into a firing position by a lion directly 

 underneath us, and the animal, springing out, evidently startled, has looked and listened 

 in every direction except upwards. 



On a cool morning a lion may occasionally be found stopping late over a kill, and 

 we have heard one out as late as 8.30 a.m., but this is quite exceptional, and, as a 

 rule, he will have drunk and be back to thick cover long before this time. 



Anyhow, if vultures are seen hovering in the morning it would be worth while 

 approaching the spot upwind and with caution, as there might be lion, leopard, or 

 hyaina about. 



If it has been seen by spoor that lion have been lurking round a kraal or 

 following on the tracks of a herd of cattle, it might be worth while to leave a " tie " 

 one night in the tracks of the herd as they are driven home from grazing, and to sit 

 over it, but every precaution is necessary to prevent this very wary animal from 

 suspecting that anything is wrong. 



A lion will practically never attack a man during the daytime unless he is 

 wounded, and then he is most dangerous. 



