HUNTING ADVENTURES. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



HUNTING THE LION ON HORSEBACK. 



[/jTjHE chase of the lion on horseback is carried 

 sLk on at the Cape of Good Hope, in the follow- 

 ing manner, as described by Dr. Sparrman : " It 

 is only on the plains that the hunters venture 

 to go out on horseback in this chase. If the lion 

 keeps in some coppice or wood, on a rising ground, they endeavor 

 to teaze it with dogs till it comes out ; they likewise prefer going 

 together, two or more in number, to be able to assist each other, in 

 case the first shot should not take effect. 



" When the lion sees the hunters at a great distance, he takes 

 to his heels as fast as he can, in order to get out of their sight ; but 

 if they chance to discover him at a small distance from them, he 

 is then said to walk off in a surly manner, but without putting 

 himself in the least hurry, as though he was above showing any 

 fear, when he finds himself discovered or hunted. He is there- 

 fore reported likewise, when he finds himself pursued with vigor, 

 to be soon provoked to resistance, or at least he disdains any longer 



