SPORT IN MOZAMBIQUE 



on the opposite bank a vast plain, according to native 

 report abounding in game. This ought to be the case, 

 for we are regaled by a magnificent concert of lions. 

 There are a full dozen of them, and I pass the night 

 in listening to them. 



In the immensity of the African solitude, on a still 

 night, illuminated by the myriads of stars scintillating 

 in the firmament, I know nothing in the world more 

 beautiful, more imposing, more noble, than this roar 

 of the lion, announcing to the neighbourhood his 

 strength, his power, and his victories. 



I endeavoured at daybreak to see the nocturnal 

 performers ; but I had no means of crossing the 

 river. To cross the water by swimming was prohibited 

 by the presence of a number of crocodiles. I desired 

 also to continue my march to the south, and, crossing 

 the Mossurize, reach the Sabi ; but, according to the 

 reports received, the district is very poor, and I could 

 not hope to feed the band of continually hungry men 

 who accompanied me. I therefore turned northward 

 again. In the evening we camp at the junction of 

 the Lusitu and the Ferodza, a charming river which 

 possesses gold-bearing sands. Before night I was 

 fortunate enough to kill two bushbucks. 



On the morrow we travelled north-east, and by 

 evening reached the bank of the Mariako, a tributary 

 of the Lusitu. Going out to try my luck, I observe, at 

 the bottom of a ravine, an animal which I kill and 

 recognise as a wild dog. Its hair is long, greyish 



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