THE LION COUNTRY 



this was finished. Just as I was starting for camp 

 I saw two vultures descending in the direction taken 

 by the wounded lioness on the previous day. I 

 hastened thither and found the beast dead, the vul- 

 tures had not had time to destroy it and had only 

 carried off one eye. The measurements of these 

 lionesses were respectively 8 feet 5 inches, 8 feet 

 1 inch, and 7 feet 10 inches. The one I rediscovered 

 measured 8 feet 6 inches. 



This episode will remain one of the most exciting 

 memories of my sporting days. 



The charge of the lion is particularly impressive, 

 both on account of its swiftness and of the ferocious 

 aspect of the brute, as well as by the hoarse roars 

 accompanying its spring. 



If, however, the charge is not too near, it is 

 infinitely less dangerous to a calm and practised shot 

 than that of a buffalo or an elephant. 



In the case of the latter, there is such a huge mass 

 in motion that even a well-placed bullet will not 

 immediately stop it ; while in the case of a lion, the 

 impact of a bullet of small calibre with a great initial 

 velocity will kill the animal. 



The only essential thing in these encounters is being 

 used to shooting and having confidence in oneself, 

 and possessing nerves which are stimulated by danger, 

 and do not break down afterwards. 



I have so often seen the calmness which is shown 

 during the moment of danger give place to a more 



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