316 LARGE GAME. chap. vi. 



only use to the hunter is to indicate the proximity of 

 lions ; for when seen prowling about in the day-time, 

 particularly if vultures are also wheeling round the 

 spot, or sitting in the neighbouring trees, it is almost 

 certain that a lion has killed and is feasting upon some 

 animal close by. Neither they nor the hyena always 

 escape scot-free in their attendance upon his majesty, for 

 I have at different times found three of the former and 

 one of the latter lying dead near some bones which they 

 had approached too closely. I much doubt the common 

 opinion that they accompany the lion's footsteps, even at 

 a respectful distance ; for they possess such wonderful 

 powers of scent that they can easily discover anything 

 that has been killed for several miles round. 



