ARAB FASHION OF HUNTING THE LION. 49 



I remember an occurrence that happened in a hunt made 

 by the tribe of Ouled-Cessi, in the month of February, 1850, 

 and I give it here, if only to save from oblivion the names of 

 these brave men. Being about to hunt with a man who had 

 killed lions single handed, their emulation was aroused, and 

 they called together their tribe, and not a warrior neglected 

 the summons. 



When we reached the hunting-ground, we found two lions 

 entrenched in a close thicket of mastic trees, so small that 

 from time to time we could catch glimpses of them from the 

 place where we were gathered. Although I had decided not 

 to accept the aid of this assemblage of Arabs when I came 

 to the attack, yet still I was glad of the party, hoping at 

 once to glean some ideas of Arab life and habits, and to show 

 them the power of the dog of a Christian, as they call the 

 French. 



Before sending them on the heights to look out, as I 

 usually did, I let them hold their caucus, and listened as 

 earnestly as though I was to take part with them in their 

 plan of operations. The discussion was long and tumultuous. 

 The old men thought I should march in advance, at two or 

 three paces ahead of the main body, which should be formed 

 in a single line ; the young men thought they should march 

 at the head, with me between them, and that the old folks 

 should form a corps of reserve, in case the lions should 

 make a break in the first line. I let the different parties 

 urge on their different plans to see to what conclusion they 

 would come. During the argument, a young man baring his 

 arm and leg all torn by a lion which he had encountered, 



3 



