118 THE LION KILLER. 



within the walls of the city ; but these gentlemen make up 

 for it when they find themselves on the theatre of their hunt- 

 ing operations. 



The Hatcheichia are passionately fond of porcupine hunt- 

 ing, which may appear strange to those who do not under- 

 stand all the difficulties they are obliged to overcome before 

 taking one of these animals. I will try and explain them to 

 the best of my ability. 



The porcupine is like the badger in its habits, only differ- 

 ing in the cuirass nature has given, in order to enable it to 

 protect itself from the hyenas and jackals that often inhabit 

 the same neighborhood. It digs its holes very deep, and 

 always at the foot of a rock. 



In the neighborhood of Bougie and Guelma, our soldiers 

 took enormous quantities with snares made of brass-wire. It is 

 probable that formerly some of these animals may have been 

 found near Constantine, for the country is very stony, and 

 filled with the dens of jackals ; but the Hatcheichia have 

 exterminated them, as there are no more remaining in that 

 neighborhood. 



It is generally about the end of winter that the porcupine 

 hunters set out on their expeditions ; they are obliged to 

 walk several days before reaching the scene of their opera- 

 tions, and as the hunt sometimes lasts a month or more, and 

 as they know by experience that their habits do not entitle 

 them to Arab hospitality, they are obliged to make great 

 preparations. 



The evening before the day fixed for the departure, they 

 collect in the hall of the club, and there they feast until the 



