124 THE LION KILLER. 



abound, some good hunting grounds can always be found in 

 Algeria. 



In order to enjoy them, it is necessary to travel several 

 days with an officer belonging to the Arab bureau, or a Caid. 

 If it is winter, the hunter can camp on the borders of a lake 

 where one can sow all his shot among the wild geese, ducks, 

 swans and other aquatic birds which may be found there by 

 thousands. 



Those who are fond of game will find on the borders of 

 the lakes, and swampy fields, legions of snipes. 



In July and August, before the jackal and other hairy 

 poachers have collected their tithes, coveys of red partridges 

 may be found (grey ones do not exist in Algeria), whose 

 ancestors have never heard a shot, and whom a touch of the 

 foot is necessary to force to fly. 



In the provinces of Oran and Alger, the rabbit is found in 

 large numbers ; in Constantino they are only on the western 

 coast ; but, in place of them, the hare is so abundant, that 

 whenever our columns are on the march towards the east or 

 south, the soldiers each day take large quantities in their 

 hands, either during the marches, or when in the bi- 

 vouacs. 



The African hare is a third smaller than the same animal 

 in Europe, and when hunted with greyhounds, never runs, or 

 comes out of its hole, but hides itself in the ground when too 

 closely pressed. 



In spring and autumn, wild birds increase the sporting 

 riches of the country to so great an extent, that some plains 

 distant from the occupied points, appear as if covered with 



