ADVICE TO THE AMATEUJ LION HUNTER. 15*7 



neighboring douars, to know if the lion has been seen or 

 heard, or if he has carried away any cattle. 



While awaiting the arrival of the messengers, as you do 

 not know the country and need a safe guide, and the only 

 ones capable of crossing the woods in the night, on such 

 an errand, are these professional robbers, you are obliged to 

 employ one. 



If you ask in the douar for a robber, they will laugh in 

 your face, and answer that they are all honest people. 



Ask for a man who is accustomed to walk in the night and 

 is not afraid, you will find a hundred, all young and vigorous, 

 from whom you can choose the one whose countenance best 

 pleases your fancy. 



If you talk to him of his courage, he will feel flattered ; 

 if you propose to him to accompany you, he will flatly re- 

 fuse. 



Then you will explain to him, that you only require him to 

 show you the lair of the lion from a distance, and tb5 paths 

 he generally follows when he leaves the wood to descend 

 into the plain ; the spring or brook, at which he generally 

 drinks, if there is a ford or defile frequented by him ; and 

 especially make him understand that you do not want 

 him to remain near you at the moment of danger, but he can 

 leave when he likes. He will then be quite willing to go 

 with you, and you may rely on him. 



It .would not be a bad idea to promise him a reward, if you 

 are satisfied with him. 



An Arab, one of the runners you have sent, returns and 

 tells you that the lion has carried off a cow and horse, at 



