136 



THE LION. 



to approach too closely, for he dreads the blaze of a fire. In vain does he prowl 

 around the encampment, for he can discover no stragglers from the protecting flame, 

 and, moreover, finds that the watchful dogs are on the alert. So he retires to some 

 little distance, and putting his mouth to the ground, pours forth his deepest roar. 

 Struck with frantic terror, the stupid oxen break away from their halters, and quitting 

 their sole protection, gallop madly away, only to fall victims to the jaws and talons of 

 the author of the panic. 



It often happens that several Lions combine in their attacks, and bring their united 

 forces to bear upon the common prey, each taking his appointed part in the matter. 

 One of these joint attacks was witnessed by two English officers engaged in the late 

 Kaffir war, with one of whom I am well acquainted. 



LION AND ZEBRAS. 



A small herd of zebras were quietly feeding in a plain, all unconscious of the stealthy 

 approach of several Lions, which were creeping towards them in regular order, under 

 cover of a dense reed thicket. So quietly did the Lions make their advance, that their 

 progress was unnoticed even by the zebra-sentinel. The Lions crept on, until they 

 reached the sheltering thicket, when the sentinel took the alarm. It was too late with 

 a single bound, the leading Lion sprang over the reeds, felled one of the zebras, and 

 set the others scampering in all directions so as to fall an easy prey to his companions. 



It has happened that such alliances have come to a tragical end for the assailant as 

 well as the victim. 



" Early one morning," says Mr. Anderson, in his " Lake Ngami," " one of our herds- 

 men came running up to us in a great fright, and announced that a Lion was devour- 

 ing a Lioness. We thought at first that the man must be mistaken, but his story was 

 perfectly true, and only her skull, the larger bones, and the skin were left. On examin- 



