16 , CARNIVORA. 



specimens are not uncommon. These are especially 

 abundant in Somali Land. 



The ears are small, and black or dark brown. The 

 canine teeth are well-developed, and about two inches 

 in lenf:;th. In man-eaters, however, they are either 

 blunted or broken. The weight of a full-grown Lion is 

 about 550 lbs. 



The Lioness is smaller than the Lion, and has no 

 mane. The young, when born, and for several months 

 afterwards, are spotted, especially towards the tail. 

 They play like kittens or small cats : the mother 

 carries its young by the back of its neck. 



The roar of the Lion is deep and impressive, and has 

 a marked effect on animals. 



The Lion preys on wild animals, and its powers of 

 carrying its prey and of leaping are vevj great. The 

 strength of its paws is prodigious. It is nevertheless 

 killed sometimes by the Gemsbok, which transfixes the 

 Lion with its long pointed horns. The Gemsbok is 

 probably the typical Unicorn of the British Crown. 



Lion -hunting was a favourite sport of the Assyrian 

 kings. The Lions were liberated from cages by attend- 

 ants, and were shot by the king from his chariot 

 (arrows were then used instead of bullets). The king 

 was protected by spearmen from attacks or sudden 

 springs of the Lion. These men were probably assisted 

 by horsemen who encircled the Lion. 



Since Lions have become so scarce in many parts of 

 Africa, very few are now shot for sport. It is highly 

 dangerous to shoot one with the old muzzle-loading gun. 



The Lion has been tamed to a certain extent, especi- 

 all}' when taken in hand when young. Care should 

 then l)e taken not to feed them with raw meat. They 

 are made to leap through hoops of fire, and have even 



