CHAPTER VIII 



LION : LEOPARD : LYNX 



The Lions found in practically all parts of Zam- 

 bezia are in every respect identical with those of 

 Central and South Africa. In certain portions of 

 the country they are very numerous and bold, 

 whilst in others they appear at intervals only. 

 It may, however, unhesitatingly be said that 

 throughout the length and breadth of the country 

 no single place — not even the most considerable 

 town or settlement — is safe from periodical 

 visitations from lions. As a rule these animals 

 follow game, especially zebras and buffaloes ; 

 their sign and spoor are also constantly met with 

 in the vicinity of large herds of elands, and doubt- 

 less of other animals ; but for some reason or other 

 — it may be due to a periodical liking for change of 

 diet — lions will suddenly turn their attention to 

 human habitations, and then either man or his 

 domestic animals must pay a heavy toll. 



In appearance the lion of the Zambezi valley 

 is a splendid and most majestic creature. Al- 

 though in all probability no beast known to 

 zoology has commanded from the earliest days 

 more interest and attention, one detail regarding 

 him, so far as I am aware, would appear entirely 

 to have escaped attention. I refer to his weight 



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