166 THE LION 



at maturity. I have read many books in which 

 this animal's characteristics and appearance have 

 been ably dealt with, and I have discussed the 

 point with numerous experienced observers, but 

 none could tell me with any claim to approximate 

 correctness what a full-grown lion might weigh. 

 The largest male shot by me was a heavy burden 

 for four natives of good physique when secured 

 to a long bamboo pole, and after carrying him in 

 to camp, a distance of four or five miles, they dis- 

 played a considerable amount of fatigue : from 

 this fact I have been led to estimate the weight of 

 a well-developed male of medium age at between 

 350 and 400 lbs. 



1 should think that in all probability the 

 district of Zambezia in which at the present time 

 more lions are found than in any other may be 

 that of Boror. Thence, westward, they are found 

 in considerable numbers round the eastern side of 

 Morumbala Mountain and on through the Pinda 

 range. Near Quelimane itself they also occur, 

 seven having been shot in one week by my late 

 Consular Agent there, Mr. Rene Wuilleumier, 

 about a year ago. But in Boror they are such a 

 danger, and so many native lives have been lost 

 during the past few years as a result of their 

 attacks, that the Concessionary Company ad- 

 ministering this immense region advertised not 

 very long ago a standing offer to pay £25 for every 

 one destroyed within their borders. This resulted 

 in the country being visited by several European 

 hunters, but so far as I have ascertained, not many 

 successes attended their efforts. I passed through 



