THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 83 



the greyhound and bull-terrier is preferable, as, on the one hand, 

 they usually possess enough courage to keep a Lion's attention 

 engaged, thus affording an opportunity of approaching close up and 

 putting a bullet into a vital part ; on the other hand having 

 sufficient activity to avoid the animal's teeth and claws under 

 circumstances where a more highly bred and courageous dog would 

 of a certainty undergo utter extinction. Whilst upon this subject, 

 it is as well to mention that no matter what the attributes of any 

 dog may be, he should not be trusted until tried, as even the most 

 vaunted champions among their own breed will, with bristles erect 

 but tail down, retire at the very first whiff of a Lion. In following 

 up a spoor, the dogs should be held up and only let loose when the 

 game is almost at hand ; and when the sun is very hot each animal 

 should be given a little water from the calabashes or canvas bags 

 usually carried on such occasions, before engaging in the encounter. 

 When hunting on horseback, and possessed of a speedy and well- 

 trained nag, the danger is minimised, for, although a Lion when 

 close at hand might possibly overtake a horse in the first rush, it 

 never continues the chase when this fails. Expanding bullets should 

 always be used when at very close quarters, as solid ones, if missing 

 the vitals, will drive clean through the body without giving the 

 system any shock. As regards the question of vitality, it is no 

 exaggeration to state that under similar circumstances the same 

 bullet, which would appear to take but little immediate effect on an 

 ordinary antelope, might probably disable a Lion and prevent him 

 either escaping or charging. It is as well to observe that following 

 up one of these wounded animals in thick bush without the assist- 

 ance of dogs, can only be attended with extreme peril. When all 

 other plans have failed, the following but not very sportsmanlike 

 device can be resorted to with effect for their destruction. At a 

 sufficient distance from camp, a lung-sick or worn-out ox may be 

 tied to a tree as a bait, and a strong and high thorn skerm built 

 close around the animal, one entrance to which, about 2 feet wide 

 should be left open, across which the muzzles of a couple of set 

 guns may be directed. The captive, when alone and deprived of 

 the society of its kindred, will usually set up a lowing sufficient to 

 attract the attention of any prowling Lions, and in this way many 

 are bagged, although the incidents attending their destruction, on 

 narration, usually assume a more pretentious exhibition of personal 

 bravery. 



