210 A FORTUNATE ESCAPE. 



the common ox, though much more slender in shape, 

 and weighing from seven hundred to one thousand 

 pounds, — an animal now only to be found beyond 

 the limits of the Colony. I saw the skins of two of 

 these antelopes, which had been procured by some 

 Hottentots at the station a few days previously, but 

 which were so mutilated, as to be totally useless as 

 specimens of natural history ; a circumstance much 

 to be regretted, on account of their rarity. This was 

 also a spot particularly celebrated for exploits in lion- 

 hunting. A party of officers from Fort Beaufort had 

 ascended the mountain the day before my arrival, for 

 the purpose of enjoying this exciting, yet hazardous 

 sport. 



The following year, another party of officers made 

 a similar excursion to the same spot, and succeeded 

 in destroying no less than eight lions. But this de- 

 scription of shooting is attended with no inconsider- 

 able degree of risk even to the most experienced shot, 

 as the following fortunate escape will show. While 

 riding together, the party perceived a lioness 

 advancing towards them, and hastily dismounting, 

 prepared for action. She appeared to be making 

 towards one of the officers, which he observing, im- 

 mediately knelt down, for the purpose of taking 

 better aim. He fired, and although the ball evidently 

 struck her, she rushed on him, threw him down, 

 and seized his left arm in her mouth. She lay on 

 him for some seconds, until a brother officer, alarmed 



