236 TRAVELS IN 
encc has fince more than once convinced me 
of its truth. Of all the animals in Africa, the 
elephant alone exceeds him in flrength ; and 
there are few which attack with equal impe- 
tuofity, fo that there is none fo dangerous. 
The tiger regularly makes himfelf heard every 
day at the rifing and fetting of the fun ; and 
thus, giving notice of his prefence, warns you 
to be on your guard. The lion, who is ac- 
cuftomed to attack in the night, makes known 
his prefence by his roar. Befides, notwith-* 
flanding the ferocioufnefs of thefe two tyrants 
of the deferts, a loud noife is fufficient to 
frighten and drive away either of them. It is 
not fo with the rhinoceros : he is at once a 
traitor whofe coming nothing betrays ; an af- 
faulter whom nothing terrifies; and a fury 
whom refiftance renders implacable. 
My abode on the left bank of the river had 
enabled me to traverfe the country round me ; 
and I was now defirous of feeing that on the 
other fide. For this purpofe it was neceffary to 
crofs the river, which the favages who vifited 
me pafl"ed by fwirnming. They had fhown 
me a ford, but it was too far from my camp ; 
I had therefore a raft copftruded, of which I 
I made 
