LION. 
213 
whose name was Jacob Kok, of Zeckoe Rivier, told 
me an adventure he had, in these words : — As he 
was one day walking over his grounds with his gun 
loaded, he unexpectedly encountered a lion. Being 
an excellent shot, he thought himself pretty sure 
of killing it, and accordingly fired his gun. The 
charge being unluckily damp, the piece hung fire, 
and the ball, falling short, entered the ground close 
by the lion. Alarmed at this failure, he was panic- 
struck, and instantly betook himself to his heels ; 
but being soon out of breath, and closely pursued 
by the lion, he jumped on a little heap of stones, 
and there made a stand, presenting the butt-end 
of his piece to his adversary, and determined to sell 
his life as dear as he could. This conduct had 
such an effect on the lion that it likewise made a 
stand, and presently after laid itself down within 
a few paces of the heap of stones, seemingly quite 
unconcerned. In this critical and alarming situa- 
tion they both waited full half an hour, when the 
lion rose up, and at first went away very slowly 
step by step, as if it had a mind to steal off; but 
as soon as it had got to a greater distance it bound- 
ed away at a great rate.” The manner in which 
this lion retired is perfectly consistent with its fe- 
line character, and may be daily witnessed in our 
domestic cat, who, if he thinks his antagonist too 
much for him, will slowly steal away till he gets to 
a considerable distance. 
In Africa they hunt the lion on horseback, but 
never venture to pursue him except on the open 
