LION. 
215 
him. In either case a fair opportunity offers for 
some of the other hunters to fire in their turn, in 
the same manner, and divert the attention of the 
lion from their companion. In this manner, Church 
informs us, they mutually relieve each other, till the 
destruction of the beast closes the scene. 
There has never been an instance known of any 
accident happening to those who hunt the lion on 
horseback, provided they are accustomed to the 
sport, and conduct themselves with prudence. The 
lion is easily killed with a bullet : if it enters his 
heart or lungs, his death is immediate ; but should 
it w'ound the intestines, or lodge in the cavity of the 
abdomen, he is presently thrown into vomitings, 
which disable him from running. 
We are told that twelve or fifteen common farm- 
house dogs will readily overcome the largest lion, 
provided they attack him in the day-time, and on 
an open plain. As soon as the dogs approach the 
lion, he disdains to fly any further, but sits himself 
down. The hounds then get round him, and, 
rushing on him all at once, are thus enabled to tear 
him in, pieces, before he has time to give more than 
two or three slight strokes with his paws ; each of 
which, however, is instant death to the dog which 
is unfortunate enough to receive it. 
The roaring of the lion serves as a warning for 
other animals to betake themselves to flight ; but, 
as it is reported he always puts his mouth to the 
ground when he roars, the sound is equally diffused 
