372 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
prey. I crept into a small bush which stood within 
three yards of the dead zebras, so that if the lions 
came back to their interrupted meal, I might be able to 
get a good shot, late in the evening though it was. 
Certainly under the silvery light of the moon a deadly 
shot might have been made at this close range, and 
when first I took up my position the wind was blowing 
favourably, that is to say if the lions came from the 
direction in which I had last seen them. 
It is difficult to describe how such a scene as this 
delights the heart. Thoroughly wild it was, and exciting 
as well; for there seems to be a charm in reclining in 
and watching the forest homes of wild beasts, looking 
upon the struggle that the animals have for their rough 
subsistence, and noting their various grades of strength 
lessening, in this case, until the smaller crows might be 
seen pouncing upon the morsels dropped by the voracious 
vultures in their determined fight for food. 
The vultures seemed to darken the air. They hovered 
about the place, and were quick to detect the slightest 
movement I might make. Getting into a comfortable 
position, I remained motionless, and the birds came 
down in flocks. 
The variety was remarkable. Some were very large, 
with a dark brown plumage; others, slightly smaller, 
perhaps, had grey feathers. I lay so quietly that they 
perched upon the branches just above my head, even 
within a couple of feet of me. Here was a splendid 
opportunity for an observant naturalist. The heads of 
the birds varied very much, some being wholly white; 
some having white faces and black caps falling over 
the back of the head ; and some with white and pink 
hoods, and with naked flesh, coloured heads and necks. 
Great numbers of crows—white-collared crows and 
ravens—formed a large circle outside the scene of 
operations filled by their death-loving kin. 
Soon my attention was otherwise engaged. A rustling 
was apparent in the high, rank grass directly in front 
of my position. I waited and watched attentively. 
The lioness ! Yes ; but unfortunately now there was 
