182 
THRILLING ADVENTURES IN AFRICA. 
served him from much after-suffering, such as was experienced by 
the others who were bitten and had not this protection. 
These ferocious beasts are a constant menace to travellers in 
some parts of Africa. Of course, if one goes out for the purpose 
of indulging in sport and shooting game, as former President Roose¬ 
velt did, he is not disconcerted when he meets the king of the forest 
in his native lairs. Cumming’s account of his encounters with lions 
is so graphic and interesting that it is here inserted in connection 
with the thrilling story, already related, of Livingstone and the lion. 
Mr. Cumming first describes the appearance and habits of the 
noble beast. This is the account of one of the world’s most famous 
hunters, whose journeys in the Tropics in pursuit of adventure, 
have attracted universal attention, and have awakened the most 
eager interest. The dignified and truly monarchical appearance of 
the lion, says Mr. Cumming, has long rendered him famous among 
his fellow quadrupeds. There is something so noble and imposing 
in the presence of the lion, when seen walking with dignified self- 
possession, free and undaunted, on his native soil, that no descrip¬ 
tion can convey an adequate idea of his striking appearance, 
THE LION THE KING OF BEASTS. 
The lion is exquisitely formed by nature for the predatory 
habits which he is destined to pursue. Combining in comparatively 
small compass the qualities of power and agility, he is enabled, by 
means of the tremendous machinery with which nature has gifted 
him easily to overcome and destroy almost every beast of the forest, 
however superior to him in weight and stature. 
Though considerably under four feet in height, he has little 
difficulty in dashing to the ground and overcoming the lofty and 
apparently powerful giraffe, whose head towers above the trees of 
the forest, and whose skin is nearly an inch in thickness. 
The lion is the constant attendant of the vast herds of buffaloes 
which frequent the interminable forests of the interior; and a full- 
grown one, so long as his teeth are unbroken, generally proves a 
match for an old bull buffalo, which in size and strength greatly 
surpasses tb^ most powerful breed of American cattle; the lion also 
