172 
THE LION. 
according to Gerard, is not nnfrequently taken 
in the pit-fall, but then it is constructed specially 
for the capture of that beast, “ some being,” as 
he says, te as much as ten metres in depth, with a 
diameter of four or five metres, and narrower 
above than below.” 
Various as are the means adopted by the natives 
of Southern Africa to rid themselves of the lion, 
they are still not unmindful of the old saw, “ Pre- 
vention is better than cure,” and the hfamaquas, 
therefore, when encamping in a place known to be 
frequented by those beasts, are in the habit of sprink¬ 
ling the powder of a certain plant over the cattle 
before turning them loose, believing that no harm 
will then befall them. Absurd as the custom may 
appear, is it nevertheless not impossible that the lion 
may shun the odour of the powder in question, as 
fleas are said to shun that of penny-royal ? 
