22 
MOMBASA TO NAIROBI . 
down two wildbeests and a Thompson’s gazelle. But the thoughts and 
eyes of the ex-president and present hunter of big game were turned 
toward Sir Alfred Pease’s ostrich farm and its roaming lions. The 
next day the Roosevelt expedition broke camp and arrived at “Kitanga” 
in the midst of a tropical rain; but aside from their comfortable hous¬ 
ing, the most complete arrangements had been made for their comfort, 
so that the next day found all in prime condition for the formal opening 
of the hunt. Another day passed, and the ex-president had only a 
Grant’s gazelle and a couple of bucks to his credit, although there were 
the unmistakable roarings and other evidences that lions were abroad 
in the country around. The next morning the caravan proceeded toward 
the Mau hills where its camp was pitched. Another day, with only small 
game bagged; but great work accomplished by Kermit’s camera and 
by Messrs. Loring and Heller in the cause of science. Mr. Selous ac¬ 
companied the ex-president on his first lion hunt and killing. The 
native beaters first discovered three lions, and while two bounded off 
into the high grass the third charged, and was shot in the air by Colonel 
Roosevelt. The next hunt called for more patience in tracking his 
lordship, the lion evidently taking to the river bed. But the beast was 
finally located and driven out into the open by the beaters, and was 
shot through the heart by the American as the animal was making one 
of those famous whirlwind charges described as “the swiftest thing 
on earth.” Following the advice of Cunninghame, Selous, Pease and 
other experienced lion hunters, Mr. Roosevelt had been careful to have 
his pony led some distance behind, as the latter is apt to make some 
noise, such as snorting or stamping, to alarm the lion. Another reason 
for this rule: The lion is very fond of horse meat of every description, 
the sight of a sleek zebra or a fat Somali pony often inviting him to a 
furious attack when otherwise he would give his followers a wide berth. 
Before the sun had set on this 30 th day of April, 1909 , Mr. Roosevelt’s 
good American rifle had brought three lions to earth, and each on the 
first shot, while Kermit had proved his relationship by killing one of 
the big beasts. Both father and son were jubilant as their first lion hunt 
had exceeded all expectations. All the lions were of normal size and 
after the natives had dragged them together in the grass they executed 
the usual picturesque and weird dances around the trophies. It is said 
that Sir Alfred Pease made an effective sketch of Mr. Roosevelt as he 
was shooting his first lion over the shoulder of a native gunbearer, at 
