Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-11-17

not be disputed; but am inclined TO &C
count for it on somewhat different
grounds from those usually assigned.
The Lion, like most other beasts of
prey, is directed to game by the scent
as well as by the eye.-He seizes or
the strong scented Hottentot, while the
less tempting boor is lief: unnotlcel
perhaps by his side.
A farmer of the name Of Van der
Nerve had out-spanned his Wagon in
the wilderness, and laid himself down
10 repose by the side of il. His two
Hottentot servants, man and his wife,
had disposed themselves on their ready |
couch of sand, at the other side. At
midnight, when all were fast asleep, a |
lion came quietly up and carried off the
poor woman in his mouth. Her master
and her husband, started by her fearful
shrieks, sprung to their guns, but With
out avail. Favoured by the darkness
the monster had conveyed, in a few
minutes, his unfortunate victim far into
the thictzets, beyond the possibility Of
rescue.
A Hottentot at Jackal's Fountain, had
a narrow though ludicrous escape on a
similar occasion. He was sleeping a
few yards from his master, in the usu-
al mode of his nation, wrapped up in
his sheep skin carosse, with his face to
the ground. A lion came softly up, and
Selling him by the thick folds of his
greasy mantle, began to trot away
with him, counting secretly, no doubt,
on sayory and satisfactory meal. BIT
the Hottentot, on awaking, being quite
unhurt, tho sufficiently astonished. con-
trived somehow to wriggle himself out
Of his wrapper, and scrambled off while
the disappointed lion walked simply a.
way with The empty integunent.
The following amusing story was re-
lated to me, by some respectable far
n.ers of the Trrka, who were present
on The occasion. A party of Doors went
cut to hunt a lion which bad carried of
several cattle from the neighbourhood.
They discovered him in a thicket or
jingle, such as abound in that part of
the Colony, and sent in numerous
pack of fierce hounds 10 drive him out.
The lion kept his den aud his temper
for long time-only striking down the
dogs with his mighty paw, or swapping
off head or leg occasionally. when the
brawling rabble came within his reach
but the hunters, continuing in the
Int time TO pepper the bush at ran
dom with slugs and bullets, at length
wounded him slightly. Then rose the
royal beast in wrath; and with dread
ful roar, burst forth upon his foes. Re-
gardless of shower Of balls, be bounded
forward. and in an instant turned the
chase upon them.-All took to their
horses or their heels. One huge fellow
of greater size than alacrity, not having
time to mount his horse was left in the
rear, and speedily ran down by the Lii
on. He fell and had the prudence 10 lie
fat and quiet as log. The victorious
Lion snutfed at him scratched him with
his paw-apd then magoaoimously be-
striding him, sat quietly down upon his
back. After short p"use The Lon re-
signed. of his own accord, his stool Of
triumph, relieved his painting captive,
and reiterated towards the mountains.
The party on coming up, found their
friend shaking his ears unharmed from
the war
The following occurrence IS another
evidence OF the Lions general forbear-
ance towards mankind. so long as 9th
er prey can be got. Three butchers
servants were crossing the Great Kar-
roo +; and having halted near fountain
with the intention of resting for the
night, two Of them went to collect fire.
wood, the remaining to knee-hal!er the
horses as is usual, to prevent them from
straying. Whilst he was thus occupied.
three Lions suddenly made their ap-
pearance, and selecting each horse
brought down in an instant the two that
we're battered, the third horse, breaking
loose from bush to which he was tied
gaIloped of, with the third Lion in
chase of him OF the two successful
Lions, one carried off his prey into The
thicket, while the other, lying down
beside his, watched the man, who, half
Supplied by the havoc, now began 10
think of making his retreat. But as
soon as be moved, the Lion began to
growl and bristle mp in Threatening at
titude, lying quietly down again, how
ever. when he stood still. Afterseve-
raj tlmid attempts, thus. checked by his
watchful adversary, he judged it advisa-
BILE TO remain stationary till his com.
rades returned. They did soon after,
and the Lion, on seeing this reinforce
ment. resigned his prey and hastily re-
tired. Another instance of the Lions
preference of horse-Aesh to human, &C.
.,,rrod lofoIv at Ionvan 7vl;e - Hot