Polynesian., 1850-12-21

sFWe need not apologize to our readers
for occupying SO much of our space with ex-
tracts from the highly entertaining book of
K. g. Cumming. 1t is not often that we
have such volume issued from the press,
and African sports are not quite so familiar
to the reading world, as those of other coun-
tries. For GOODNESS, skill and hearty devo-
ton to such hazardous work, Mr.. Cumming
has no equal. even among the tiger hunters
of India We commend the following mas
terly sketches to the attention ofour readers.
Well would it have been for the lions
had they always made run Of it when rarer
game was not in ken. See what happened
to two out Of four, from their committing the
error of Sir John Moore in Spain and not
sufficiently soon determining upon ga move
ment in retreat" A repor, had been brought
into camp that four kings were holding
royal feast over some slain zebras in the
neighborhood.
81 instantly saddIed up two horses, and
directing my boys to lead after me as quick
ly as possible my small remaining pack of
sore-footed dogs, rode forth, accompanied
by Carey, carrying spare gun, to give bat
tie to the four grim lions. As rode out OF
the peninsula they showed themselves on the
bank of the river; and, guessing that their
first move would be disgraceful retreat, l
determined to ride so as to make them think
| had not observed them until should be
able to cut off their retreat from the river,
across the open vley, TO the endless forest
beyond. That point being gained, knew
that they, still doubtful Of my having observ-
ed them, would hold their ground on the
rivers bank until my dogs came up, when
| could more advantageousy make the at
tack
81 cantered along, holding as if meant
to pass the lions at distance of a quarter OF
mile, until was opposite to them, when
altered my course and inclined little nearer.
The lions then showed symptoms of uneasi-
ness; they rose to their feet, and, overhaul
ing us for half minute, disappeared over
the bank. They reappeared, however, di-
| rectly, little further down, and finding that
their present position was bare, they walked
majestically along the top of the bank to a
spot few hundred yards lower, where the
bank was we'll wooded. Here they seemed
ed out their massive arms, and lay on the
grass, and the other two sat up like dogs
upon their launches Deeming il probable
that when my dogs came up and l approach
ed, they would still retreat and make bolt
across the open vley, directed Carey to
canter forward and take up the ground in the
centre of the vley about four hundred yards
in advance whereby the lions would be
compelled to give us battle or swim the river,
which although narrow, knew they would
be very reluctant to do.
81 now sat in my saddle, anXiously await
ing the arrival Of the dogs; and whilst thus
momentarily disengaged, | was much struck
with the majestic and truly appalling appear
ance which these four noble lions exhibited.
They were all full-grown immense males;
and felt, | must confess, little nervous,
and very uncertain as to what might be The
issue of the attack. When the dogs came
up. | rode in towards the lions. IEey
| sprang to their feet, and trotted SLOWLY alors
the bank of the river once or twice ha,ung
and facing about for half a inmate. Imme.
diately below them there was small deter.
mined bend in the stream, forming a sort o
peninsula. Into this lend they disappeared
and the next momer.t was upon them with
my dogs. They lad taken shelter in dense
angle of the peninsula. well sheltered by
high trees an.L reeds Into this retreat the
dogs at or.ce boldly followed them, making q
iou' BARKING; which was instantly followed
I5y the terrible voices of the lions, which
turned about and charged to the edge of the
cover Next moment, however, | heard
them plunge into the river when | sprung
from my horse, and running 10 the top ofthe
bank, saw three of them ascending the op-
poste bank, the dogs following. One o
them bounded away across the open plain al
top speed; but the other two, finding them
selves followed by the dogs, Immediately
turned to bay 1t was now my turn; so TAX
ing them coolly right and left with my little
rifle, made the most glorious double shot
that sportsman's heart could desire, disa-
bling them both in the shoulder before they
were even aware of my position; then snatch
ing my other gun from Carey, who had that
moment ridden up to my assistance, finish
ed the first lion with a shot about the heart,
and brought the second to a standstill by
disabling him in his hind quarters. He
quickly crept into a dense, wide, dark green
bush, in which for long time it was lmpos-
sible to obtain a glimpse of him; at length a
clod of earth falling near his hiding place, he
made move which disclosed to me his po-
sition, when finished him with three more
shots, all along the middle Of his back.
"Carey swan across the river to fog of
the dogs; and when these came through to
me beat up the peninsula in quest of the
fourth lion; which had, however, made off.
We then crossed the river a little higher up,
and proceeded to inspect the noble prizes |
had won Both lions were well up in years
kept the skin and skull of the finest speci-
men, and only the nails and tail of the other,
one of whose canine teeth was worn down to
the socket with carries. which seemed very
much to have affected his general condition. y
This was distant firing. At times, how
ever, it came to closer quarters with ele-
plants, and to positive faction with our trav-
L.