The San Francisco call., 1901-10-06

hair of which does not, as rule, cover
more than the neck and chest, with tag
of varying length and thickness extending
from the back of the neck to between the
shoulder blades.
Lions with very full black names, COW
ering the whole shoulders, are rare any
where, but more likely to be encountered
on the high plateaux, where the winter
nights are extremely cold. than anywhere
else. In such cases, in addition to the
tufts Of hair always found on the elbows
and in the armpits of lions with fair-sized
names, there will be large tufts of hair
in each flank, just where the thighs join
the belly But I have never yet seen the
skin of lion shot within the last thirty
years with the whole belly covered with
long, thick hair, as may constantly
be observed in lions kept in captivity in
the menageries of Europe.
There is, however, some evidence to
show that when lions existed on the
high plains of the Cape Colony and the
Orange River Colony, where the winter
nights are much colder than in the coun-
tries farther north where lions may still
be encountered, certain individuals of the
species developed growth of long hair
all over the belly, as well an extraor-
binary luxuriance of name on the neck
and shoulders.
From the foregoing remarks It will be
seen that wild animals having as rule
much less luXuriant names than many ex-
amples of their kind to be seen in Euro
pean menageries, are ordinarily not so
majestic and dignified in appearance as
many of their Gagged relatives. On the
other hand, the wild lion is much more
alert and active animal than a menagerie
specimen, and when in good condition is
far better built and more powerful look
ing, being free from all appearance Of
lankiness and weakness in the legs, and
having strong, well formed hind quarters.
The eyes of the menagerie lion, too, look
brown and usually sleepy while those of
the wild animal are yellow and extra
ordinarily luminous, even after death.
When wounded and standing at bay. with
head held low between his shoulders,
growing hearsely and with twitching tail,
even If he is not near enough to be OBJ
served very closely, a lion looks a very
savage and dangerous animal; but should
lie D0 WOQHQ6u III SuCIl d way dS 10 ADMIT
Of a near pproach-perhaps by a shot
that has paraIyzed his hind quarters-his
flaming eyes will seem to throw out sparks
of living fire.
Little Danger in Daytime.
Speaking generally. there is little or no
danger in meeting a lion or lions in the
daytime Even in parts of the country
the natives seldom or never interfere with
them, these animals seem to have an in
stinctive fear of man, and even when en-
countered at the carcass of an animal
freshly killed. and at a time when they
may be supposed to be hungry, they will
almost invariably retreat before the un-
welcome presence, sometimes slowly and
sulkily, but in districts where much hunt
ing with firearms has been going on at a
livery rapid pace.
However, 1 have known of two cases of
Europeans mounted on horseback having
| been attacked by lions in broad daylight,
| and DR.. Livingstone mentions a third. In
one of the instances which came within
my own knowledge lion sprang at Boer
hunter as he was riding slowly along.
| carrying an elephant gun In his right
| hand and followed by a string of natives
on foot The lion attacked from the left
| side and with it's right paw seized nv
friend from behind by the right side of
his face and neck, inf1icting deep sashes
with it's sharp claws. one Of which cut
right through his cheek and tore out one
Of his teeth. My friend was pulled from
his horse. but clutching the loosely girthed
! saddle tightly with his knee 1t was twist
| ed round under the horses belly before
he fell to the ground. Instead of follow
| ing up it's success the lion. probably
scared by the shouting of the Kaflrs,
| trotted away for short distance, and
then turned and stood looking at the ols-
mounted hunter, who. never having lost
his presence of mind. Immediately shot It
dead with his heavy old muzzle loading
] elephant gun.