CHAPTER V. Notes on the Lion (_concluded_)

NOTES ON THE LION (concluded)

Method of opening a carcase--Removal of paunch and entrails--Lions skilful butchers--Paunch and entrails not usually eaten--Lions not bone-eaters--Will eat putrid meat--Will sometimes devour their own kind--Number of cubs at birth--Check on inordinate increase of carnivorous animals--The lion's roar--Diversity of opinion concerning its power--Probable explanation--Volume of sound when several lions roar in unison--A nerve-shaking experience--Lions silent when approaching their prey--Roar after killing--And in answer to one another--Lions only roar freely in undisturbed districts--Lions essentially game-killers--But change their habits with circumstances--Killing lions with spear and shield--Bambaleli's splendid courage--Lions killed by Bushmen with poisoned arrows--Behaviour of domestic animals in the presence of lions--Cattle sometimes terrified, at other times show no fear Pages 85-97