AFRICAN LION. 



Leopards, belong to this family, members of which are found in almost every 

 part of the world. 



The Lion stands at the head of the Cat Tribe, holding his regal position on 

 accomifof his great size, strength, and beauty. There are several kinds of Lions, 

 the best known of which is the Lion of Southern Africa. 



This noble animal is found in nearly all parts of Southern Africa, where the 

 foot of civihzed man has not stayed its wanderings. Before the tread of the 

 white man, the Lion shrinks unwillingly, haunting each advanced post for a time, 

 but driven sm-ely and slowly backward, as the hmnan intellect gains opportunity 

 for manifesting its supremacy over the lower animals. So entirely does man 

 sweep the wild beasts from his presence that even in the Cape colony, a living 

 Lion is just as great a rarity as in England, and there are very fcAV of the 

 colonists who have ever beheld a living Lion except when pent in a cage. 



The colour of the Lion is a tawny yellow, lighter on the under parts of the 

 body, and darker above. The ears are blackish, and the tip of the tail is 

 decorated with a tuft of black haii\ The tuft serves to distinguish the Lion 

 from any other member of the cat tribe. The male Lion, when fvdl grown, is 

 furnished with a thick and shaggy mane of very long hair, which falls from the 

 neck, shoulders, and part of the throat and chin, varying in tint according to the 

 age of the animal, and possibly according to the locality which it inhabits. The 

 Lioness possesses no mane, and even in the male Lion it is not properly developed 

 until the animal has completed his third year. 



When fully grown, the male Lion measm-es some four feet in height at the 

 shoulder, and"^ about eleven feet in total length. These measurements are only 

 applicable to the noble animals which have passed their lives in the free air of 

 their native land, and have attained their majority with limbs unshackled and 

 spirits unbroken. 



The Lioness is a smaller animal than her mate, and the difference of size 

 appears to be much greater than really is the case, because she is devoid of the 

 thick mane which gives such grandeiu- and dignity to her spouse. Although 

 smaller in size, she is quite as terrible in combat ; and indeed, the Lioness is 

 ofttimes a foe much more to be dreaded than the Lion. When she has a little 

 family to look after, she is a tmly fearful enemy to those who cross her path, 

 assuming at oncC the offensive, and charging the intruders with a fierce corn-age 

 that knows no fear and heeds no repulse. 



It has often been said that the Lion is a noble and chivabous animal, disdaining 

 to take his prey without open assault, and never condescending to feed upon any 

 creature that he has not himself killed. This is however quite a mistake, for as 

 a general rule, the Lion is no open foe. He does not come boldly out on the 



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