34 Lloyd's natural history. 



Lions has roared freely within a hundred yards of where I was 

 lying." 



Although when lying at rest in one of the spacious open 

 cages at the " Zoo " a well-maned male Lion has certainly an 

 imposing and majestic appearance, those who have had an 

 opportunity of observing the animal in its native haunts are 

 not, for the most part, impressed with the dignity of its bear- 

 ing and carriage. General Paget, however, informs me that, 

 whereas Tigers are always sneaking and Cat-like in their gait, 

 old Lions are bold and defiant, holding up their heads as if to 

 challenge an attack. But this, is not the experience of Mr. 

 Jackson, who says that Lions as a rule carry their heads low 

 down, and below the line of the back ; and as they slouch 

 along, their hind-quarters sway from side to side ia an inele- 

 gant manner, so as to give a general appearance of weak- 

 ness and general looseness of build. When standing broad- 

 side on, or facing the intruder with head erect, however, he 

 is fain to confess that an adult male Lion is a grand-looking 

 beast. 



Mainly nocturnal in their habits, Lions are very generally 

 found in more or less open sandy districts, with the hue of which 

 their tawny hides so well harmonise ; but in certain districts 

 they are found in thorn-jungle, or even forest ; while, as we 

 have seen, in the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates they 

 frequent reed covered swamps. It has been thought that the 

 nature of the country they inhabit has something to do with 

 the degree of development of the mane— this appendage being 

 alleged to be smaller in Jungle Lions ; but this requires con- 

 firmation. Although usually met with in pairs, in some parts 

 of Africa Lions associate in parties commonly comprising up 

 to as many as ten individuals, which may represent at least 

 two or three generations. Mr. Selous states, however, that on 

 one occasion he has counted eleven Lions together, and on 



