S 2 Lloyd's natural history. 



custom. Like the Lion, the Tiger selects but a single partner; 

 although it does not appear to be ascertained whether the union 

 between them is lifelong — like that of the Lion and Lioness — 

 or merely temporary. Breeding takes place apparently at almost 

 any season of the year, since young cubs have been taken in 

 India both in March and October, the Tigress generally pro- 

 ducing from two to five in a litter, although the number may 

 occasionally reach as many as six. " She is a most affectionate 

 and attached mother," writes Sir Joseph Fayrer, in his volume 

 on "The Royal Tiger of Bengal," "and generally guards and 

 trains her young with the most watchful and attentive solicitude. 

 They remain with her until nearly full-grown, or till about the 

 second year, when they are able to kill for themselves, and 

 begin life on their own account. Whilst they remain with her, 

 the Tigress is particularly vicious and aggressive, defending 

 them with the greatest courage and energy, and when robbed 

 of them, terrible in her rage; but she has been known to desert 

 them when pressed, and even to eat them when starved. As 

 soon as they begin to require other food than her milk, she 

 kills for them, and also teaches them to slaughter for them- 

 selves by practising on small animals, such as deer and young 

 calves or pigs. At these times she is wanton and extravagant 

 in her cruelty, killing apparently for the gratification of her 

 ferocious and bloodthirsty nature, and perhaps to excite and 

 instruct the young ones; and it is not until they are thoroughly 

 capable of killing their own food that she separates from them. 

 The young Tigers are far more destructive than the old. They 

 will kill three or four cows at a time; whilst the older and more 

 experienced rarely kill more than one, and this at intervals of 

 from three or four days to a week." In this account it is stated 

 that the cubs reach their full development in the second year, 

 when they generally leave their parent ; but according to later 

 observers, the period is nearer three years. Tigresses do not 



