20 CARNIVORA. 



South of India, being often found in the gardens of 

 remote habitations. 



There are two very marked varieties or sub-species of 

 Tiger. 



The Bengal Tiger is perhaps the more numerous 

 of the two, and is distinguishable by the very bright 

 markings ; the general colour of body is of a rich bright 

 brown colour, with white belly ; the stripes on body are 

 black, and well-defined spots are sometimes seen 

 between the stripes, especially at hind legs. The black 

 and white markings of the head are also in strong con- 

 trast ; the whiskers are strong, bristly, and white in colour. 



The tail is long and ringed with black. 



The canine teeth are well developed. 



The hair of the Bengal Tiger is very short, and lies 

 close to the skin. Like many wild animals, the colour 

 of the Tiger assimilates itself to the country where it 

 lives. The stripes are with difficulty seen in the reedy 

 jungles of India. We recently came across a skin with 

 a grizzly head, probably from an old animal : such skins 

 are very uncommon. 



The Tiger has at times been tamed to a certain degree, 

 but its temper is uncertain and treacherous, and many 

 fatal accidents have occurred in consequence. It is a very 

 powerful animal, even attacking and eating man ; it is 

 occasionally kept in confinement by the native princes 

 of India ; in that country the Tiger is generally hunted 

 or driven by means of Elephants, or are shot from stages 

 erected in trees : these are quite safe, as the Tiger is 

 unable to climb. 



The following incident is very interesting :— A man 

 walking through the jungle was suddenly confronted by 

 a Tiger ; he had the presence of mind to remain quiet, 



