THE GAMBIAN LION. 147 
ground. These faint brindlings are retained for some months, when they gradually fade 
into the deeper brown which tinges the tawny fur, and after awhile become wholly 
merged in the darker hue. I have observed a similar absorption of the brindled markings 
in a kitten. In its earliest youth, it was of a lightish brown, marked with tolerably 
defined stripes ; but as it grew older, the dark streaks eradually became more faint, and, 
when the animal was about three months old, vanished entirely. 
A cub-lion is just as playful an animal as a kitten, and is just as ready to romp with 
any one who may encourage its little wanton humours. Only it is hardly so safe a 
playfellow, for the very small Lion is as large as a very big cat, and sometimes becomes 
rather unpleasantly rough in its gamesomeness. It has no idea of the power of its stroke, 
and if it should deal a playful blow with its claws protruded, is apt to do damage which 
it never intended. 
The weight of a Lion-cub is extraordinary in comparison with its size. JI have 
personally tested the weight of several cubs, and was surprised at the massive build of 
the little creatures. Their bones are very large, and the muscular system very solid, so 
that a cub which about equals a large cat im actual measurement, far exceeds that animal 
in weight. 
The development of the young Lion is very slow, three or four years elapsing before he 
ean lay claim to the full honours of Lionhood, and shake his tawny mane in conscious 
strength. 
At the tip of the Lion’s tail is sometimes found a curious appendage, which was 
once thought to be a veritable claw, and to be used for the purpose of exciting the Lion 
to rage, when he lashed his sides with his tail. It is now, however, proved to be nothing 
but a piece of thickened skin, which is only slightly attached by its base to the member 
on which it rests, and falls off at a very gentle touch. A similar protuberance has been 
discovered on the tail of an Asiatic leopard. 
Before bidding farewell to the African Lion, it is but right to refer to the species or 
variety which inhabits the more northern portion of this huge continent. According to 
the account of Jules Gerard, the French lion-hunter, the Northern Lion is far more 
formidable an antagonist than his Southern relative. But to an unprejudiced reader, the 
spirited narratives which are given in the name of that author seem rather to bear reference 
to the singular cowardice of the native Algerian mind when brought in contact with the 
Lion, than the absolute ferocity of the animal, or the courage of the hunter. 
To take but one instance. 
That a large party of warriors, each armed with loaded musket, should stand in 
a row with their backs against a rock, trembling in deadly fear, whilst a Lion walked 
coolly along the line, with tail erect, in calm defiance of the firelocks that waved their 
faltering muzzles befo mre his gaze like ears of corn before the gale, speaks but little for the 
courage Sof the warriors, and, in consequence, for that of their impudent foe. 
It is true, also, that the North African Lion is a terribly fearful opponent on a dark 
night, when he is met face to face, with but a few yards between his body and the rifle- 
muzzle of the hunter; but so is the Lion of Southern Africa, in similar circumstances. 
All animals, like dogs, “ bark best on their own threshold,” and it behoves a man, who 
dares alone to make his nocturnal quest after the Lion, to bear a bold heart, a quick eye, 
and a ready hand. Yet these accomplishments are far more general than some writers 
would have us suppose, and there is many an unassuming hunter who sallies out at 
night and shoots a Lion or two without thinking that the beast was so inordinately 
ferocious, or himself so marvellously courageous. 
There is really nothing in the character or history of the Lion of Algeria that could 
separate him from the Lion of Southern Africa. 
As far as is known, the Lion which inhabits Asia is very similar in habits to that 
which is found in Africa, and therefore needs no detailed description. There is, however, 
one species, or variety, which ought to be noticed, on account of the peculiarity from which 
Li 
