36 TIGER. 



The Lioness is smaller than the Lion, and is entirely 

 destitute of mane. The Lion is usually from six to 

 eight feet in length, from the nose to the base of the tail, 

 which has a tuft of hair at the extremity. His general 

 colour is tawny, lighter on the under than the upper parts 

 of the body. 



Tiger. If we figure to the mind a cat so horribly 

 enlarged in size as to measure six or eight feet in length, 

 we have no very inadequate idea of a Tiger. Elegant in 

 form, and beautiful in colour, he is, at the same time, 

 the most deadly and ferocious of all beasts. In the lion 

 we have numerous characteristics of nobleness and gene- 

 rosity, in the Tiger we remark only the most unrelenting 

 and savage propensities. Nearly equal in strength, 

 these two animals, when they have met in combat, have 

 been known both to perish, rather than either of them 

 to yield in the contest. The power of the Tiger is so 

 great, that he has been seen to throw a buffalo over his 

 back, and carry it off with ease. He seizes his prey 

 by concealing himself, and springing suddenly upon it ; 

 and his roar, whilst in the act of seizing his victim, is 

 stated to be hideous beyond conception. The instances 

 in which these dreadful beasts have preyed upon man- 

 kind are numerous, and too horrid to be dwelt upon in 

 this place. Notwithstanding which, the hunting of them 

 is considered a favourite diversion in the East Indies. 

 These huntings are attended by considerable bodies of 

 men, well mounted, and armed with spears. The 

 Tigress, like the lioness, produces four or five young 

 ones at a litter ; usually in some sequestered place, not 

 far distant from the water. If caught when young, the 

 Tiger may, in some measure, be rendered tame ; but 

 when he grows up, he is by no means to be trusted. A 



