62 EFFECTS OF VALERIAN ON TIGERS. 



have been enabled to try this valerian on these and 

 other animals, and to compare the results produced. 

 It appeared to have the strongest influence on the 

 lion, tiger, and jaguar ; these animals, when a drop 

 was spilt on a piece of paper and placed in their cage, 

 rolled over it in a state of the utmost apparent en- 

 joyment, the males in all cases manifesting a stronger 

 partialit}?- than the opposite sex, and evincing the 

 greatest recognition of its presence. The leopard, 

 puma, and clouded tiger (Felis macrocelis) took 

 less notice, and the cheetahs appeared to dislike the 

 smell, their olfactory organs appearing in this way 

 to resemble those of dogs, which dislike the scent of 

 valerian as much as the true feline tribes enjoy it. 

 The caracal, lynx, and the ocelots showed an 

 especial liking, and were most demonstrative in 

 their manifestations of pleasure. I tried the effect 

 subsequently on various species of bears, but 

 without causing any material symptoms of excite- 

 ment, though an Indian sloth bear waddled about 

 at a great rate, and rubbed himself vigorously 

 against the bars of his cage when he smelt it. A 

 female skunk scuttled round and round and ran 

 backwards in a most ludicrous manner as soon as 

 she perceived it, and, judging from her demonstra- 

 tions of joy, appeared to think it in some way akin 

 to the natural perfume of her species. Domestic 

 cats, as is well known, will break down and roll 



