92 THE LION. 



sufficient intimations of the powers he is able to call 

 to his assistance. The general form of the lion is 

 stronger in front than the proportions of his conge- 

 ners ; and his broad chest and shoulders, and thick 

 neck, point out the strength he possesses to seize 

 and cany off a prey of even greater weight than 

 himself. His common colour is of a rich brownish- 

 yellow, and the head and neck of the males are co- 

 vered with long flowing and shaggy hair, commonly 

 denominated the mane, which is wanting in the fe- 

 males. This mane, and the tuft at the extremity of 

 the tail, are peculiar to the lion only, and are pos- 

 sessed by none of the others in this group. 



We shall first notice the lion in its wild or natu- 

 ral state, and afterwards the influence acquired over 

 it by the ingenuity and tuition of man. In the ac- 

 tions of all animals, the influence of hunger has a 

 very powerful effect, and the attributes of cruelty 

 which have generally been given to this race, have 

 been called forth by their search after natural suste- 

 nance. In like manner are they endowed with cun- 

 ning and daring ; and we accordingly find animals of 

 such size and bulk as the lion and tiger, endowed with 

 powers sufficient to overcome creatures both great 

 and strong. When not pressed by the severe calls of 

 hunger, the lion feeds chiefly at dawn and twilight, 

 and is easily disturbed : he is nevertheless abroad 

 (luring the whole night, and, prowling round the 

 herds of wild animals, or near the flocks of the 

 settlers, or caravans of travellers, watches an oppor- 



