154 THE TIGER. 



the purpose of this exhibition, a sheep in general was 

 fastened by a cord to a stake, and the tiger being 

 brought in sight of it, immediately crouched, and, 

 moving almost on its belly, but slowly and cautious- 

 ly, till within the distance of a spring from the ani- 

 mal, leapt upon and struck it down almost instantly 

 dead, seizing it at the same moment by the throat 

 with its teeth. The tiger would then roll round on 

 its back, holding the sheep on its breast, and, fixing 

 the hind claws near the throat of the animal, would 

 kick or push them suddenly backwards, and tear it 

 open in an instant. Notwithstanding, however, the 

 natural ferocity of these animals, the individual in 

 question was so far in subjection, that, while one 

 keeper held its chain during this bloody exhibition, 

 another was enabled to get the carcase of the sheep 

 away, by throwing down a piece of meat previously 

 ready for the purpose." 



They are also capable of affection for the person 

 who has reared them, who will be recollected after a 

 considerable absence. " A tigress in the Tower, up- 

 on her arrival in this country, became very irascible 

 and dangerous, from irritation at the crowd and 

 bustle upon the Thames. Her deportment was so 

 sulky and savage, that Mr Cops could scarcely be 

 prevailed on by her former keeper, who saw her 

 Portly afterwards, to allow him to enter her den ; 

 but no sooner did she recognise her old friend, than 

 hhe fawned upon him, licked him, and caressed him, 

 exhibiting the most extravagant signs of pleasure; 



