CHAP, vi THE TIGER 105 



species of bird exhibiting a special character whether it has been 

 exposed to attack, or if unmolested in wild swamps where the hand 

 of man has never been raised against it. 



The golden plover is another remarkable example, as the bird 

 is wild in every country that it inhabits, even where the report of 

 firearms never has been heard. The wagtails, on the contrary, 

 are tame and confiding throughout all places, whether civilised or 

 savage. The swallows are the companions of the human race, 

 nesting beneath their eaves, and sharing the shelter of their roofs 

 in every clime. Why this difference exists in creatures subjected 

 to the same conditions is a puzzle that we cannot explain. In 

 like manner we may observe the difference in animals, many of 

 which are by nature extremely timid, while others of the same 

 genus are more bold. The beasts of prey vary in an extraordinary 

 degree according to their species, which are in some way influenced 

 by circumstances. Tigers and lions are naturally shy, and hesitate 

 to expose themselves unnecessarily to danger ; both these animals 

 will either crouch in dense covert and allow the passer-by to 

 continue his course, or slink away unobserved, if they consider 

 that their presence is undetected. Nevertheless these animals 

 differ in varying localities, and it is impossible to describe the 

 habits of one particular species in general terms, as much depends 

 upon the peculiarities of a district which may exercise an effect in 

 influencing character. The tigers that inhabit high grass jungle 

 are more dangerous than those which are found in forests. The 

 reason is obvious ; the former cannot be seen, neither can they see, 

 until the stranger is almost upon them : they have accordingly no 

 time for consideration, but they act upon the first impulse, which 

 is either to attack in self-defence or to bound off in an opposite 

 direction. If the same tiger were in a forest it would either see 

 the approach or it would hear the sound of danger, and being fore- 

 warned, it would have time to listen and to decide upon a course 

 of retreat ; it would probably slink away without being seen. 



Although the usual bait for a tiger is a young buffalo, there is 

 no animal that is held in greater respect by this ferocious beast 

 than an old bull of that species. 



It is by no means an uncommon occurrence that should a tiger 

 have the audacity to attack a buffalo belonging to a herd, the 

 friends of the victim will immediately rush to its assistance, and 

 the attacking party is knocked over and completely discomfited, 

 being only too glad to effect a retreat. 



A few months ago, from the date at which I am now writing. 

 a native came to my camp with the intelligence that a large tiger 



