CHAPTER IX 



THE LION (FELIS LEO) 



I HAVE left this grand example of the genus Felis to conclude the 

 species, as the tiger is so closely associated with the elephant that 

 I was forced to accord it a place in direct sequence. 



In the early days of the world's history the lion occupied a very 

 extensive area ; it was common in Mesopotamia, and in Syria, in 

 Persia, and throughout the whole of India. It is now confined to 

 a limited number in Guzerat, and a few in Persia. Beyond these 

 localities it has ceased to exist in Asia. There can be little doubt 

 that, unless specially protected, it will become extinct in Asia 

 within the next hundred years. 



Africa is the only portion of the globe where the lion remains 

 lord of the forest, as the king of beasts. The question has 

 frequently been discussed, " Why should the lion have vanished 

 from the scene where in ancient days he reigned in all his glory?" 

 The answer is simple, the lions have been exterminated. 



There is a nobility in the character of a lion which differs 

 entirely from the slinking habits of tigers, leopards, and the feline 

 race in general. Although the lion is fond of dense retreats, he 

 exposes himself in many ways, which the tiger seldom or never 

 does, unless compelled by a line of beaters. This exposure, or 

 carelessness of concealment, renders his destruction comparatively 

 easy. 



On the other hand, the lioness brings forth a numerous family, 

 generally five or six at a birth, which should keep up the number 

 of the race ; in spite of this prolific nature, the lion having from 

 time immemorial been an attraction to the mighty hunter, man 

 has proved too much for him. 



The Indian species is considerably smaller than the African 

 variety, and the mane is seldom so dark in colour, or 80 shaggy. 



I have never seen any lion in confinement that conveys the 



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