110 THE LION. 



he flew out of the room, and, with the assistance of 

 some people, had the animal secured from doing 

 further mischief. 



Capriciousness of temper is not, however, con- 

 fined to the lion. There is probably no wild beast 

 more amusing than the bear when young, and yet 

 I have seen him, under the impulse of sudden fits 

 of passion, striking and injuring his best friends. 



As stated in " Lake Ngami," when at Hull, on 

 my way to Africa, I had with me a collection of 

 birds and four-footed animals from Scandinavia, 

 which, through the kindness of the Secretary, I 

 was permitted to place in the Zoological Gardens 

 there. Amongst other animals were two brown 

 bears twins somewhat more titan a year old, 

 and playful as kittens when together. Indeed no 

 greater punishment could be inflicted upon these 

 beasts than to disunite them, for however short 

 a time. Still there was a marked contrast in their 

 dispositions. One of them was good-tempered and 

 gentle as a lamb, while the other frequently ex- 

 hibited signs of a sulky and treacherous character. 

 Tempted by an offer for the former of these animals, 

 I consented, alter much hesitation, to his being 

 separated from his brother. 



It was long before I forgave myself this act. 

 On the following day, on my proceeding, as usual, 

 to inspect the collection, one of the keepers ran 

 up to me, in the greatest haste, exclaiming, " Sir, 

 I am glad you are come, for your bear has gone 

 mad !" He then told me that during the night 

 the beast had destroyed his den, and was found 



