THE TIGER. 4;- .^ 



s^rass and fur are hardly distinguishable from each other except by a 

 quick and experienced eye. A Tiger may thus lie concealed so cleverlv 

 that, even when crouching among low and scanty vegetation, it may be 

 almost trodden on without being seen. 



The Tiger is very clever in selecting spots from whence it can watch 

 the approach of its intended prey, itself being crouched under the shade 

 of foliage or behind the screen of some friendly rock. It is fond of 

 lying in wait by the side of moderately-frequented roads, more partic- 

 ularly choosing those spots where the shade is the deepest, and where 

 water may be found at hand wherewith to quench the thirst that it al- 



The Tiger [Tigris regalis). 



ways feels when consuming its prey. From such a point of vantage it 

 will leap with terrible effect, seldom making above a single spring, and, 

 as a rule, always being felt before it is seen or beard. 



It is a curious fact that the Tiger generally takes up his post on the 

 side of the road which is opposite his lair, so that he has no need to 

 turn and drag his prey across the road, but proceeds forward with his 

 acquisition to his den. Should the Tiger miss his leap, he generally 

 seems bewildered and ashamed of himself, and, inst(^ad of returning to 

 the spot to make a second attempt, sneaks off discomfited from the 

 scene of his humiliation. The spots where there is most danger of 

 meeting a Tiger are the crossings of nullahs or the deep ravines 

 through which the watercourses run. In these localities the Tiger is 

 sure to find his two essentials, cover and water. So apathetic are the 

 natives, and so audacious are the Tigers, that at some of these crossings 



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