HISTORY OF THE LIOX. 19 



menageries both in Europe and this country have suc- 

 ceeded in procuring litters from the lioness in confinement; 

 but many of the young are lost during the time of shedding 

 their milk-teeth. For the first month, they are very easily 

 reared, and are remarkably playful; but their strength 

 soon unfits them for playmates, and their natural danger- 

 ous propensities become developed at an early period. It 

 is related of two being bred in this country in the year 

 1820, belonging to a travelling menagerie, which exhibited 

 all the playfulness of kittens ; but their dispositions were 

 early displayed in the murder of a cardinal grossbeak, 

 which was dragged through the wires of their cage and 

 devoured, in the absence of the keeper. Their size and 

 strength increased rapidly ; and in riotous play, the unin- 

 tentional protrusion of their claws produced sensations 

 which taught that ere long they could tear severely. 



From the accounts of different naturalists, describing the 

 habits and character of the lion, we may conclude that he 

 possesses the most certain and tractable, with the mildest 

 disposition among the Felinae, and is highly susceptable 

 of recollection and attachment for those who have treated 

 him with kindness ; that, in general, he will not attack 

 man, unless attacked, or under the influence of extreme 

 hunger; and that his most favorite prey is various animals 

 among the Ruminantia, and some allied groups. But, 

 notwithstanding all that has been recorded of his majesty, 

 magnanimity, and gratitude, we cannot divest him of a 

 share of that uncertain temper, which is a characteristic 

 feature of the cat. 



These are some of the principal outward marks which 

 distinguish what has formerly been considered the varieties, 

 and habits of this formidable creature ; but we have yet to 

 notice another animal apparently closely allied, which has 

 long remained known only by the records of antiquity. 

 Among the figures represented on the hieroglyphic monu- 



