70 THE TIGER. 



captain Hamilton gives a most extraordinary instance 

 of the uncommon vigour one of the larger one's pos- 

 sessed : — A poor peasant in that country had the mis- 

 fortune to have a buffalo fall into a quagmire ; and, 

 not being able to extricate it by himself, ran home to 

 procure the help of his neighbours and friends. The 

 man returned, accompanied by several of his compa- 

 nions, prepared to lend him assistance and aid ; but the 

 first object that presented itself to their sight was the 

 buffalo thrown across a tiger's back, who was hasten- 

 ing with it towards the woods for the purpose of un- 

 interruptedly enjoying its prize. The moment it saw 

 the men, it let fall its prey, and fled precipitately from 

 their sight ; but it had killed the poor animal and 

 sucked his blood, or probably it would not have re- 

 signed the prize. 



The disposition of the tigress is allowed to be as ma- 

 lignant and as insatiable for blood as that of the male ; 

 and during the time she has the care of her young, 

 her fury and ferocity are known to increase. The ex- 

 act number of cubs that she produces has never yet 

 been positively ascertained, though it is generally be- 

 lieved that she has four or five. In China their skins 

 are highly esteemed, and are used as coverings for all 

 the mandarines' seats ; but in Europe, though they 

 are not often to be met with, they are not by any 

 means equally prized. 



THE CONGAR. 



Of all the animals that infest the new world, the 

 Cohgar justly excites the greatest degree of dread ; 

 and so much in its disposition does it resemble the ti- 

 ger, that the inhabitants have given it the same name, 

 though the,colour is between a dark brown and red. 



