HABITS OF THE LION. 1*7 



appropriate epithet that Mohammed hurled at her as she 

 went, instead of a bullet. 



This example of the conjugal coquetry and fidelity of the 

 lioness, is applicable to all her species. What she desires is 

 a lover full grown and brave who will drive away the young 

 lions, whose beardless chins and constant quarrels offend her de- 

 licacy and trouble her repose. Such a lover she is sure to find, 

 although she may not keep him, for the moment that a braver 

 lion appears she gives him always a ready welcome. From 

 what I have seen of the lion, I am led to believe that he has 

 a more faithful heart than his fickle spouse, and never, unless 

 forced to do so, changes his mistress, but takes her for better 

 or for worse, during the whole term of his matrimonial con- 

 nection, and he shows for her an affection and care that is 

 worthy of a better return. 



"When the royal couple leaves its lair, both in going and 

 returning, the lioness always leads the way, and when she 

 pauses in her walk, the lion stops till she is ready to go on. 

 After arriving at the Arab encampment where their supper is 

 to be procured, the lioness lies down at a short distance off, 

 while the lion bounds bravely into the enclosure, and selects 

 for her whatever is best to her taste, and lays it down at her 

 feet. He watches her with great pleasure while she makes 

 her repast, and never thinks of eating himself until she is 

 satisfied. In a word, there is no form of tenderness that he 

 does not manifest for her, either during or after the honey- 

 moon. 



When the lioness becomes heavy with young, which occurs 

 during the latter part of December or the first of January, 



