LION TAMING. 



125 



lion for the exhibition of the "lion kingr" he is bought when 

 youDg ; if merely for ordinary exhibition this is not essential. 



The taming is accomplished mainly by mild measures. The 

 young lion is regularly and plentifully fed, his food being given 

 to him by the tamer. As we before remarked a cub may be 

 handled with as much freedom as a kitten, and if this be kept 

 up regularly, the animal becomes so accustomed to it as not to 

 resent it when he grows older. Besides, all animals of the cat 

 kind are fond of having their heads scratched and their fur 

 stroked, and even such a trifling matter as this aids the tamer 

 in soothing and gaining the good will of the animal. Being fed 

 immediately after these familiarities the lion soon hails them 



THE " LION KING PERFORMING. 



with pleasure, as the precursor of his meal. Any misbehavior, 

 such as scratching, biting, or defiance of the tamer is punished 

 with a blow from the butt of a heavy whip, and in extreme cases 

 by the deprivation of his supper. 



It is sometimes necessary to reduce an old lion to submission 

 or to inspire with more awe one which does not entertain suflfi- 

 cient respect for the tamer. The animal is usually well fed j 

 this dulls bis anger at the tamer's intrusion, as well as makes 

 his resistance more easily overcome. Armed with a club, the 

 tamer enters the cage, and standing in such a position as to pre- 

 vent the lion approaching from the rear, he waits the animal s 

 onset. This is always a ticklish position, requiring a cool head 

 and steady nerves, but the captive animal with a full stomacU 



