THE TIGER. 31 



Springing on the prey. 



concealing himself from view, and springing sud- 

 denly on his victim,, with a roar which is hideous 

 in the extreme; and it is said, that, like the lion, 

 if he miss his object, he makes off without re^- 

 peating the attempt. He seems to prefer man- 

 kind to any other prey, when he can procure 

 them hy surprise; but he seldom ventures to 

 make an open attack on any animal capable of 

 resistance. 



A few years ago, a company seated under the 

 umbrageous branches of some trees near the 

 banks of a river in Bengal, were alarmed by the 

 unexpected appearance of a tiger, preparing for 

 its fatal spring : but, a lady having with almost 

 unexampled presence of mind, unfurled a large 

 umbrella in the animal's face, it instantly retired, 

 as if confounded by so extraordinary and sudden 

 ati appearance, and thus afforded them an oppor- 

 tunity of escape. 



To another party, however, fortune' did not 

 prove so propitious; but, in the height of their 

 entertainment, one of their companions was sud- 

 denly seized and carried off by a tiger. The 

 fatal accident which occurred a few years ago in 

 the East Indies, must also be still fresh in the 

 memory of all who have read the description 

 given by an eye-witness of that tragic scene. A 

 party went on shore on Sangar Island, to shoot 

 deer ; of which they saw innumerable tracks, as 

 well as of tigers : they continued their diversion 

 till near three o'clock; when, sitting down by 



