g CARNIVOROUS QUADRUPEDS. 



the position of the head. In all gramnivorous animals, the skin of the head is closely attached to 

 the skull, and capable only of very limited motion : the eye is almost uniformly mild, and the lips 

 unmoved by passion. 



" It is in carnivorous animals, with whose habits and manner of life, ferocity is instinctively 

 connected, as the great means of their subsistence, that rage is distinguished by the most 

 remarkable strength of expression. The eye-ball is terrible, and the retraction of the flesh of the 

 lips indicates the most savage fury. But the first, is merely the exerted attention of the animal ; 

 and the other a preparatory exposure of the canine teeth. The great animals of prey the Lion 

 and the Tiger are quite incapable of any other expression of feature, than this particular display 

 of ferociousness. When they fawn upon their keeper, there is no motion in their features that 

 indicates affection." 



In this assertion, that the countenances of the great animals of prey are incapable of any 

 other than ferocious expression, we do not quite coincide with our learned physiologist. When 

 they fawn upon their keeper, we think that indications of affection are exhibited; and find 

 ourselves ready to ask what else than kindly expression is that " licking of the hand" which our 

 author has before mentioned. If, however, we should grant that they may not be capable of 

 affectionate expression toward their keeper, we can scarcely doubt that toward their young if 

 we could observe them in their wild state, and in their moments of playful intercourse and 

 enjoyment among each other they are : at least, we think there are motions in their features that 

 indicate affection, as well as fear, enquiry, surprise, gratitude, pleasurable wantonness, and some 

 other sentiments, or emotions. This is our conviction : at the same time, we perceive that the 

 range of their ferocious expression far exceeds the savage circle of their domestic charities. Are 

 not even the least of these observable in the habits and manners of the domestic Cat, who belongs 

 to the Tiger genera ? But we have even seen a Tiger in his den, who looked good-natured enough 

 to be stroked and patted : and of the Lion, of whom MR. GRIFFITH relates the following anecdote, 

 what can be said or thought ? 



" Hearing some noise under his cag'e, the Lion passed his paw between the bars, and actually 

 hauled up his keeper who was cleaning- beneath ; but as soon as he perceived that he had thus ill 

 used his master, he instantly lay down upon his back in an attitude of complete submission." 



Or what can be said of the circumstance mentioned by SENECA (of which he was personally 

 witness), of a Lion, to whom a man, who had formerly been his keeper, was exposed for destruction 

 in the amphitheatre at Home ; and who was not only instantly recognised, but defended and 

 protected by the grateful beast? Or of the story related by DR. SOUTHEY, of the Lion who had 

 broken loose, submitting to the Cid, and allowing himself to be led back peaceably to his place of 

 confinement ? 



Could any painter of talent proceed to represent either of these facts, without finding in the 



