THE GAMBIAN LION. 147 



ground. These faint brindlings are retained for some months, when they gradually 

 fade into the deeper brown which tinges the tawny fur, and after awhile become wholly 

 merged in the darker hue. I have observed a similar absorption of the brindled 

 markings in a kitten. In its earliest youth, it was of a lightish brown, marked with 

 tolerably defined stripes ; but as it grew older, the dark streaks gradually became more 

 faint, and, when the animal was about three months old, vanished entirely. 



A cub-lion is just as playful an animal as a kitten, and is just as ready to romp with 

 any one who may encourage its little wanton humors. Only it is hardly so safe a 

 playfellow, for the very small Lion is as large as a very big eat and sometimes becomes 

 rather unpleasantly rough in itsgamesomeness. It has no idea of the power of its stroke, 

 and if it should deal a playful blow with its claws protruded, is apt to do damage which 

 it never intended. 



The weight of a Lion-cub is extraordinary in comparison with its size. I have 

 personally tested the weight of several cubs, and was surprised at the massive build of 

 the little creatures. Their bones are very large, and the muscular system very solid, so 

 that a cub which about equals a large cat in actual measurement, far exceeds that animal 

 in weight. 



The development of the young Lion is very slow, three or four years elapsing before 

 he can lay claim to the full honors of Lionhood, and shake his tawny mane in conscious 

 strength. 



At the tip of the Lion's tail is sometimes found a curious appendage, which was 

 once thought to be a veritable claw, and to be used for the purpose of exciting the Lion 

 to rage, when he lashed his sides with his tail. It is now, however, proved to be nothing 

 but a piece of thickened skin, which is only slightly attached by its base to the member 

 on which it rests, and falls off at a very gentle touch. A similar protuberance has been 

 discovered on the tail of an Asiatic leopard. 



Before bidding farewell to the African Lion, it is but right to refer to the species or 

 variety which inhabits the more northern portion of this huge continent. According to 

 the account of Jules Gerard, the French lion-hunter, the Northern Lion is far more 

 formidable an antagonist than his Southern relative. But to an unprejudiced reader, 

 the spirited narratives which are given in the name of that author seem rather to bear 

 reference to the singular cowardice of the native Algerian mind when brought in con- 

 tact with the Lion, than the absolute ferocity of the animal, or the courage of the 

 hunter. 



To take but one instance. 



That a large party of warriors, each armed with loaded musket, should stand in 

 a row with their backs against a rock, trembling in deadly fear, whilst a lion walked 

 coolly along the line, with tail erect, in calm defiance of the firelocks that waved their 

 faltering muzzles before his gaze like ears of corn before the gale, speaks but little for 

 the courage of the warriors, and, in consequence, for that of their impudent foe. 



It is true, also, that the North African Lion is a terribly fearful opponent on a dark 

 night, when he is met face to face, with but a few yards between his body and the rifle- 

 muzzle of the hunter ; but so is the Lion of Southern Africa, in similar circumstances. 

 All animals, like dogs, " bark best on their own threshold," and it behoves a man, who 

 dares alone to make his nocturnal quest after the Lion, to bear a bold heart, a quick 

 eye, and a ready hand. Yet these accomplishments are far more general than some 

 writers would have us suppose, and there is many an unassuming hunter who sallies 

 out at night and shoots a Lion or two without thinking that the beast was so inordinately 

 ferocious, or himself so marvellously courageous. 



There is really nothing in the character or history of the Lion of Algeria that could 

 separate him from the Lion of Southern Africa. 



As far as is known, the Lion which inhabits Asia is very similar in habits to that 

 which is found in Africa, and therefore needs no detailed description. There is, how- 

 ever, one species, or variety, which ought to be noticed, on account of the peculiarity 



