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THE GAMBIAN LION. 



from which it derives its name. This is the " MANELESS LION " of Guzerat so called 

 from the very meagre mane with which its neck and throat are decorated. 



When first this animal was brought before the notice of naturalists, it was supposed 

 to be merely a young male, whose mane had not yet reached its full development. It 

 is now, however, allowed to be either a distinct species, or at all events, a permanent 

 variety, between which opinions there is such very trifling difference that one is 

 nearly as decided as the other. 



As may be seen from the engraving, the mane is not altogether absent, as the popular 

 name might give cause to suppose, but is very trifling in comparison with the luxuriant 

 mass of hair which drops over the shoulders of the African Lion. The limbs do not 



MANELESS LION. Leo Goojrattensis. 



appear to be quite so long in proportion as those of the last-named animal, and the tail 

 is shorter, with a more conspicuous tuft. This tuft, by the way, is the readiest point of 

 distinction which separates the Lion from the other cats. 



The natives term this animal the " Camel tiger," because its uniform tawny fur bears 

 some resemblance in tint to that of the camel. 



That one animal should support its own life only by the destruction of another 

 creature, appears to be rather a cruel disposition of nature, and repugnant to the beauty 

 and kindness which prevail in the order of created things. Averse as are we, the 

 created beings, to inflicting pain on any of our fellow-creatures, it cannot but seem 

 strange that the Creator should have made so many animals to suffer a violent death, 



