68 Anecdotal Natural History. 



Like most of the members of the cat tribe, the lion 

 has often been tamed as a pet, and learned to follow 

 and obey its master just as does a dog. In these 

 cases the animal has always been captured while quite 

 a cub, before the wild and savage instincts of its nature 

 had yet been implanted in its breast. It is commonly 

 the case, too, to find a troop of performing lions in 

 menageries and circuses. No matter how well trained 

 the animals may be, however, it is always a dangerous 

 performance, for a slight whim or a piece of ill-temper 

 on the part of one of the animals may bring out all 

 the savage nature of the beasts, and, before aid can be 

 given, cause the death of the trainer, as has but too 

 often happened. 



