/o Anecdotal Natural History. 



blades of the long grass, and the tawny yellow fur so 

 strongly resembles the bright hues of the surrounding 

 foliage, that, until it moved, even the most experienced 

 hunter would probably be unaware of the presence of 

 the animal. 



Like the lion, the tiger seldom undertakes more. 

 active exertion when in pursuit of prey than is abso- 

 lutely necessary for the attainment of his object. He 

 seldom or never attempts open chase, but prefers to 

 stalk his quarry, sometimes for miles, gradually 

 creeping closer and closer, until he is able to effect his 

 purpose by means of a single bound. 



In the same way the dreaded ' man-eaters ' wili 

 follow human beings, generally devoting their attention 

 to women and children, who are not likely to carry 

 weapons. 



The mortality from these animals is very great, for a 

 tiger, when once it has tasted human blood, ever after 

 thirsts for it, just as is the case with the lion. In some 

 districts, even, a victim is carried off almost daily, the 

 mingled apathy and superstition of the natives allow- 

 ing the animal to carry on his depredations with 

 impunity. 



The spots most infested by tigers are those localities 

 where the road passes through a small copse, or patch 

 of jungle, and where water is in the immediate neigh- 

 bourhood. Where water is scarce, in fact, the tiger is 

 seldom found, as he requires to quench his thirst aftei 

 every meal. 



In such a retreat he lies in wait, always upon the 

 opposite side of the road to that on which his lair is 

 situated, until some unfortunate animal, or human 

 being, happens to pass by. With a tremendous spring 

 he bounds upon his victim, dashes him to the ground, 

 and drags his body across into his lair without being 

 Dbliged to turn round. 



