202 CONFLICT BETWEEN A LION AND TIGER. 



as the lion, and much quicker in his movements. But 

 the lion showed a decided superiority of strength, and his 

 great mane effectually covered his head. Still his back 

 and sides were torn by the tiger's claws, and for some 

 minutes the contest was doubtful. Both possessed equal 

 courage and determination, and no disposition was evinced 

 to have a drawn battle. It was one of the compensations 

 of nature. The tyrants of the woods, who had so long 

 preyed upon the weaker animals, were now paying each 

 other in due form. Draw near, ye ghosts of mangled 

 cattle, stags and lesser beasts, to gloat over your revenge ! 

 Our prescence seemed a matter of indifference to the com- 

 batants, so intent were they in that struggle of strength 

 and activity. But the endurance of the lion prevailed 

 seizing the tiger by the throat, he turned it on its back, 

 and with his strong claws tore open its belly, and, thus 

 put an end to its ferocious life. Hail, king of beasts, 

 for so thou art ! This had scarcely been achieved when 

 simultaneous balls from our rifles, stretched the lion beside 

 the foe whom he had vanquished, and their blood mingled 

 among the grass. 



We immediately dismounted, hastened to the wounded 

 Hindoo, while his companions busied themselves in striking 

 their spears into the helpless tiger and patting the head 

 of the lion. Raising the poor fellow, we found that he 

 was so dreadfully bitten and torn about the throat and 



