100 ANIMALS IN MENAGERIES. 



about two inches only from its tip : these rings, iri 

 the true civet, are only four, or, at most, five; and 

 the black at the end of the tail extends to about six 

 inches. These distinctions are amply sufficient to prove 

 the two species to be naturally distinct, — at least, in the 

 opinion of any one who has gained some knowledge of 

 natural history from nature, rather than from books. 



The Bengal Tiger. 



Felis Tigris, Linn., Auctorum. 



Of all those animals destined by Providence to sup- 

 port their own life by the destruction of others, the 

 tiger of Bengal is the most ferocious. Before, however, 

 we enter upon any particulars of its history, it may be 

 as well to take a slight survey of those habits and pro- 

 pensities which more, or less characterise the whole of 

 this formidable tribe : this will save much useless repe- 

 tition when subsequently noticing other species frequent 

 in our menageries : it will, besides, give the young student 

 a better insight into the history of this group of animals, 

 than were we to notice, in detached portions, those 

 habits which are alike common to all. 



In our domestic cat we have an epitome of the whole 

 race. Elegance of form, gracefulness of attitude, and 

 beauty of colouring, distinguish this little tiger of our 

 kitchen ; and although the race has, probably, been do. 

 mesticated for centuries, that mistrust and wariness, 

 which is so essential to its native habits, has never been 

 eradicated in confinement. Between this little animal, 

 and the more formidable tigers of the tropics, there is 

 not, in point of structure, the least difference ; and when 

 we watch a cat hunting a mouse or a bird, we shall 

 have a perfect idea of a Bengal tiger pursuing its deadly 

 propensities in the jungles of Hindostan. 



The whole race may be said to delight in butchery ; 

 since they will destroy from the mere love of destruc- 

 tion, long after their natural appetite has been sated. 

 Their whole organisation is wonderfully adapted for ra- 



