138 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



aboriginal forests, questions whether he be bold enough to meet the 

 creature that sends forth such thunderous tones." 



We cannot many of us visit the King of Beasts in his own 

 domain, and few of us, I guess, would do so if we could, but some 

 idea may be gained of the awe-inspiring spectacle created by one or 

 more of these beasts, and the din set up by several of them, by 

 visiting the Lion-house at some Zoological Gardens. Yet even here 

 one may see on occasions pleasant episodes such as I promised to 

 tell of in a former chapter. 



A well-known Fellow of the Zoological Society of London has 

 made great friends with many inhabitants in the fine collection 

 housed in Regent's Park. Among these the Lion is to be numbered, 

 and not long since I accompanied this modern Orpheus, as we may 

 appropriately call him, upon one of his rounds. Placing his hand 

 through the Lion's cage he caressed the animal without the slightest 

 umbrage on the part of the King of Beasts. He fondled the lordly 

 monarch much as one caresses the domestic Cat, much to the aston- 

 ishment of a bevy of visitors, who apparently wondered what 

 magnetic influence was possessed by this devout lover of the brute 

 creation. 



A little hair taken from the mane of one of the Lions at the 

 London Zoo by this modern Orpheus lies before me on the study 

 table, reminding me of a pleasant hour in company with him not 

 long since. Many other animals have become his fast friends. The 

 knowing little Chimpanzees play hide-and-seek as he enters their 

 house; the Capybara awaits his coming with feverish anxiety; the 

 Wolves watch his approach as that of a true friend, and birds fly 

 to him from all parts of the aviaries. 



What is the real secret of this remarkable exhibition of animal 

 friendship ? Tasty titbits, it is almost needless to state, have a very 

 alluring influence, but one must of necessity recognize that some 

 influence other than that mentioned is possessed by this splendid type 

 of English gentleman who is so modest about his deeds that I am 

 forbidden to mention his name. 



It must not be supposed from what has been written earlier in 

 this chapter that the Lion is altogether undeserving of the title that 

 has for so long been bestowed upon it. Every one must admit its 

 majestic appearance — although it does not in a wild state carry its 

 head high as would befit a King — whilst the immense muscles of the 

 jaws, shoulders and fore-legs give the animal enormous strength. 



