x INTRODUCTION 
the only way of keeping them down is to afford them the least 
opportunity of finding cover. The various difficulties and 
objections that I suggest, however, although they may pre- 
vent other gardens from following the example set by Carl 
Hagenbeck, do not detract from the extreme interest of his 
description of Stellingen. 
For many years Hagenbeck has been the greatest 
trainer of animals, and his own troupes or those which he 
has supplied have appeared in every part of the world. 
Lovers of animals will follow with a close attention his 
method ofselecting and training them. For my own part, 
‘and I know of many who share my views, I seldom lose an 
opportunity of seeing exhibitions of performing animals, and 
equally seldom do I enjoy the performance for long except 
perhaps in the case of sea-lions, who appear to me to enjoy 
what they are doing. In all other cases I gradually become 
convinced that abject terror of the trainer lies behind the 
tricks, a conviction that is not disturbed by the rewards of 
food that are given. This, however, is not Mr. Hagen- 
beck’s opinion, and his love of animals, ability and experience 
entitle him to the fullest consideration. He begins with the 
proposition, long ago set out by Darwin, that the first busi- 
ness of the trainer is to select his animals. Individuals have 
very different dispositions, and it is only one or two out of 
many that have the power of attention, ability and docility 
required by the trainer. Thereafter the method is little more 
than constant patience, firmness and kindness on the part of 
the trainer. I accept readily Mr. Hagenbeck’s statements 
as to his personal control over wild animals, and I have 
myself seen many instances of their friendly recognition of 
their old master. But with regard to public performances, 
when the animals have to go through their tricks at stated 
