130 BEASTS AND MEN 
apparatus necessary for more advanced training is placed in 
the arena, for of course the programme of the proposed per- 
formance is thoroughly worked out before any beginning’ is 
made with the actual training of the animals. A number of 
blocks are piled up in the form of a staircase; and there is 
a barrel upon which a tiger has to learn to balance himself. 
The trainer carries a whip, but far more important than this 
is the leather pocket, attached to his belt, for it is here that 
he keeps the little pieces of meat- which are to reward the 
young carnivores for their obedience. The animals are let 
loose in the arena, and stare with astonishment at the imposing 
erection which they see before them. They are not allowed 
long, however, to satisfy their curiosity ; the lesson is begun 
forthwith, for the trainer knows well that it is only when they 
really get to work that he can form a sound judgment upon - 
the characters and abilities of the various members of his 
troupe. ; 
On the top step of the pyramid of wooden blocks a lion 
is to stand; on the second highest step two tigers, then two 
panthers, and in front, upon two blocks, the polar bears are 
_ to learn to sit, whilst the dogs are to be trained to jump over 
the backs of the panthers. The work of making the animals _ 
understand what is required of them needs infinite patience ; 
they have to be taught to take their own places on the pyra- 
mid, and it is long indeed before they realise that they must 
stay there quietly and not jump down before they receive the 
order to do so. And no less patience is required in making 
the tiger grasp the fact that he is intended to maintain his 
grotesque position upon the rolling barrel, for the great beast, ~ 
naturally enough, does not readily comprehend the object of 
this performance. | 
From the very commencement every step in the proceed- 
ings has to be carefully thought out and pre-arranged, and 
their respective parts in the performance have to be so 
thoroughly drilled into all the animals that they acquire an 
absolutely inveterate habit of doing the right thing at the 
