ORDER OP OARNIVOEA. 341 



reach, they spring upon it from behind, without allowing time for 

 escape or defence. In order to avoid dangerous opposition, they 

 seldom attack any but the most inoffensive animals. Hunger 

 alone induces them to dart upon the first creature they come 

 in contact with ; but, in this case, if they encounter resistance, 

 their fury is commensurate. 



The Felidoo family includes three genera — the Cat tribe, the 

 Lynx, and the Hunting Leopard. 



The Cat genus. — This genus includes those Carnivora which 

 have for their type the Domestic Cat. These are, in the Old 

 World, the Lion, Tiger, Panther, Leopard, Ounce, Serval, Wild 

 and Domestic Cats ; in the New World, the Jaguar, Puma, and 

 Ocelot. 



The Lion (Felis led). — If the impression made by the first sight 

 of this animal be retained, it must be confessed that the Lion is 

 no usurper of the title " King of the Beasts," which has been 

 awarded him from the most ancient times. He carries his 

 head high, and walks with a slowness which hiaj^ well pass for 

 gravity ; his visage is calm and dignified, and announces a full 

 consciousness of his strength. The bushy and magnificent mane 

 which overshadows his head and neck is an addition which 

 confers on his remarkable ensemble an air of grandeur which 

 commands awe. 



Some adult Lions have attained a length of nearly ten feet, 

 from the tip of the muzzle to the root of the tail ; but, generally 

 speaking, they do not exceed six to seven feet. With the 

 exception of the mane and a tuft of hair at the end of the tail, 

 the coat is entirely smooth, and of a nearlj^ uniform tawnj^ 

 colour. The female is distinguished by the absence of any mane, 

 and by a smaller head; she is generally, in proportion, about 

 one-fourth less than the male. 



BufFon has drawn a magnificent portrait of the Lion, which 

 wiU ever remain one of the most beautiful passages in French 

 literature. He attributes to it the good qualities of courage, 

 magnanimity, generosity, nobility of character, gratitude for 

 kindness, and sensibility. Unfortunately, this elaborate panegyric 

 is fated to give way before observation. 



Before proceeding any further, there is one remark which it 

 is necessary to make, which is, that Lions differ much in size. 



