LEOPARD AND ALLIGATOR. 
115 
The creatures were removed from the tank to the 
arena on a platform raised upon wheels and drawn 
by three bullocks. When rolled from the carriage 
both appeared almost inert, and especially the smaller 
one, which every now and then opened its huge 
mouth and gasped, manifestly suffering from the 
conflict of the preceding day. The leopard, so soon 
as it saw them, crouched upon its belly, as if con- 
scious what it was about to be called upon to per- 
form : when, however, the door of the cage was 
opened, which was done by a man in a sort of gal- 
lery above by means of a cord attached to the upper 
bar, the animal did not seem disposed to try the issue 
of a combat with antagonists at all times formidable, 
and in their own element invincible. 
A pole being at length introduced, the leopard was 
irritated by being severely poked ; and, with a sudden 
spring, bounded into the enclosure. The alligators 
appeared to look upon the scene with perfect indiffer- 
ence, remaining all but motionless on the spot where 
they had been cast from the platform. Their tails 
were occasionally seen to vibrate slightly, and espe- 
cially when their brindled enemy appeared before 
them in a threatening attitude of attack. The leo- 
pard paused for som$ 4ime with its head upon its 
paws, waving its tail . to and fro, the fur being erect- 
ed and the ears depressed, as if anxious but fear- 
ful to begin the encounter. At length, two or three 
crackers being flung just behind it, these had no sooner 
exploded than the terrified and enraged animal darted 
forward, and springing upon the nearest alligator, 
turned it over in an instant, and burying its fangs in 
