18 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
18. u The man returned, accompanied by several 
others prepared to lend him aid ; but the first object 
they saw was, a Tiger with the buffalo thrown across 
his back, hastening to the woods. The moment he 
saw the men, he let fall his prey, and fled ; but he 
had killed the buffalo, and sucked his blood, or he 
probably would not so readily have resigned his 
prey.” 
19. The following fact shows the great power 
which the human eye has over the Tiger. A British 
officer in India, rambling in a jungle, chanced to en- 
counter a large Tiger. He was unarmed, but for- 
tunately recollected to have heard, that the Tiger 
might be checked by looking him firmly in the face. 
20. He therefore fixed his eyes steadily upon 
those of the Tiger. The effect was instantly visi- 
ble. The animal, who was preparing for a spring, 
grew disturbed, shrunk aside, and endeavoured to 
get behind the officer. But the officer turned with 
him, and continued his gaze. 
21. They remained in this way for more than an 
hour ; the officer preserving an intent and steady 
look, and the Tiger making fruitless attempts to sur- 
prise his vigilance. At last the Tiger was over- 
awed, and made a hasty retreat. 
22. The Tiger cannot be tamed. Neither kind- 
ness nor severity affects his savage nature. He snaps 
at the hand which gives him food, and that which 
chastises him, with the same ferocity ; and, though 
confined by bars and chains, he is always striving to 
exercise his fierceness and cruelty. 
What does an eastern traveller relate of the Tiger’s strength ? 
What fact shows the power of the human eye over the Tiger 1 
Can the Tiger be tamed ? 
