10 
NATURAL HISTORY 
LIONESS. 
The Lioness, the female of the same 
species, is, in all her dimensions, about one 
third less than the male, possesses the same 
nature and properties, but is destitute of 
that mane which contributes so essentially 
to the majestic appearance of the Lion. 
She goes five months with young, and 
produces four at a litter, which she brings 
forth in the most sequestered and inaccessi- 
ble places: — she rears them with jealous 
fierceness, at which time she becomes equal- 
ly formidable and ferocious as the male; 
destroying whatever falls in her way, whether 
men or animals, which she carries home 
reeking to her cubs, whom she early accus- 
toms to cruelty and slaughter. 
