TIGER. 
309 
ties off into the recesses of the forest ; having* 
first, if undisturbed/ sucked out the blood. His 
cry, in the act of springing on the victim, is said 
to be hideous beyond conception ; and we are told, 
that, like the lion, if he misses his object, he makes 
off without repeating the attempt. He seems to 
prefer mankind to any other prey, when he can 
procure them by surprize ; but he seldom makes 
an open attack on any animal capable of resist- 
ance. 
In the beginning of the present century, a com- 
pany, seated under the shade of some trees near the 
banks of a river in Bengal, were alarmed by 
the unexpected sight of a tiger, preparing for its 
fatal spring ; when a lady, with almost unexam- 
pled presence of mind, unfurled a large umbrella 
in the animal’s face ; which, being confounded 
by so extraordinary and sudden ao appearance, 
instantly retired, and thus gave them an opportu- 
nity of escaping from its terrible attack. 
Another party had not the same good fortune ; 
but, in the height of their entertainment, in an in- 
stant, one of their companions was seized and car- 
ried off by a tiger. But the fatal accident, which 
a few years ago occurred in the East Indies, must 
be still fresh in the memory of all who have read 
the dreadful description given by an eye-witness of 
the scene. 
We went,” says the narrator, “ on shore oa 
Sangar island, to shoot deer ; of which we saw 
innumerable tracks, as well as of tigers ; we con- 
tinued our diversion till near three o’clock ; when, 
sitting down by the side of a jungle to refresh our • 
selves, a roar like thunder was heard, and an im- 
mense tiger seized our unfortunate friend, and 
rushed again into the jungle, dragging him 
through the thickest bushes and trees, every thing 
giving way to its monstrous strength; a tigress; 
