TIGER. 
219 
The true species of tiger, fortunately for the rest 
of the creation, is far from numerous, and, indeed, 
may be considered as a rare animal even in those 
parts of the East Indies which are most congenial 
to its nature. Crouching and concealed in the wood 
which borders some river or lake, he waits the ap- 
proach of those animals which the heat of the cli- 
mate so often obliges to satisfy their thirst. Here he 
takes the fatal spring, which scarcely allows the un- 
fortunate animal time to utter the cry of despair 
before he is torn in pieces ; a bull is presently over- 
thrown and dragged away with ease : the wild male 
buffalo, indeed, will dart at his enemy ; but if he is 
alone, we are assured, he soon falls a victim to his 
cruel antagonist. 
The amazing strength of the tiger would appear 
incredible, if it were not founded on the authority 
of so many respectable travellers. Captain Hamil- 
ton informs us, that a (C peasant in the Sundah 
Rajah’s dominions had a buffalo fallen into a 
quagmire ; and while he went for assistance, a large 
tiger, with its single strength, drew forth the ani- 
mal, though the united force of many men was in- 
sufficient for the purpose. The first object which 
presented itself to the people on their return to the 
place was the tiger, who had thrown the buffalo 
over his shoulders, and was carrying it away, with 
the feet upwards, towards its den. As soon as it 
saw the men, it let fall its prey, and instantly fled 
to the woods ; but it had previously killed the buf- 
falo and sucked its blood. The Indian buffalo 
