TIGER. 
225 
It is worthy of observation, that neither the large 
fire that was blazing close to them, nor the noise 
and laughter which it seems they were making at 
the time, could divert this determined animal from 
his purpose. 
John Mason, the present keeper of the beasts in 
Exeter Change, who was formerly of the Tower, 
very narrowly escaped the fate of the unhappy 
Monro. 
About five years ago, a tiger was purchased by 
Mr. Alpey to send to the Emperor of Germany, 
and placed in the Tower, to remain there for a 
few days, till the ship destined to convey him 
abroad was ready. The animal was confined in a 
large wooden case, sufficiently ventilated, and lined 
with iron hoops, some of which he ripped off during 
the first night, and gnawed partly through the 
case ; which being perceived the next day, the place 
was merely repaired by the addition of a strong 
piece of wood nailed on the outside. The conse- 
quence might well be expected. The tiger re- 
newed his efforts, and in the course of the follow- 
ing night made his escape, and sprung up a wall 
ten feet and a half high, where he remained till 
Mason came in the morning. The fear of losing 
such a valuable animal induced this poor fellow, 
for a reward of ten guineas, to hazard his life in an 
attempt to secure the tiger. For this purpose he 
engaged a sergeant and some other persons to assist 
him, whom he placed in a room, the door of which 
opened upon the leads, from whence he could 
VOL. i. Q. 
