326 
OFF FOR THE SOTIK DISTRICT. 
tip of the tail is decorated with a tuft of black hair. This tuft 
serves to distinguish the lion from any other member of the cat 
tribe. 
The male, when full grown, is furnished with a thick and 
shaggy mane of very long hair, which falls from the neck, shoulders, 
and part of the throat and chin, varying in tint according to the age 
of the animal, and possibly according to the locality which it inhabits. 
The lioness possesses no mane, and even in the male it is not properly 
developed until the animal has completed his third year. 
When fully grown, the male measures some four feet in height 
at the shoulder, and about eleven feet in total length. These meas¬ 
urements are only applicable to the noble animals which have passed 
their lives in the free air of their native land, and have attained 
their majority with limbs unshackled and spirits unbroken. 
THE LIONESS MORE TO BE FEARED THAN THE LION, 
The lioness is a smaller animal than her mate, and the difference 
of size appears to be much greater than really is the case, because 
she is devoid of the thick mane which gives such grandeur and dig¬ 
nity to her spouse. Although smaller in size, she is quite as terrible 
in combat; and, indeed, the lioness is ofttimes a foe much more to 
be dreaded than the lion. When she has a little family to look after, 
Lesena is a truly fearful enemy to those who cross her path, assum¬ 
ing at once the offensive, and charging the intruders with a fierce 
courage that knows no fear and heeds no repulse. 
Of the character of the lion, opinions the most opposite have 
been promulgated. 
Until later days he was considered to be the very type of fiery 
courage and kingly generosity, indomitable in conflict with the 
strong, but merciful in sparing the weak and defenseless. Latterly, 
however, writers have passed to the opposite extreme, speaking of 
the lion as a cowardly, sneaking animal, and have even gone so far 
as to declare him to be no more formidable than a mastiff. It must 
be remarked that these opposite ideas have been put forth by men 
of practical experience, who have been personally acquainted with 
the king of beasts in his own domains. 
