CUBS. 
45 
less, pretty, and playful. Many are said to die 
during dentition, more especially females; and 
this circumstance probably accounts for the dis¬ 
parity observable between the sexes ; male lions, it 
is calculated, being one third more numerous than 
females. 
“ During the first days succeeding the birth of 
the cubs,” says Gerard, who gives us very valuable 
information respecting the habits of lions during the 
breeding season, “ the mother never quits them for 
a moment, leaving the father to provide for their 
wants. It is not until they have attained the age 
of three months, and the crisis of dentition is 
passed, that she weans them, absenting herself from 
the lair during several hours each day, and supply¬ 
ing them with the flesh of sheep carefully divided 
into small pieces. 
“ The lion, whose character, when arrived at 
mature age, is very grave, is not fond of remaining 
with his c children,’ who tire him with their 
gambols ; and in order, therefore, to enjoy his rest 
undisturbed, as also to be in readiness to come to 
the aid of his family should it be required, he makes 
for himself a lair in the vicinity. 
“At the age of four to five months, the cubs 
follow the mother to the skirts of the wood where 
the lion brings them food. 
“ At six months, and during a dark night, the 
whole family change their abode; and from this 
time up to the period when the cubs separate from 
their parents they are constantly on the move. 
“At eight months, to a year, after their birth, 
