VI 
THE TIGER 
i8i 
same conditions is a puzzle that we cannot explain. 
In like manner we may observe the difference in 
animals, many of which are by nature extremely 
timid, while others of the same genus are more bold. 
The beasts of prey vary in an extraordinary degree 
according to their species, which are in some way 
influenced by circumstances. Tigers and lions are 
naturally shy, and hesitate to expose themselves un¬ 
necessarily to danger; both these animals will either 
crouch in dense covert and allow the passer-by to 
continue his course, or slink away unobserved, if 
they consider that their presence is undetected. 
Nevertheless these animals differ in varying 
localities, and it is impossible to describe the habits 
of one particular species in general terms, as much 
depends upon the peculiarities of a district which 
may exercise an effect in influencing character. 
The tigers that inhabit high grass jungle are more 
dangerous than those which are found in forests. 
The reason is obvious ; the former cannot be seen, 
neither can they see, until the stranger is almost 
upon them ; they have accordingly no time for con¬ 
sideration, but they act upon the first impulse, which 
is either to attack in self-defence or to bound off in 
an opposite direction. If the same tiger were in a 
forest it would either see the approach or it would 
hear the sound of danger, and being forewarned, it 
would have time to listen and to decide upon a 
course of retreat; it would probably slink away with¬ 
out being seen. 
Although the usual bait for a tiger is a young 
