90 
THE STORY OF THE TIGER . 
renders, however, the appearance of the tiger decidedly less imposing, and 
hence the seconc position in the series is commonly assigned to this “cat.” In 
spite of the difference in coloration, the lion and the tiger are very closely allied 
animals, both having a circular aperture for the pupil of the eye, and there 
is also a similarity in the bones which support the tongue. 
The usual manner of measuring a tiger is to follow the curves of the body. 
It appears that all the largest tigers on record have been measured in this man¬ 
ner. Full-grown tigers thus measured vary from 9 to- 10 feet in length; and 
tigresses from 8 to 9 feet. Unusually fine specimens will, however, reach, or 
even slightly exceed, a length of 12 feet; 12 feet 2 inches being apparently the 
maximum dimensions ascertained with any approach to accuracy. There is 
still need of additional information as to the maximum weight attained by 
tigers. Some unusually large tigers, which fell to my rifle, must have weighed 
from 450 to 500 pounds. The Maharaja of Kuch-Behar has killed tigers 
which are stated to have varied from 481 to 540 pounds. The weight of 
a tiger depends, of course, largely upon the condition of the animal at the 
time of its death; and if a specimen under 10 feet in length will turn the 
scale at over 500 pounds, it may be taken as certain that those of 11 or 12 
feet in equally good condition must reach considerably heavier weights. 
At the same time that it is the most beautiful, the tiger is certainly one of 
the most ferocious of quadrupeds. Indeed, so sanguinary is its disposition, 
that there is no 1 animal, however strong and powerful, it will not venture to 
attack. Such furious combats have taken place between the lion and tiger, that 
in some instances both animals have been known to perish, rather than give 
up the contest. 
It commits the most lamentable ravages among flocks and herds in the 
countries where it resides; and neither the sight nor the opposition of man 
has any power to make it desist. When undisturbed in seizing an animal, it 
plunges its’ head into the victim’s body, and drinks large draughts of blood, 
the sources of which are generally exhausted before its thirst is appeased. 
The muscular strength of the tiger is excessively great. A peasant in the 
East Indies had a buffalo fallen into a quagmire; and while he went toi call 
for assistance, an immense tiger came and drew out the animal, on which the 
united efforts of several men had been of no> avail. When the people returned, 
the first object they beheld was the tiger, with the buffalo' thrown over its 
shoulder, carrying it away, with the feet upwards, towards its den. As soon, 
however, as it saw the men it let fall the prey, and instantly fled to the woods; 
but it had previously killed the buffalo and sucked its blood. 
