Hie Lioness. 
THE LIONESS AND CUBS. 
The Lioness is in all licr dimensions about one-third 
less than the male, and has no mane. She lias gene- 
rally from two to four cubs at a time, which are born 
blind, like kittens, which they greatly resemble, though 
they are as large as a pug-dog, when born. When quite 
young they are striped and spotted, but these marks 
soon disappear ; they also at first mew like a cat, and 
do not begin to roar till they are about eighteen months 
old. About the same time the mane begins to appear 
on the males, and soon after the tuft of hair on the tail, 
though the animal is generally five or six years before 
it attains its full size. 
The Lioness, though naturally less strong, less cou- 
rageous, and less mischievous than the Lion, becomes 
terrible as soon as she has young ones to provide for. 
The ferocity of her disposition then appears with ten- 
fold vigour ; and woe be to • the wretched intruder, 
