( 2 ) 
Measurements .—Average length from tip to tip, 9 ft. 6 ins.; the tail usually 
measures a little less than a third of the total length. The skin of a ten-foot 
tiger will stretch to twelve feet and over. Tigresses measure from 8 ft. 3 ins. 
to 8 ft. 9 ins., and seldom tape over 9 feet. The older the animal, the more 
prominent is the ridge of bone that runs along the top of the brain pan. 
There are two methods of measurement. In one, the tiger is laid flat on its 
side and pulled cut so as to lie straight; the tape is then run from the tip 
of the nose and between the ears to the tip of the tail, closely following the 
curves of the body : in the other, the tiger is disposed as above, pegs are 
placed at the nose and tail ends, and the measurement is taken directly 
between these points. 
The most vital spot to aim for in this, and all the carnivora, is just behind 
the shoulder, if the animal is broadside on; if facing, the aim should be 
where the neck and shoulder join, or centre of the chest, or if on level ground, 
and you are kneeling, at the nostril. 
A tiger usually kills its own food, but will eat carrion. Tigers are shot from 
elephants, from machcins over kills or live bait, usually bullocks picketed near the 
machan , and occasionally on foot; sometimes they are netted or caught in traps. 
Record Measurements .—From a close study of tiger literature I have no 
doubt that the existence of the 12-foot tiger (Felis elongatus of the sceptic) has 
