National Republican., 1876-12-29
A asTiger" ON the Mar-Path.
HE BURSTS HIS CAGE TO KILL AN OWL AND oLA,
CITIZEN,

HE BURSTS HIS CAGE TO KILL An OWL AND CLAWS
A oITIzEN.
NEW YORK, Dec. 2s.-Mr. Alexander Hunter, OF
Brooklyn, is enthusiast in natural history, and
has raised numerous pet birds, whose music Is
one Of the potent attractions that draw custom
ers to his two sample-rooms. Encouraged by his
success In ornithological efforts, Mr.. Hunter some
years ago procured young alligator, which, by
dint Of persistent fondling and judicious feeding,
is now docile in the extreme, although 1t has
arrived at years Of discretion. Believing that II
an alligator could be tanned anything else could,
Mr.. Hunter some seven months ago procured
from the captain Of q sailing vessel beast which
he terms Mexican tiger. 1t was just week
old at that time, but was extremely vicious, and
Mr. Hunter took the precaution to have Its teeth
extracted and its claws clipped as fast as they
grew.
Systematic kindness ,snd petting filled to con-
quer the spirit Of the animal, and he has to be
confined in . strong wire cage, which is fastened
to the wall Of one Of the sample-rooms at height
Of some seven feet from the floor. Here his ma
lignant soul finds its onty vent in hosrse snarls
and fierce dsshes at the canes Of exaspersting.
individuals who poke him up.
Yesterday Mr.. Hunter had an opportunity to
add to his already extensive collection Of birds
picturesQuely hideous owl-a creature whose pre-
posterous appearance would move the most pla-
cd cat to wrath. This owl was brought into the
same room with the tiger, and set in his cage BY
the fire. in view Of the tiger. The result was
disastrous. The tiger caught one glimpse OF the
owl, and his cage, which had heretofore been
large enough to afford him o genteel promenade,
suddenly became too small to contain him. For
half minute or 80 there was not part Of the
interior of that cage In which the tiger was not
distinctly visible all the time, and the noise Of
his snarling overhoved the room and deluged the
sidewalk, attracting at once number OF by
ISLANDERS. Presently. after shaking the wires OF
his cage till they seemed about to give way, he
sprang at the door Of 1t, which few open and
At that moment, according to the testimony Of
full Of that one tiger. The room was luminous
with his presence, but he quickly focused on the
owls cage, which he battered wildly in his at
tempt TO get at the frightened inmate. The dan
diately apparent, as he is not much larger than
the largest size Of ordinary house cats, and an at
tempt was made by several to tear him away
from the cage and restore him to his own quarters.
1t was only momentary attempt, however, for
soon as he realized It he mastered the situation
by selecting the largest of his assailants. Mr..
Baird, and, springing on his back, he made his
way through the substantial clothing and into the
flesh beneath. It would probably be difficult now
to convince Mr.. Bairdthat that tigers claws were
ever pared. .
Mr.. Baird is very stout and does not look like
one given to rapid running, but his time from the
stove in the sample room to the shuffe-board-
room below has never been equaled. Reinforce
ments arrived Immediately, and, by throwing Q
large bag over the tiger, he was captured and put
back into his cage, where he spent the remainder
of the day in sullen exultatlon.
A physician was called, who pronounced Mr.
man was conveyed home in q carriage, firing
Parthian arrow out Of the carriage window In the
shape Of threat of an action for damages.
The owl escaped uninjured, but Ill from fright.