The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-06-11
WILD ANIMALS.
Lions Born in the United States and the
Manner Of Railing Theni-The Value
OF Some Animals.


Manner Of Rai,ins The"-Ths Value
OF Some Animals. -
Probably less is known of the extent,
value and number Of rare and valuable
beasts reared in our midst than any sub
ject Of interest to the public. If horses,
COWS, colts and calves have market
value, so have tigers, lions and their
young, for of the latter many are born IN
the United States every year. "
During the past five years no less than
seventeen little lions have seen the light
of day, though only six reached years of
maturity.
The details of their nursing are pecu.
liar. The lioness is not approached until
the cubs are fully three or four months
old. They are then, by means of strategy,
separated, and weaving commenced. A
quart of milk, together with nice, bone
less, Juicy outlets and titbits are given
them daily until the seventh month,
which is the critical period of cubs. II
they get over that, they stand q fair
chance of living a long time, though the
period of toot6-shedding, which gener-
ally occurs at twelve months, is attended
with danger.
It is a known fact that lions attached
to travelling vans, under proper care, are
the most healthy and lively, and thrive
better than those in geological gardens:
In this country lion has been exhibited
thirty-fve years, and, as far as could be
Judged, was fifteen years old when cap
tured; so that he certainly was over
fifty when he died. In eight out of ten
cases congestion of the lungs carries them
| off.
:. The amount of food given q lien is less
than one would suppose, thirteen pounds
of beef day, with bones ad liberttlns, be-
fair allowance. When fed regularly
they show little disposition to glut them
selves, and will rarely exceed fifteen
pounds, even though chance be given
them. The greatest care is exercised in
keeping their cages clean, as they are
constantly shedding their hair, an accu-
mutation ofwhich adhering to their food,
and, being swallowed, making them
sick.
The largest number of these animals
are imported from the French province
of Algeria. There is no affection in a
lion; he knows his keeper and fears
him, and will obey him, but there is no
affection between them. The value of
lions is varied, though a good pair will
readily bring $4,000, and the demand is
constant. Rare animals are sought after
constantly by the various geological in
stitutions and menagerie owners, in
many instances they having paid fabu-
lous prices for the more rare species.
Tigers command about the same price
as lions, but are comparatively scarce
and not so popular as the lions.
Elephants always find ready market,
two or three being imported yearly into
this country, and sell without trouble at
$4,000 to $4,000. Even dead elephant
will find ready buyer at from 800 to
$500. The African specimens are the
finest, being twice the size OF their In
dian brothers.
Giraffes are exceedingly rare in the
United States, in nearly every case being
able only to make the voyage from the
Cape to England or the Continent. The
voyage to this country enfeebles them so
that many die during the trip or i'm
mediately after landing here. The least
cold -1sibly hurts them. They are
dainty feeders and much given to con-
suming cabbages. They are valued at
from $1,000 to $4,000 a pair. IT,.
The rhinoceros and hippopotamus
market is always an active one, as very
few have ever reached this country alive.
The bath of the latter renders his trans
portation almost impossible.
| The South American monkey is al
ways in demand, while those of Africa
are drug on the market. they being
dull and lazy and easily caught' The
methods of catching them are numerous.
In South America the natives fill gourds
with rum, which the monkeys drink,
and, becoming totally unconscious under
its effects, are easily taken. In Africa,
wooden vessels are used, into which
they thrust their hands and cannot re:
move them. They range in value all
the way from 81 up to $500.
Africa is the great stock farm for ami
mails. The Beers, hundred or two
miles above the Cape, are constantly
catching animals, and find ready mar
ket at Cape Town for them.