The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1884-07-18
CAGING A LIVE TIGER.

L
pore, India, was lately excited by the an
nouncement that fine tiger had been cap
tured in pit situated in Chinaman's gar
den, close to the eighth milestone on the Bukit
Timah road leading to Johore. This road,
usually almost deserted, became alive with
spectators proceeding either by carriage, on
horseback, or on foot to and from the scene
of the capture. The pit in which the tiger
was caught was circular, and measured eleven
feet deep by three feet in diameter, contract
ing slightly at the bottom. 1t was dug in
sandy clay, and as the sides were clean cut
the tiger was not able to escape by scrambling
up. The situation was on the margin of a
jungle forest, and the pit, along with others,
had been dug for the purpose of capturing
wild pigs. These pits are covered over with
thin sticks and grass or leaves, SO that any
unwary animal is quite unaware of the un-
sound state Of the ground. It is presumed
that the tiger was either in pursuit of a wild
pig, or was vending his way to an adjoining
farmyard, when he got into difficulties. AS
soon as the owner of the pit into which the
tiger had fallen was aware of his prize he
covered the mouth of the pit with strong
planks, and at once looked around for pur-
chaser, who was soon found. The sum of
1925 was paid for the tiger as it lay at the
bottom of the pit, and it afterwards cost $50
to have him Gagged and conveyed to Singapore.
While negotiations were being carried on,
spectators were permitted to look at the mag
nifcent animal for which purpose the cover
ing of planks was partially removed He did
not at all relish these visitors, and gave
marked signs of disapproval by growing and
springing up. He had, however, very little
room for movement, but on one occasion
nearly reached the top of the pit. For nearly
six days the poor captive lay in the pit (being
fed very sparingly SO as to reduce his energy),
while preparations were being made for Gag
ing him. At first large square hole was dug
adjacent to the pit. and it was intended to
place cage in this hole, having done which
the partition of earth between the hole and
the pit was to have been knocked away, and
the tiger driven into the cage. After the hole
was dug this plan was, however, abandoned
as it was clumsy and dangerous, and the OPP
Grafton of caging the tiger was put in the
hands of six Malays, who, as a race, are noted
for their knowledge of woodcraft and of the
habits of animals. I, with two other officers
and lady of the garrison, were the only
Europeans who were fortunate enough to wit
ness the rare sight of caging wild tiger, and
will attempt to describe the operation in de-
tail. The manner in which the Malays
worked was much to be admired. Every ar
rangement was most complete so that no acct
dent could in all human probability occur
and when the difficult parts of the work were
going on strict silence was maintained among
the operators, each of whom seemed to know
his role with exactitude, and all worked like
one machine. There seemed no fear and no
hurry while, in addition to their endeavors to
bring their labors to successful conclusion,
they seemed to have thorough sympathy with
the victim, whom they treated as gently as
possible. The first thing done was to rig up
a strong beam, at height of about nine feet
over the hole, and this was supported on we'll
secured uprights, to which it was firmly dashed
with withes Next there were prepared two