New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-04
IN THE MENAGERIE.
SOME OF THE ANIMALS SEEM GLAD TO
POSE.
But TOM THE ELEPHANT TRIED TO KILL A
SCULPTOR EXPRESSIONS on THE FACES OF
LIONS AND OTHER BEASTS

SCULPTOR EXPRESSIONS on TIE FACES OF
LIONS AND OTHER BEASTS
The menagerie at Central Park In the early morn
Ing generally contains one or more artists who are
making sketches OF animal life. They have two or
three hours before the crowd begins to arrive in
which they draw In peace. one OF the most
regular attendants is Charles Edward Alden. the
sculptor. who has been making "A statue OF the ele
plant Juno The big elephant has been sent 10y Mr.
Bailey 10 London. where she Will take part IN
Kiralfy's Indian spectacle. Mr.. Alden Is now mod
eng Tom. the elephant In the cage adjoining
Juno's. After Tom is sketched he will figure in
group representing elephant and rhnoceros fight
ing To obtain ideas and to study the habits or
large animals Mr.. Alden has for years been trav-
cling with crcuses all over the country He says
that there is a great deal more In the physiogno-
my and phrenology of animals than Is generally
supposed. When studied carefully for any length
OF time the facs of a lion tiger may be seen to
the gamut of all the emotions with almost as
much expression the human face.
Trainers arc well acquainted with the character
displayed by the conformation of an animaIs race
and skull. An animal Is sometimes captured ana
brought TO a travelling menagerie right from It's
native wilds. The trainer takes 1t in hand and In
few weeks has IL perfectly under control on the
other hand the trainer will sometimes have nothing
70 do with animal after simply glancing at J., 1t
may be trained and even taught 10 90 trick or
two. but he sees by the skull formation and facial
expression that Ii Is either too savage or 100 teach-
erous ever to be come worth anything.
Animals are susceptible to the effect Of the
weather and have fits Of the blues just as human
beings do. Upon dull. rainy day. the spirits OF
the animals visibly depressed Hons face viii
take on a melancholy look. and presently he emiis
a ugubrious roar. Another replies and nearly every
animal will take up the cry and give vent 10 Its
feelings.
When modelling animals sculptor chooses
during which subject is most likely 10 he
in the attitude he desires. After feeding. a.. the
large cats have peculiar positions OF their own
One lion will be found TO lie down Invariably on
his right side the left paw curled up Another
will be the left side. while another viii ne
sprawled out at full length. The great trouble Is
TO get the animals in action while in a cage. just
before feeding time is the only opportunity ana
even then their movements are necessarily crampef
by the smallness OF the cage
or all the feline tribe the fac. OF the male lion
possesses the most character and his habit OF gaz-
ing steadily before him without moving makes him
a good sitter Strange to say. the animals all seem
to take interest in the proceedings OF sculptor
or artist. though their contempt for the general
public is unlimited. The elephant Tom mas APP
parently strong antipathy 10 being modelled
When the sculptor goes near him without his tools
and modelling clay the elephant is passive but "a
soon as the modelling process begins he tugs at
his chain. thrashes his trunk and makes Violen'
efforts Kill the sculptor. Mr.. Alden was nearly
Killed by Tom when he tried 10 enter inc III
closure and but for his rapid exit ne probably
would have been crushed TO death Juno on the
contrary. appeared TO derive certain amount OF
pleasure from watching the sculptor ana allowed
him to DO his modelling inside the cage
In modelling sketchirg the members OF me
monkey tribe no trouble Is experienced IN getting
action-the main point Is TO get them 70 ftiiIa'i
quiet The plan usually employed II 10 tie several
hard knots a piece Of rope. and then TO throw II
into he cage. The monkeys Immediately set -
work to unite the knots. and remain seated unu
they nave done By constantly refylns inc
knots and throwing the rope In again they can De
kept quiet Almost indefinitely. Monkeys have ne
most expressive faces Of any animal but thrlr
feeting that IL Is that they can be caught
by an artist. tn" polar bear Almost always wars
an expression % extreme melancholy, while tne d-
tribe usually express resignation In their faces
Animals quick TO perceive the moods OF per
sons OF whom they afraid. The trainer IN a
with much control his thoughts. and his mood
can generally be Judged by his opening words IN tho
morning When he enters the tent swearing az
canvas man and kicking over a bucket the mons
and tigers be seen TO vince, and by the nervous
twIchings OF their show their appr"-
hension. II ne enters with a CHEEKY good-inorninS
and a merry whistle. the animals SILVER al over
with delight and panty show their pleasure. They
know from expeii fence that the use OF the WHIP
denends largely upon the mood Of the trainer.
Numerous methods employed by animal SOUP
tors To get that ferocious action common 10 the
feline tribe when seeming or capturing their prey
one way Is to Introduce II haif-starved cat into
reach and then 10 study It's actions Snakes are
comparatively easy TO model as they generally
maintain for considerable length Of time any
position they may take