New-York tribune., 1895-07-28

ing lights Of the drama generally look in. recollect
on one occa sion a number Of my snakes got loose.
and think you would have been amused II you
had the great actress entering into the chase
with the greatest ardor possible
I glanced for a moment at the sacred six-legged
Indian COW. and the quaint Java monkeys. but when
| reached Sarah Bernhardts lion wanted nothing
else to see.
Marco is undoubtedly extraordinarily hne
example or his species. and in the pink Of condi-
ton. Fourteen pounds OF finest beef are admins
tered to him during the twe eye hours Of daily exhi-
bton.
Now. tell me all you know Mr.. Cross. about this
lior?
Il got him as A cub. and INN ediatey I was struck
with his extreme docty: he took down all otner
specimens / have had-ani / have had scores OF
them-as regards evenness Of temper. With all
animal training especially with lions. II Is better
policy 10 be kind Directly you introduce the wnip
or stick. Goodby 10 teaching tricks. Marco mas
been in training two years. But here comes
Clyto. who has been with me- five years ana VINO
will presently wreste with the Hon.
Then there approached goo'-.ooking 1.-THE young
man twenty-three years OF age clad in a smart
tunic the LEFT breast OF which vas decorated Win
three or four medals-one especially attracted my
attention. As on tho reverse side II bore the IN
scrin,ion that i, was the gift ot W. r. Gladstone
BY and by n. retired 10 put on his wrestling suit
which / noticed he entered the cage. bore IN It's
ragSedness urmi-takahle evidence OF the severe
contest. he had had with the lion
Before ,lyto was within yard or two OF the
cage the lion appeared to scent him. was up ana
alert and began to purr round Clytos legs, a.
would +. pet cat his entering the cage Up
said Clyto and the lion placed paw over each OF
his shoulders With his head dangerously near MS
keeper's face Then the struggle began. twist
or two and Clyto had thrown. by buttock t"is''
tho Hon on his back on the floor OF the den Win
thud piece ~ meat was then the reward OF 'he
vanauished Again there prolonged struggle
and this time the lion had thrown Ciyto ana was
on TOP Of him Cyto lay for moment quite stil.
With the heavy weight OF the beast upon him Tnen
he began to wrgge quietly. with the intent eV'-
IDENTITY. to get from under his load Al last he so'
free and was up In trce and leaned against 'he
bars pan,ing for breath. The next feat was getting
the lion to ST on a chair when there. Clyto retired
10 the other side Of the and placed piece OF
meat in his mouth Then. with jump, the lion
sprang on his keeper and took the beefsteak from
his mouth but Clyto had tie breath knocked out OF
n hng,p' ny ., wen ont The cage but he seemed
little whether he kept his face to his charge or not
NAV ' win ths chair As cat would with reel OF
cotton. Evidently the show was heariy ovar. puti;
before the keeper left. the lion had got cheeky, ana
made rather nasty charge and began TO wreste;
and so ardently that Clyto exclaimed: Come. come.
that's enough, This is bit TOO rough oiive over
viii you short struggle then ensued and clysos
head appeared likely TO be BITTEN on but SiytP Ss sue
hack -haudsr on the face. 10y way Of admonition TO
better manners The keeper then deftly slipped out.
IL was a splendid show. ,
"is ,hero much danger Mr.. Cross" asked.
Il think the lion has been too well trained How
ever what risk there Is seems to be appreciated.
for have noticed that some people come to every
show perhaps on the principle that actuated the
hurrh q, old mace his head in the lions mouth"
People will surrey ask me If the lion Is drussedy 2
..Nv h,st answer T. to ask YOU to give them the
evidence OF your own eyes. II the animal had been
so treated could he be so alert?
"Bu how about the claws? Arc they drawn
For answer Clyto showed me the lions paws.
There could be no doubt about the power OF his
matesty's claws.