Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-19

I'm the early days of the human race upon the
earth, the problem of escaping from ravenous
wild beasts was probably the chief aim in
- life. Against leonine teeth and talons and
muscles of Steel powerful and as merciless
as to-day, the barbarians of that time could oppose
club. This was truly unequal contest as is that
of the modern bullet against these same feline
weapons
If however in those old days lion or tiger
became helpless from wounds or through being
trapped in a deep pit, we can imagine our savage
forefathers crowding about as closely as theydared
and gazing with wonder and awe at the terrible
creature, from which, were it not manned or other
wise helpless, they would flee in the utmost terror
How they must have chartered over the great beast
in their simple primal language, relating how
ms and uncles had fallen victims, and shudderng
at the unsheathed claws and the terrifying roars!
To-day if we watch crowd in front Of lions
cage, shall realize that in some ways the human
has advanced little. If the beast becomes
angered and leaps at the bars thinks of the
modern inventions of deadly repeating rifles but the
mass of humanity surges back in sudden throb of
fright faces turn PALE and involuntary screams
heard Though in another minute it is all over and
the people are laughing at themselves and at each
other yet the momentary panic was none the less
real and instructive r.
Our scientists have thoroughly dssected the great
feines and thrown light upon their physical make up
and their relationship to the other creatures of the
earth. The wealthy raconteur enjoys nothing
much as to stand upon the tawny rug and tell how
near the beast came to collecting him before the
lucky shot fired Or, if we wish, we can attend
a performance where specimens of these beautiful
animals are kept in temporary fear of their keeper
at whose bidding they perform series of automatic
senseless tricks But like the gaping crowd, few
stop to consider these interesting creatures in other
light than that of fear thoughtless curiosity.
Yet they all well worthy of study. If
watch Gagged lion tiger for an hour two
without attracting its attention, we shall dis
cover that it is like all other beasts; it has its
fancies and its preferences, its individuality is
strongly marked, and in ways than one
would imagine it is nothing but great cat
When the People Have Gone
TET watch the lions and tigers and their
IL relatives in lion house after the crowds
have gone for the day, and when the shadows of
the pacing animals stretch far out away from the
setting sun. During the day the great creatures
have gazed with disdain upon the surging lines of
people, or have stared over their heads with that
rapt far away look of feline-nto where9
The past? The old life in the cave, the desert,
the jungle1 Who shall saya
Now in the cool of evening they begin to
brighten up and roar answers roar, and full
sized yearling lions frolic and play like kittens.
In front is giant jaguar; surly, lonely male,
who when mate was given him killed her with
one blow OF his paw. No keeper has ever been
in his cage; human life would go out like
snuffed candle, and as quickly. He will not even
permit one to rub his fur through the bars
freedom which many otherwise dangerous ami
mails do not resent
Let us see if we can tame him. Fix your full
gaze upon him; stare at him unwinkingly con-
centrate your whole attention upon your look;
keep it up for half hour or more, and-he
will pay more attention than if you had been
sound asleepl Whatever the power of the human
eye upon wild animals in their native haunts,
captive beast is too Injured to the stare of thou
sands to take notice of single experimental
But our resources not at end. Let
us begin slow, soft air upon the lower strings
of violin. Almost at the first tone the ami
ma! stops IN its pacing, both ears erect. and
with hanging Jaws; Senior Lopez at last deigns
FIJI We oh RI