on it, kills it and devours it the leopard, the tiger, the lion. pursues exactly similar methods in surprising, capturing and killing their prey. And nature has supplied them with all the essential of structure for so doing. Their bones, though fitted for the attachment of a powerful muscular organism, are light. Their muscles and tendons are as hard and well tempered as the steel in a Damascus sword. They are light, stealthy, and noiseless of foot, so that oftentimes the first warning of danger that the victim has is the cruel pain of the teeth of the silent enemy fastened in his quivering flesh. THE LION (Felis Leo.)

The lion is called the King of Beasts." He is given this name by those who regard him as the superior of all other animals in point of bravery and ferocity. He adds to the possession of a fear-inspiring form and the proud mien of a monarch the ownership of a loud and terrible voice whose reverberating roar seems almost to shake the earth. The lion, notwithstanding these awe-inspiring characteristics, is not so dangerous as he seems. Some animals kill simply for the pleasure of killing. The lion kills only in self-defence or to secure food. He lies in ambush for his prey. He is nervous and easily abashed as is evidenced by the fact that, in springing upon his victim, if he misses him, he will not repeat the attempt, but will sneak back to his hiding place with an ashamed and disappointed manner. He will attack any kind of animal, no matter how large, and is so powerful that he can carry off an ox. This is remarkable, considering that his average height is only four feet, and his length eleven feet; the lioness is not so large.

At present they are found in Africa and southern Asia. They vary in size, color and appearance, but there is not much difference between the African and Asiatic lions. The color varies from a deep-red chestnut brown to a silver gray. The color of the lion, blending so perfectly with the landscape as it does, often protects him from discovery and enables him to approach nearer to his doomed though unsuspected prey. They have tufted tail, and the male is adorned with a large, flowing mane that adds much to the ferocity of his appearance. Old lions, whose teeth are worn down, are called " man-eaters" because, being toɔ old and weak to capture agile prey, they prowl about villages and carry away sleeping people at night.

The lion family at the Zoo is one of the largest in captivity. One of the most notable is Brutus, an Africau lion, born Nov. 16, 1892. He was born in Spain and trained for the arena. He became vicious, however, and was then purchased by our Company. He weighs over 700 pounds, and is said to be one of the finest and largest lions in captivity.

Flora is a lioness five years old. She was born at the Zoo. Her mother refusing to care for her, she was taken out of the cage and "raised with a bottle."

She was

very docile and was permitted to run at large in the Gardens until she was eighteen months old. Julia is a handsome African lioness six years old. She was purchased with Brutus in New Orleans, Besides these adult lions, we now have some attractive young lion babies just born.

THE TIGERS, (Felis tigris.)

The tiger, the only rival of the lion among the cat animals in strength and ferocity, is found exclusively in Asia. He is a magnificent animal, and his long, lithe body, with its beautiful black stripes upon a ground of reddish yellow, never fails to call forth the unstinted admiration of visitors. The disposition of the tiger is far more ferocious than that of the lion. The latter does not fly into a rage unless provoked, but the tiger is fierce without provocation and has been known to kill and devour its own young.

At present we have a magnificent pair of tigers in our collection. Also three beautiful baby tigers now 6 months old, which were raised by dogs, their unnatural mother refusing to care for them 3 days after they were born.

THE LEOPARD (Felis pardus)

One of the most graceful of the cat animals is the leopard. Its color is reddish fawn, the body being marked with dark spots. Here again is noted the admirable work of nature in harmonizing its color with that of vegetation, enabling it to easily conceal itself. The leopard, unlike the lion and tiger, is a tree-climber, and from its elevated perch on an over-hanging bough, often springs upon the unwary traveler or animal. It preys on sheep, goats and other herbivorious animals. It has a fondness for dog meat, hunts monkeys, but is afraid of the vigorous heels of a donkey, which it lets severely alone. It is found in Africa and Southern Asia. In captivity some leopards become very tame. The leopards in our collection are very fine animals. We have had them for several years. The female is quite a pet. We also have a very fine baby leopard, born on Christmas morning, 1899.

THE JAGUAR (Felis onca)

The Jaguar is found exclusiuely in South and Central America, and it bears a close resemblance to the leopard. It is more clumsy than the leopard, and is larger, measuring four to five feet from the nose to the root of the tail. His head is larger

and rounder than that of the leopard, and his limbs are shorter. The Jagur, like the leopard, is a spotted cat. However its markings consist of dark rings with smaller spots within them. Its coat harmonizes with the tropical foliage, and enables it to glide along unseen in pursuit of monkeys or other prey. It is a sullen, savage, solitary animal. It appears to approach very nearly in fierceness and strength to the tiger. The specimens in this building are very fine.

THE PUMA (Felis concolor)

Except the Jaguar, which is found only in South America, the Puma is the largest and most powerful of American Cat animals. The Puma ranges from the northern part of the United States to Paraguay in South America. The Puma is also called the Cougar, the Panther, the Mountain Lion, the American Lion, etc. There is only one species, but the color ranges from red to silver gray. The Puma preys on monkeys, deer, calves, pigs, etc. It seldom attacks a human being, though its wierd cry in the still hours of the night often struck terror to the heart of the pioneer in the solitudes of the "forest primeval." The specimens in this building are especially fine. THE OCELOT (Felis pardalis)

The members of this species are found in Mexico and Central and South America. They are called tiger cats. They are not much larger than the domestic cat. They are beautifully striped and their skins are highly prized. They are quick, active and powerful, and have the instincts of the leopard. There are several kinds, the most prominent of which are the common, the grey and the painted. There are several very fine specimens of the Ocelot in the Carnivora Building.

THE HYENA.

The members of this family form a sort of intermediate class between the Cat and Civit families. There are but three species, the spotted, the striped and the brown —and they are all found in the warmer regions of the ()ld World. They resemble the Dog family from which they are particularly distinguished by having the fore legs larger than the hind ones. Although a repulsive looking animal, with disgusting habits, they are very useful in preserving the health of the people in the countries in which they are found. They are scavengers, preferring carrion to fresh meat, and only seeking the latter when the former cannot be found. They are of a very cowardly disposition, not daring to attack any animal, however small, that dares to face them. THE SPOTTED HYENA

Is found in Africa, south of the Sahara. Its general color is yellowish brown