CHAPTER II.

THE CAT FAMILY--THE LION.

THE LION--Its Geographical Distribution at the Present Day and in Ancient Times--Its Haunts--Varieties of the Lion--Distinction between the Lion and other Cats--Its Courage, Speed, and Strength--Its Roar--Its Supposed Magnanimity--Its Habits--Man-eating--Occasional resort to Vegetable Diet--Love-making--The Lion-cubs and their Education--Old Age--Breeding in Captivity--Lion Hunting 14