ENCOUNTER WITH A LION.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 106, 15 April 1876, Page 2

ENCOUNTER WITH A LION.

Thk “ Journal du Havre ” recounts a terrible encounter between the liontamer Bidel and a number of wild beasts. Bidel’s custom was to go into the cage of these ferocious animals accompanied by a sheep, which was by his presence kept safe from: attack. On a recent occasion lie proceeded to the lion’s cage, and his first act was to place the sheep on a lioness, as he had frequently done before, No sooner had he accomplished this than a powerful lion sprang upon the poor sheep and buried his teeth deep into a vital part of its body. There was a large number of spectators present, and, as may be imagined, the sndden act of the lion created an instant and general panic. Bidel stepped forward, and with the utmost coolness struck the lion a blow on the mouth with a heavy stick, which mad' 1 him crouch and yell with pain, and throw his bleeding victim trembling at the feet of the courageous performer. In another moment, however, all the wild beasts were lashed into fury by the sight of blood, and no one in the assembly believed that Bidel conld pofsibly escape. Preserving his presence of mind, however, he kept the other animals at bay until he had sufinned the lion and chased him back to his cage. He then fought his way back through the other animals, and amid the bravos of the assembly came out triumphantly cairying his wounded sheep with him. The poor animal, wdiich was a great favorite of the lion-tamer, has since died of its wounds.