TERRIBLE SCENE IN AN AMERICAN MENAGERIE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 308, 5 November 1879, Page 2

TERRIBLE SCENE IN AN AMERICAN MENAGERIE.

Immediately after the close of the concert given at Coup's Circus, in Towand i. Bradford, County lowa, a few weeks since ■i scene recurred that thrilled with horror those who witnessed it, The animals in one cage—two lions and a tiger—were fed ftt that time, being separated by swinging doors, which are lifted, throwing the animals together as a happy family. These doors were lifted, after, it was supposed the animals had finished their meals, hut a large piece of meat had been left, by the lioness. This the tiger saw, and was about to spring upon it, when the lion covered it with his paw. Prof. McDonald, the trainer, spoke to the lion', but he refused to move. He then tried to force the meat from the animal's paws with the feeding fork, but without effect, as the lion held on. awl growled defiance. To the horror of those standing around, "tho professor opened the do->r of tho cage, and sprang almost upon the beast, which in turn, sprang npimthe man, diking him a powerfulblow'on the bre ist that staggered hiin and lacerated the fle-.li. An attendant, thinking to assist the now powerless trainer, caught him by the foot and pulled him near the door. The .linn again struck him", tearing the flesh of'his

thigh. The situation at this time was one of terrible suspense to those who were in< voluntary witnesses of it. Ladies fainted, children screamed, but the trainer, who seemed suddenly to recover hia senses, was on hia feet in a moment. He looked the big beast full in the eyes, ajid met him half-way, maintaining the steady gaze. He said in a firm, yet affectionate manner: "Ned, what irfi;you doing'ly* Do you want to kill me, youfjbest friend ft V : The Towanda paper says it bally seemed * that the king of the forest understood all that was said to him, for, dropping hii eyes, he went to to the piece of meat, and shoved it to his keeper. He then ap- ' proached the trainer and looked very penitent for what he had done, lying calmly down at his feet. ■