The tigress generally takes much less care of her young than does the
lioness of her whelps. Occasionally, however, she shows the same
maternal affection.
Two young tiger cubs had been found by some villagers, while their
mother had been ranging in quest of prey. They were put into a stable,
where, during the whole night, they continued to make the greatest
possible noise. After some days, during which it was evident that their
mother had been searching for them in every direction, she at length
discovered the place where they were confined, and replied to their
cries with tremendous howlings. The keeper, fearing she would break
into the stable, and probably wreak her vengeance on his head, set the
cubs at liberty. She at once made her way to them, and before morning
had carried them off to an adjoining jungle.
If that savage tigress could thus risk the loss of her life for the sake
of her cubs, think what must be your mother's love for you. Do you try
to repay her in some part for all her care and tenderness, by your
affection, by doing all she wishes, and what you know is right, whether
she sees you or not; trying not in any way to vex her, but to please her
in all things?