The lions behaved best , for they only paced up and down , with an occasional cry ; but the tigers were quite frantic ; for they tumbled one over the other , shook the cages , and tried to reach the bystanders , just out of reach behind the bar that kept us at a safe distance . One lady had a fright , for the wind blew the end of her shawl within reach of a tiger 's great claw , and he clutched it , trying to drag her nearer . The shawl came off , and the poor lady ran away screaming , as if a whole family of wild beasts were after her . When the lumps of meat were thrown in , it was curious to see how differently the animals behaved . The tigers snarled and fought and tore and got so savage I was very grateful that they were safely shut up . In a few minutes , nothing but white bones remained , and then they howled for more . One little leopard was better bred than the others , for he went up on a shelf in the cage , and ate his dinner in a quiet , proper manner , which was an example to the rest . The lions ate in dignified silence , all but my favourite , who carried his share to his sick mate , and by every gentle means in his power tried to make her eat . She was too ill , however , and turned away with a plaintive moan which seemed to grieve him sadly . He would n't touch his dinner , but lay down near her , with the lump between his paws , as if guarding it for her ; and there I left him patiently waiting , in spite of his hunger , till his mate could share it with him . As I took a last look at his fine old face , I named him Douglas , and walked away , humming to myself the lines of the ballad , -- Douglas , Douglas , Tender and true . As a contrast to the wild beasts , I went to see the monkeys , who lived in a fine large house all to themselves . Here was every variety , from the great ugly chimpanzee to the funny little fellows who played like boys , and cut up all sorts of capers . A mamma sat tending her baby , and looking so like a little old woman that I laughed till the gray monkey with the blue nose scolded at me . He was a cross old party , and sat huddled up in the straw , scowling at every one , like an ill-tempered old bachelor . Half-a-dozen little ones teased him capitally by dropping bits of bread , nut-shells , and straws down on him from above , as they climbed about the perches , or swung by their tails . One poor little chap had lost the curly end of his tail , -- I 'm afraid the gray one bit it off , -- and kept trying to swing like the others , forgetting that the strong , curly end was what he held on with . He would run up the bare boughs , and give a jump , expecting to catch and swing , but the lame tail would n't hold him , and down he 'd go , bounce on to the straw . At first he 'd sit and stare about him , as if much amazed to find himself there ; then he 'd scratch his little round head and begin to scold violently , which seemed to delight the other monkeys ; and , finally , he 'd examine his poor little tail , and appear to understand the misfortune which had befallen him . The funny expression of his face was irresistible , and I enjoyed seeing him very much , and gave him a bun to comfort him when I went away .
The snake-house XXXXX next , and I went in , on my way to visit the rhinoceros family .
blew came dropping got howled sit swung took tumbled turned