A GRATEFUL LION.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,•–•In your article " Androclus and the Lion" (Spectator, June 29th) great doubt is thrown on the truth of the classic tale, but I venture to think that the following facts tend to
show that there may have been a very solid foundation of truth in the story of the lion's devotion. Early in the " forties " of the nineteenth century a lion or lioness in the Dublin Zoological Gardens was discovered to be suffering from the effects of an ingrowing claw-nail. Matters had reached a serious pitch when, I think, the late Professor Houghton, or Head of Trinity College, became interested in the case, and, in conjunction with the keeper, arranged to attempt an operation, the step having the full sanction of the authorities, who knew that unless professional skill could effect a cure the life of a valuable specimen would be sacrificed. A second iron barred screen was arranged in front of a portion of the solid iron gratings of the invalid's cage, and after many efforts, on the appointed morning the animal was roused and the damaged paw drawn through the bars. As if aware that steps to alleviate its sufferings were in progress, the great creature was wonderfully tranquil, and allowed the surgeon to cut out the offending nail and remove the diseased flesh in the immediate vicinity without the awful struggles which had been antici- pated and prepared for. The operation concluded, the restraining ropes were removed, and the great creature retired to lick its wounds, in no very placid mood. Two days after the surgeon returned to see bow matters stood, and to his intense surprise was recognised by the patient, not as an enemy, but as a friend! Stalking up to the side of the cage, the lion purred loudly, rubbing its sides against the bars, waving and arching its tail after the manner of the domestic cat as it passed and repassed in front of its benefactor. Nor was its gratitude of a transitory nature. As long as it survived the greeting was the same every time its friend presented him- self, till one day, months after, on reaching the lion-house, be learnt that the faithful creature bad died,—not from any result of the operation, which had been absolutely successful, the wound healing completely. Though uncertain of the operator's name, I am clear as to the main facts, having often heard the tale from my father, a me lical student of Trinity College, Dublin, at the time.—I am, Sir, &c., A FRIEND OF ANIMALS.
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