Lion-tiger and Tiger-lion Hybrids

Abstract

SINCE the date of my previous communication on the above subject (see NATURE, p. 390) I have had some correspondence with Mr. John Atkins, son of Mr. Thomas Atkins, the result of which has been not only to clear up several discrepancies which I pointed out as occurring in the previously published accounts by Sir Wm. Jardine and Mr. Griffiths, but moreover it enables me to present for the first time a detailed account of what, so far as I can ascertain, are the only authenticated cases of the interbreeding of a lion and tigress. I am aware of the classical references to the reputed breeding of the leopard and lioness; but that part of the subject I do not propose to discuss now. In the first place I should state that the proprietor of the menagerie, when the first hybrids were seen, was Mr. Thomas Atkins, not “F.” or “J. Atkins” as quoted previously. Mr. John Atkins came into possession later on. The parents of the hybrids were the same all through for ten years, from 1824 to 1833, during which period six litters were born. The lion was bred in Mr. Atkins's menagerie from a Barbary lion and a Senegal lioness. The tigress was born in the Marquis of Hastings's collection in Calcutta, and was purchased when about eighteen months old by Mr. T. Atkins from a captain, to whom she had been given by the Marquis. Being of the same age as the lion, she was placed together with him in the same cage, and two years afterwards she proved to be in cub.