Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/41

 TIGER AND BUFFALO FIGHTS. 25

form a ring consistino; of a vast concourse of eager spectators. The figlit between the tiger and the buffalo is always considered the sensational scene of the dny. The portable cage into which the tiger has ])een driven is placed in the centre of the ring, and that of his adversary exactly opposite, a few paces apart. When the doors are opened, the tiger, if he has lost heart In' his long confinement, will immediately make a rush towards the circle of spectators, seeking for a gap through which he may make his escape a vain attempt, for so formidable is the zone by which he is siu'rounded, and so threatening an; the glittering spear heads, that, with his tail between his liind legs, lu; not uufre- cpiently rcti'cats to his artificial cover, out of which he nnist again be driven in order to make him come to the scrntch. If, as is gend'ally tlu; case, lie at last tuiMis in desperation from the pointed barrier of speai's, and encountei's the l)uff;do, in- furiated by pain inflicted by the points of the

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