CIRCUS LIFE.

Evening Star, Issue 3917, 13 September 1875, Page 3

CIRCUS LIFE.

Menageries form also an attractive-part of some travelling shows, and the shetamers of wild beasts are prominent among circus celebrities. Yan Amburgh, in answer to a question put by the Duke of Wellington, said that if he ever felt afraid he should retire “ from the beast line.” The greater number of lions in this country have been bred iu cages, and are move readily tamed than those purchased in a wild state. It is said that the Sangcrs own a lion which is so tame that it is allowed to roam at large in their house like a cat. Lion tamers must be strictly sober men. Macomo, one of the most daring of the fraternity, never drank any beverage stronger than coffee. “ Many stories of his exploits are told by showmen. One of the finest tigers ever imported into this country, and said to be the ider> tical beast that escaped from Jamruch’s possession and killed a boy before it was recaptured, was purchased by Manders and placed in a cage •with another tiger. The two beasts soon began to tight, and were engaged in a furious conflict, when Macomo entered the cage, armed only with a whip, and attempted to separate them. Both the tigers immediately turned their fury on him, and severely lacerated him with their sharp claws, but covered with blood as ho was, he continued fo belabor them with the whip until tlv-y cowered before him, and knew him fn their master.” luke Van Amburgl and Crockett, Macomo died a nature death, Macarthy, the successor o Macomo, was less fortunate. He was of intemperate habits, and often turned his back upon the animals, though cautioned not to do so. He died a horrible death at Bolton, as some of our readers may remember. The exhibition of wild beasts is rarely very profitable, so great are the expense and risk, but it appears that the animals will sometimes render the

keepers essential service when in pecuniary difficulties. '• A sheriffs officer was one day about lo arrest a debtor when the man ran under an elephant';belly, and took up a safe position on the other side. The officer, trying U go behind, was prevented by a .sealden movement of tlie elephant’s hindapiar tersj he then tried to dive under tin

animal, but the beast gave him a slap with his trunk. ‘ I’ll have you if I. wait here all day,’ said he, as he drew back hastily. ‘ You had better not wait till I unfasten this chain,’ said the elephant keeper, pretending to do what he threatened, upon which the officer moved off, and the man escaped.” A similar tale is told of a lion-tamer, who, in order to avoid arrest, took refuge among his lions.— ‘ Circus Life and Circus Celebrities.’