A FIGHT BETWEEN A BULL AND A LIONNESS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5390, 6 July 1878, Page 1 (Supplement)

A FIGHT BETWEEN A BULL AND A LIONNESS.

It would seem that animals, as well as men, do not fight well on an empty stomach, if the following account of a fight between aiionness and a Texas bull is correct. The contest is said to have taken place in a spacious amphitheatre erected for the purpose near the town of San Antonio, in Texas. When the lioness was released from the iron cage in which she was confined, she sprang upon the ground as though eager for the encounter. The bull eyed her suspiciously, but appeared indifferent to her presence, until the lioness, who had passed behind' him, suddenly leaped upon his haunches and endeavored to fasten her teeth and claws in his side, which, however, being thick and tough, resisted the attempt. This attack roused the ire of the bull, who turned, and rushing upon his antagonist, caught her on his horns, and tossed her in the air. When she fell on© of her ribs was evidently broken, and growling, she retreated. The bull followed, and presently catching the lioness again on his horns, sent her “sailing through space.” The spectators, who are said to have numbered 5000. now shouted and cheered, the wildest enthusiasm prevailing as the bull, “ cornering” the lionness, pinned her to the floor with his horns. This ended the contest, the unhappy lioness being in such a sad condition after the bull’s finnl effort as not to have sufficient life remaining even to groan. The fight lasted twelve minutes, and the defeat of the lioness was attributed by her backers to the fact of her being “ over-starved for tho occasion.”