therefore their numbers do not increase so rapidly. For instance, a
pair of elephants will not have more than one young one in the space of
two years or more; while the rabbits, which are preyed upon and the
food of so many other beasts as well as birds, would increase
enormously, if they were not destroyed. Examine through the whole of
creation, and you will find that there is an unerring hand, which
invariably preserves the balance exact; and that there are no more
mouths than for which food is provided, although accidental
circumstances may for a time occasion a slight alteration."

They continued their walk until they came to the den of the lions. It
was a large place, in closed with a strong and high wall of stone, with
only one window to it for the visitors to look at them, as it was open
above. This window was wide, and with strong iron bars running from the
top to the bottom; but the width between the bars was such that a lion
could put his paw out with ease; and they were therefore cautioned not
to go too near. It was a fine sight to see eight or ten of these
noble-looking animals lying down in various attitudes, quite
indifferent apparently to the people outside--basking in the sun, and
slowly moving their tufted tails to and fro. William examined them at a
respectful distance from the bars; and so did Tommy, who had his mouth
open with astonishment, in which there was at first not a little fear
mixed, but he soon got bolder. The gentleman who had accompanied them,
and who had been long at the Cape, was relating to Mr. Seagrave and
Captain Osborn some very curious anecdotes about the lion. William and
they were so interested, that they did not perceive that Tommy had
slipped back to the grated window of the den. Tommy looked at the
lions, and then he wanted to make them move about: there was one fine
full-grown young lion, about three years old, who was lying down
nearest to the window; and Tommy took up a stone and threw it at him: