272 THE HISTOHY OF ANIMALS. [B. IX 



which he has become accustomed. "When hunted, he haa 

 never been seen to retreat or be alarmed ; and if compelled 

 to yield to the numbers of his hunters, he retreats slowly 

 and leisurely, and turns himself round at short inter- 

 vals. If overtaken in a thicket, he flies rapidly till he 

 reaches the open plain, and then again he withdraws slowly. 

 If compelled by numbers to retreat openly on the plain 

 ground, he runs at full stretch, and does not leap. His 

 manner of running is continuous, like that of a dog at full 

 stretch. When pursuing his prey, he throws himself upon 

 it when he comes within reach. 



2. It is, however, true, as they say, that the lion is afraid 

 of the fire, as Homer also writes, " The burning faggots 

 which he fears when urged against him ;" and that he ob- 

 serves the person who strikes him and attacks him ; and if 

 a person aims a blow at him without hitting him, the lion, if 

 he can rush upon and seize him, does not do him any injury, 

 nor tear him with his claws, but shakes and frightens him, 

 and then leaves him. They are more disposed to enter 

 towns and attack mankind when they grow old ; for old age 

 renders them unable to hunt, from the disease which attacks 

 their teeth. They live many years ; and a lame lion has 

 been captured which had many of its teeth broken, which 

 some persons considered as a sign that it had lived many 

 years. For this could not have happened except by the 

 lapse of time. 



3. There are two kinds of lions. One of these has a round 

 body and more curly hair, and is a more cowardly animal. 

 The other is of a longer form, has straight hair, and is more 

 courageous. Sometimes, when retreating, they stretch out 

 their tails like dogs ; and a lion has been at times observed, 

 when about to attack a hog, to retreat when that animal 

 erected its bristles. The lion is weak if struck in the belly, 

 but will bear many blows on other parts of the body, and 

 its head is very strong. If they bite or tear anything, 

 a large quantity of yellow serum flows from the wound, 

 which can never be stopped by bandages or sponges. The 

 mode of healing is the same as in the bite of a dog. 



4. The jackal is an animal attached to mankind. It does 

 not injure men, nor is it much afraid of them, but it will 

 fight with the dog and the lion. They are not, therefore, 



