338 LION. 



quadrupeds. A Lion of the largest size has been 

 found to measure about eight feet from the nose 

 to the tail ; and the tail itself about four feet : the 

 general colour is a pale tawny, still paler or more 

 inclining to white beneath : the head is very large, 

 the ears rounded, the face covered with short or 

 close hair, the upper part of the head, the neck, 

 and shoulders coated with long shaggy hair, form- 

 ing a pendent mane: on the body the hair is short 

 and smooth : the tail is terminated by a tuft of 

 blackish hair. The Lioness, which is smaller 

 than the Lion, is destitute of the mane, and is of 

 a whiter cast beneath. The Lion, like the Tiger, 

 frequently conceals himself, in order to spring on 

 his prey; bounding to the distance of a great 

 many feet, and seizing it with his claws. His 

 strength is prodigious ; it has even been affirmed, 

 that a single stroke of his paw is sufficient to 

 break the back of a horse ; and that he carries off 

 with ease a middle-sized ox, or Buffalo. He does 

 not often prey in open sunshine, but commences 

 his depredations at the close of clay. The roar- 

 ing of the Lion, when in quest of prey, resembles 

 the sound of distant thunder; and, being re- 

 echoed by the rocks and mountains, appals the 

 whole race of animals, and puts them to sudden 

 flight; but he frequently varies his voice into a 

 hideous scream or yell : he is supposed to be de- 

 stitute of a fine scent, and to hunt by the eye 

 alone. The Lion is commonly said to devour as 

 much as will serve him for two or three days ; and, 

 when satiated with food, to remain in a state of 



