398 ANIMALS OF THE 



a lion. Some of these are white, and others of a 

 dun colour. These come from Syria and Persia, 

 two countries which are noted for giving a long 

 soft hair to the animals which are bred in them. 

 The sheep, the goats, the dogs, and the rabbits 

 of Syria, are all remarkable for the fine glossy 

 length and softness of their hair ; but particular- 

 ly the cat, whose nature seems to be so inflexible, 

 conforms to the nature of the climate and soil, 

 loses its savage colour, which it preserves almost 

 in every other part of the world, and assumes the 

 most beautiful appearance. There are some 

 other varieties in this animal, but rather in co- 

 lour than in form ; and in general it may be re- 

 marked, that the cat, when carried into other 

 countries, alters but very little, still preserving 

 its natural manners, habits, and conformation. 



THE LION. 



THE influence of climate upon mankind is very 

 small ; * he is found to subsist in all parts of the 

 earth, as well under the frozen poles as beneath 

 the torrid zone : but in animals, the climate may 

 be considered as congenial, and a kind of second 

 nature. They almost all have their particular 

 latitudes, beyond which they are unable to sub- 

 sist ; either perishing with a moderate cold, or 

 dying for want of a frozen air, even in a tempe- 



* This description is principally taken from M. Buffon ; such parts as 

 are added from others, I have marked with commas. 



