SNOW, AND QUALITY OF WHITENESS 113 



like of the albino would be strengthened among 

 pure savages by the superstitious element the 

 belief that the abnormal paleness of the individual 

 was supernatural, that want of color signified 

 absence of soul. 



As to the white shark of the tropics, the sim- 

 plest explanation of the greater terror inspired by 

 this creature would be that, being white, and 

 therefore conspicuous above all other dangerous 

 creatures, the sight would be more attracted to it, 

 its image would become more fixed, and look 

 larger and more formidable in the mind, and it 

 would be more often thought about apprehen- 

 sively, with the result that there would be a pre- 

 disposition to regard it with a fear exceeding that 

 inspired by other creatures equally or even more 

 dangerous to human life, but inconspicuously col- 

 ored, hence not so vividly seen, and creating no 

 such distinct and persistent mental image. Let us 

 consider what would be the effect of the appear- 

 ance of a M'arrior, habited in snowy white, or 

 shining gold, or vivid scarlet, or flame-color, 

 among a host of contending men, fighting in the 

 old fashion with sword and spear and battle-ax, 

 all clothed and armored in dull neutral or somber 

 colors. Wherever he appeared every eye would 

 be attracted to him; his movements and actions 

 would be followed with intense interest by all, and 

 by his antagonists with keen apprehension ; every 

 time he parried a blow aimed at his life he would 

 appear invulnerable to the lookers on, and when- 



