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 day. 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 
