TIJE LION. 
227 
“ What is the difference between a species 
and a variety?” asked Richard. 
“ A species comprehends several essential 
differences in structure and habits, but a 
variety signifies merely an accidental differ¬ 
ence in colour or shape,—usually of colour. 
Thus, the domestic cat and the wild-cat of 
England are plainly different species; but 
there are endless varieties of the former. 
Tame animals are much more subject to 
varieties than wild. The lion of Arabia and 
Persia is usually not so large as that of 
Africa, the mane is not so full, and that and 
the whole body is of a lighter colour. They 
are said to be ordinarily less brave; but 
Bishop Ileber says, on the authority of his 
friend Mr. Boulderson, that no animal can 
be more courageous than the lion of India. 
When it sees its enemy approaching, it 
springs out to meet him open-mouthed, like 
the boldest of all animals,—a mastiff’dog,— 
and dies fighting to the last. Sometimes it 
springs directly upon the elephant’s head, 
and, by the immense weight and muscular 
power of his fore-quarters, drags him fairly 
to the ground.” 
“Row for Africa!” said Sidney, settling 
