FABULOUS ANIMALS. 515 
THE DRAGON. 
THIS fabulous animal, well known in the works of 
ancient poets and romancers, was supposed the tutelary 
genius of fresh-water springs in the bosom of dark forests 
and enchanted rocks. Dragons were harnessed to the 
car of Ceres ; they were the guardians of the golden apples 
of the Hesperides, and of the golden fleece of Colchis; and 
in several parts of the world set as protectors to the carbun- 
cles and other precious stones, hidden at the bottom of 
wells and fountains. They are represented as scaly ser- 
pents, with webbed feet, and with wings similar to those 
of a bat; having been, it seems, originally a hieroglyphic 
emblem of the dangerous influence of an undue combina- 
tion of air and water. Thus the serpent Python was the 
allegory of a pestilence, originating from a union of me- 
phitic air and moisture. They have been long supporters 
to the arms of the city of London, as if the guardians of 
the wealth which commerce brings hither from all the 
parts of the world. Four of tb,em are placed in fanciful 
attitudes, and beautifully carved, on the pedestal of the 
monument of London. 
