1. It has been already observed that we can distinguish a difference in
the dispositions of animals, especially in the courage and cowardice,
and then in their mildness and fierceness, even in wild animals. The
lion in his manner of feeding is very cruel; but when he is not hungry,
and is full fed, his disposition is gentle. He is not either jealous
or suspicious. He is fond of playing with and affectionate towards
those animals which have been brought up with him, and to which he has
become accustomed. When hunted, he has never been seen to retreat or
be alarmed; and if compelled to yield to the numbers of his hunters,
he retreats slowly and leisurely, and turns himself round at short
intervals. If overtaken in a thicket, he flies rapidly till he reaches
the open plain, and then again he withdraws slowly. If compelled by
numbers to retreat openly on the plain ground, he runs at full stretch,
and does not leap. His manner of running is continuous, like that of a
dog at full stretch. When pursuing his prey, he throws himself upon it
when he comes within reach.
2. It is, however, true, as they say, that the lion is afraid of the
fire, as Homer also writes, "The burning faggots which he fears when
urged against him;" and that he observes the person who strikes him
and attacks him; and if a person aims a blow at him without hitting
him, the lion, if he can rush upon and seize him, does not do him any
injury, nor tear him with his claws, but shakes and frightens him,
and then leaves him. They are more disposed to enter towns and attack
mankind when they grow old; for old age renders them unable to hunt,
from the disease which attacks their teeth. They live many years; and a
lame lion has been captured which had many of its teeth broken, which
some persons considered as a sign that it had lived many years. For
this could not have happened except by the lapse of time.
3. There are two kinds of lions. One of these has a round body and
more curly hair, and is a more cowardly animal. The other is of a
longer form, has straight hair, and is more courageous. Sometimes, when
retreating, they stretch out their tails like dogs; and a lion has been
at times observed, when about to attack a hog, to retreat when that
animal erected its bristles. The lion is weak if struck in the belly,
but will bear many blows on other parts of the body, and its head is
very strong. If they bite or tear anything, a large quantity of yellow
serum flows from the wound, which can never be stopped by bandages or
sponges. The mode of healing is the same as in the bite of a dog.
4. The jackal is an animal attached to mankind. It does not injure men,
nor is it much afraid of them, but it will fight with the dog and the
lion. They are not, therefore, found in the same locality. The small
jackal is the best. Some persons say that there are two, others that
there are three sorts; but, like some fish, birds, and quadrupeds, the
jackal changes at different seasons, and has a different colour in
summer and in winter. In summer it is smooth; in winter, rough.