CHAP. 23.—PANTHERS.
The panther and the tiger are nearly the only animals that
are remarkable for a skin distinguished by the variety of its
spots; [Note] whereas others have them of a single colour, appropriate to each species. The lions of Syria alone are black.
The spots of the panther are like small eyes, upon a white
ground. It is said that all quadrupeds are attracted in a most
wonderful manner by their odour, [Note] while they are terrified
by the fierceness of their aspect; for which reason the creature
conceals its head, and then seizes upon the animals that are
attracted to it by the sweetness of the odour. It is said by
some, that the panther has, on the shoulder, a spot which bears
the form of the moon; and that, like it, it regularly increases
to full, and then diminishes to a crescent. At present, we
apply the general names of varia [Note] and pard, (which last belongs to the males), to all the numerous species of this animal,
which is very common in Africa and Syria. [Note] Some writers
distinguish the panther, as being remarkable for its whiteness:
but as yet I have not observed any other difference between
them.
