Mythical Monsters

“The alterations required to reduce the African oryx to the standard of this model, are slight and simple, nor can it be doubted that they have been gradually introduced by successive copyists; the idea of the single horn having been derived in the first instance from profile representations of that animal given in bas-relief on the sculptured monuments of ancient Egypt and Nubia… They have in their aspect a certain bovine expression; and Arabs and other natives never consider them as antelopes but as a species of buffalo… The oryx boldly defends itself when pressed by the hunters, is quarrelsome during the rutting season, and it is said that even the lion dreads an encounter with it.”

309

Even the patient ass, in a state of nature, is endowed with great courage. Baharan, one of the early Persian monarchs, received the surname Baharan Guz from his transfixing, with one arrow, a wild ass and a lion engaged in active combat.

310

Black, red, azure (green, blue, or black), white, yellow.

311

Many species of bird do not attain their mature plumage until long after they have attained adult size, as some among the gulls and birds of prey. I think I am right in saying that some of these latter only become perfect in their third year. We all know the story of the ugly duckling, and the little promise which it gave of its future beauty.

312

According to Dr. Williams, the Lwan was a fabulous bird described as the essence of divine influence, and regarded as the embodiment of every grace and beauty, and that the argus pheasant was the type of it.

Dr. Williams says that it was customary to hang little bells from the phœnix that marked the royal cars.

313

In reference to Hwang Ti (?) writing the Bamboo Books?

314

The Wu Tung is the Eleococca verrucosa, according to Dr. Williams; others identify it with the Sterculia platanifolia. There is a Chinese proverb to the effect that without having Wu Tung trees you cannot expect to see phœnixes in your garden.

315

Berosus lived in the time of Alexander the Great, or about B.C. 330-260, or 300 years after the Jews were carried captive to Babylon.

316

Encyclopædia Britannica.

317

Jăn-jăn means a gradual but imperceptible advance.

318

Defined by Williams “as the dragon of morasses and thickets, which has scales and no horn, corresponding very nearly to the fossil iguanodon.” Vide the description (ante) from the Pan-Tsaou-Kang-mu, &c.

319

Ying– correct, true.

320

According to Williams, this is a young dragon without a horn, although others, as in the text, say with one.

321

P’an– to curl up, to coil.

322

The male and female principle.

323

See the notices in the body of the work from the Shan Hai King.

324

Waters of such specific gravity that even a feather would sink.

325

Probably a pair from each stream.

326

In Foh-kien.

327

Probably equivalent to “abbot.”

328

Extract from the Yuen Keen Lei Han, vol. ccccxxxviii., p. 23.

329

In drilling an army there are names for all positions of the army. Thus, the general says: “Arrange yourselves like a snake, or like a dragon, or any other imaginable shape.”

330

Williams gives this translation only, but I think there must be another meaning; probably some sort of reptile is indicated.