Athenæus (ascribed to Aristophanês).
Hare. It is unlucky if a hare runs across a road in front of a traveller. The Roman augurs considered this an ill omen.
If an hare cross their way, they suspect they shall be rob’d, or come to some mischance.--Ramesay, Elminthologia, 271 (1668).
It was believed at one time that hares changed their sex every year.
Hedgehog. Hedgehogs foresee a coming storm.--Bodenham, Garden of the Muses, 153 (1600).
Hedgehogs fasten on the dugs of cows, and drain off the milk.
Horse. If a person suffering from whooping-cough asks advice of a man riding on a piebald horse, the malady will be cured by doing what the man tells him to do.
Jackal. The jackal is the lion’s provider. It hunts with the lion, and provides it with food by starting prey, as dogs start game.
Lady-bug. It is unlucky to kill a lady-bug.
Lion. The lion will not injure a royal prince.