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Show Most of tho things that aro customary custom-ary with us havo somo good reason for their origin, though wo nro apt to accept them and not Innulro what tho origin wob. Tho water In n great many public fountains, whether for man or beast, comes out of a lion's mouth. Did you over stop to think why a lion's head should bo chosen In prefcrenco to any other design? TIiIb Is said to bo the reason: Among tho ancient Egyptians tho rising of tho waters of tho River Nllo was tho most Important ovent of tho year, as It meant Ufo and prosperity to tho wholo nation. This rising of tho waters wa-ters nlways took placo when tho sun was In tho constellation ot Leo, or tho lion. So thoy adopted tho shapo of a lion ns tho symbol of tho llfo-gtvlng waters of tho Nile, und nil their fountains foun-tains wero carved with n Uon'B head. Tho Greeks and Romans copied this symbol, and so It has como down to us. |