1 62 Wild Beasts 



that would not be apt to see into this device and keep out 

 of danger. The panther, however, enters the enclosure. 

 Such appears to be a fair statement of facts relating to 

 the brute's character and habits in this connection, but no 

 attempt is made towards explaining them. 



In certain parts of India panthers are netted. That is, 

 nets are hung about ten feet high behind which the hunt- 

 ers stand with spears. It is not jouer de rigueur to use 

 rifles unless these defences are leaped. 



In the event of the barrier being bounded over, the re- 

 sult to the huntsmen depends greatly upon the way in 

 which the beast attacks. Some animals of this species 

 have a curious habit, under such circumstances, of trying 

 to kill all their enemies at once. Much the same has been 

 said of tigers. Sir J. E. Alexander (" Expedition into 

 Africa") speaks of the spotted cats of that country as 

 flying about among a crowd of enemies, striking first at 

 one and then at another. In such a skirmish nobody 

 might be seriously injured. On the other hand, they can- 

 not be counted upon to act in this manner, and if, like 

 Barras' panther, one singled out a particular man and 

 fastened upon him, nothing, it is likely, could save his life 

 except prompt interference upon the part of his compan- 

 ions. 



With regard to its attack upon game, the mode in which 

 this animal takes its prey has been definitely settled in 

 several different ways, as is the case also in respect to the 

 manner in which its prey is eaten. Colonel Pollok (" Sport 

 in British Burmah ") remarks that " there is a peculiar and 

 singular distinction, with regard to the mode of breaking 



