NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



They are so tame that their attendants, the 

 Pathans, take them out regularly on leash for exer- 

 cise, without any muzzle or hood, in the same way 

 as we take large dogs out for a walk. The people 

 take no more heed of them than they would if they 

 were ordinary domestic dogs, and show not the 

 slightest fear of them. 



These Chitas are very easily tamed, and become 

 docile and gentle, although they are rather excitable 

 in disposition. 



When required for hunting purposes, as is usually 

 the case in India, the Chita is caught when adult, or 

 nearly so, as it is stated the kittens can never be 

 taught to hunt unless they learn the art from their 

 mother. It takes about six months to tame and 

 train a Chita to hunt in the manner required of it 

 by its master. The male is always preferred for 

 hunting purposes. 



The Chitas when required for a hunt are led out 

 on leash, and a hood, similar to the kind used for 

 falcons, is placed on the head. The animals are 

 then put on to an uncovered bullock cart, with two 

 attendants in charge of each animal — one on each 

 side of it. When being thus conveyed the animals 

 usually sit on their haunches like great dogs. 



The Chitas at this time are very hungry, for, 

 previous to a hunt, they are deprived of food for 

 about twenty-four hours. When several Chitas are 

 used, the carts containing them are kept parallel at 

 a distance of about two hundred yards from each 



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