I-KOPAKD. 



This animal is one of tlie most graceful of tlic G-racefiil tribe of cats, and, 

 altlioiigli far less in dimensions tlian tlie Tiger, challenges competition with that 

 animal in the beautiful markings of its fur, and the easy elegance of its move- 

 ments. It is possessed of an accomplishment which is not within the powers of 

 the lion or tiger, being able to climb trees with singular agility, and even to chase 

 the tree-loving animals among their familiar liaunts. On account of this power, 

 it is called by the natives of India " Lakree-baug," or Tree-Tiger. Even in Africa 

 it is occasionally called a " Tiger," a confusion of nomenclature which is quite 

 bewildering to a non-zoologist, who may read in one book that there are no tigers 

 in Africa, and in another, may peruse a narrative of a tiger-hunt at the Cape. 

 Similar mistakes Jire made with regard to the American felidcC, not to mention 

 the nmnerous examples of mis-called animals that are insulted by false titles in 

 almost eveiy part of the globe. For, in America, the Puma is popularly known 

 by the name of the Lion, or the Panther, or " Painter," as the American forester 

 prefers to call it, while the Jaguar is termed the " Tiger." 



In Africa, the Leopard is Avell known and much dreaded, for it possesses a 

 most crafty brain, as avcU as an agile l)ody and sharp teeth and claws. It 

 commits sad depredation on flocks and herds, and has sufficient foresiglit to lay 



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