THE CHETAH. 



mode of leaping in successive bounds, with its back slightly arched, and all the 

 feet coming to the ground nearly at the same time. It is a good swimmer, 

 lieing able to cross the water for a distance of two miles or more. Powerful 

 though it be, it is easily killed by a blow on the back, a slight stick being a 

 sufficient weapon wherewith to destroy the animal. The flesh of the Peeshoo 

 is eaten by the natives, and is said, though devoid of flavour, to be agreeably 

 tender. 



CRETAB. — Gffepardcf jMfa. 



The Chetah, Youze, or Hunting Cat, as it is indifferently named, is an 

 inhabitant of Asia and Africa. It is rather a large animal, exceeding an ordinary 

 leopard in stature. This superiority in size appears to be greater than it is, on 

 account of the very long limbs of the Chetah, which give it the aspect of a very 

 large animal. The head, however, is very small in proportion to its height, and 

 the limbs, although very long, are slender, and devoid of that marvellous strength 

 that lies in the true leopard's limb. 



The title "jubata," or crested, is given to the Chetah on account of a short, 

 mane -like crest of stiff long hairs which passes from the back of the head to the 

 shoulders. Although the Chetah is popularly termed the " Hunting Leopard," it 

 can lay but little claim to the pardine title, and has probably been placed among 

 the true leopards more on account of its spotted hide than for its shape and 

 structure. The claws of this animal are but partially retractile, nor are they so 

 sharply curved, nor so beautifully pointed, as those of the leopard. The Chetah 

 is unable to climb trees like the leopard, and in the general contour of its body 

 evidently forms one of the connecting links between the feline and the canine 

 races. 



The Chetah is a terrible enemy to deer and other animals on which it feeds, 

 but it is not endowed with much speed, aiul is forced to rely on its cunning 

 and agility. 



In order to obtain its food, the Chetah watches for a herd of deer or antelopes, 

 or is content to address himself to the pursuit of a solitary individual, or a little 

 band of two or three, should they be placed in a position favourable for his 

 purpose. Crouching upon the ground so as to conceal himself as much as 

 possible from the watchful eyes of the intended prey, the Chetah steals rapidly 

 and silently upon them, never venturing to show himself until he is within reach 

 of a single spring. Having chosen out one individual from the herd, the Chetah 

 leaps upon the devoted animal and dashes it to the ground. Pnstcning his strong 



