204 Lloyd's natural history. 



has never been known to attack human beings. Indeed, its 

 disposition cannot in any way be said to be ferocious or 

 sanguinary ; and when the natives of South Africa meet with a 

 Hunting-Leopard, they have no hesitation in closing with it, 

 armed only with a club. For a short spurt, the speed of this 

 animal far surpasses that of any other member of the Family ; 

 and it also differs from the other species, in that it generally 

 hunts in pairs or small family parties. After a meal, it usually 

 rests for a couple of days, and then repairs to a particular 

 tree, where it cleans and sharpens its claws in ' the manner 

 characteristic of the Family, preparatory to another foray. It 

 can be tamed with great facility, all the individuals employed 

 in hunting in India being captured when full-grown, the natives 

 asserting that it is essential for the cubs to be trained in 

 capturing their prey by their parents. 



Regarding the employment of these animals in the chase, 

 Jardine writes that at an early period of the Mogul Empire 

 it is stated that Leopards and Lynxes were kept for chasing 

 Deer, and Tigers for seizing Boars. ''Although it is not likely 

 that it was the real Tiger which was employed, it is evident 

 that there were at least three animals so distinct as to entitle 

 them to various denominations. It is said that some of the 

 emperors, in their great hunting expeditions, were accompanied 

 to the field by a thousand Hunting-Leopards. 



" At the present period this sport is confined entirely to India 

 and Persia, and the Hunting-Leopard alone is employed in it. 

 These animals are so tame and gentle, as to be led about in a 

 leash like Greyhounds, but when brought to the hunting-field, 

 they are carried either on an Elephant or on horseback on a 

 pad behind the rider, but more generally on a cart made for the 

 purpose, and drawn by oxen. This carries both the sports- 

 man and his attendants, and upon approaching the game, the 

 animal is unhooded and slipped. But the description of a 



