204 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY, 
has never been known to @@tack 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. Fora 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 ona 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 tke description of a 
