38 PUMA. 



Leopard. In many respects, both of habit and appear- 

 ance, the Leopard, though a considerably smaller animal, 

 resembles the panther. He lies in ambush for prey, and 

 voraciously seizes upon almost every kind of animal 

 which he is able to conquer. The Leopard is a native of 

 Africa, India, China, and Arabia. 



He is about four feet in length ; of a yellowish colour, 

 and marked with annular spots. 



Ounce. In several parts of Persia, China, and Africa, 

 the Ounce is trained to the chase. He is carried upon a 

 small leathern pad, on horseback, behind his keeper. 

 When game is within view, he is ordered to descend; and 

 in five or six leaps he generally succeeds in fixing him- 

 self firmly upon the neck of his prey, which usually con- 

 sists of the different species of antelopes. 



In size, the Ounce is smaller than the leopard. The 

 hair is somewhat long and shaggy; and its colour a 

 tawny white, with numerous black and irregular marks. 



Puma, or Conguar. This animal, which is a native of 

 Peru and Chili, is sometimes called the lion of South 

 America, and inhabits the thickest woods and most 

 inaccessible mountains. In seizing his prey he glides 

 softly along upon his belly, and when within reach, springs 

 suddenly upon it. In this manner he attacks and de- 

 vours various kinds of large animals which frequent the 

 plains. The Puma is hunted with dogs trained for the 

 purpose. If caught when young, he may be tamed, and, 

 in some degree, domesticated. He has sometimes, 

 though rarely, been known to attack mankind. 



In size the Puma is nearly as large as a wolf. Its fur 

 is of an uniform brownish-red colour on the upper parts 



