SUBKINGDOM VERTEBRATA. 



Fells leopardus, Leopard. 

 Fig. 35. 



for its protection while crouching upon the branches of trees, 



Having a black tail-tuft and a sameness of color, it has been 



called the "American Lion/ 7 though none of its habits 



Fig. sk. resembles those of its 



African namesake. 



The Leopard, :iow con- 

 sidered identical with the 

 panther, inhabits Africa, 

 India, and the adjacent 

 islands. Smaller than the 

 Tiger, it is as beautiful 

 and its mimicry as strik- 

 ing its skin being mark- 

 ed with circles of dark 

 spots instead of stripes, 

 corresponding to the 

 leaves of the tree among 

 which it conceals itself. 



The Jaguar, inhabiting 

 the warmer parts of Amer- 

 ica, is the analogue (see 

 Glossary) of the Leopard, 

 though more powerful, 

 being able to carry off a 

 horse with ease. The 

 circles upon its sides have 

 a black spot in the cen- 

 tre, well calculated to 

 deceive the eye as the 

 animal glides through 

 the dense foliage of the 

 tropical forests in pur- 

 suit of monkeys, swims 

 in the lagoons for tur- 

 tles, or prowls around 

 the herds of cattle for 



Fells on. fa, Jaguar. 

 Fig. 36. 



Fells domesttca*C&t. 



larger prey. 



