220 THE HUNTER'S ARCADIA. 



legs, which do not appear to be so muscular in their 

 development. Seven feet six inches, inclusive of tail, 

 is about its length, although a few have been killed 

 exceeding this measurement, for I obtained one in 

 the Makalaka country which was at least a foot longer. 

 The favourite haunts of this beast are the rush-grown 

 and grassy edges of vleys and rivers, or the dense 

 jungles of the country adjoining the eastern coast. In 

 this selection of hunting grounds it has much similarity 

 to the lion, which it also resembles in its mode of attack. 

 During daylight it passes the greater part of its time 

 in sleep, and altogether may then be considered an 

 indolent animal ; but, when night approaches, and 

 hunger has whetted its appetite, I defy the observer 

 to note a more perfect example of grace, ease, and 

 rapidity of movement. The colours of the fur of the 

 leopard of the plains and woodlands are not so 

 brilliant as those of its confreres of the mountains ; 

 still, it is very beautiful, and outshines those of all 

 other animals in richness and elegance. 



A few years ago I brought home a number of both 

 these animals' skins, which, after being retanned and 

 shaved down on the inner side to the thickness of 

 chamois leather, made the most attractive drawing- 



