GQ 



CUNNING OF THE CHETAH. 



The Chetah is one of those animals which gain their living by min- 

 gletl craft and agility. Its chief food is obtained from the various deer 

 and antelopes which inhabit the same country, and in seizing and slay- 

 ing its prey no little art is required. The speed of this animal is not 

 ve'ry great, and it lias but little endurance ; so that an antelope or a 



The Chetah (Guepardajubata). 



stag could set the spotted foe at defiance, and in a quarter of an hour 

 place itself beyond his reach. But it is the business of the Chetah to 

 hinder the active and swift-footed deer from obtaining those invaluable 

 fifteen minutes, and to strike them down before they are aware of his 

 presence. 



In order to obtain this end, the Chetah watches for a herd of deer or 

 antelopes, or is content to address himself to the pursuit of a solitary in- 

 dividual, or a little band of two or three should they be placed in a 

 position favorable for his purpose. Crouching upon the ground so as 

 to conceal himself as much as possible from the watchful eyes of the 

 intended prey, the Chetah steals rapidly and silently upon them, never 

 venturing to show himself until he is within reach by a single spring. 

 Having singled out one individual from the herd, the Chetah leaps 

 upon the devoted animal and dashes it to the ground. Fastening his 

 strong grip in the throat of the dying animal, the Chetah laps the hot 

 blood, and for the while seems forgetful of time or place. 



