52 THE LEOPARD. 



is about four feet in length from the nose to the origin of 

 the tail, and the latter about two feet long. The predom- 

 inant color is yellowish, of a paler hue than that of the 

 Panther, and more inclining to luteous ; the spots with 

 which it is diversified are also black, and disposed in cir- 

 cles, but are smaller, closer, and less distinct than in the 

 panther, and the space in the centre of the rings, formed 

 by the disposition of the marginal series of spots, is usu- 

 ally plain. Both these animals abound in the interior of 

 Africa, from Barbary to the remotest parts of Guinea, 

 and are the scourge of every country they inhabit. The 

 Panther, from its superior size and strength, attacks the 

 larger quadrupeds, and is extremely destructive among 

 the camels and horses ; the Leopard commits dreadful 

 havoc among the herds and flocks of goats, sheep, and 

 other animals, and the different kinds of game. They 

 frequent the banks of rivers, and take their prey by sur- 

 prise, either lurking in thickets, from which they dart on 

 them when they approach within convenient distance, or 

 creeping on the belly till they reach their victim ; and they 

 climb trees in pursuit of monkeys and smaller animals 

 with perfect ease. 



Travellers relate that the flesh of these animals is of 

 excellent flavor, and white as veal. The Indians and 

 negroes eat it, but prefer that of the dog : they, however, 

 entrap it for the sake of the flesh, as well as the skins, 

 which latter sell for a high price. Collars, bracelets, and 

 other ornaments composed of the teeth of these animals, 

 also constitute an article of finer} 7 in the dress of the ne.srro 

 women, and are esteemed the more valuable as charms to 

 repel the power of witchcraft. 



For the purpose of taking them, it is usual for the hun- 

 ter to construct a hiding place within musket-shot of a 

 tree, on which is suspended some flesh as a bait for the 

 unconscious beast, which receives the ball in the act of 

 taking it. The hunter, for greater caution, then waits till 





