54 THE LEOPARD. 



by innumerable closely approximating spots, from half an 

 inch to an inch in diameter, which are intensely black, and 

 do not, as in the common Leopard and others of the spotted 

 cats, form roses with a lighter centre, but are full and com- 

 plete. These spots which are wanting on the chest and 

 under parts of the body, are larger on the back than on the 

 head, sides and limbs, where they are more closely set ; 

 they are also spread along the tail, forming, on the greater 

 part of its extent, interrupted rings, which however become 

 continuous as they approach its extremity, the three or four 

 last rings surrounding it completely. The tip of the tail 

 is white. The upper part of the head is of a deeper tinge ; 

 and there is a strongly marked flexuous black line, of about, 

 half an inch in breadth, extending from the inner angle of the 

 eye, to the angle of the mouth. The extremity of the nose 

 is black like that of a dog. It is common in India and 

 Sumatra, as well as in Persia, and is well known both in 

 Senegal and at the Cape of Good Hope ; but the ingenuity 

 of the savage natives of the latter countries has not, so far 

 as we know, been exerted in rendering its services avail- 

 able in the chase in the manner so successfully practiced 

 by the more refined and civilized inhabitants of Persia and 

 Hindostan. 



In the East, where these beautiful animals are employed 

 in the chase, they are carried to the field in low cars, 

 whereon they are chained. Each Leopard is hooded. 

 When the hunters come within view of a herd of Ante- 

 lopes, the Leopard is unchained, his hood is removed, and 

 the game is pointed out to him ; for he is directed in the 

 pursuit by his sight. Then he steals along cautiously and 

 crouchingly, taking advantage of every means of making 

 his attack, till he has approached the herd unseen, within 

 killing distance, when he suddenly launches himself upon 

 his quarry with five or six vigorous and rapid bounds, 

 strangles it instantaneously, and drinks its blood. The 

 huntsman now approaches the Leopard, caresses him, wins 



