72 THE PANTHER. 



in size, fierceness, and beauty, of any quadruped that 

 is known. It is distinguished, however, by one ob- 

 vious and leading feature, that of being spotted, not 

 streaked; for in this particular the tiger differs from 

 the panther, the leopard, and almost all the inferior 

 ranks of this mischievous race. 



THE LEOPARD. 



Next to the panther is an animal which Mr. Buffon 

 terms the leopard ; or, as it is sometimes called, the 

 panther of Senegal, where it is chiefly to be found. 

 The difference between this creature and the panther 

 consists in its size, and the distribution of the spots 

 upon the skin. From the tip of the panther's nose to 

 the insertion of its tail is generally about six feet ; but 

 the leopard seldom measures more than four : the leo- 

 pard's skin is more bright and shining, and the spots 

 are disposed in clusters instead of rings. 



THE JAGUAR, OR PANTHER OF AMERICA. 



To these two animals, whose difference is so small, a 

 third may be added, which is called the Jaguar ; this in 

 every respect resembles the two former, except in the 

 disposition of the spots, and that the marks upon its 

 neck and head are rather striped than round : it is also 

 said to stand lower on the legs, and to be rather less 

 than the leopard of Senegal. 



THE OUNCE. 



The Ounce, or the onca of Linnaeus, is much less 

 than the panther, not being more than three feet and a 

 half in length ; the hair, however, is much longer, 

 which deceives the eye as to the creature's size ; and 

 the tail frequently measures more than the whole body 



