THE LEOPARD. 



THE LEOPARD. 



THE principal difference between the leopard and the 

 janther, which have frequently been confounded by 

 naturalists, are the following : The large panther is some- 

 times six feet long, the leopard seldom more than four. 

 The former is marked in different places with five or six 

 spots, forming a kind of circle, with a large one in the cen- 

 tre ; the latter has a more beautiful coat, the spots are 

 smaller, and disposed in clusters on a bright yellow ground. 



The leopard, in its chace of prey, spares neither man nor 

 beast. When it cannot obtain a sufficient supply in its native 

 solitudes, it descends from the internal parts of Africa, and 

 makes terrible devastations among the numerous herds 

 that cover the rich meadows of Lower Guinea. It is also a 

 native of several parts of India, China, and Arabia ; where 

 it is hunted for its flesh, as well as its skin. 



The negroes take these animals in pitfalls, slightly cover- 

 ed at the top, and baited with flesh. Their chief induce- 

 ment for pursuing them is their flesh, which they eat, and 

 consider as a great delicacy. The negresses make collars 

 of their teeth, and wear them as charms. 



The manner of taking its prey is similiar to that of the 

 tiger : it begins by creeping along, with its belly close to 

 the ground, concealing itself till it gets an advantageous 

 situation, when it makes a rapid and irresistible spring 

 upon the unfortunate object of its attack. 



The Hunting Leopard is about the height of a large grey- 

 hound, of a light tawny brown colour, and marked with 

 numerous circular black spots. The legs and tail are long ; 

 its form altogether is more lengthened than the tiger's, and 

 the chest narrower. It is a native of India. 



This animal is frequently tamed, and used in the chase 

 of antelopes. It is carried in a kind of small waggon, 

 chained and hooded, lest, on approaching the herd, it should 

 be too precipitate, or not make choice of a proper animal. 

 When first unchained, it does not immediately spring to- 

 wards its prey, but winds with real caution along the 

 ground, stopping at intervals, and carefully concealing itself, 

 till a favourable opportunity offers; it then darts on the 

 herd with astonishing swiftness, and overtakes them by the 

 rapidity of its bounds. If, however, in its first attempt. 

 which consists of five or six amazing leaps, it does not 

 succeed, it loses its breath, and, finding itself unequal in 

 speed, stands still for awhile to recover ; then, giving up 

 the point for that time, it always returns to its keeper. 



