66 THE LION KILLER. 



CHAPTER III. 



THE CHASE OF THE PANTHER. 



The panther is found in all the three French provinces of 

 Africa, between the seacoast and the highlands, but generally- 

 nearest the coast. 



There are two species ; the same in color, but different 

 in size. The larger species is about the size of a two year 

 old lioness. Her relative, about one-third smaller. This 

 animal has the peculiarities and cunning of a cat, with all 

 its hunting propensities. Although, at first, its character 

 and habits might be thought to resemble that of a lion, yet 

 they are essentially different. 



While the lion lives on the herds of the people among 

 whom he dwells ; the panther feeds on the products of the 

 chase in the forest 



The one boldly descends to the plains, and takes his even- 

 ing meal from under the beard of the Arabs. The other, not 

 daring to leave the woods even in the night, follows the wild 

 hog, the jackal or the hare ; and not succeeding in sur- 

 prising one of these, will make his humble meal on a par- 

 tridge or a rabbit. 



The voice of the lion sounds like a roll of thunder, and 



