OBSERVATIONS ON MAMMALS 255 



to obtain a further explanation as to the cause of the 

 excitement. There is no puckering of the features, 

 no tightening of the angle of the mouth or exposure of 

 the teeth. The hair over the shoulders may be slightly 

 ruffled, but not markedly erected. The intent ex- 

 pression of countenance, produced mainly by the fixed 

 and staring expression of the eyes, can scarcely be 

 mistaken. 



(7) Affection 



The emotions of affection and love are diametrically 

 opposed to those of anger and hatred, and are associated 

 with external expressions equally distinct in their 

 antithesis. 



When the leopard is affectionate, the body is always 

 limp and supple and the face calm and placid. There 

 is no pricking of the ears or pinching of the nostrils. 

 The teeth may be exposed by a uniform opening of 

 the whole mouth, but never by a raising of its angle 

 or by a wrinkling of the upper lip or associated with 

 any muscular tension which might suggest a snarl. 

 The eyes are dilated and express docility. The claws 

 are sheathed. In this happy temperament the leopard 

 resembles the domestic cat in its desire to lick or rub 

 its head and trunk against the object towards which it 

 is displaying its affection, and to pat or pound it gently 

 with the soft pads of its extended feet. This latter 

 peculiar habit is most probably in origin the same as 

 that pounding which young kittens may be seen to 

 perform on the teats of their mother when they are 

 suckling, and at that time they are no doubt affectionate. 

 I have observed a bull terrier puppy continue to pound 

 the ground in a similar manner while it was suckling. 



