DIGITIGRADE CARNIVORA. 



547 



black, on which the spots, of a still deeper hue, are only visible in 

 certain aspects. It swims and climbs with ease, and preys not only 

 on the larger domestic quadrupeds, but also on birds, fish, tortoises, 

 turtles' eggs, &c. It must, however, be very hard pressed before it 

 will attack man. 



The Panther (Felis Pardalis) is fawn-coloured above, white under- 

 neath, with six or seven ranges of black patches, resembling rosettes, 

 that is to say, each composed of an assemblage of five or six simple 

 blak spots. It very much resembles the Leopard, which inhabits 

 the same regions. It is one of the wildest of the feline tribe, always 

 retaining its fierce aspect and perpetual growl. The female carries 

 her young nine weeks ; they are born blind, and continue so for 

 nine days. 



The Leopard (Felis leopardus) resembles the Panther, but has ten 



FlG. 4T 2. LEOPARD. 



rows of spot, which are of smaller size. Its habits may be gleaned 

 from the following anecdote : 



" I was awakened with a start by an unearthly roar as of some 

 animal in extreme terror and agony, and saw, at a little distance, a 

 wild bull, on whose neck was crouched a Leopard. Vainly the poor 

 beast tossed, ran, stopped, roared, and yelled. In its blind terror, it 

 even rushed against a tree, and nearly tumbled over with the recoil. 

 But, once more anguish lent it strength, and it set out on another 

 race. The exciting spectacle lasted but a minute ; the bull was lost 

 to my sight, and presently his roars ceased. Probably the Leopard 

 had sucked away his life, and was now feasting on the carcase." 

 Du Chaillu. 



The Lynx (Felis Lynx], or the mountain Cat, is remarkable for the 

 brush of bcyr that tips the ears. It is about two feet and half long, 

 to the origin of the tail ; its coat is red, spotted with brownish red. 



