2l6 



THE CHEETAH. 



to be greater than it is, on account of the very long limbs of the Cheetah, which give it 

 the aspect of a very large animal. The head, however, is very small in proportion to 

 its height, and the limbs, although very long, are slender, and devoid of that marvellous 

 strength that lies latent in the true leopard's limb. 



The title " jubata," or crested, is given to the Cheetah on account of a short, mane- 

 like crest of stiff long hairs which passes from the back of the head to the shoulders. 

 Although the Cheetah is popularly termed the "Hunting Leopard," it can lay but little 

 claim to the pardine title, and has probably been placed among the true leopards more 

 on account of its spotted hide than for its shape and structure. The claws of this 

 animal are but partially retractile, nor are they so sharply curved, nor so beautifully 

 pointed, as those of the leopard. The Cheetah is unable to climb trees like the leopard, 



CHEETAH AND SPRINGBOKS. 



and in the general contour of its body evidently forms one of the connecting links be- 

 tween the feline and the canine races. 



The Cheetah is one of those animals which gain their living by mingled craft and 

 agility. Its chief food is obtained from the various deer and antelopes which inhabit 

 the same country, and in seizing and slaying its prey no little art is required. The 

 speed of this animal is not very great, and it has but little endurance ; so that an ante- 

 lope or a stag could set the spotted foe at defiance, and in a short half-hour place them- 

 selves beyond his reach. But it is the business of the Cheetah to hinder the active and 

 swift-footed deer from obtaining that invaluable half-hour, and to strike them down be- 

 fore they are aware of his presence. 



