212 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE PANTHER. 

 (Felts Pardus, Linn. La Panther e, Buff.) 



Is next in size to the Tiger, and has, by many 

 naturalists, been mistaken for that animal. Its 

 hair is short, and smooth; and instead of being 

 streaked like the Tiger, is beautifully marked on 

 the back, sides, and flanks, with black spots, dis- 

 posed in circles, from four to five in each, with a 

 single spot in the centre; on the face, breast, and 

 legs, the spots are single: the colour of the body 

 on the back and sides is yellow, deep on the back, 

 and paler towards the belly, which is white: its 

 ears are short and pointed; its eye is restless; and 

 its whole aspect fierce and cruel. 



It is an untameable animal, and inhabits Africa,, 

 from Barbary to the remotest parts of Guinea. 



Its manner of taking its prey is the same with 

 that of the Tiger, always by surprize, either lurk- 

 ing in thickets, or creeping on its belly till it comes 

 within reach. When pressed with hunger, it 



