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THE HUNTING LEOPARD OR CHEETAH. 



IT is singular that while the tiger, the leopard 

 and the wolf are the recognised enemies of the 

 cultivator, in that they prey on his flocks and 

 herds, and that the Government offers a reward 

 for the destruction of these predatory animals, 

 probably the most daring and destructive of all, 

 and the one which does more damage to cattle 

 and goats than all the other wild animals put 

 together, is generally regarded as a harmless 

 creature and one to be protected rather than 

 destroyed. One reason perhaps for this good 

 name is that the cheetah, or hunting leopard, has 

 never been known to prey on mankind, while tigers, 

 leopards and wolves are all known to be man- 

 eaters on occasion. The cheetah also can be 

 domesticated and taught to run down antelope 

 and small deer, and thus be rendered subservient 

 to man another reason for overlooking its well- 

 known habit of preying on the sheep, goats and 

 calves of the villagers. But for courage, daring, 

 cunning and audacity it can give points to any 

 beast of the field, and it is fortunate indeed that 

 it does not prey on man, as few would be safe 

 from its attacks. 



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