92 Anecdotal Natural History. 



the dominion of man. In size it is slightly superior 

 to the leopard, its long limbs causing it to appear even 

 larger than it is in reality. The markings are not un- 

 like those of the leopard, to which animal, however, it 

 is by no means closely related, appearing to form a 

 connecting link between the feline and canine races. 

 It is only slightly possessed of the power of climbing 

 trees, and its limbs do not possess the strength of most 

 of the cats. 



Unlike most of its tribe, the Chetah captures its prey 

 by open chase, and it is in this way that it is made 

 useful to man, the animal being carefully trained for 

 capturing game by many of the Asiatic races. 



For this purpose, the animal is blindfolded, and 

 taken out to the scene of operations in a light cart, 

 where he is kept until a herd of deer or other game 

 comes within sight. The hood is then removed, and 

 the animal's attention directed towards the quarry. 

 The Chetah immediately slips gently off the car, 

 always doing so on the side which is away from the 

 deer. Flattening his body on the ground, he creeps 

 up to within a short distance of the unsuspecting 

 animal, taking advantage of any bush or stone as a 

 cover. He then launches himself upon the doomed 

 animal, seldom needing more than two or three 

 springs, fastens on its neck, and pulls it to the ground. 

 The keepers immediately hurry to the spot, and take 

 off his attention by offering some dainty, such as a 

 ladleful of the blood. The slaughtered animal is then 

 secured, and the Chetah is hooded and led back to the 

 car, when he waits for another victim. 



The Chetah is very easily tamed, being naturally of 

 a very gentle and placid disposition. Even a newly- 

 caught individual is easily managed, seldom or never 

 exhibiting the savage nature of the lions and tigers, 

 and other members of the Cat tribe. 



