THE BLACK LEOPARD OR PANTHER. 



89 



Although acknowledging myself not entirely free 

 from reproach in doing so, I have, I know, not un- 

 frequently in years gone by applied both these 

 names indifferently to the same beast, but I ever in- 

 tended to express the same species, being to a 

 certain extent guided by the size of the animal I 

 was writing of. Thus, if it was unusually large, I 

 designated it a panther ; if of medium size, or small, a 

 leopard. I have known others to do the same, and 

 probably, by force of example, I was led to follow 

 their nomenclature. 



I have long waited to see if anyone would come 

 forth and state that he had seen either a black 

 leopard, or the skin of one, in Africa. Such a skin 

 was brought under my notice two or three days' 

 journey to the north-east of Zoutspansberg, Trans- 

 vaal. The hide was so much valued by its owner 

 that he refused to part with it. His companions, as 

 well as himself, did not believe it a different species, 

 but only produced by a freak of nature. 



For many years the black fox, valued so much for 

 its fur in Russia, was considered a totally distinct 

 species from the red fox. This idea has now totally 

 exploded, as black and red cubs have been several 

 times found in the northern regions of North America 

 in the same burrow, and, from their size and develop- 

 ment, unquestionably belonging to the same litter. 

 Audubon and Bacheman, the eminent Transatlantic 

 naturalists, mention such a discovery taking place in 

 Scoharie County, State of New York. 1 also heard, 

 from reliable authority, that a mixed litter was dis- 

 covered near Muskoko Lake, Canada West. There 

 are also numerous other instances of a similar kind 

 that could, without any very great trouble, be con- 

 firmed. As with the foxes, so it is with the leopards, 

 and so I shall continue to believe till it is undeni- 

 ably proved that I am in error. 



As to the weight of lions, but for Mr. P. M'Gille- 



