The Leopard 573 



On one occasion, where the bank was about 12 yards from the water, a 

 leopard came to my bait at 1 1 p.m., ate for about three hours, then jumped 

 down the bank and walked directly towards me, probably with the intention 

 of drinking at the river, but fell to my shot almost at the muzzle of the 

 rifle. When placing a bait on the ground it should never be tied fast, for 

 when the leopard proceeds to drag it and feels the resistance he instantly 

 becomes suspicious, and usually retires ; the best plan, especially in jungle 

 country, is to fasten it to a log of wood, as the drag is then easy to follow 

 in the morning. Under certain circumstances it is admirable to place the 

 bait in a tree ; it should then be tied fast, as the shot will be obtained when 

 the beast rears up and drags at it, the resistance in this case causing no 

 alarm. Near to native villages, where leopards frequently abound, a live 

 goat is a temptation few can resist ; it should be tethered well away from 

 any cover, the sportsman reserving his fire till the animal is seized, and the 

 leopard drinking its blood. Always remember to aim low, with a well- 

 raised foresight. Every precaution must be taken when constructing 

 a scherm. No trees should be felled near the bait, all branches that are 

 required being cut 100 yards away. I have often used blue-lights success- 

 fully for night-shooting — leopards appear to dislike a light less than a lion 

 does. They will often unhesitatingly approach a bait on which a strong 

 lamp-light is shining from above. A wounded leopard or a leopardess with 

 cubs is a really dangerous beast. When approaching the former in thick 

 cover, every tuft of grass, every scrubby bush must be carefully examined 

 before an advance— a few paces at a time — is made. They are not so likely 

 to give notice of their whereabouts by growling, as a lion does, but await 

 the hunter's approach in silence, then fly out at him— usually, but not always, 

 uttering coughing grunts — with implacable fury, and with such rapidity 

 that if the rifle is not smartly used the sportsman may expect a mauling. 



In the course of considerable experience of these plucky animals, I 

 have known several instances of entirely unprovoked attacks made by 



