516 CARNIVORA 
North China, is longer and softer, and the markings are con- 
sequently less distinct than on those from more congenial climates, 
and the well-marked variation thus produced has given rise to the 
idea of specific distinction. 
The size of different individuals, as before said, varies greatly, 
the head and body usually measuring from 3} to 44 feet in length, 
and the tail from 21 to 3 feet, but specimens have been met with 
which fall short of or exceed these limits. The ground colour of 
the fur varies from a pale fawn to a rufous buff, graduating into a 
pure white on the under parts and inside of the limbs. This is 
spotted over with dark brown or black ; the spots on the back and 
sides being arranged in rosettes or broken rings, which vary greatly 
in size and distinctness in different individuals, but are without the 
central spot seen in those of the Jaguar. The spots on the under 
parts and limbs are simple and blacker than those on the other parts 
of the body. The bases of the ears behind are black, the tips buff. 
The upper side of the tail is buff, spotted with broken rings like 
the back, its under surface white with simple spots. The hair of 
the cubs is longer than that of the adults, its ground colour less 
bright, and its spots less distinct. Perfectly black Leopards, which, 
however, in certain lights show the characteristic markings on the 
fur, are not uncommon. These appear to be examples of melanism, 
occurring as individual variations, sometimes in one cub out of a 
litter of which the rest are normally coloured, and therefore not 
indicating a distinct race, much less a species. These are met 
with chiefly in Southern Asia. We are not aware of any recorded 
case from Africa, though there seems no reason why they should 
not occur. 
In habits the Leopard resembles the other large Cat-like animals, 
yielding to none in the ferocity and bloodthirstiness of its dis- 
position. It is exceedingly quick and active in its movements, but 
seizes its prey by waiting in ambush or stealthily approaching to 
within springing distance, when it suddenly rushes upon it and 
tears it to the ground with its powerful claws and teeth. It preys 
upon almost any animal it can overcome, such as antelopes, deer, 
sheep, goats, monkeys, peafowls, and is said to have a special liking 
for dogs. It not unfrequently attacks human beings in India, 
chiefly children and old women, but instances have been known of 
a Leopard becoming a regular “man-eater.” When favourable 
opportunities occur, it often kills many more victims than it can 
devour at once, apparently to gratify its propensity for killing, or 
only for the sake of their fresh blood. It generally inhabits woody 
districts, and can climb high trees with facility if necessary for its 
safety when hunted, but usually lives on or near the ground, among 
rocks, bushes, and roots and low branches of large trees. . 
The present geographical range of the Leopard is very extensive, 
