THE LIFE OF MAMMALS 
solid spots; further, the leopards from peninsular India are less richly 
colored than are those inhabiting the damp forests about the Bay of Bengal. 
Albinos are almost unknown, but black leopards are common in the tropi- 
cal East, and one or two may be born in a litter otherwise normal. These 
are reputed to be extremely savage — a reputation justified by their be- 
havior in menageries; and this disposition may be due to a sense that they 
are more conspicuous than they should be. No black leopards have been 
found in Africa, but a dark local race frequents certain hills near the Cape. 
The leopard is a far lighter, more active and agile animal 
than either the lion or the tiger, and is sly and cautious withal, 
so that it is doubtless responsible for a large part 
of the wickedness laid at the doors of its bigger 
brethren. Hundreds of wild adventures with leopards may be 
read in the books of the sportsmen already referred to; and 
Sanderson has full support for his assertion that ‘although its 
powers of offense are inferior to those of the tiger, it is in some 
respects a more dangerous animal as it is roused by less prov- 
ocation, and is more courageous in attacking those who disturb 
its repose. The favorite haunts of leopards are rocky, brushy 
hills with holes suitable for a den, where they may watch the 
surrounding country, and at sunset descend with astonishing 
celerity and stealth to cut off any straggling animal returning 
to the village at nightfall. They prey boldly on the small 
Hindoo cattle and ponies, but more habitually on the sheep, 
goats, and dogs, and now and then (but rarely) turn man-eaters. 
Forsyth sketches at length a famous leopard in northern India 
which killed nearly one hundred persons before he was got 
rid of, and similar African cases are on record. 
The leopard cannot overcome, ordinarily, animals as large 
as the lion and tiger slay, but everything of lesser size is accept- 
able, down to robbing birds’ nests and clawing grubs out of 
rotten wood. Carrion is eaten, and this makes even a scratch 
from a leopard’s teeth or claws very dangerous. Birds, both in 
trees and on the ground, are struck down, and peafowl, crows, 
128 
Reputation. 
