T HE OAT TRIBE. 



51 



lance, it gra.'.ps it with one of its paws, and with the other strikes 

 at the arm which holds it, when the person nimbly aims a blow 

 with his scymetar, which he kept concealed, with the other hand, 

 and hamstrings the creature, which immediately draws ;ack en- 

 raged, but instantly returns to the charge. Receiving another 

 strokis, however, it is totally deprived of the power of motion ; and 

 the combatant, killing it at his leisure, strips the skin, cuts off the 

 bead, and returns to his companions, displaying these as the tro- 

 phies of his victory. 



The Leopard, or Panther, is smaller than the tiger, and 

 is an inhabitant of Africa, India, and the Indian Islands. A black 

 variety inhabits Java, and is not uncommon there. There is great 

 liveliness in its eyes, which are continually in motion. The feet 

 are large; the fore ones having five toes, and the hind but four. 

 It can draw back and push out its dreadful claws at pleasure. It 

 has the power of opening and closing the toes of its feet like the 



Leopard. 



human hand,~and thus becomes dreadfully formidable to the crea, 

 tures wh'ch it attacks. It is peculiarly fierce and savage ; ail ani- 



