The Cat Tribe 



67 



This charming and accurate description shows the cheeta at homo. Tn the fiehl he is 

 quite another creature. He is driven as near as possible to the game, and then unliooded 

 and given a sight of them. Sir Samuel Baker thus describes a hunt in "which a cheeta was 

 used: "The chase began after the right-hand buck, which had a start of about 110 yards. 

 It was a magnificent sight to see the extraordinary speed of jiursuer and pursued. The 

 buck flew over the level surface, followed by the cheeta, which was laying out at full 

 stretch, with its long, thick tail brandishing in the air. They had run 200 yards, when the 

 keeper gave the word, and away we went as fast as our horses could carry us. The horses 

 could go over this clear ground, where no danger of a fall seemed possible. I never saw 

 anything to equal the speed of the buck and the cheeta; we were literally nowhere, although 

 we were going as hard as horseflesh could carry us ; but we had a glorious view. The cheeta 

 was craining in the course, while the buck was exertincr everv muscle for life or death in its 

 last race. Presently, after a course of about a quarter of a mile, the buck doubled like a 

 hare, and the cheeta lost ground as it shot ahead, instead of turning quickly, being only 

 about thirty yards in rear of the buck. Recovering itself, it turned on extra steam, and the 

 race appeared to recommence at increased speed. The cheeta was determined to win, and 

 at this moment the buck made another double in the hope of shaking off its terrible pursuer ; 

 but this time the cheeta ran cunning, and was aware of tlie fn-mer game. It turned as 

 sharply as the buck. Gathering itself together for a final effort, it shot forward like an arrow, 

 picked up the distance which remained between them, and in a cloud of dust we could for 

 one moment distinguish two forms. The next instant the buck was on its back, and the 

 cheeta's fangs were fixed like an iron vice in its throat. The course run was about 600 yards, 

 and it was worth a special voyage to India to see that hunt." 



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Jlcrlul. 



A CHEETA 0:N" THE LOOK-OUT. 

 Cheetas are common to Africa and India. By tlie native princes of tlie latter country they are much used for taking antelope and other game. 



