1837.] Journal of a Trip to the Burenda Pass in 1836. 933 



6 Mammalia. — Leopard. Felis Leopardus. 



Oue of these animals entered the bedroom of Lieut. Pkngree 39th regiment, 

 N. I. and seized a bull dog that was chained to the bed. Duriug the struggle the 

 chain was broken in two places, and Lieut. P. starting out of his sleep and seeing 

 his pet dog beneath the leopard, he, without reflecting on the danger, instantly 

 threw himself upon the animal and clasped him in his arms. Receiving a scratch 

 from the brute's hind legs, as a notice to quit, he thought prudent to let go, when 

 the leopard sprang through the door and escaped. The dog which was a power- 

 ful animal, was scarcely hurt. 



I have a fine specimen which was shot by some villagers near Simla, who said 

 he had destroyed several cows. He was a large male and rather exceeded the 

 size sjiven by Fred. Cuvier. 



All animals should be measured previous to skinning them, otherwise an 

 accurate statement in this respect can scarcely ever be given, as sometimes they 

 are stretched in the process, and at others, have shrunk in the curing. The 

 colors also should be noted previous to curing the skins or they are very liable 

 to undergo considerable change. 



Leopard Cat. Felis Nepalensis ; vel. Bengalensis. This beautiful animal is 

 about the size of a domestic cat and marked with dark spots and dashes on a 

 tawny ground. Some are lighter colored than others. They are not easily got 

 at, but cannot be called uncommon, though seldom seen. 



They are found at Simla, Mattiana, PIH, &c. 



The natives of the hills apply the name of " Laggarbdoha" to the leopard, 

 while iu the plains the same is used to denote the hysena. The leopard cat, (so 

 called by collectors,) is by the hill people called "Chota Laggarbdgha" and 

 sometimes "Laggarbagha ltd buchha" or young leopard. 



I have a very beautiful specimen alive, but so savage that I dare not touch 

 her. 



They breed in May and have three or four young at a birth, which are carefully 

 deposited in caves or beneath large masses of rock. 



The following is a sketch of my living specimen. Ears rounded and without 

 tufts. Black at the base and summits, the middle space whitish. General color 

 above, tawny, with numerous irregular spots of black or deep brown. Whiskers 

 white with brown spots at the roots, arising from a white ground ; lips white as 

 also a stripe between the nose and the eye. A white patch on the cheeks sur- 

 rounded with black forming two bands, the lower one turning downwards and 

 uniting under the throat. Four dark lines along the head arising from the eyes 

 and nose, the two centre ones forming a loop enclosing a dark spot, on the 

 forehead. 



Two oblong large brown spots on the shoulders or withers. Tail irregularly 

 spotted to near the tip, where it becomes annulated. Feet with very small spots 

 on a lighter ground ; inside of the forelegs with one dark band, hind legs with 

 two dark bands. Under parts white, spotted with black on the belly ; somewhat 

 banded with the same on the breast. An irregular line down the back, formed 

 by a double row of oblong. shaped brown spots. 



Fur soft ; eyes brown. 

 6c 



