THE LEOPARD. 
Felis Leopardus. Linn. 
The distinctive peculiarities, as well as the general de- 
signation, of the Carnivorous tribes of Quadrupeds, are 
indicative of their propensity to rapine ; in other words, 
of that instinct which teaches them to prey upon the 
flesh of animals as their natural and most congenial 
food. We are consequently led to expect that the most 
highly organized and typical groups of that extensive 
order should exhibit this characteristic propensity in its 
utmost state of developement, and should be furnished 
with the most powerful means of carrying it into com- 
plete effect. Accordingly we find that in the genus 
Felis, which comprehends the largest and the most 
ferocious of predatory beasts, the teeth and claws, the 
principal organs of destruction, are eminently fitted for 
the deadly purpose to which they are applied, and are 
