MEMOIR OP JOHN HDNTER. 
43 
yond Brompton, and built upon it a house, well 
'^nown by the name of Earl’s Court. This was his 
'^^t'Sculanian, his favourite summer retreat, where 
spent a large portion of his time, and provided, 
great expense, accommodation for the animals he 
Collected around him. No person of common cu- 
^'osity could pass this original dwelling without ma- 
inquiry concerning its proprietor; and, on a 
*'oarer survey, a lawn was discovered in the rear, 
‘^’’owded with birds and beasts, and creeping things, 
the strangest selection in nature. 
^Is fondness for his pursuits, and his repeated 
'^^tchings of the peculiar habits and instincts of 
these animals, made many of them familiar with 
This, however, was not unattended with risk, 
sometimes brought him into situations of dan- 
of which tire following instance may be given, 
jtwo leopards which were kept chained in an out- 
'ouse had broken from their confinement, and got 
yard among some dogs, which they imme- 
ttacke<l. The howling j)roduced, alarmed 
’’“t only the menagerie, but the whole neighbour- 
Upon running hurriedly into the yard to 
what was the matter, Mr Hunter found one of 
'he leopards scaling the wall, and about to make 
escape, while the other was beset by the dogs, 
^od fully engaged with his opponents. Mr Hun- 
immediately seized both, and carried them back 
° their den ; but no sooner were they secured, and 
'“oe Was allowed to reflect upon the risk to which 
