366 
MAMMALIA. 
The Panther ascends trees with agility ; into which it pursues 
Monkeys and other climbing animals. It is a ferocious and un- 
tamable animal, and inhabits only the wildest forests. No Carni- 
vore, not even the Tiger, is more unconquerable, and its pursuit 
is proportionably dangerous. It rarely attacks Man without being 
Fig. 140. — Panther (F. leopardus , Linn.) 
provoked ; but it is irritated at the merest trifle, and its anger 
is manifested by the lightning rapidity of its onset, which in- 
variably results in the speedy death of the imprudent being 
who has aroused its fury. Its power, nimbleness, and stealth 
surpass anything that can be imagined ; and it is these qualities ‘ 
which render it so dangerous. 
