292 
WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WA VS 
CHAP. 
become developed in full-grown life and lead to 
grave disaster. The common domestic cat is some¬ 
what uncertain with her claws, and most people 
must have observed that should they be themselves 
spared the infliction of a feline scratch, the seats 
and backs of morocco chairs are well marked by 
the sharp talons, which cannot refrain from exercis¬ 
ing their power upon any substance that tempts the 
operation. I . remember a leopard in Khartoum 
that was considered tame; this beast broke its 
chain, and instead of enjoying its liberty in a peace¬ 
ful manner, it at once fastened upon the throat of a 
much-prized cow, and would have killed the animal 
had it not been itself beaten to death with clubs by 
a number of stout slaves of the establishment. All 
such creatures are untrustworthy, and they should 
be avoided as domestic pets. The only class of 
leopard that should become the companion of man 
is the most interesting of the species : this is the 
hunting leopard i^Felis jubatci), I have never met 
a person who has shot one of this species in a wild 
state, and such an animal is rarely met with in 
the jungle. Most people are under the impression 
that the hunting leopard with non-retractile claws is 
incapable of climbing a tree; I was myself of this 
opinion until I actually witnessed the act, and the 
animal ran up a tree with apparent ease, ascending 
to the top. 
The Felis jubata is totally different in shape from 
all other leopards. Instead of being low and long, 
with short but massive legs, it stands extremely 
