The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1876-12-06
HUNTINGsTHE LEOPARD.

lnc ASODdAO VI AiIlC1 II Gus l(COD-
Grdtts) there very commonly called IT,
ger or panther, which Captain Harris
tells us is very similar in appearance
to that indigenous to India, is common
throughout Damaraland, as also
Southern Africa generally; but, from
its cunning, active nature and noctur-
nal habits, is but rarely seen. M
1t is about two feet seven inches
high at the shoulder, and seven feet
six inches in extreme length. The
chm, neck, breast, belly and inside of
the extremities, are white, the rest
varying in different specimens between
tawnv, fnlvous and reddish brown, ir-
regularly marked with spots of black,
which differ greatly in number, size
and appearance at different ages and
seasons. 1t is homogeneous, or solita.
ry.
In its wild state it is an exceedingly
beautiful creature, its motions in the
highest degree easy and graceful, and
its agility in bounding among the
rocks and woods quito amazing. Of
its activity no person can have an
idea by seeing it in the cages in which
these animals are usually exhibited,
humbled and tanned, as they are, by
confinement and the cold and damp of
the climate.
Casualties from leopards in my vi
cinity were not of unfrequent occur
renee. On ono occasion, indeed; my
Swedish lad, Axel, was beating some
low bushes in search of game and spec
linens, when he suddenly found him
self in the presence Of one of these
beasts, who, apparently, was in the
very act of springing upon him, its
head being ensconced between Its fore
legs, as is its wont on such occasions
Being probably startled at the unex-
pected vision, the youth hurriedly
raised his fowling piece to his shoulder
and fired. But the contents, unfortu-
nately, only lodged in one of the ami
mails forepaws, which it smashed, as
was afterward ascertained, and before
he could pull the second trigger he
found himself in deadly struggle
with the exaSperated brute. However,
being strong l.mbed and courageous
young man, he seized the leopard with
both hands, and for some moments
held it down to the ground by main
force.
Hearing cries of distress, some Dam.
aras who were herding cattle hard by
came up. but seeing the danger, they
beat preci pitate retreat. My poor
boy repeatedly pointed with his foot
to the gun, but all in vain, and he be-
gan to despair of his life, as the beast
had by this time dreadfully lacerated
both his hands and his arms, and con-
sequently untitled him for prolonged
strife with such fierce and powerful
opponent
Providently the dogs, though not
the most courageous, came TO the res
cue, and by persistently worrying the
beast in his hinder parts, finally com
PEELED him to decamp, though not
until he had killed one of the number.
1t is satisfactory, however, to add that
he himself was shortly afterward de-
stroyed by a party of natives, who, on
hearing the poor fello ow's cries, prompt
ly ran to the spot, and afterward went
in pursuit of the leopard, which died
game, having slain second dog; two
others, moreover, being accidently shot
by their owners in the general melee.
AS / have said. the lad was fearful.
ly knocked about aud mauled. In
some places, especially about the hands
and wrists, the teeth of the animal had
actually met in the flesh. am, how.
ever, happy to be able to add that
with care and quiet, he ultimately re-
gained the use Of his arms and hands,
though not until after much prolonged
suffering.
On another occasion, a herdsman
espied leopard among some rocks.
and being armed he unhesitatingly
discharged his musket, but either
missed his mark, or very slightly
wounded the brute. The next mo-
ment the poor fellow felt himselfstruck
violently to the ground, with the teeth
of the unfuriated animal deeply bur
led in his left shoulder. However, by
the assistance of some dogs the leop-
ard was made to retreat after a while,
but not until it had fearfully mauled
the man, who, though he recovered
temporarily, eventually died from 'the
effects of the dreadful wounds infiict,
ed.
Numerous other instances Of the fe.
rocily of the leopard have come under
my notice, and very many others are
on record. of which shall instance q
few.
Two African farmers, returning from