The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1886-02-14
The Hunting Leopard.


I think 1t was here that witnessed the only in
stance ever saw of the black buck being run into
and killed by the cheetah, or hunting leopard Many
quite equal to partridge shooting, besides being
beautiful sight. shall therefore describe as well
the place of meeting in the Jungle we found a few
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES natives in charge of three
carts or rather small two-wheeled Platforms drawn
by buliocks. On each vehicle sat, In erect atti
tude. beautiful leopard, strongly chained and with
hood over his eyes similar TO those used for hawks
We were soon under way and driving toward the
herd of anteopes which could be seen grazing in
the distance and which had been marked down before
hand Thers was d no acul,y in getting the carts
cheetahs. fine male, was unhooded ana set free.
Its departure from the gharry and its decision in
rushing on Its prey were so instantaneous and rapid
as TO be quite marvellous 1t seemed to vanish from
the cart and appear simultaneously half way toward
the fine black buckit had singled out attack When
al about thirty yards from the unsuspiclous troop
they suddenly became aware OF the deadly
peril they were In. One and ali sprang into the air
with galvanic bounds, and no doubt expected to
cape easily by flight. But the hunting cheetah is,
all wingiess things; and this one was soon in the
midst OF the arighted throng which scattered wildly
and panic stricken in all directions, their leader
fine black buck-was struck down in their midst.
There he lay alone, in his death agony in the deadly
clutch OF his beautiful and relentless foe. We al.
ran as hard as we could and were soon surrounding
the strange group. Neither animal moved, for the
buck was paralyzed by fear-his starting eyeballs
and dilated nostrils alone gave evidence of life.
The cheetah, on the other hand, with his body
spread out over the PROSTATE form OF his victim,
seemed to strain every nerve in pressing his prey
against the earth, as with his long sharp fangs
buried in its delicate throat he continued the pro-
process of strangulation. He was very motionless,
but his eyes were nxed upon US with glare OF ex-
traordinary feTocity that became intensified his
keepers rushed forward and seized the deer by the
hind leg. The brute now growled tercely, and,
tightening his clutch, looked 80 extremely danger.
Gus that was far from enyyng those who were in
such close proximity to him. But they knew their
trade: With long sharp knife they cut the deer's
throat and caused the warm blood to spout in tor
rents into the face of the half-wild beast, whose
whole frame now seemed TO thrill with ecstacy. One
OF the operators in the meanwhile, caught aquanty
OF the crimson life stream in wooden bowl, and
forced the steaming fluid under the very OF the
excited leopard, who, quitting his hold, at once be
process The leather hood was swiftly ciapped oyel
his eyes, and the collar, with chains attached
was adjusted round his neck. While this was goin,
legs and this, the 'on's SHARE" was held close Il
the bloody chalice, which was no sooner emptet
than the brute seized the meat thus provided with
vlce-llke grip. Each chain was now erasped by
different man, who, by keeping apart so that tn,
tether remained taut, kept the leopard between
his claws or teeth Then the third individual. whit
had ever retained his hold OF the ahank-bone Of tn,
leg OF venison gently drew the cheetah TO the litt
as the beast felt himself against tie edge o
his own familiar chariot he spTang lightly
upon 1t and proceeded TO demollsh his succulen
morcedu at his ease. i now Inspected the carcass
OF the deer, with view to ascertainng, II possible
how the cheetah had been able so instantaneous,
10 strike down such powerful animal immediatel!
on getting up with II. at once observed singh
long deep cash in the hank which was evldenti!
caused By the decisive blow. But | could not mag
inc with what weapon the leopard had been able I,
inlet this very strengthening wound for the chez
tan has foot like dog, and his claws are not re
tractle Turning them TO the beast, as it sat on III
claw, which in the dog appears such useless an
pendage, is represented in this brute by terrible
looking talon exactly suited 10 the niction OF sucl