LEOPARD, Fells Zeopardus, one of the larger felklos (q.v.), now generally supposed to be identical with the panther pardus), although by some they are regarded as varie ties, and others still suppose them to be distinct species. Great confusion has prevailed in the nomenclature; the panther and pardalis of the ancients are not certainly known; the jaguar was erroneously described as the panther by Buffon ; the puma is often called panther in America; the leopard is known by the name of tiger in Africa; and as sir J. E. Tennent tells us, it is by mistake often called cheetah in Ceylon. Supposing the leopard and panther to be one species, we may describe it as characterized bY a peculiar gracefulness, slenderness, and flexibility of form, with a very long tail, and spotted fur, the spots being arranged innumerous rows along the sides, and each spot composed of five or six small spots arranged in a circle or rosette. The general color is yellowish; the lower parts lighter; the spots darker titan the general color of the fur. The leopard
is extremely agile, and possesses the power of leaping and also that of climbing trees in great perfection. It haunts wooded places, and is seldom to be found in open regions of long grass, like the tiger. When pursued it takes refuge, if possible, in a tree, and if hard pressed, springs down on its assailants. It is cunning, and adopts devices simiku to those of the fox for carrying on its depredations and concealing its place of retreat. Deer and antelopes are its habitual prey; but it is equally ready to feed on pigs, poultry, or whatever may be found in the vicinity of a farm or village. The size and strength of the leopard render it as dangerous to man as any of the fclicicc; but it generally seems to dread and flee from man, unless assailed. It is very capable of domestication.