_Each of these animals is found in the hotter parts of Africa and Asia._
In Persia and India, the ounce and hunting leopard are each trained for the _chase_ of antelopes and other game. Of these the former is carried, on horse-back, behind the rider, upon a small leather pad made for the purpose. As soon as the horseman perceives an antelope or other animal at a moderate distance, he makes the ounce descend; which, creeping unperceived near the spot, springs, at five or six amazing leaps, suddenly upon it, and seizes it securely by the neck. The hunting leopard is generally carried in a small waggon, chained and hooded, lest his precipitation should defeat his master's purpose. His mode of approaching and seizing his prey is similar to that of the ounce.
The _skins_ of all these animals are valuable, and are converted into excellent furs. That of the panther is particularly esteemed in Russia.
47. _The LEOPARD_ (Felis leopardus) _is an animal of the cat tribe, about four feet in length, of yellowish colour, and marked with numerous annular spots._
_It is an inhabitant of Senegal, Guinea, and most parts of Africa; and has considerable resemblance, both in habit and appearance, to the panther._
Leopards' _skins_ are much esteemed in Europe. They seldom exceed four feet in length; and should be chosen large, of lively yellow colour, marked on the back and sides with annular spots, the belly covered with longish white hairs, and with large and oblong spots on the tail. Their use is for hammer-cloths, muffs, the trimmings of ladies' dresses, and other purposes. Some of the most valuable of these skins sell for ten guineas each and upwards. The _flesh_ of the leopard is said, by Kolben, to be white and of good flavour.
48. _The COMMON CAT_ (Felis catus), _in its wild state, is distinguished from all the animals of the same tribe by having its tail marked with rings of different coloured hair._
_The body of the wild cat is marked with dusky stripes, of which three on the top of the back are lengthwise, whilst those on the sides are transverse and somewhat curved. Domestic cats are marked very variously; some are grey and striped, others variegated with black, white, and orange, and others are entirely black or white._