This animal, which is a native of Northern Africa, is smaller than the
tiger, but it possesses the same ferocious disposition. It preys upon
every animal it can master, and man himself sometimes falls a victim to
its rapacity. Its color is fawn, spotted with black.
_A tame Panther._--Notwithstanding the savage character and habits of
this animal, Mr. Bowditch, who resided at Coomassie, in Western Africa,
gives us an interesting account of one that he tamed. When he was about
a year old, he was taken to Cape Coast, being led through the country
by a chain. When he arrived, he was placed in a court, where he became
quite familiar with those around him, laying his paws upon their
shoulders, and rubbing his head upon them. By degrees all fear of him
subsided, and he was allowed to go at liberty within the gates of the
castle, having a small boy for a keeper. On one occasion, Sai, as the
panther was called, finding the lad sitting upright on the step fast
asleep, lifted his paw, and gave him a blow on the side of the head,
which knocked him down, and then stood wagging his tail, as if enjoying
the mischief he had done.
On another occasion, as an old woman was sweeping the hall with a short
broom, which brought her nearly down upon all fours, Sai, who was
hidden under the sofa, suddenly leaped upon her back, where he stood in
triumph. She screamed violently, and all her fellow-servants scampered
away in terror; nor was she released till the governor himself came to
her assistance.
After the departure of Mr. Bowditch from the castle, the ship in which
he had embarked lay at anchor some weeks in the River Gaboon: while
here, an orangoutang was brought on board, and the rage of the panther,
who had accompanied his master, was indescribable. His back rose in an
arch, his tail was elevated and perfectly stiff, his eyes flashed, and
if he had not been restrained, he would have torn the ape in pieces. At
the same time, the orang showed the greatest fear and terror.
After sailing to England, the change of climate seemed to affect Sai,
and medicine was given him in the shape of pills. These had the desired
effect. On reaching the London Docks, he was taken ashore, and
presented to the Duchess of York, who had him placed in Exeter 'Change.
Here he remained for some weeks, apparently in good health; but he was
taken suddenly ill, and died of an inflammation on the lungs.