LEOPARD  .—SiZe 3 to 6 ft.

long . There are several kinds, the chief being the snow or ounce, Chinese, Bengal, Persian, East Indian and African . The first variety inhabit the Himalayas and are beautifully covered with a deep soft fur quite long compared to the flat harsh hair of the Bengal sort . The colours are pale orange and white with very dark markings, a strong contrast making a fine effect . Most artists prize these skins above all others . The Chinese are of a medium orange brown colour, but full in fur . The East Indian are less full and not so dark . The Bengal are dark and medium in colour, short and hard hair, but useful for floor rugs, as they do not hold the dust like the fuller and softer hair of the kinds previously named . They are also used for drummers' aprons and saddle cloths in the Indian army . The African are small with pale lemon colour grounds very closely marked with black spots on the skin, the strong contrast making a pleasing effect . Occasionally, where something very marked is wanted, skating jackets and carriage aprons are made from the softest and flattest of skins, but usually they are made into settee covers, floor rugs and foot muffs . Value 2s. to 405 .