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LLOYD'S Wet ORAL. HISTORY.

EDITED By R. BOWDLER SHARPE, LL.D., F.L.S., &c.

Ol

Bal of
an
mane A HAND-BOOK
CARNIVORA./
PART - I;

CATS, CIVETS, AND MUNGOOSES.

BY
RICHARD LYDEKKER, BA, FRS,

Vice-Fresident of the Geological Society, etc., etc., etc.

4pBL Te

WEARNS
COLLECTION

LONDON:
EDWARD LLOYD, LIMITED,
12, SALISBURY SQUARE, FLEET STREET.

1896.

PRINTED BY

WYMAN AND SONS, LIMITED.

PREFACE.

THE present volume deals with the members of the Carnivora,
with which most people are familiar, viz., the Cats, and I am
again indebted to Mr. Lydekker for a most useful summary of
our present knowledge of these animals, and also for his very
interesting conclusion to the work, wherein he deals with the
extinct members of the Order.

To one trained like myself, by long years of work in the
field of ornithological synonymy and literature, the nomen-
clature employed for some of the Mammalia appears some-
what strange; but Iam glad to say that I have induced the
author to latinise the generic term “ Linsang” into Zinsanga.

The duplication of the generic and specific names, for the
necessity of which I always strongly insist, whenever Linnean
specific names have been misappropriated for generic titles
by subsequent writers, appears to be necessary in only three
instances in the present volume. Mr. Lydekker, as is well
known, does not hold with the practice, but, in my opinion,
the name of the Common Genet should be Genetta genetta
(L.), that of the Meerkat, Swricata suricatta (Erxl.), and that
of Daubenion’s Civet, Fossa fossa (Schreb.).

R. BOWDLER SHARPE.

AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

———

AMONG the great Order of Carnivorous Mammals the Cats will
always claim the largest share of general interest, not only on
account of their including some of the largest and most power-
ful of all beasts of prey, but likewise from the beauty of their
form, the elegance of their coloration, and the gracefulness
and activity of their movements. Accordingly, in the present
volume of the ‘‘ Naturalist’s Library,” this group of the Order
has been treated in comparatively full detail, and a large num-
ber of the species illustrated by plates, whereas in the less-
known group of Civets, Mungooses, &c., the amount of space
devoted to each genus and species is naturally less, and the
illustrations are much less numerous.

In both groups every existing species hitherto described is
mentioned, together with its most important synonymy ; but
in several instances the question of the right of a particular
form to be regarded as a species, or merely as a variety, is
left more or less open. In the compilation of the volume
especial assistance has been derived from Mr. W. T. Blan-
ford’s ‘‘ Mammals of British India,” from Professor St. George
Mivart’s work on ‘‘ The Cat,” and his papers on the Cats and
Civets in the “ Proceedings of the Zoological Society,” and
also from various memoirs by Mr. Oldfield Thomas, published
in the same serial.

RICHARD LYDEKKER.

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

ORDER CARNIVORA
FAMILY FELID

BSG a ae

- leo, L.

. tigris, L.

2 pardus, L. ...:
. uncia, Schreb.

onca, L.

. concolor, L.

. nebulosa, Griff.

. marmorata, Martin

. scripta, Milne-Edw.
. tristis, Milne-Edw.

. temmincki, V. and H.
. planiceps, V. and H.
. badia, Gray

. viverrina, Benn.

. bengalensis, Kerr ...
. euptilura, Elliot

. rubiginosa, I. Geofir,
. serval, Erxl.

. togoénsis, Matschie
. chrysothrix, Temm.
. celidogaster, Temm.
. pardalis, L....

. tigrina, Schreb,

- guigna, Molina

. pardinoides, Gray ...
. jaguarondi, Fischer

PAGE

FELIS—(comtinued).

27s
28.

44.
45.

braccata, Cope
eyra, Fischer

. caffra, Desm.

. domestica, Gm.

» catus, L.

. manul, Pall,

. pajeros, Desm,

. colocolo, H. Smith
. ornata, Gray

. shawiana, Blanf.

. chaus, Giildenst,

. pallida, Biichn,

. caudata, Gray

. caracal, Giildenst. ...
2 Kyox. i.

canadensis, Desm. ...

. rufa, Giildenst.

baileyi, Merriam
pardina, Temm.

II. CyNZLuRUuS, Wagl.

I. jubatus (Erxl.)

I,

FAMILY II., VIVERRIDA
I. CRYPTOPROCTA, Benn,

ferox, Benn.

II. VIVERRA, L.

I, civetta, Schreb.

2.

zibetha, L. ...

3. civettina, Blyth

PAGE

vl SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

PAGE PAGE
VIVERRA—(continued). PARADOXURUS—-(continued).
4. megaspila, Blyth ... 213 8. leucomystax, Gray... 238
5. tangalunga, Gray ... 214 g. musschenbroecki,
6, malaccensis, Gm. ... 214 | Schl. a inn 239
MiiVocsayGray | ..: ss. 26 10. laniger, Hodgs. ... 240
I, daubentoni, Gray ... 216 | XI. ArcTIcTIs, Temm. was 280
LV. (Genetra, Cuv, css. 27 1. binturong (Rafil.) ... 241
I, vulgaris, Less. «- 218 | XII. CyNOGALE, Gray seinen
2. felina(Thunb.) ... 219 1. bennetti, Gray a0 242
3. senegalensis (Fischer) 219 | x]]], Herpesres, Lacép. ... 244
4. tigrina(Schreb,) ... 219 I. ichneumon (L.) _ ..- 246
5. pardina, Geoffr. ... 220 2. caffer (Gm.) . 247
6. rubiginosa, Pucher, 221 . angolensis, Bocage... 249

3
V. LINSANGA, S. Miill. eeneet A, gracilis, Riipp. .1 s.<250
I, gracilis (Desm.)- ... 222 5. sanguineus, Riipp.... 251
2. maculosa (Blanf.) ... 223 6. neumanni, Matschie 252
3. pardicolor (Hodgs.) 224 7. galera (Erxl.) oo. SR
8. pulverulentus, Wagn. 254
g. punctatissimus,
Temm. -... exe 254
10. auropunctatu
(Hodgs.) ... oo aS
II. mungo (Gm.) sce 257
12. smithi, Gray son ho
‘ F3. fuscus, Waterh. ° ...c256
2. gerrardi, Thomas ... 229 14. fulvescens, Blyth | ... ae
IX. ARCTOGALE, Gray e250 I5. javanicus (Geoffr.) ... 260

I leucotis (Hlorsf.) ... 230 16. brachyurus, Gray ... 261
eee CES) eo 17. vitticollis, Benn. ... 261

VI. Porana, Gray ... pe2e5
I. poensis (Waterh.) ... 225
VII. HEMIGALE, Jourd. _...._ 226
1. hardwickii (Gray) ... 227
2. hosii, Thomas ies 225
VIII. NAnpINIA, Gray sages
I. binotata (Reinw.) ... 229

X. PARADOXURUS, F. Cuv.... 231 18. semitorquatus, Gray 262
I. hermaphroditus 19. urva (Hodgs.) ... 263
(Schreb.) ... ves 233 20. albicauda, Cuv. ... 264
2. philippinensis, Jourd. 235 21. grandis, Thomas ... 266

3. macrodus, Gray... 236 i
ieerdon) Blank 1 Ba6 XIV. HELOGALE, Gray sex 8200
5. aureus, F.Cuv. ... 236 I. parvula (Sundev.) ... 267
6. grayi Benn. «« 237-| XV. BDEOGALE, Peters nas 208
7. larvatus (Temm.) ... 238 I. crassicauda, Peters... 268

SYSTEMATIC INDEX,

BDEOGALE—(cov¢znued).
2. fusca, Peters
3. nigripes, Pucher.

XVI. CynictTis, Ogilby
I. penicillata (Cuv.) ...

XVII. RHYNCHOGALE,
Thomas
1. melleri (Gray)

XVIII. CrossARCHUS, F. Cuv.
. obscurus, F. Cuv. ...
. gambianus (Ogilby)
. zebra (Riipp.)

. fasciatus (Desm.)

. dybowskii, Pous.

wm Bw N

XIX. SuricaTA, Desm.
I. tetradactyla (Schreb.)

i. GaArrpreris, Geofir. -...
I. striata (Cuv.) aes
2. vittata, Gray

XXI. GaLipiA, Geoffr. ve
I. elegans, Geoffr.

XXII. HEMIGALIDIA, Mivart
1. unicolor (Geoffr.) -..
2. olivacea (Geoffr.)

PAGE

. 268
. 269

. 269

270

ez
271

272
273
273

. 274
- 275
Seas

«276

276

277
278

. +279

279

2 279

280
280

. 280

XXIII. EUPLEREs, Doyere ...
. 285

EXTINCT CARNIVORA ...

I. goucoti, Doyere

Vil

PAGE
280

282

FAMILY FELIDz ... 1,202

I. -FeLisyL. hig « Oy. oe
II. CYN-ALURUS, Wagl. 201, 282

III. MacH#ropus, Kaup.
IV. EusMILus, Gerv.

VI. Dinictis, Leidy
VII. Nimravus, Cope
VIII. PoGonopon, Cope

X. HopLoPpHONeEus, Cope
XI, PSEUDALURUS, Gerv.

XII. Pro#&.urus, Filhol ...

FAMILY VIVERRIDZE

283

nae Sol
V. AELURICTIS, Trouess. ...
. 286
. 287
. 288
IX. ARCHALURUS, Cope ...

285

288
288
289
290

. 291

I. -VIVERRA, L. ..... “BIG, 208

II. AMPHICTIS, Pomel

. 291

III. HERPESTES, Lacép. 244, 292
IV. PROGENETTA, Depéret 292

V. ICTITHERIUM, Wagn.
VI. PALZOPRIONODON,
Filhol

293

. 293

VII. STENOPLESICTIS, Filhol 295

LIST OF PLATES,

I.—Lion ...
II.—Lioness ei
II.—Lion-Tiger ...

IV.—Tiger
V.—Leopard
VI.—Ounce
VII.—Jaguar
VIII.—Puma

IX.—Clouded Leopard ...
X.—Marbled Cat
XI.—Fishing Cat...
XII.—Leopard-Cat
XIII.—Leopard-Cat ed
XIV.—Serval .
XV.—Ocelot
XVI.—Ocelot (variety)
XVII.—Tiger-Cat
XVITI.—Eyra...
XIX.
XX.—Wild Cat
XXI.--Colocolo
XXII.—Desert Cat ...
XXIII.—Caracal

XXIV.—Lynx :
XXV.—Hunting- Meoperd™:
XXVI.—Fossa

XXVII.—African Civet
XXVIII.—Blotched Genet

XXIX.—Hardwicke’s Hemigale

XXX.—Common Palm-Civet

XXXI.—Egyptian Mungoose

XXXII.—Broad-Banded Cusimanse...

Felis leo 8 .. Frontispiece
Felis leo . facing p. 27
Felis leo (hybrid) 7 45
Felis tigris '- 49
Felis pardus ps 71
Felis unciae 9 Go”
Felts onca 5 95
Felis concolor 3 tog
Felis nebulosa ... Pri: pi
Felis marmorata 45 . ETO
Felis viverrina ... i es
Felis bengalensis ... ee ©)
felis bengalensts ... os SE
felis serval 1» «6a
felts pardalts » «30
Felis pardalts 32 04s
Felis tigrina 3. 145
felts eyra 5 RS
Felis caffra oes
Felts catus eee
Felis colocolo a ee
Felts ornata 55° - EO
Felis caracal i, meg
Felis lynx ig 208
Cynelurus Fildes ve | 202
Cryptoprocta ferox iy eee
Viverra civetta ... sor) aE
Genetta tigrina .., sain 210
Hemigale hardwickit ,, 22]
Paradoxurus herma-
phroditus jue eS
flerpestes ichneumon ,, 247
Crossarchus fasciatus 3 «= 275

H

CARNIVORES.,

ORDER CARNIVORA.

PAR I

i THE CATS. FAMILY FELIDA:

IF a naturalist were asked to select two groups of Mammals
severally representing the most highly developed and _ beauti-
ful type of the carnivorous and herbivorous modifications, he
would certainly make choice of the Cat tribe for the one, while
for the other he would most probably select the Antelopes and
Gazelles. Both of these groups do, indeed, seem to present the
highest modification and specialisation which the particular type
of structure by which they are characterised is susceptible of
attaining ; and it is curious to notice the kind of parallelism in
development which may be traced between the two groups.
In both groups, for instance, the limbs have been more or less
elongated, these animals walking only on their toes, instead
of on the whole sole of the foot. Whereas, however, in the
Antelopes the elongation of the limbs has been excessive,
and mainly concentrated on the segment immediately above
the fore- and hind-foot—that is to say, the metacarpus and
metatarsus—while the toes have been reduced to a single
functional pair on each foot, in the Cats the bones of the

7 B

-

2 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

lower portions of the limbs have not undergone such excessive
elongation, while the fore-feet retain the original typical number
of five toes, and in the hind pair the number of digits is only
reduced by one. ‘Then, again, whereas in the Antelopes the
movements of the fore-limb have become restricted to a
backwards-and-forwards direction, while its extremities (like
those of the hind-limb) are encased in solid horny hoofs, in
the Cats the same limb is capable of a free rotatory motion,
and its toes are armed with sharp and powerful claws. These
divergencies of structure are, of course, to be accounted for by
the respective exigencies of the mode of life of the members
of the two groups; the Antelopes having merely had to attain
a speed sufficient to enable them to escape the attacks of their
enemies, while the Cats had not only to equal or surpass this
speed, but to have the power of striking down their prey and
holding it when struck.

Another parallelism between the two groups may be detected
in their dentition, which in each case has been specially modi-
fied for the exigencies of a particular mode of existence, and
has thus departed very widely from the generalised type pre-
valent in many of the older Mammals, and which is partially
retained in the common Pig. In the Antelopes the object of
the modification has been to produce a type of dentition best
suited for the cropping and mastication of grasses. Conse-
quently, while the teeth of the cheek-series, that is to say, the
pre-molars and molars, have been retained in their full number,
though their crowns have been lengthened, and likewise compli-
cated by infoldings and flutings of their summits and sides, so
as to form the best possible masticating apparatus, the tusks,
or canines, have disappeared, either totally or as such, while
the lower incisor teeth have assumed spatulate crowns admir-
ably adapted for plucking off the tufts of grass seized in the
tongue, by biting against the hard, callous pad in the front of the

THE CATS. a

upper jaw, from which the whole of the teeth have disappeared.
On the other hand, in the Cats the object has been to produce
a type of dentition adapted for seizing and holding a living prey,
and afterwards devouring it by tearing and cutting off the flesh
and sinews from the bones, without attempting to crack the
bones themselves. Consequently, we find that the three pairs
of incisor teeth in each jaw, characteristic of the older types of
Mammals, have been retained, and have assumed a pincer-like
form ; while the tusks, or canines, have been greatly developed,
‘and project far in advance of the level of the crowns of the
other teeth. On the other hand, the pre-molar and molar
teeth, constituting the cheek-series, have been greatly re-
duced in numbers, their whole strength being, indeed, con-
centrated on a single pair in each jaw—the carnassial, or
sectorial teeth—which bite against one another with a scissor-
like action.

Assuming it to be a fact that all Mammals have been derived
from a common ancestral stock, presenting none of the special-
ised features respectively characteristic of the Antelopes and the
Cats, these two groups present us the extreme modification
of which the original stock was susceptible in two opposite
directions, according to the exigencies of a particular mode of
life. Before passing on to the consideration of the distinctive
structural features of the group before us, it may be mentioned
that the Cats and Antelopes are alike characterised by the pre-
valence of tawny and rufous hues in their general coloration.
Moreover, in both groups the ornamentation of the pelage
takes the form of either spots or stripes ; although among the
Cats many species have a kind of clouded marking, somewhat
intermediate between the other two types of coloration. Where-
as, however, among the Cats, dark transverse stripes are of
common occurrence, among the Antelopes this kind of orna-
mentation is met with only in the Zebra-Antelope and the

B.2

4 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,

Gnus of Africa, On the other hand, white transverse stripes on
a tawny or chestnut ground are common among Antelopes,
whereas they are quite unknown in the Cats. And whereas in
the latter group dark spots on a light ground are prevalent, in
the former just the reverse of this arrangement holds gocd.
That there is some sufficient reason for this prevalence of one
type of coloration in one group of animals, and its replace-
ment by another in a second, may be taken for granted,
although at present naturalists have not succeeded in unravel-
ling the mystery in which the subject is enveloped.

The Cats, under which title are included Lions, Tigers, Leo.
pards, Pumas, Tiger-Cats, Domestic Cats, and Lynxes, form a
well-marked family group of the Terrestrial Carnivora, readily
distinguished from most of their allies, with the exception of
the Fossa (Cryptoprocta) of Madagascar, by which they appear
closely connected with the Civets (Viverride). In this work we
must take it for granted that the reader is more or less in-
timately acquainted with the distinctive structural features of
the Carnivora—a group which, in addition to the more typical
terrestrial forms, is likewise taken to include the aquatic Seals
and Walruses. It may be mentioned here, however, that the
Terrestrial Carnivora, among which the Otters and Sea-Otters
are included, are specially characterised by the special develop-
ment of a pair of teeth in each jaw to bite against one another
with a more or less marked “‘scissor ”-like action ; although the
peculiar features of these teeth are less conspicuously marked in
the Bears and Racoons than in the majority of the other mem-
bers of the group. Not the least remarkable feature connected
with these teeth, which, as already mentioned, are termed car-
nassials or sectorials, is the circumstance that the upper pair do
not correspond serially with those of the lower jaw. That is to
say, that while in the upper jaw this pair of teeth belong to the
pre-molar series, or those preceded by milk- or baby-teeth,

_

THE CATS, 5

in the lower jaw they are true molars, or have no such deciduous
predecessors. In the Cats these teeth attain the largest and
most specialised development in the entire carnivorous Order.

The whole ofthe Cats are graceful and elegantly made animals,
showing a marked general similarity in structure and appear-
ance, although one species—the Hunting-Leopard—differs so
markedly from all the other living representatives of the family,
as to necessitate its reference toa genus (Cyn@/urus) apart from
the rest. All are remarkable for their strength and agility, but
while some are arboreal in their habits, others are terrestrial.
Many, moreover, are more or less exclusively nocturnal animals,
and all have the power of preventing during the daytime the en-
trance of too much light into their large and full eyes—so ad-
mirably adapted to receive every gleam of light during their
nocturnal wanderings—by diminishing the size of the pupil by
the contraction of the retina, or coloured portion of the eye,
as will be fully explained in the sequel. Having highly
developed senses and mental powers, the Cats are ill-adapted to
become the servants or companions of man, even the domestic
breeds only associating with him to a great extent as a matter
of convenience to themselves, and never sympathising and con-
fiding in him afterthe manner of a Dog. Indeed, unlike the
latter, it requires but little inducement to make even the most
affectionate of Domestic Cats revert to the wild life of her
ancestors, and whenever such an animal does escape to the
woods it has little difficulty in accustoming itself to the new
conditions, whereas, under similar circumstances, most Dogs
would soon die of starvation. Asa matter of fact, the whole
of the Cat tribe are of but little importance to mankind, with
the exception of the domesticated races, their only use being
as a source of handsome and valuable furs.

Subsisting almost, or quite exclusively, upon flesh, and pre-
ferring a living prey to one which has been killed for them by

6 LLOYD'S NAMPRAL HISTORY.

other animals, or which has succumbed to a natural death, the
Cats creep upon their victims with a characteristic stealth and
patience, and seldom pursue the chase if their first deadly
spring has missed its mark. They never hunt in packs,
although Lions have been observed to combine with one another
to drive their prey in the direction where others are awaiting it,
and generally pursue their victims singly, except in the earliet
stages of their existence, when they often goin couples. A
peculiar and, at the same time, most unpleasing trait of most or
all the members of the Family, is their habit of playing with and
torturing their victims before finally despatching them, as if
to prolong the pleasure and excitement of the chase.

Regarding their method of hunting and capturing their prey,
Jardine writes that ‘‘morning and evening are the times when
it is chiefly sought, and it is either crept upon by stealth or
lain in wait for. Near to the passes in the thick forests, the
edges of the jungle, the banks of the springs and rivers, where
the beasts daily seek for water, are situations favourable for the
exercise of their perfidious ambuscade ; when the prey ap-
proaches, the animal gathers his strength for the spring, and
by a succession of leaps, or by one immense bound, seldom
fails in reaching the object. Or if the creature has to be
approached, the assailant becomes flattened, as it were, and,
crouching, advances swiftly but imperceptibly ; the velvety-
feeling pads of the toes touch the ground without noise ; the
eyes, gleaming on the prey, see no obstruction, but the slightest
hindrance is told by the sensitive whiskers. The measured
distance is gained, and the muscles of the animal are braced
for the fatal spring ; a roar or yell thrills through the victim,
and overpowers its faculties; an instinctive terror renders
strength or swiftness of foot equally unavailing, and it is borne
off felled and unresisting to some neighbouring thicket, where
it can be devoured in quiet.

THE CATS. 7

** Some species follow their prey into the trees, as the Leopard
and Jaguar, and seize the Monkeys and larger birds, after they
have gone to rest for the night. Sometimes, says Humboldt,
the cry of the Jaguar comes from the tops of the trees, fol-
lowed by the long and sharp whistling of the Monkeys, which
appear to flee from the danger which threatened them; and
this manner of hunting is also pursued by most of the smaller
Cats, which vary the size of their prey, according to their
strength to seize it.”

The external appearance of the Cats is so well-known and so
characteristic as to demand but brief notice in this place.
The fur with which the entire body is invested is generally
short, thick, and close, although frequently longer on the
under-parts than elsewhere; and is always kept in the most
brilliant and glossy condition by constant licking and cleansing
with tongue and paws, as is exemplified by the care and regu-
larity with which the Domestic Cat ‘‘washes her face.” In
species like the Snow-Leopard, inhabiting cold climates, the
fur is, however, long and almost shaggy; and the same con-
dition obtains in those races of normally short-haired species
ranging into colder regions than ordinary, as exemplified by
the Siberian variety of the Tiger. The hair is, however, always
short on the face and paws, while it is totally wanting on the
tip of the nose, the lips, and the pads on the soles of the feet.
In the male of the Liona large mass, or mane, of long hair
is developed on the head, neck, and shoulders; and the
True Lynxes have an incomplete ruff of longish hair on the
throat, in addition to stiff pencils of elongated hairs on the
summit of the ears. The inside of the ear is always lined with
long hairs, and each side of the upper lip is furnished with a
dozen or so of long tapering bristle-like hairs, projecting hori-
zontally outwards, and known as the whiskers, or vibrissz, the
function of these hairs being to act as organs of touch or per

8 LLOYD’S NMPURAL HISTORY.

ception. A few elongated hairs over each eye correspond to
the human eyebrows, but eyelashes are totally absent. The
direction of the hairs on the body inclines uniformly backwards
from the head to the tip of the tail, while on the limbs it is
mainly downwards.

In the majority of species the body is somewhat elongated,
and the limbs relatively short ; these features attaining their
maximum development in the Eyra of South America, which
approximates to the Civets in form. The Lynxes, however,
differ in their relatively shorter bodies and longer legs ; while
the typical members of that group are further distinguished by
the extreme shortness of the tail. As a rule, however, the tail
is long, cylindrical, and tapering; and it is also generally evenly
furred throughout its entire length, the hairs being, however,
often longer than elsewhere; but the Lion is an exception in
having a large tuft of hair at the extremity, in the midst of
which, in many individuals, is concealed a horny nail-appendage
of unknown use. All Cats walk exclusively on their toes, or,
in other words, are digitigrade ; and while in the fore-feet the
thumb, or pollex, is raised above the level of the other toes,
and is not applied to the ground in walking, in the hinder pair
its representative, the great toe, or ‘‘hallux,” is totally absent.
In all the typical members of the Family, or those included in
the genus /e/s, the claws are retractile, and maintained in an
efficient state of sharpness during walking, by being withdrawn
into horny protecting sheaths, to be exserted when the prey is
seized. In regions frequented by Cats the bark of the trunks
of trees is seen to be scored by a number of longitudinal streaks,
where these animals have exercised their exserted claws by
tearing them along it, probably for the purpose of aiding to
keep them clean. This habit is still retained by the Domestic
Cat.

The mechanism by which the claws are exserted and again

THE CATS. 9

withdrawn is illustrated by the accompanying figure from
Jardine’s monograph of the Cats in the original edition of
the ‘‘Naturalist’s Library.” As figured, the position of the
joints, or phalanges, as they are technically termed, is one of

The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of one of the toes of a Lion’s foot.

retraction. The claw is supported on the last phalange, which
is of a peculiar form ; its two portions being united to one
another nearly at a right angle. The base of the claw is
received into a groove at the body of the bone, to prevent

10 LLOYD’S NA#BRAL HISTORY.

its being pushed backwards in the rapid movement of the
paws; and the two portions of the bone form a kind of hook,
or crochet. In repose, the superior extremity of this phalange
is placed almost vertically, while the other end lies nearly
parallel to the second joint. The articulation is situated at
the upper end of the vertical portion, and the flexor tendons,
passing over the upper part of the bone, are firmly fixed to
the other portion. The action of the deep-seated flexor—the
flexor profundus—causes the whole bone to move through an
angle of ninety degrees round the end of the second phalange.
This last phalange is kept in its retracted condition by the
tendon a, which passes from the extensor tendon up to the
base of the superior or first phalange, and also by the elastic
ligaments J and ¢, proceeding by double heads from the ten-
dinous expansion at the top of the second phalange, and form-
ing bands on each side to unite at the palmar base of the
claw. From the twisted form of the second phalange, the first
does not move over its end in the same plane, but on retraction
falls a little to the outer side. In the figure, d indicates the
strong round tendon of the flexor profundus, which passes
over the superior extremity of the last phalange to e, as over a
pulley, thus giving prodigious power to the action of its
muscle. This tendon does not arise, as in man, directly
from the belly of the muscle, but from a flat irregular cartila-
ginous body, 234 inches long and 1% broad, attached to the
lower end of the muscle, and sliding between the annular liga-
ment and a very thick fascia covering the bottom of the fore-
paw; from this substance five very strong tendons proceed to
the fingers, which perforate the tendons of the sublimus nearly
as in other animals. They are strongly strapped down, as seen
in the figure.

In all the more typical Cats the head is remarkable for its
rounded and shortened form, while the jaws are likewise

THE CATS. TI

relatively short. The full and large eyes, which are separated
from each other by a considerable interval, are directed almost
immediately forwards. The ears are comparatively small and
short, gradually narrowing from base to tip, and with the deep
internal concavity directed forwards and outwards.

In common with the Civets ( Viverride), Hyznas (Hyenide),
and the Aard-Wolf (Prote/eide), the Cats present certain pecu-
liarities connected with the structure of the skull by which
they are distinguished from the other Carnivora, the Dogs
(Canidz) making the nearest approach to them in this respect.
In all these.four Families the chamber of the internal ear
known as the auditory bulla is dilated into a thin bladder-like
expansion, which, except in the Hyzenas, is divided into two
moieties by a vertical partition of bone. In addition to this,
the tube leading from this chamber to the external ear, and
known as tke auditory meas, is remarkably short. There
are other peculiarities connected with this part of the skull,
the consideration of which would involve too many technical-
ities for a work of the present nature.

Asa Family the Cats, both recent and fossil, are distinguished
by the strong development of the canine teeth, or tusks; by the
number of upper molar teeth never exceeding one, and the
lower two on each side of the jaws ; and, likewise, by the three
lower incisor teeth of each side being placed in the same hori-
zontal line, instead of the middle one being thrust up above
the plane of the other two. If we exclude certain extinct
forms, the Family may be further characterised by the following
characters, mainly relating to the dentition. Both in the upper
and lower jaws, the true molar teeth are reduced to a single
pair, the former being a small flat functionless tooth, with its
crown considerably wider than long, while the lower one is
the carnassial. In the lower jaw, as shown in the accom-
panying figure, the pre-molars are reduced to two pairs. The

a LLOYD'S NAM@RAL HISTORY.

upper carnassial tooth, or the large tooth on the right of the
upper figure in the illustration, consists of an external cutting
blade formed by three sharp lobes or cusps placed in the same
line, and of a blunt tubercle on the inner side. The lower
carnassial (shown on the left of the lower figure in the illustra-
tion), on the other hand, consists simply of a cutting blade,
formed by two nearly equal-sized lobes, without any cusp on
their inner side, or any projecting heel on the hinder border.
In the skull the auditory bulla is uniformly smooth and

Side View of Upper and Lower Teeth of the Lion. In the upper figure
the incisor teeth are turned to the left, and in the lower in the opposite
direction.

bladder-like, without any external trace of a transverse con-
striction.

In conformity with the contour of the head, the skull of the
typical Cats, as shown in the annexed woodcut, has a short
facial region; while the zygomatic arches, in order to afford
space for the powerful muscles necessary to work the jaws, are
very widely expanded. In the figured specimen, as in the
skulls of the other large members of the family, the nasal bones,
forming the roof to the cavity of the nose, are very short and
wide; but in some of the smaller Cats they become narrow,

THE CATS, 13

and pinched in .on the sides. Moreover, in all the large Cats
the orbit, or socket for the eye, is partially open posteriorly, as
the descending process from the frontal bone is not sufficiently
elongated to meet the ascending one from the zygomatic or

IN

Ts

ve

Upper surface of the skull of the Jaguar.

cheek- arch; but in some of the smaller Asiatic species the
union is complete.

Another peculiarity of the Cats is to be found in the struc-
ture of the tongue, the upper surface of which is covered with
numerous horny papillz, having the points directed backwards,
the effect of which may be observed, when a Lion or any large

14 LLOYD’S NATORAL HISTORY,

animal of the tribe is licking a bone, which is too powerful for
his strong jaws to break. It is suited more for laceration, and
to retain the food within the mouth, than for an organ of
taste; and the gustatory nerves are comparatively small, and
distributed principally to the muscles. Inthe different species,
these papille have by no means the same arrangement, for
some are in straight rows, while others run in straight lines.
Most persons are familiar with the peculiar sensation produced
on the skin of the hand when licked by a Domestic Cat, but
by the Lion or Tiger much more marked traces of the opera-
tion would be left.

Aliusion has already been made to the alteration in the size
of the pupil of the eye of the Cats by the contraction of the
iris under the influence of light ; and it may be added that the
contraction likewise produces an alteration in the form of the ex-
posed pupil, which varies from a circle to a narrow, more or less —
oat-shaped vertical slit. ‘The subject of the contraction of the
iris and the consequent form of the pupil has recently been in-
vestigated by Dr. G. L. Johnson, the results of whose observa-
tions have been published in the ‘‘Proceedings of the Zoologi-
cal Society” for 1894. After examining no less than 180
Domestic Cats, all of whose eyes were subjected to the same
degree of illumination, it was found that the shape of the pupil
varied from a perfect circle toa pointed oval. No general rule
could, however, be established with regard to this variation,
except, perhaps, that in the so-called blue tabbies no oval pupils
were detected. And it appears that neither the colour of the
iris nor the sex of the animal have any bearing on the shape
of the pupil.

“The only condition,” writes Dr. Johnson, “ which appears
to have an influence on the shape of the pupil seems to be
age. My observations on the above-mentioned Cats, and on
a number of others, all lead me to the conclusion that the

THE CATS. I5

younger the Cats the rarer the cases in which the pupil is
round ; and, conversely, the older the Cats the greater the
prevalence of round pupils. This, I think, may be due to a
decrease of the elasticity and consequent contractility of the
iris as the animals grow older.

“In no case have I noticed any convergence of the eyes, or
any contraction of the pupil in accommodation for near objects.
Sudden bright illumination, however, invariably causes con-
traction.

“The Cat’s iris contracts in a very definite and curious way.
It may be imitated most accurately by causing two discs to
overlap, until the horizontal diameter is equal to half the ver-
tical (acute oval), when the contraction ceases in the vertical
direction, but continues horizontally until the sides meet,
forming two parallel vertical lines in close contact. At the
extremities of this vertical slit there are always two round pin-
holes, which are caused by the inability of the fibres of the iris
to come further together ; if examined with a strong magnify-
ing-glass, the radiating fibres of the iris are seen surrounding
these points.

“When I held a Cat’s face so that the unobscured sun shone
directly on the centre of the pupil, and its image could be seen
on the cornea, I noticed the pupil immediately contract to the
above-mentioned vertical slit. So close was the contact between
the free margins of the iris that, so far as I could judge, no
light entered the eye except through the two pinholes. In
fact, I found I could hold a Cat with the lids held apart so
that the sun shone directly on to the pupils, without it showing
any sign of discomfort, nor did the animal trouble to use its
nictitating membrane. In this respect it had the advantage
over the big /é/ide with pupils that contract in a circular
manner, since a circular pupil can never contract completely
so long as it remains a circle,”

16 LLOYD’S MrurA HISTORY.

In this connection brief reference may be made to the well
known fact that pure white Cats with blue eyes are generally
deaf; this being probably due to the absence of pigment in
the internal ear.

With regard to the coloration of the Cats, it has already
deen incidentally mentioned that the ground-colour of the fur
raries from some shade of grey, through sandy and chestnut,
to orange ; and that upon this ground there are very generally
dark markings, which may be either brown or black. No
Cats are normally black, although melanistic races or in-
dividuals of several species are not uncommonly met with;
neither, with the exception of albinos, are there any white Cats
in nature. Whereas, however, black enters largely into the
coloration of the majority of the species, pure white (except on
the under-parts, and in small patches about the head) is
practically unknown in the Family ; and there are no instances
of the markings being lighter in tint than the ground-colour.
In common with the majority of animals, the Cats generally have
the under-parts lighter than the back ; in this respect differing
markedly from many species of the Weasel Family (AZuste/ide).

No Cat has complete longitudinal dark stripes throughout
the body ; although a few such stripes may be met with on the
crown of the head and down the middle of the back. The
markings may, indeed, be classified under the headings ot
longitudinal streaks, spots, cloudings, and transverse stripes ;
while a few species have the fur uniformly coloured, although
in certain lights it generally exhibits traces of spots or stripes,
while in the young state it is always thus ornamented.

Examples of Cats with longitudinal streaks or flecks are
afforded by the Fishing Cat (Feds viverrina) and the Colocolo
(F. colocolo), the streaks being darker, larger, and more numer-
ous in the former than in the latter. As may be observed in our
illustrations, the streaks in these and other cases are always

THE CATS. 17

arranged in more or less continuous lines, as if they had been
formed by the breaking up of longitudinal stripes, and it is
evident that if this were really their origin, a further con-
tinuance of the same process would result in the production
of spots. One variety of the Tiger Cat (7 ¢igrina) affords an
instance of the transition from a streaked to a spotted type
of coloration.

Spots are the most common type of ornamentation assumed
py the Fe/ide, although these vary greatly in form and size in
the different species. Simple solid black spots, of comparatively
small size, are found in the Serval (4é/s serva/) and the Hun-
ting-Leopard (Cyne@lurus jubatus) ; and these would appear to
present the original modification of this type of coloration. In
the Leopard (#: pardus) the spots have, however, become
broken up into rosettes, formed by imperfect rings of small
spots surrounding a light area, which may or may not be
darker than the general ground-colour of the fur. In the
Ounce (/ wacia) the rings are larger and more complete,
while the central area is decidedly darker than the rest of
the fur. A further development is presented by the Jaguar
(F. onca) in which not only is the rosette formed by a com-
plete ring and the enclosed area darker, but there is a solid
black spot in the centre of each rosette. By the union of two
or more rosette-like spots, with the central area darker than the
rest of the fur, may be evolved the pattern characteristic of
the Ocelot (7: Aardalis), in which we have elongated tawny
or chestnut blotches, each surrounded by a black border, run-
ning obliquely downwards and backwards on the sides of the
body. A further step will bring us to the clouded type, as
exemplified by the Clouded Leopard (/ medbulosa) and the
Marbled Cat (“2 marmorata), in which the dark blotches have
become larger, broader, and more squared, with the black
edgings confined to their hinder borders.

7 Cc

13 | Liovy’s NMPuRAL tisToRY.

A complete transition from solid spots to transvetse stripes
is not observable in any member of the Family, although an
iiidication of the mode in which such a transition might be
effected is afforded by the markings on the fore-quarters of some
specimens of the Indian Desert-Cat (# ornata). The most
perfect development of transverse dark stripes is to be met with
in the Tiger (/ ¢/gris) and the Wild Cat (/ catus). From such
fully striped species a transition can be traced through forms
like the Caffre Cat (™ caffra) and the Flat-headed Cat
(/. planiceps), in which, while the limbs remain more or less
distinctly striped, the body has become more or less uni-
formly tawny, to perfectly tawny species like the Bay Cat
(F. éadius), the Eyra (& eyra), and the Lion (¥/. 4o). That
the Bay Cat was originally a striped form may be inferred from
its alliance to the Flat-headed Cat; while that the Licn has
originated from a transversely striped species is evident from
the occurrence of such stripes in the cubs. On the other hand,
the indications of spots persisting on the fur of the Puma
(/ puma) prove as clearly that in some instances a uni-
formly tawny hue has been evolved from the spotted type
of coloration.

In a paper on the coloration of animals published by
Professor Eimer, of Tiibingen, in the ‘ Jahreshefte Vereins fir
Naturkiinde, Wiirttemberg,” for 1883, the author arrives at the
conclusion that longitudinal dark stripes formed the primitive
coloration of terrestrial vertebrates in general, and that these sub-
sequently broke up into spots, while the latter again coalesced
to form transverse stripes ; a uniform coloration being finally
produced by the disappearance of the latter. Although the
coloration of the existing /ée/rde can, as is evident from the
foregoing observations, be explained on this hypothesis, yet
there are several difficulties in accepting it altogether. In the
first place, it has been shown that in the Puma a uniform

THE CATS. 19

coloration has resulted directly from a spotted coat, without
the intervention of a striped stage. This, however, might be
an individual exception, not affecting the theory as a whole.
A greater difficulty is, however, presented in the case of the
Banded Marsupial Ant-eater (AQjrmecobius fasciatus), which,
although one of the most primitive of living Mammals, is yet
transversely barred. The Thylacine (Zhylacinus cynocephalus),
likewise belonging to the Polyprotodont Marsupials, also pre-
sents a similar type of coloration. Then, again, a further ob-
jection arises from the circumstance that the coloration of the
felide appears to be mainly of a protective nature; the uni-
form tawny hue of the Puma and Lion harmonising with the
sand of the open plains, while the vertical stripes of the Tiger
resemble the lines of light and shadow formed by the tall
grasses of an Indian jungle, the clouded markings of the
Marbled Cat and Clouded Leopard assimilating with the
gnarled and lichen-clad boughs on which these animals are
wont to rest, and the spotted coat of the Indian Desert-Cat
rendering the creature almost invisible on the stony deserts it
frequents. To suppose that this harmony has always been
produced by a regular transition from longitudinal stripes to
spots, from the latter to transverse barrings, and these again
to a uniform hue, is a theory very difficult to accept.

The whole subject of coloration is, however, one involved in
great mystery and obscurity ; and even although, as aforesaid,
it appears most probable that the coloration of the Fe/de is in
the main due to adaptations to the natural surroundings of
its various members, there are not wanting difficulties even ©
here. For instance, we have already said that the coloration
of the Tiger harmonises almost exactly with the Indian jungles
which the animal now inhabits. From its absence from Cey-
lon, Mr. Blanford, is, however, of opinion that the Tiger is
probably only a comparatively recent immigrant into Southern

cig

20 LLOYD’S nATORAL HISTORY,

India; and his suggestion is supported by the well-known in
tolerance displayed by this animal to the fierce rays of an
Indian sun. It is therefore quite probable that this Cat may
be an immigrant from the west or north; and if Siberia, where
it now exists, should prove to have been its original home,
what becomes of the theory as to the adaptive harmony ex-
isting between its dark and light stripes, and the dark streaks
of vertical light and shade in an Indian jungle ?

Leaving the subject of their coloration in this somewhat
unsatisfactory state, we pass on to the consideration of the
geographical distribution of the Cats. Although the Tiger
now inhabits Siberia and Amurland, while its fossilised re-
mains have been found on an island still farther north and
well within the Arctic Circle, and the Ounce is an inhabitant
of the cold plateau of Tibet, yet at the present day the Cats,
as a whole, attain their greatest numerical development in the
warmer regions of the globe. Indeed, while they are repre-
sented in almost ali the hottest parts of the world, they have
no representatives in the extreme northern countries inhabited
by the Arctic Fox and the Polar Bear. With the exception of
the Tiger, the larger members of the Family are, in fact, now
for the most part denizens of tropical and sub-tropical regions,
although the range of the Puma extends southwards to the
cold wastes of Patagonia, and northwards to British Columbia
and Maine. It is true, indeed, that the Lion, as represented
by the so-called Felis spelea, ranged during the Pleistocene
period in Western Europe as far north as England, yet we
know too little of the climate of that period to draw any
inferences from this former more extended distribution.

With the exception of Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea,
perhaps Celebes, Madagascar, the West India Islands (save
Trinidad, which may be reckoned as part of South America),
and the circumpolar regions, the Cats have a practically

THE CATS. 21

cosmopolitan distribution. The Cats of the New World are,
however, as a rule, markedly distinct from those of the Old,
although the Lynxes form a marked exception to this rule.
Exclusive of the Old World Caracal, these animals are, how-
ever, essentially a northern group; and it is therefore not
surprising to find the common Lynx of Europe and Asia so
closely allied to the Canadian Lynx as, in the opinion of many
competent zoologists, to be no more than a local race. As a
whole, the New World is not so rich in Cats as the Old; but it
is noteworthy that in both hemispheres spotted, striped, and
uniformly-coloured species occur. It is only, however, in the
former that we meet with a species (the Jaguar) in which the
dark rosettes have a central black spot ; while the great tawny
American Cat (the Puma) differs from its Old World analogue,
the Lion, in having been derived from a spotted instead of a
striped ancestor. Moreover, the only striped American species
is the Pampas Cat, in which the stripes are but poorly de-
veloped ; and accordingly, if Dr. Eimer’s theory of coloration
be the true one, it would seem that in this respect the New
World Fedde are less specialised than their Old World cousins.

Europe at the present day is remarkably poor in species of
the Family, having only the Wild Cat, the common Lynx, and
the Spanish Lynx. The warmer parts of Asia and Africa, on
the other hand, may be regarded as the headquarters of the
Family ; and it is here only that we meet with the Hunting-
Leopard, which is not the sole representative of its genus, but
is likewise common to the two continents. The only other
species found both in Asia and Africa are the Lion, the
Leopard, the Jungle Cat, and the Caracal, although a few
essentially African species range into Syria. As regards the
smaller Cats, several African species appear to be peculiar to
the forest districts on the western side of that continent.

As regards their geological distribution, it is not a little

22 LLOYD'S NAT@RAL HISTORY.

remarkable that, whereas the typical Cats (7é/is) are unknown
in Europe before the middle of the Miocene division of the
Tertiary period, and in North America not earlier than the
Upper Miocene or Lower Pliocene, in France the apparently
more specialised sabre-toothed Tigers (Aacherodus) are met
with in the Quercy Phosphorites belonging to the antecedent
Oligocene division of the Tertiary.

At the present day, as we have seen, the nearest relations
of the Fe/id@ appear to be the Civets (Viverride) ; the aberrant
Cryploprocta of Madagascar being the most Cat-like form
among the latter. Both these groups agree in the general
structure of the base of the skull, while the teeth of the Cryf-
toprocta are practically indistinguishable from those of the
felide. From this structural resemblance, coupled with the
common occurrence of Civet-like animals in the earlier Tertiary
strata of Europe, it has been generally considered that the Cats
have taken origin from Carnivora more or less closely allied
to the Civets. There exists, however, a group of extinct car-
nivorous Mammals known as Creodonts, the teeth of which
differ markedly in structure from those of the existing members
of the Order; and it has been recently suggested by North
American Palzontologists that the /e/ide have originated from
one of these Creodonts quite independently of the other existing
Carnivora. Ifthis should prove well-founded, the resemblances
existing between the skulls and teeth of the Cats and Civets
would be due to what is known as parallelism in development,
and the apparent relationship existing between the two groups
merely an instance of what is termed convergence. Without,
however, denying the possibility that the American Palzonto
logists may be correct, the writer would submit that mor
decisive evidence is required before it can be definitely ac-
cepted that there is no intimate relationship between the Cats
and the Civets,

THE CATS. 33

Turning to the subject of classification, all zoologists are
agreed that the whole of the existing Cats should be included
within a single family—the Fede. As regards generic divisions
there is, however, some difference of opinion ; although it is
admitted on all sides that the Hunting-Leopard is entitled to
stand as a genus (Cyz@lurus), apart from all the rest. The
question then resolves itself as to whether the whole of the
other Cats should be included in the single typical genus /e/is,
or divided into two or more genera. By the late Dr. Gray, the
existing Cats were split up into no less than thirteen generic
divisions ; but the majority of these were obviously unnatural,
and they have been discarded by most recent zoologists.
The true, or short-tailed northern Lynxes differ, however,
markedly from the more typical members of the Family, and
were it not for the existence of more or less completely inter-
mediate forms, there would be much to be said for referring
them to a genus apart, under the name of Zyzcus. The
Caracal, which is nearly allied to the Lynxes, is, however, a
long-tailed form, connecting the former with the Jungle Cat
and its allies so closely as to render any such divisions very
difficult to define. It is true that an attempt to solve the
difficulty has been made by referring the former animal to a
third genus, as Caracal, but this, in the writer’s opinion, does
not much mend matters, and accordingly, in the present
volume, all the existing Cats, with the exception of the Hunting-
Leopard, are included in the Linnean genus e//s.

A nearly similar state of uncertainty exists as to the number
of species by which that genus is represented. In the sequel
forty-five different kinds are provisionally admitted. Several
of these are, however, of doubtful specific rank, this being es-
pecially the case among the Lynxes; and it is hence not im-
probable that the number of species, if all were founded upon
differences Of approximately equal yalue, might be reduced

24 ILOYD’S NAT@RAL HISTORY.

to somewhere about forty. On the other hand, there is a
growing tendency among zoologists—especially on the other
side of the Atlantic—to regard every well-marked and con-
stant local difference in coloration as of specific value ; and if
this view were accepted, the result would probably be to split
up several of what are here regarded as species (e.g., the
Jungle Cat and the Ocelot) into different races. Since, how-
ever, a species is absolutely indefinable, as being non-existent, it
is merely a matter of individual opinion as to the best manner
of using that term ; the writer being very strongly in favour of
employing it in as wide a sense as possible.

This introductory dissertation on Cats in general may be
fitly brought to a close by a reference to the important part
which the larger members of the Family took in the pageants
and shows of the ancients, the account being taken from the
admirable veswmé given by Sir W. Jardine in the original
edition of this volume of the ‘‘ Naturalist’s Library.”

In the palmy days of ancient Rome various wild creatures
were sometimes sent as presents from conquered nations ; but,
in general, animals were collected from the shores of Africa
and India in such numbers and variety, that we are at a loss
to conceive how they were overcome, or afterwards transported
to the utmost limits of the Roman empire. Those belonging
to the tribe we are now about to describe were chiefly Lions,
and the larger spotted African and Asiatic Cats, which then
went under the different appellations of varii, pardi, panthers,
&c. Lynxes were occasionally exhibited, but Tigers only once
or twice. At the triumphs they were either led in procession
as trophies from the vanquished nation or, in a few instances,
having been tamed, they were made to draw the chariot of the
conqueror. But the most frequent exhibition of all kinds or
animals was in the public amphitheatral shows, an amusement
which became a complete passion with the Romans, Immense

THE CATS. 25

sums were lavished in their arrangement; even the armies, when
stationary for a short period, had their circus; and traces of
_these erections are to be found in the most distant parts of the
Roman empire. Training men to these sports became a pro-
fession, and persons of rank were emulous to engage in them,
because they were thought to keep up the martial spirit of the
nation.

The number of fierce animals collected at these shows was
immense, and the slaughter no less so. Cornelius Scipio Nasica
introduced sixty-three Lions. Scylla exhibited 100, which he
received as a present from Boschus, King of Mauritania, with
some Mauritanians to fight them. Pompey, at the opening of
his theatre, exhibited a variety of games and battles with wild
beasts, in which 500 Lions were slain in five days; and in
another exhibition, the tragedy consisted in the massacre of
too Lions, and an equal number of Lionesses, 200 Leopards,
and 300 Bears. In the extravagant theatre built by Scaurus,
500 Panthers were let loose in the-arena on a single occasion.

At a later period, by many of the Indian sovereigns beasts
of prey were kept to be hunted; or, being tamed, were placed
near the throne upon occasions of pomp. They were also much
more frequently employed as the executioners of criminals, or
persons who had dispieased their despotic masters. The King
of Pegu kept a park for Lions, Tigers, and other fierce beasts,
called Liparo ; and it was a sad and daily sight to see criminals
devoured by them.

But in other parts of these countries, particularly Hindustan,
instead of being used to rouse the martial spirit of the youth,
the beasts of prey occupy a prominent part in the religious
rites. In the mythology of the Hindus, many of them are held
as sacred, or as evil spirits which can be propitiated by food.
It is therefore a crime to destroy a Tiger ; and the teeth and
claws are worn as charms against their ravages. Similar ideas

26 LLOYD'S N@#MURAL HISTORY.

prevail in a great part of the East Indian Archipelago, and
precautions are scarcely ever taken against a wild beast. In
Sumatra, according to Sir Stamford Raffles, when a Tiger enters
a village, the foolish people frequently prepare rice and fruits,
and placing them at the entrance, conceive that, by giving him
this hospitable reception, he will be pleased with their attention,
and pass on without doing them harm.

Bringing the history of our knowledge of these wild animals
to a still later period, we find them in Britain at the courts
of our own kings. Henry the First, for instance, had, at his
manor at Woodstock, a royal menagerie, where he kept Lions
and Leopards, Lynxes, Porcupines, and other animals. From
Woodstock these animals were transferred to the Tower, and
formed the foundation of that establishment. ‘But in all
these immense collections,” continues Jardine, “ we have only
seen them as accessories of eastern magnificence, or delighting
a barbarous people by their still more barbarous contests. It
is true, certainly, that one of the greatest original works de-
rived a great part of its accuracy and value from the numbers
of animals which Alexander remitted during the progress of his
conquests, and the Natural History of Pliny was partly supplied
from the Roman shows; but these are the only instances of
great men making use of the advantages which these collections
afforded.” And it was not till a much later epoch that regular
Zoological Gardens were established to promote the study of
animals in their living state.

I. THE RETRACTILE-CLAWED CATS. GENUS FELIS,
felis, \inn., Syst, Nat. ed. 12,-vol.1. p: 60x 17.06).

Characters.—Claws of toes completely contractile within their
investing horny sheaths; inner tubercle of the upper carnas-
sial tooth well developed.

This genus includes the whole of the existing members of

a ees
We ce) ees
Cad 0 pe

‘9gND GNV SSUNOTT

COS,

anu

THE LION, 27

the Family, except the Hunting-Leopard ; and has, therefore, a
geographical distribution coéxtensive with that of the Family, as
_ given above,

I. THE LION... FELIS LEO.

Felis leo, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. i. p. 60 (1766) ; Elliot,
Monograph of Felidz, pl. 1. (1878-83) ; Blanford, Mamm.
Brit. India, p. 56 (1888).

Felis spelea, Goldfuss, Nova Acta Ac. Czs. Leop.-Car. vol. x.
p. 489 (1821) ; Owen, Brit. Foss. Mamm. p. 161 (1846).

Felis leo goojratensis, Smee, Trans. Zool. Soc. vol. i. p. 165(1833).

Leo africanus, Jardine, Naturalist’s Library, Feline, p. 118
(1834).

Leo astaticus, Jardine, op. cit. p. 121.

Leo barbarus, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 39 (1843).

Leo nobilis, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 263, and Cat.
Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 9 (1869).

(Plates I. and II.)

Characters.— Distinguished from all the other members of the
Family by the presence of a massive mane, of variable length,
depending from the neck and sides and crown of the head of
the adult ; the female and young being mane-less. Tail about
half the length of the head and body, with a large tuft of long
hair at the extremity, among which is concealed a small nail-like
horny appendage. Pupil of the eye circular when contracted.
Colour uniform pale yellowish-brown (tawny), except the tuft
at the extremity of the tail, the basal portion of the external
surface of the ears, and frequently the tips of the hairs of the
mane during middle life, all of which are black. Young cubs
usually marked with small dark transverse bands, and a longi-
tudinal stripe down the middle of the back, but these mark-
ings occasionally breaking up into spots. Faint spots some-
times observable on the flanks and under-parts of the adult,

28 LLOYD’S MMTURAL HISTORY.

especially in the Lioness. Skull connected with the arch of
the hyoid bone (supporting the base of the tongue) by a pair
of long ligaments. In the Lion the superior extremities of
the nasal bones do not extend so far backwards as the frontal
processes of the maxilla, or upper jaw-bones ; whereas in the
Tiger the former reach far behind the latter. In the Lion’s
skull, again, the fronto-parietal suture is separated by a much
shorterinterval from the post-orbital process ; so that the former,
as Mr. W. L. Sclater remarks, may be termed a short-waisted
skull, as compared with that of the Tiger. A further difference
between the two animals is to be found in the smaller develop-
ment of the inner tubercle of the upper carnassial tooth of the
Lion, as compared with that of the Tiger. The total length
reached by large full-grown males is about ten feet, of which
rather more than three feet is occupied by the tail.

In the male Lion the mane commences to grow at about
three years of age, and does not attain its full dimensions till
the completion of the sixth year. The mane in specimens
kept in menageries attains a far greater development than it
ever reaches in the wild state ; the fringe of hair on the middle
of the lower surface of the body, so commonly found in mena-
gerie Lions, being peculiar to them. Unlike the majority of
the Family, Lion cubs are born with their eyes open.

As regards coloration, the Lion may be regarded as a more
specialised animal than the Tiger, which it otherwise very
closely resembles; while the mane of the male and the tail-
tuft of both sexes are likewise specialised features. There is
some considerable degree of variation in the colour of the
coat, as well as in the degree of blackness and length of the
mane. As arule, specimens kept in menageries have a marked
reddish tinge in the coat ; whereas many wild specimens have
a very pale yellow or even a silvery-grey hue. In South Africa,
Messrs. Nicolls and Eglington remark that in some instances

THE LION. 29

full-grown males have been found “ of a fawn-colour so light
as to be little removed from dirty-white, and with scarcely any
appearance of mane; while others in the same district, although
not so advanced in age, may be ornamented with full-flowing
manes and dark brown coats, and wice versd. It is in these
Lions with the largest manes that the tips of the hairs of the
latter show the most blackness ; whereas in the poorly-maned
specimens the colour is almost wholly tawny.” Hence we hear
of “black” and of ‘‘yellow” Lions; but since cubs of both
kinds may be met with in a single litter, it is quite certain that
not even racial, let alone specific, differences can be founded
on such variations. Neither is it true that the Indian Lion
differs from the African in the absence of a mane. There does,
however, seem to be a certain amount of local difference in
the development of this appendage, some South African and
all Somali-land and Algerian Lions being characterised by
their full manes.

Distribution. At the present day, Africa from Algeria to the
Cape ; Mesopotamia, on the west flanks of the Zagros Range ;
Persia, south of Shiraz, but not on the tableland ; and India.

Regarding its occurrence in India, Mr. W. L. Sclater, in the
** Catalogue of the Mammalia in the Indian Museum,” writes
that the Lion was much more widely spread formerly than it is
at the present day. ‘‘The districts in which it occurs or has
occurred, are Guzerat in the extreme west of India, Central
India, and Bundelcund. Blanford gives accounts of a Lion
shot near Rewah in 1866; and also of a Lion stoned to death
by a Mr. Arratoon, of the Police at Sheorajpur, twenty-five
miles west of Allahabad. In the Aszan newspaper of June
zoth, 1885, Colonel Martin, of the Central India Horse, men-
tions that General Travers and himself in 1860 killed two Lions
on a hillto the west of Guna in Gwalior ; and in 1862, with
Colonel Beadon, the Deputy Commissioner, he turned out and

7

30 LLOYD’S WMTURAL HISTORY.

killed no less than eight Lions at a place called Patulghar,
seventy miles north-west of Guna. The last Lion killed in
Central India, of which I can find any record, was shot by
Colonel Hallnear Gunain 1873. . . . Ihave heard too ot
a Lion being killed in 1888 in Guzerat, so that it is evident
that the animal is not yet extinct in India, although it seems
probable that it soon will be.” Since this passage was written,
the present writer has been informed that Lions still exist in
Kattiawar (a district of Guzerat), where they are now strictly
preserved by the Indian Government. His informant also
states that during the Mutiny-time (that is to say, early in the
“ fifties”) Colonel George Acland Smith killed upwards of
three hundred Indian Lions, fifty of which were bagged in the
Delhi district.

In South Africa, where these animals formerly abounded,
Messrs. Nicolls and Eglington write that a few Lions “still
remain in the extreme northern confines of the Zoutpansberg
district of the Transvaal, and about Delagoa Bay. In British
Bechuanaland their presence is now and then reported from
the extreme westwardly course of the Molopo river, before its
waters become absorbed in the waters of the southern
Kalahari. But northward, without mentioning any particular
locality, throughout South-Central Africa, wherever large game
is plentiful, they are more or less numerous, particularly so in
the low-lying countries along the East Coast, and the presence
of Burchell’s Zebras in quantities is a sure indication that
Lions are to be found in the vicinity.”

Very similar testimony is given by Mr. H. A. Bryden, who,
after mentioning that only occasional traces of their presence
are to be met with in British Bechuanaland, states that “not
many Lions are nowadays heard of until Khama’s country
is reached and Palachwe left behind. Along the Botletli they
are still numerous, expecially in the busier parts nearing Lake

THE LION. 31

Ngami. And round the lake, in the Mabebi veldt, and about
the Chebi and Zambesi they are always to be found. In other
places, too, between Palachwe and the Zambesi, Lions’ spoor
is pretty sure to be seen in the vicinity of water. In the true
Kalahari country there are few; here water is scarce, and
Lions cannot exist without water. In the south-eastern part
of Khama’s country, along the Limpopo, and near the Shashi
and Macloutsi rivers, they are still (or were till very lately)
occasionally heard of.” At the time that Mashonaland was
opened up by the Chartered Company in 1890, Lions were
not only extraordinarily abundant, but likewise remarkable
for their boldness and audacity, despatch-riders being often
followed by small troops of them at night, while there are
several instances of their having pursued men in broad day-
light. Cattle and mules were likewise carried off in numbers,
in defiance of all ordinary means of protection. With regard
to other parts of Africa, our information is not so full. Lions
are, however, still abundant in Somali-land, where, as already
mentioned, the males, as a whole, are characterised by the fine
development of their manes; although, according to Mr. Selous,
none of the Lions from that district equal in this respect the
very finest specimens from the Cape, where the average size of
the mane is less. From lower Egypt the Lion has, we believe,
disappeared, although it is still to be met with in considerable
numbers in the Sudan, as well as in Algeria and Morocco. In
the wooded regions of Senegal it is likewise abundant; and
. regarding its occurrence in Angola and the Congo district,
Professor Barboza du Bocage, in a paper published in the
journal of the Lisbon Scientific Society for 1883, writes as
follows : “‘The Lion appears everywhere where large Ungulates,
such as Antelopes and Zebras, abound. To the north of the
Zaire its range seems confined to the upper Congo, above
Stanley Pool. In Angola it seems to have disappeared from

32 LLOYD'S WgetURAL HISTORY.

the inhabited districts lying between the Zaire and the Quanza.
In the district of Benguela it is sufficiently common at
Quillengues and Caconda, and during its wanderings fre-
quently comes down to the sea-coast. In the district of
Mossamedes its presence has been indicated at Capangombe,
and more especially on the high plateau extending westwards
from the mountain-range of Chella; while in the southern
part of this district it has been met with in the littoral zone on
the banks of the Rio Coroca.”

Turning once more to Asia, it may be mentioned that a few
years ago Lions were still numerous in the reedy swamps on
the banks of the Euphrates and Tigris ; while in Persia, to the
south of Shiraz, they haunt a reed-clad valley, from which they
make forays on the swine kept in numbers in the neighbouring
woods and thickets. Within historic times the western range
of the Lion was, however, much more extensive, and while it
is known to have ranged over Syria and Arabia, it is probable
that it was likewise found in Afghanistan and Baluchistan,
whereby its present Indian and Persian habitats would have
been connected. It is well-known how Herodotus records
that the baggage-camels of the army of Xerxes were attacked
by Lions in the country of the Pzonians, one of the races of
Macedonia ; and there is evidence that these animals formerly
ranged over a considerable portion of South-eastern Europe,
including Roumania and Greece.

Many years ago the fossilised remains of a large species
of Lion were discovered in the ossiferous deposits of the
German caves and described under the name of eds sfelea ;
‘the opinion then being that they indicated a species now
extinct. Similar remains have been subsequently obtained
from the caverns and superficial river-deposits of other parts
of Europe, such as France, Italy, Spain, and England ; but
careful examination and comparison has led to the conclusion

THE LION. 33

that the animal to which they belonged cannot be separated
from the existing Lion, whose range was, therefore, formerly
very extensive. It is, however, very noteworthy that there is
no evidence of the Lion having ever inhabited the countries
to the eastwards of the Bay of Bengal, where the Tiger is so
abundant ; and it may thus be concluded that while the one
is a western and southern form, the other is an eastern and
northern animal; the meeting-place of the two being on the
plains of India, as the Tiger, as already mentioned, is not
improbably a recent immigrant.

Habits.— Distinguished from the majority of the members of
the Cat tribe by its inability to climb, the Lion is essentially a
noisy animal, its well-known roar being in undisturbed districts
frequently uttered at intervals, from early evening, throughout
the night. Even the Lion, however, learns prudence, and in
places where they are much molested and harassed by Man,
they roar much less frequently than elsewhere. As is well-
known, Livingstone had no very high estimate of the impres-
siveness of the Lion’s roar ; but his opinion is not shared by the
majority of more recent observers. Mr. F. H. Jackson, for
instance, in the volumes of the “ Badminton Library ” devoted
to big game, observes that, when heard on a still night at a
short distance, the Lion’s roar is decidedly grand, especially
when two or more animals are uttering the sound in concert:
Later on in the same volume, Mr. Selous writes that “there
is no more magnificent sound in nature than the volume of
sound produced by a party of Lions roaring in unison, that is,
if one is fortunate enough to be very near to them. It is,
however, a rare occurrence to hear Lions roar loudly within a
short distance of one’s camp, and in all my experience, tho gh
I have heard these animals roaring upon hundreds of different
occasions, I can count the nights on the fingers of one hand
when, all unconscious of my near vicinity, a party of several

7 D

34 LLOYD'S NgpuRAL HISTORY.

Lions has roared freely within a hundred yards of where [ was
lying.”

Although when lying at rest in one of the spacious open
cages at the “Zoo” a well-mained male Lion has certainly an
imposing and majestic appearance, those who have had an
opportunity of observing the animal in its native haunts are
not, for the most part, impressed with the dignity of its bear-
ing and carriage. General Paget, however, informs me that,
whereas Tigers are always sneaking and Cat-like in their gait,
old Lions are bold and deSiant, holding up their heads as if to
challenge an attack. But this, is not the experience of Mr.
Jackson, who says that Lions as a rule carry their heads low
down, and below the line of the back ; and as they slouch
along, their hind-quarters sway from side to side in an inele-
gant manner, so as to give a general appearance of weak-
ness and general looseness of build. When standing broad-
side on, or facing the intruder with head erect, however, he
is fain to confess that an adult male Lion is a grand-looking
beast.

Mainly nocturnal in their habits, Lions are very generally
found in more or less open sandy districts, with the hue of which
their tawny hides so well harmonise ; but in certain districts
they are found in thorn-jungle, or even forest ; while, as we
have seen, in the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates they
frequent reed-covered swamps. It has been thought that the
nature of the country they inhabit has something to do with
the degree of development of the mane—this appendage being
alleged to be smaller in Jungle Lions; but this requires con-
firmation. Although usually met with in pairs, in some parts
of Africa Lions associate in parties commonly comprising up
to as many as ten individuals, which may represent at least
two or three generations. Mr. Selous states, however, that on
one occasion he has counted eleven Lions together, and on

j THE JLION. a

a second, upwards of twenty-three. Not unfrequently these
parties combine to pull down large animals, as in the well-
known instance narrated by Vardon and Oswell, where three
males united their forces to attack a Buffalo. At the time
when Lions where abundant in India, their prey was chiefly
composed of Deer, Antelopes, Pigs, Horses, Donkeys, and
Camels ; and on the Euphrates they live chiefly on the swine
in the oak-forests adjoining their haunts. In South and East
Africa, on the other hand, their favourite game is Zebra and
Buffalo ; and wherever large herds of the former animals are
found, there Lions may confidently be expected. Numbers of
the larger Antelopes, suchas Hartebeests and Elands, are, how-
ever, killed ; while the Giraffe more rarely falls a victim. Old
Lions will, moreover, take to killing Goats and other domestic
animals ; and it is probable that many of these would turn into
confirmed Man-eaters, were it not that when a Lion exhibits
this propensity, the bold natives of Southern Africa promptly
turn out and destroy him—no matter at what cost of life.
The old idea of the Lion being a clean and dainty feeder has
been completely dissipated by modern observers, some of
whom state that these Cats will scarcely ever pass by the
carcase of a slain animal, even though it be in an advanced
state of decomposition, without stopping to make a meal of its
flesh. And it is related that where Elephants have been shot
and left to fester in the sun, Lions will stay by the decompos-
ing carcases, till the bones are picked clean, despite the fact
that there may be herds of their favourite Zebras in the im-
mediate neighbourhood. Moreover, the Lion is not free from
an occasional charge of cannibalism.

Although the Lion generally prefers to creep silently up to
its victim by night, it will occasionally attack in broad day-
light, Mr. Jackson relating two instances where men have been
‘thus attacked without provocation. Equally rare are attacks
D 2

36 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

by night on camps, the writer last mentioned stating that only
one such instance has come under his personal observation.
With regard to the danger of tracking up a wounded Lion,
there seems to be some difference of opinion among experts,
Mr. Jackson stating that he has only known of two instances
where Lions thus followed up have charged home; one of these
being a Lioness which attacked Sir Robert Harvey. On the
other hand, Mr. Selous speaks very emphatically as to the
danger attending such a proceeding ; while Messrs. Nicolls and
Eglington write “that following up one of these wounded
animals in thick bush without the assistance of dogs can only
be attended by extreme peril.” .
On the subject of the manner in which the Lion strikes
down its prey, Mr. Jackson writes: “ Although I have care-
fully examined the carcases of several Buffaloes and Zebras,
I have never been able to discover anything about them to
warrant my expressing an opinion as to how they had actually
been killed by the Lions. The most noticeable thing about ©
two freshly-killed Buffaloes and one Zebra was the terrible way
in which they were lacerated on the hind-quarters, evidently by
the Lions at their first spring and during the subsequent des-
perate struggle before they actually killed them. In every
case where I found a fresh kill, the stomach had been torn
open, and the liver, heart, and entrails had formed the first
meal.” Messrs. Nicolls and Eglington express a more decided
opinion on this subject, stating that although Lions have
different modes of seizing and killing their prey, yet that the
method “usually adopted in the case of the Ox or the Eland,
when springing on to the back of one of these animals, is to
snsert the claws deep into the flesh of the victim, those of the
left hind-foot low down on the near flank, almost at the
stomach, those of the right hind-paw higlt on the rump, the
right fore-paw in the centre of the off shoulder, and, with the

f

THE LION. cu,

purchase so obtained, to bite into the nape of the neck,
simultaneously wrenching the head round by grasping the nose
with the claws of the left fore-paw. As one of the numerous
evidences in support of this assertion as to how they kill their
quarry, it may be mentioned that some years ago four Oxen
out of a span were killed by Lions on the Botletli river in one
night, every one of which on careful examination had its neck
broken exactly in the manner described.” Although Mr.
Selous states that many large animals, such as Oxen, when
killed by Lions, undoubtedly have their necks dislocated, yet, in
his-opinion, the method of attack is frequently very different
from that described above. In such a case deep claw-marks
will be found on the muzzle of the victim; and he believes
that the animal is seized, while grazing, by the Lion, from the
left side, the muzzle being struck by the left front paw of the
ageressor, and the head of the Ox pulled beneath its body.
The victim being at the same time firmly gripped on the
shoulder by the right paw of the Lion, whose hind-feet rest on
the ground, it at once plunges forward, with the result that it
topples headlong over, and thus breaks its own neck. When
several Lions combine to attack a large Buffalo or Ox, they
kill it in a less artistic manner, biting and clawing it all over,
Zebras, as well as Horses and Donkeys, according to the same
intrepid hunter, are killed by being bitten either at the back
of the neck immediately behind the ears, or in the throat ;
whilst Giraffes are probably seized and bitten high up in the
throat, whilst lying down. On the other hand, the late Sit
Samuel Baker, whose experiences were derived from North
Africa, held the opinion that Lions killed their victims by a
crushing blow of the paw. From this somewhat conflicting
evidence itis quite clear that the last word has not yet been
said as to the manner in which the Lion kills its victims. It
is, however, evident that the neck of the larger animals is

o

35 LLOYD'S g@TURAL HISTORY.

very generally dislocated ; and it may be suggested, that, as a
possible solution of the discrepancy, while in some instances
the victims are killed in the manner described by Messrs.
Nicolls and Eglington, in other cases the aggressor may
employ different tactics and go to work in the way in-
dicated by Mr. Selous.

By the older hunters in Africa stories were told of Lions
taking the carcases of animals of the size of Oxen in their
mouths, and, thus burdened, springing over the palisades with
which kraals in South Africa are surrounded. In spite, how-
ever, of its enormous strength, those most capable of forming
a judgment on the subject are of opinion that the Lion is
utterly incapable of performing any such feat, and that the
body of its victim, be it large or be it small, is invariably held
in the mouth by the head or neck and dragged along the
ground by the side of its slayer. According to Mr. Selous, on
the rare occasions when Lions do break into the kraals, they but
seldom leap over the fence, not even when it is low, preferring
to make their way through the interstices at the bottom; and
they will at times walk round and round an enclosure until
they find an interval between two poles, which they enlarge by
thrusting the latter apart, and thus manage to squeeze their
bodies through. When once inside, if suddenly disturbed or
fired at, they will often make a speedy exit by leaping the
fence.

It is ascertained that a Lion will live for at least thirty years,
and there are some reasons for believing that the duration of
life will sometimes reach as much as forty years. A Lion and
Lioness pair for life; and while, in the wild state, the number of
cubs in a litter is generally but two or three (the latter number
being the most usual in South Africa), in captivity as many as
six are not uncommonly produced. Even in the wild condi-
tion many cubs die at a very early age; and it is therefore not

THE LION, 39

surprising that many should perish in captivity. Although Lions
generally breed preity freely in captivity, there is a great differ-
ence in this respect, as also with regard to the rearing of the
cubs in different menageries. The most successful results
have of late years been obtained in the Zoological Gardens,
Dublin ; and the foilowing record of this breeding, compiled
by Professor Valentine Ball, the Honorary Secretary to that
establishment, will be read with interest. Mr. Ball writes
that the breeding of Lion cubs commenced in the Gardens in
the year 1857, and has been continued through an unbroken
descent to the end of 1893, or for thirty-seven years; from
which, if we subtract the five years from 1874 to 1878, in-
clusive—when there was no breeding Lioress in the Gardens,
and no cubs were born,—the actual period of breeding lasted
only thirty-two years, during which the average number of
births has been 5°3 per annum.

PARENTS OF THE CUBS.

MALES. FEMALES,
Number of Number of
Cubs, Cubs.
NATALIE (1857-59) ... 10
NaTAL (1857-64) 42 ) ANONYMA (1861-64) ... 20
OLD GIRL (1862-73)... 55
Sire Unknown (1869) «. 3 —NELLIE (1860) ...
iiss Oi bse eee
OLD CHARLEY (1866-74) ... 47 | Vicrorta (1879-81) ae
ZENOBIA (1879-83) ... I7
Younc CHARLEY (1879-84) 27 ous (1884-91) Toe
Pappy (1883-91) ___... » 31 ( MINNIE (1884-86) apie
Romeo (1899- . . 19 (JULIET (1890-93) 14
(690-93) c (PORTIA (1892)) cn) nS

169 169

40 LLOYD'S NAMZ#BRAL HISTORY,

SEXES OF THE CUBS.

Males ee t: x Ms e's)
Females ce a ac or aun dr SSO
Unknown _s... ee aa Ame va a I

169

Percentage of males to females 52°4 to 47°6, or a majority
of 4°8 males out of every 100.

When captured sufficiently young, the Lion is one of the
most easily-tamed of all the Ae“de—differing very markedly in
this respect from its near ally the Tiger—and some of the speci-
mens exhibited in menageries have shown a most extraordinary
degree of docility. Jardine writes that a Lion exhibited in
the early part of the century in Wombell’s travelling menagerie,
known as Nero, ‘‘ was of a remarkably mild disposition, and
allowed his keepers every liberty; strangers were frequently
introduced into the den, and when in Edinburgh, this was a
nightly exhibition, the visitors riding and sitting on his back.
Nero, during the wuile, preserved a look of magnanimous com-
posure, and on the entrance or exit of a new visitor, would
merely look slowly round.

“But the most docile Lion which has occurred to our own
observation, was one in a travelling menagerie at Amster-
dam, where, it may be remarked, all the animals showed a
remarkable degree of tameness and familharity. The Lion
alluded to, after being pulled about and made to show his
teeth, &c., was required to exhibit ; two young men in fancy
dresses entered the spacious cage, and in the meantime, the
Lion, apparently perfectly aware of what he had to do, walked
composedly rou:d. He was now made to jump over a rope
held at different heights; next through a hoop and a barrel,
and again through the same covered with paper. All this he
did freely, compressing himself to go through the narrow space,

da

THE LION, 41

and alighting gracefully. His next feat was to repeat the leaps
through the hoop and barrel with the paper set on fire; this he
evidently disliked, but with some coaxinz went through each.
The animals were now all fed, but the Lion had not yet com-
pleted his share in the night’s entertainment, and was required
to show his forbearance by parting with his food. The keeper
entered the cage and took it repeatedly from him, no further
resistance than a short clutch and a growl was expressed. His
countenance had, however, lost its serenity, and how long his
good temper would have continued, is doubtful.”

The following account of Lions in Gujrat, in pre-Mutiny
days, is given by General W. Rice, in his book entitled ‘“ In-
dian Game.” The General writes that on one occasion ‘ when
passing a village near which we had hunted the previous year,
the people begged me earnestly to wait while their young men
ran off to mark down any sleeping Lions. It seems that after
killing several cattle belonging to the place, an old Lion would
every evening come out of the forest and lie down, stretched
out on a large piece of flat stone or sheet-rock close to the vil-
lage ; presently he would look round, when a Lioness used to
follow and lie down by his side; she again was followed by
another young half-grown Lion, and there the three would
wait. At last one of the men, with the rest of the populace
behind him, took a steady kneeling shot with a matchlock
at the old Lion, but somehow missed or merely grazed him,
for the Lion thereupon bounded forward, and after nearly
pulling the marksman’s head off, retreated to the woods with
his mate and cub.

“ Formerly Lions were far more plentiful in this part of the
country, and used to live more in the open plains. A cavalry

‘officer a good many years ago told me he had shot eighty Lions
in this province in three years, using well-trained horses for the
purpose, and following them over the open country.

42 _ LLOyp’s NMTURAL HISTORY,

“From being so constantly hunted, Lions have almost left
the open plains, and betaken themselves chiefly to the forests,
where the numerous thorn-bushes must drag out the best part
of their manes, until all, except the very old Lions, cease by
degrees to have any mane left. This is supposed to be the
reason of the ‘ Maneless Lion of Guzerat’ being considered a
distinct species.

“Lions wander considerably, travelling all night, and lying
up in the daytime at certain, to them, well-known resting-
places. They often go in company, as many as six or more
being at times together, and seem to keep to the same rounds
in travelling. From this cause the above-named friend told me
that his shikari used to watch over a few well-known halting-
places of the Lions, and bring him news of a fresh arrival,
when he would ride out to the spot, shoot the Lion, and again
in a few days another Lion would be reported as having taken
up its quarters in the self-same bush or den, where it also
would be killed. Once he described how his hunter, while
they were following up the fresh prints of a Lion, knelt down
to look under a thick bush. After a very long silent pause,
the man withdrew his head from the bush, when his counten-
ance was observed to be green. The poor fellow had all
this time been staring at a Lion asleep, face to face, at almost
kissing distance ; having been stricken dumb and dazed, he
could merely make a few signs by pointing at the bush, where
the Lion was shot while asleep.

“When travelling and wandering over the country in this
manner, Lions will put up for the day under any kind of
shelter, for I have known two turned out from under a hay-
stack, while cane-fields form a temporary refuge. ‘Their usual |
course is through large patches of dry grass, extending often |
for many miles, and preserved for feeding cattle. ‘These ex-
tensive tracts help to hide the Lions in their journey from |

THE” LION. 43

one set of hills or jungles to some far distant range or fresh
hunting-grounds.”

Our account of the present species may be fitly concluded
with the description of a Lion-hunt in South Africa, taken from
“Thompson’s Travels,” at a time when repeating rifles and ex-
plosive bullets were things undreamt of. After stating that his
party consisted of several Europeans, enforced by a company
of the so-called Bastaard Hottentots, the narrator writes: “The
first point was to track the Lion to his covert. This was
effected by a few of the Hottentots on foot. Commencing
from the spot where the horse was killed, we followed the spoor
through grass, and gravel, and brushwood, with astonishing
ease and dexterity, where an inexperienced eye could discern
neither footprint nor mark of any kind; until, at length, we
fairly tracked him into a large bosch, or straggling thicket of
brushwood and evergreens, about a mile distant.

“The next object was to drive him out of this retreat, in
order to attack him in a close phalanx, with more safety and
effect. The approved mode in such cases is to torment him
with dogs till he abandons his covert, and stands at bay in the
open plain. The whole band of hunters then march forward
together, and fire deliberately one by one. If he does not
speedily fall, but grows angry, and turns upon his enemies, they
must stand close in a circle, and turn their horse’s rear out-
ward ; some holding them fast by the bridles, while the others
kneel to take a steady aim at tts Lion as he approaches, some-
times up to the very horses’ heels, couching every now and
then, as if to measure the distance and strength of his ene-
mies.”

After some hours spent in searching, the Lion was event-
ually found “couched among the roots of a large evergreen,
but with a small space of open ground on one side of it ; and
they fancied, on approaching, that they saw him distinctly lying

44 LLOYD’S NMPURAL HISTORY,

glaring at them under the foliage. Charging the Bastaards to
stand firm, and level fair, should they miss, the Scottish cham-
pions let fly together, and struck—not the Lion, as it after-
wards proved, but a great block of red stone, beyond which he
was actually lying. Whether any of the shot grazed him is
uncertain ; but, with no other warning than a furious growl,
forth he bolted from the bush. The rascally Bastaards, in
place of pouring in their volley upon him, instantly turned and
ran, helter-skelter, leaving him to do his pleasure upon the de-
fenceless Scots, who, with empty guns, were tumbling over each
other, in their hurry to escape the clutch of the rampant savage.
In a twinkling he was upon them, and, with one stroke of his
paw, dashed the nearest to the ground. The thing was terri-
fic! There stood the Lion, with his foot upon his prostrate
foe, looking round in conscious pride upon the bands of his
assailants, and with a port the most noble and imposing that
can be conceived. It was the most magnificent thing I ever
witnessed. The danger of our friends, however, rendered it at
the moment too terrible to enjoy either the grand or the ludi-
crous part of the picture. We expected every instant to see
one or more of them torn in pieces ; nor, though the rest of the
party were standing within fifty paces, with their guns cocked
and levelled, durst we fire for their assistance. One was lying
under the Lion’s feet, and the other scrambling towards us, in
such a way as to intercept our aim upon him. All this passed
far more rapidly than I have described it; but, luckily, the
Lion, after steadily surveying us for a few seconds, seemed
willing to be quit on fair terms, and, with a fortunate forbear-
ance, turned calmly away, and driving the snarling dogs like
rats from among his heels, bounded over the adjoining thicket,
like a Cat over a footstool, clearing brakes and bushes, twelve
or fifteen feet high, as readily as if they had been tufts of grass,
and, abandoning the jungle, retreated towards the mountains,

“UsoiL-NOTT

mm Wbtwitt

THE LION-TIGER. 45

“ After ascertaining the state of our rescued comrade, who
fortunately had sustained no other injury than a slight scratch
on the back, and’a severe bruise on the ribs, from the force
with which the animal had dashed him to the ground, we re-
newed the chase, with Hottentots and hounds, in full cry. In
a short time we again came up with the enemy, and found him
standing at bay under an old mimosa-tree, by the side of a
mountain-stream, which we had distinguished by the name of
Douglas Water. The dogs were barking round, but afraid to
approach him, for he was now beginning to growl fiercely, and
to brandish his tail in a manner that showed he was meditating
mischief. The Hottentots, by taking a circuit between him
and the mountain, crossed the stream, and took a position on
the top of a precipice overlooking the spot where he stood.
Another party occupied a position on the other side of the
glen, and, placing the poor fellow thus between two fires,
which confused his attention, and prevented his retreat, we
kept battering at him, without truce or mercy, till he fell,
unable again to grapple with us, covered with wounds and
glory.”

LION-TIGER HYBRIDS.
(Plate IIL.)

Although there is no record that such cross-breeding occurs
in a state of nature, Lions and Tigers will occasionally breed
together in captivity; but it is remarkable that the only recorded
instances of such interbreeding took place between a single
Lion and a Tigress. Attempts have, indeed, recently been
made in the Zoological Gardens at Dublin, where, as men
tioned above, Lion-breeding is carried on with remarkable
success, but hitherto without any successful result.

The history of these hybrids has been very carefully worked
out by Professor Valentine Ball, Director of the Science and

46 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Art Museum, Dublin, from rece papers the following account
is taken. ‘The parents of these hybrids were in a travelling
menagerie owned at first by Mr. Thomas Atkins, and subse-
quently by his son Mr. John Atkins; and a total of six litters
of hybrids were produced between the years 1824 and 1833.
The parent Lion was bred in the menagerie from a Barbary
Lion and a Senegal Lioness; while the Tigress was born in the
collection of the Marquis of Hastings at Calcutta, and was pur-
chased when about eighteen months old from a ship’s captain,
to whom she had been given by her original owner. Being of
the same age as the Lion, she was placed with him in the same
cage ; and in the course of two years proved to be in cub.
The following is a record of the six litters produced by the
union of this pair.

First Litter—Born October the 24th, 1824, at Windsor, and
comprising two males and a female. ‘They were nourished by
a female terrier, but all perished within a year of their birth.
These cubs were exhibited to King George the Fourth, at the
Royal Cottage, Windsor, on the first of November, by whom
they were christened Lion-Tigers.

Second Litter —Born April 22nd, 1825, at Clapham Common ;
there were three cubs, sexes not recorded. Reared by the
mother, as also were all the subsequent litters. They only
lived a short time.

Third Litter—Born December 31st, 1826 or 1827, at Edin-
burgh; one male and two females. Mr. Ball states that
the year is given as 1827 in the handbill of the menagerie from
which he quotes, and the other references seem to support that
date; but Mr. John Atkins says it is given as 1826 in a printed
catalogue in his possession. ‘These only lived a few months.
The skin of one of them, forming the subject of Plate IIL. is
preserved in the Science and Art Museum at Edinburgh, and a

THE LION-TIGER. Ay

- Second is in the British Museum. Sir William Jardine remarks

that ‘‘the colour was brighter than that of the Lion, and the
bands were better marked than they generally are in the young
of the true breed.” Indeed, from his figure, the animal has
more the appearance of a Tiger than of a Lion. Writing of
the cubs of the first litter in the “Library of Entertaining Know-
ledge,” where one of them was figured, Griffith observes that
“our mules, in common with ordinary Lions, were born with-
out any traces of a mane, or of a tuft at the end of the tail.
Their fur in general was rather woolly; the external ear was
pendant towards the extremity ; the nails were constantly out,
and not cased in the sheath, and in these particulars they
agreed with the common cubs of Lions. Their colour was
dirty yellow or blanket-colour; but from the nose over the
head, along the back and upper side of the tail, the colour was
much darker, and on these parts the transverse stripes were
stronger, and the forehead was covered with obscure spots,
slighter indications of which also appeared on other parts of
the body. ‘The shape of the head, as appears by the figures, is
assimilated to that of the father (the Lion); the superficies of
the body on the other hand is like that of the Tigress.”

Fourth Litter—Born October 2nd, 1828, at Windsor; one
male and two females.

Fifth Litter— Born May, 1831, at Kensington, three cubs;
sexes not recorded. They were shown to the Queen, then
Princess Victoria, and to the Duchess of Kent. The whole
group performed in a specially constructed cage at Astley’s
Amphitheatre, and in 1832 were taken by Mr. Atkins for a
tour in Ireland.

Sixth Litter.—Born July roth, 1833, at the Zoological Gardens,
Liverpool ; one male and two females. One, the male, lived
for ten years in the Gardens. The young male Lion-Tigers

48 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

when about three years off had a short mane, something like
tbat of an Asiatic Lion; and the stripes became very indistinct
at that age

Mr. J. Atkins informed Professor Ball that there was a badly
stuffed specimen of one cub which was about a year old in the
Museum at Salisbury ; and there is another in the Cambridge
Museum. From an account quoted by Mr. Harmer it would
seem improbable that that particular specimen, had it survived,
could have bred. Asa matter of fact, it appears, indeed, that
none of the cubs ever did breed, though there is no known
reason why most of them should not have done so.

Mr. Atkins thinks that the cubs of the earlier litters died
from over-feeding, as when he adopted a different treatment he
had no difficulty in rearing them.

Il. THE TIGER. FELIS “TIGRIS, =
Felis tigris, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. 1. p. 62 (1766); Elliot,
Monograph of Felide, pl.iil.(1878-83); Blanford, Mamm.
Brit. India, p. 58 (1888).
Tigris regalis, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 40 (1843);
id., Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. ro (1869).
(Plate IV.)

Charasters.—Size approximately the same as that of the Lion.
Fur on the body and limbs of Indian and Malayan specimens
short, but that on the cheeks from behind the ears round the
sides of the neck elongated in full-grown males to form an im-
perfect ruff; in Siberian examples the whole fur longer and
rougher. ‘Tail tapering gradually to the tip, which is devoid
of a tuft; equal in length to about half the head and body.
Pupil of the eye round. Skull differing from that of the Lion
by the features noticed on page 28. Ground-colour of the
fur of the upper-parts varying from pale rufous to brownish-
yellow ; under-parts white ; the whole of the head and body

‘AT DLW Id

THE TIGER. 49

marked by parallel vertical black stripes, and the tait ringed
with black. Ears black externally, with the exception of a
large white spot. Usual length of large males varying from
8% to 9% feet, of which 3 feet is occupied by the tail; but
specimens measuring 9 feet 11 inches and 10 feet 2 inches are
on record.

As a rule, old Tigers are less brightly coloured than young

‘

Tiger and Cubs.

ones ; while those inhabiting forests appear to have the ground-
colour of the fur darker and redder than in those from grass-
jungles. Although neither black nor white Lions appear to
have been recorded, both these colour-variations have been
observed in the Tiger. A black example was found dead at
Chittagong, North-eastern India, in the year 1846; whilea pale

| E

C LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

Ca

whitish specimen, in which the stripes were very opaque and
only visible in certain lights, was exhibited alive many years
ago at Exeter "Change, and has been figured in Griffith’s
“ Animal Kingdom.” Another nearly white specimen, from
Northern India, is recorded by Mr. Howard Saunders in the
‘“‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society” for 1891.

In Central Asia, Siberia, and Amurland the Tiger assumes
a more woolly and longer fur—noticeable even in specimens
from Afghanistan, while the ground-colour of the fur is richer,
and the stripes of a more jetty blackness. A specimen
of the Siberian Tiger, apparently the first brought alive to
Europe, was exhibited recently in Hagenbeck’s menagerie at
Amsterdam. Although an immature animal, with the winter-
coat only commencing to grow at the time of its arrival, the
hair on the neck was so elongated as to give almost the ap-
pearance of a mane; while the tail was almost double the
thickness it bears in Indian Tigers. Although apparently less
than three years old, this Tiger stood three feet three inches at
the shoulder ; in the course of three months it grew two inches
more, and it was considered likely to rise yet another four
inches in stature. As Indian Tigers usually stand from three
feet to three feet six inches at the shoulder, it thus seems
probable that the Siberian variety attains larger dimensions.
Although ferocious in appearance, Hagenbeck’s Tiger was in
reality of a remarkably gentle disposition, and had probably
been reared from infancy by hand.

A certain amount of variation occurs locally even among
Indian Tigers; and it appears to be well ascertained that the
Bengal animal is larger and more lanky than the race inhabiting
the Central Provinces and Southern India; although, according
to Mr. Sterndale, the Tiger from the last-mentioned region
sometimes has the advantage in an all-round measurement.

Distribution—From the Caucasus, through Northern Persia,

THE TIGER. cy

Se

Turkestan, Afghanistan, India, Assam, Burma, the Malay Pen-
insula, Sumatra, Java, and China, to Manchuria and Amurland.
In India found almost everywhere, from the Himalaya (where
‘t ascends to the height of 6,000 or 7,000 feet above the sea-
level) to Cape Comorin ; but unknown in Ceylon. As men-
tioned above, its absence from the latter island leads to the
inference that the Tiger is a comparatively recent immigrant
into India from the east or north. It has frequently been
stated that the Tiger is found in Borneo; but according to a
list of the Mammals of that island published by Mr. Everett in
the ‘‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society ” for 1892, this is
not the case. Sumatra and Java seem, therefore, to mark the
limits of its eastern range in this region: a circumstance
strongly in favour of its no:thern origin. Associated with
those of the Mammoth, fossilised remains of the Tiger have
been discovered in the New Siberian Islands, situated some
to within the Arctic Circle, and only slightly to the south of
the parallel of the North Cape.
_-Habits.—Fully equal, if, indeed, not superior to the Lion in
strength, activity, and courage, the Tiger is likewise one of the
few non-climbing Cats; but it is specially distinguished from
its near cousin by its much more silent habits, as well as by its
marked partiality for water, in the near neighbourhood of which
its lair is always situated. It is this partiality for water that
makes Tigers so numerous in the Sandarbans and on Saugor
Island, at the mouth of the Hughli, where some of the finest
specimens are to be met with. As nocturnal in its general
habits as the Lion, the Tiger is a much less sociable animal
than the latter, the males generally going about alone, and the
sexes only coming together during the breeding-season. Oc-
casionally, however, five or six Tigers have been seen in
company ; and it appears that these are family-parties which
have remained together, instead of dispersing after the usual
ne

52 LLOYD'S aa HISTORY.

custom. Like the Lion, the Tiger selects but a single partner;
although it does not appear to be ascertained whether the union
between them is lifelong—like that of the Lion and Lioness—
ormerely temporary. Breeding takes place apparently at almost
any season of the year, since young cubs have been taken in
India both in March and October, the Tigress generally pro-
ducing from two to five in a litter, although the number may
occasionally reach as many as six. “She is a most affectionate
and attached mother,” writes Sir Joseph Fayrer, in his volume
on “The Royal Tiger of Bengal,” ‘and generally guards and
trains her young with the most watchful and attentive solicitude.
They remain with her until nearly full-grown, or till about the
second year, when they are able to kill for themselves, and
begin life on their own account. Whilst they remain with her,
the Tigress is particularly vicious and aggressive, defending
them with the greatest courage and energy, and when robbed
of them, terrible in her rage; but she has been known to desert
them when pressed, and even to eat them when starved. As
soon as they begin to require other food than her milk, she
kills for them, and also teaches them to slaughter for them-
selves by practising on small animals, such as deer and young
calves or pigs. At these times she is wanton and extravagant
in her cruelty, killing apparently for the gratification of her
ferocious and bloodthirsty nature, and perhaps to excite and
instruct the young ones; and it is not until they are thoroughly
capable of killing their own food that she separates from them.
The young Tigers are far more destructive than the old. They
will kill three or four cows at a time; whilst the older and more
experienced rarely kill more than one, and this at intervals of
from three or four days to a week.” In this account it is stated |
that the cubs reach their full development in the second year,
when they generally leave their parent; but according to later
observers, the period is nearer three years. Tigresses do not

ies

THE TIGER. 53

appear to breed, at the most, more frequently than once in
every two or three years; and it appears that a pair, of which
one is a female and the other a male, is by far the most usual
number of cubs in a litter. It would seem, however, that a
far smaller proportion of males attain maturity than is the case
with the opposite sex, since in India adult Tigresses are vastly

_ more numerous than are Tigers.

As mentioned above, it is not uncommon for Tigresses, when
pressed or nearly starved, to kill, and even occasionally to devour,
their offspring. ‘Tigers, however, appear to kill the cubs still
more frequently, and without adequate reason. Although can-
nibalism appears to be rare, the following instance is recorded
by Colonel W. Scott in the ‘ Journal of the Bombay Natural
History Society ” for 1892. ‘The Colonel writes that on the
17th of April in that year he received news “of a Tigress and
two fine cubs on a small hill about three miles from my camp,
and going out with a friend we had a beat for her, and she was
duly shot. The cubs did not appear in the beat at all, but I
ascertained from some Bhils that they were about the size of
Panthers, and so thinking them too small to be shot at, and too
large to be caught alive, we determined to leave them alone,
although a congregation of chattering Monkeys round some
rocks, half way up the hill, showed very plainly where they

_were. On the 22nd, my shikari sent in word that he had
‘marked down a Tiger in the same place in which the Tigress

had been found. I started as soon as I could collect men for
a beat, and at the first sound of music out came the Tiger
straight for the place where I was posted, giving me an ex-
cellent shot. My shikari coming along with the beaters, when
he reached the place where he had marked the Tiger down,
went to have a look at it, and in a sort of hollow under a rock
close by, he came on a dead Tiger-cub, evidently killed that
morning, of which the whole of the right hind leg and quar-

54 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

-

ter had been eaten. There was not a trace of it left any-
where ; and the cub had evidently been killed by the Tiger, for
there were the marks of its fangs in the throat. On looking
about, my shikari found, behind a rock close by, the half-eaten
remains of a Goat, and we afterwards found the tracks of the
cub having dragged the Goat up the side of the hill to its
hiding-place. ‘The theory is that the cub returned to the hill
early in the morning, bringing the Goat with him, and whilst he
was eating it, the Tiger put in an appearance, and a row ensued
which ended in the death of the cub.”

Whereas, in the Nipal Terai and the Dehra Dun, Tigers are
found in gigantic grass-jungles, which can only be entered on
Elephants, in Central and Southern India they frequent densely
wooded ravines, of which the banks are often high and precipi-
tous, where they often repose during the daytime on rocky
ledges. Insuch a situation on the Narbada, a Tiger was seen
lying by a friend of the writer, who had peered over the edge
of the cliff to ascertain its geological structure; needless to
say, he promptly selected another site for the continuation of
his researches. ‘Tigers are also very fond of the jungle-clad
islands and sand-banks in the larger Indian rivers; and in
the Sandarbans of Lower Bengal may not unfrequently be seen
swimming from island to island. Indeed these animals are
never averse to entering the water, in which they have been
known to swim very long distances. Whatever be the nature
of the country they inhabit, Tigers, like the Indian Elephant,
are exceedingly averse to expose themselves to the direct
rays of the sun during the hot season, always endeavouring to
select the most secluded and shady spot for their daily repose ;
this trait indicating in the case of both animals that their
ancestors were probably inhabitants of a less burning climate
than that of the plains of India. Certain localities seem to be
permanently inhabited by Tigers ; and when the denizen of

THE TIGER. 55

one of these favoured spots has been killed, or has died in the
ordinary course of nature, his place is promptly taken by a new-
comer. Preying generally upon animals killed by themselves,
although frequently making a meal from any carcase that may
lie in their way, and often resorting again and again to their
kill till it is in an advanced stage of decomposition, ‘Tigers may
be roughly divided, according to the nature of their food, into
-game-killers, cattle-lifters, and man-eaters ; although, of course,
there is no hard-and-fast division between either of these classes.
The game-killer preys chiefly upon Deer, Pigs, and Antelopes,
although it will also kill Monkeys, Peafowl, and even Porcu-
pines, together with many others of the smaller Mammals ;
while in populated districts its makes an occasional onslaught
oncattle. While young Buffaloand Gaur not unfrequently fall
victims to Tigers of this class, adults of both species are com-
monly left alone; although at times a Tiger will screw up his
courage to attack even one of the latter, mostly with success-
ful results. Cattle-lifters are always Tigers inhabiting the
neighbourhood of villages ; and as they find such animals easy
victims, they generally confine their attention to these alone.
From the cattle-lifter, a Tiger may develop into a man-eater ;
and as a human prey is still more easily killed and carried off
than a Cow or an Ox, a Tiger which has once taken to this kind
of livelihood, never forsakes it. The superstitious dread of
Tigers, and especially man-eaters, entertained by many Hindu
tribes, coupled with the timid nature of many of these tribes,
is one reason why so many man-eaters are allowed to carry
off their toll of victims with impunity, until a term is put
to their existence by the rifle of the European sportsman.
Should, however, such aid be not forthcoming, and the ravages
of the man-eater become intolerable, it not unfrequently
happens that the inhabitants will desert their village, rather
than turn out ez masse and encompass the destruction of their

56 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

persecutor. Some reference to the enormous destruction of
human life by Tigers, and likewise the loss inflicted by them
on cattle-owners, is made under the head of the Leopard.

A Snake seems a rather extraordinary meal for a Tiger, but
in the “Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society ” for
1893, Mr. J. D. Inverarity writes that on opening the stomach
of a Tigress ‘‘he found in it the tail-end of a Snake that the
Tigress had bitten off and swallowed whole; the portion
swallowed measured two feet three inches in length. Though
quite fresh, the pattern of the skin was rather spoiled by diges-
tion, and I am not sure what kind of snake it was, but it
appeared to me to be a Rock-Snake. There were no teeth
marks on it, nor was there any breakage of the bones. It
seems somewhat remarkable that a piece of this length should
be bolted whole. The natives thought that the Tigress had
caught it in the water when she went to drink. I should estimate
the piece bitten off at about one third of the Snake’s length.”

Cattle are killed generally by the Tiger seizing the fore-
quarters with his fore-paws, one of which is generally thrown
across the animal’s shoulders, while the throat is gripped from
below by the jaws ; a sudden upward wrench, during which the
destroyer sometimes springs to the off side of his victim, results
in causing the dislocation of the neck of the latter. Occa-
sionally, however, cattle are seized by the neck ; while it is
possible that on rare occasions a blow from the powerful paw
may be the immediate cause of death. Still more rarely, large
animals, such as Gaur and Buffalo, are hamstrung by Tigers.
In devouring its prey, a Tiger invariably, or almost always,
commences its meal on the flesh of the hind-quarters.

Although, as already mentioned, uttered much less frequently,
the roar of the Tiger is very similar to that of the Lion ; and
it has been well described as a prolonged moaning, thrilling
sound at the commencement, which is repeated two or three

"oe

THE TIGER. yi

times ; it then becomes louder and mcre rapid, and finishes
with three or four repetitions of the latter portion. When the
animal is suddenly disturbed or surprised, it utters a loud, sharp
wuf ; when provoked, a growl is emitted ; while, in charging, it
gives vent to a peculiar gutteral sound, repeated two or three
times. It iscommonly supposed that when a Tiger is suddenly
disturbed by the sportsman, it promptly goes for him forthwith.
This, however, is a mistake; and if a Tiger has time to collect
its thoughts and see a way of escape, it will promptly avail
itself of the same. Generally, however, the animal is as much
surprised as the intruder, or even more so; and as the way by
which the latter has entered is usually the most obvious road
of escape, the Tiger rushes headlong, with a cry of rage, along
the path, not unfrequently with only too disastrous results to
the unfortunate sportsman.

In the work already quoted, Sir J. Fayrer observes that ‘‘ the
Tiger seems to be particular about the state of his claws; they
are always kept sharp and polished, carefully protected within
the sheath of integument, and are kept from contact with the
ground, and thus remain pointed and clean, being very formid-
able weapons, with which fearful wounds are inflicted. Probably
it is to keep them in order, clean and bright, that the Tiger is
so fond of scratching the bark of trees ; and their deep vertical
scorings, up to a height of ten or twelve feet, are often seen on
the Indian fig or other tree. They have favourites which they
select or set apart for this purpose, and the scorings are very
deep and numerous. I remember a /icuws venosa by the side
of a nutswamp in Parneah, under whose shade I have often
rested in the middle of a hot day’s Tiger-shooting. It stood
alone, and was evidently a favourite resort of the Tigers, for it
was deeply and numerously scored by their claws.

“Tigers do not, as a general rule, climb trees; but when
pressed by fear, as during an inundation, or when no other

58 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

means of escape offers from real or imaginary danger, they
have occasionally been known to do so. They have also been
seen to clamber up or even spring to a certain height, where
they have seen a man, and whence they thought the shot came,
and pull him down. I have heard of authentic instances
where this happened. Nor are they wont to spring to any
great height from the ground; though an instance occurred
recently, reported by an eye-witness, where a Tiger pulled a
native, in one spring, out of a tree at a height of eighteen feet
from the ground. The Tiger’s usual attack is a rush accom-
panied by a series of short deep growls or roars, in which he
evidently thinks he will do much by intimidation. When he
charges home, he rises on the hind-feet, seizes with the teeth
and claws, endeavouring, and often succeeding, in pulling down
the object seized. Tigers do occasionally leave the ground
with a spring, clear a fence or ditch, or even alight on the
Elephant’s head, his pad, or hind-quarters ; but this probably
happens in the case of Tigresses or young and active males.
The heavy o!d Tiger seldom, if ever, is so energetic in spring-
ing up heights ; though he will take a good broad ditch or wall
in a bound.”

As an instance of the enormous muscular power of the ‘Tiger,
the same writer goes on to say that on one occasion one of
these animals sprang from an elevation at a single bound
among a herd of cattle, striking down simultaneously on each
side a Cow with his fore-paws. Both Cows were disabled, but
whereas the Tiger proceeded to kill and devour the one, the
other was left lying with her back broken.

In many districts in India, Tigers were (and in some in-
stances still are) extraordinarily numerous and audacious, and
the following account by an anonymous author, taken, with
some verbal alteration, from the Aszax newspaper of August
3rd, 1894, of their habits and vagaries in the Cherrapunji

i

THE TIGER. 59

Hills, on the north-eastern frontier, will be found of more than
common interest. “The station of Cherrapunji,” writes the
narrator, “stands upon a plateau overlooking the plains, sur-
rounded on the three sides by well-wooded ravines, the slopes,
or rather cliffs, of which are so precipitous that Deer are sel-
dom found there, and though the Black Bear now and again
turns up he generally prefers other lines of country. The
visitor to Cherra, in the cold weather, would have been puzzled
to account for Tigers patronising the place, but that is easily
explained. As the rains set in, almost the whole of the graz-
ing-grounds along the foot of the hills are submerged, though
the houses, when not built on piles, are raised on mounds of
mud some three to four feet in height, but it would be im-
possible to keep cattle in the limited area of the raised daree.
As the rains approached, therefore, the cattle were driven up
to Cherra, upon whose desolate plateau a few inches of rain
effects a wonderful transformation scene. ‘These herds were
increased by the return of the garrisons of the outposts and
stockades for the rains, who also brought their Cows with
them, and, as most of the Sepoys owned at least two head, the
number of cattle that came up for the benefit of the grass that
sprouted so magically after the first shower could not have
been far short of 1,200 to 1,500. Hence, washed out of his
lair below, and the hillsides being barren, the Tiger has no
alternative but to follow his commissariat supplies up the
mountain ; and numerous as these brutes were, it is a marvel
that they did not show up in greater force, considering the
ample supply of provisions available. The area of the plateau
is restricted, and as the central portion was occupied by
houses, the grazing-grounds were mostly on the edges of the
ravines. On the east side Tigers would lie just below the
level, and creeping to the summit with the mists that roll up
from the valleys when the hot sun shone down on the sodden

60 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.
a

vegetation, scarce a day passed without one or more Cows
falling victims. The western side of the flat had long been
abandoned as a grazing-ground, for the coal-mine hill was not
only covered with thick second growth but honeycombed with
limestone caves and coal-galleries, in which the marauders
established their quarters ; and so many at one time occupied
these refuges that the coal-carriers had to go for their require-
ments in a body, while, when coal was needed for the mess or
officers’ bungalows, a guard had to be sent with the coolies.
Not that the animals were aggressive in the oper, but in the
dark recesses of the coal-tunnels, they were apt to resent in-
trusion, being run into a cul de sac. In addition to the cover
named, there were several spots within the station, such as rifts
in the sandstone and under slabs, where the brutes could skulk
the whole day long, issuing forth in the gloaming to intercept
the cattle wending their way home for the night. A Tiger had,
indeed, every advantage in Cherra; he fought shy of the traps
erected for his special behoof, and, as no trees can be induced
to grow on this storm-swept, rock-strewn heath, and machans
would be too conspicuous unless you could manage a potshot
from the houses, it was difficult to bag one. In the dead ot
the night people took the yelling of saises from the well-secured
stables, as matters of course; and though the roofs of all
houses were pitched low on account of the wind, the poaching
Tigers were instinctively chary of exposing themselves against
the skyline on the ridges ; while, owing to the almost incessant
rain, clear moonlight nights were the exception ; and though
few houses were without a trophy in the shape of a hearthrug
or two from the hide of the beasts, nearly the whole of these
had either been trapped or shot by sheer luck from the bed-
room windows or glass-enclosed verandas.

“Many tales have been told of these chance shots, and,
though well authenticated, would, to those who had never

THE TIGER. 61

visited Cherra in its prime, be inclined to imagine the relator
was drawing freely on his imagination. The sentries, although
kept well under cover, were always ordered to load at sunset,
for though few people knocked about after dark, unless at
dinner-parties, when all went in a body, the native doctor on
one occasion, when returning from a sudden call to the
hospital, was knocked down opposite the main guard. It
being a pouring wet night he, fortunately, had one of those
stout Sylhet chatfas which saved him, while the sentry let
drive through a window, and, though missing, frightened the
brute off. The man had a torch in full blaze, but it seemed
to have no effect, and as many people imagine that fire will
invariably scare a Tiger, I may relate two instances that will
prove such is by nomeansthe case. The Officer Commanding
the 44th (then the Sylhet L.I.) occupied a house on the very
edge of the £Aud. The place was notorious for being a
prowling-ground, as not only were there four Horses and a
couple of Cows in the stables, but not far off was the Sheep-
house of the station, far too stout a stone building to be
burglared ; and the shepherds moreover were well armed,
having besides their weapons, a pretty good stock of bombs
and other fireworks, with a display of which they frequently
had to enliven those whose windows commanded a view of
the premises. Well, one night in August, when the rain was
coming down, as it only knows how to in Cherra, a gentleman
was reading in bed, the lamp being ona teapoy placed between
his couch and a low window that opened into an unenclosed
veranda on the leeside of the house. On the opposite side of
the room a bright fire was burning, throwing a strong glare all
over and through the window, which had the usual half
horizontal curtain. Once or twice the reader’s attention was
drawn to a slight noise, but on looking up from his book and
noticing nothing he resumed his reading, until a most pro-

62 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

F

nounced bump against the upper panes caused him to start
up, when, to his no small perturbation, there, with his nose
pressed against the glass, which the narrow frame prevented his
cheek from breaking, stood a full-grown tiger. How long the
brute had been there, and what his ultimate intentions may
have been, it is impossible to divine, but that the lamp, which
was within two feet of him, and the glare of the window full upon
him had no deterrent effect upon the gratification of his curiosity
is certain. Although the occupant was not quick enough to
seize them, guns ready loaded stood against the mantelpiece.
So extraordinary was the occurrence deemed that the marks of
the animal’s paws were allowed to remain on the window-sill
until the whole station had seen them; and though most of
those who could testify to the correctness of this story have
passed away, there are, I think, three still in India who, besides
myself, can bear witness to the truth of this statement. The
other instance of a Tiger facing fire was at the burning of a
Manipuri village near the station of Silchar. We hurried out
on ponies to see what assistance we could render; a good
many people were about, running to and fro and making
the usual hubbub; and the blaze from the burning houses
threw a lurid light around for a considerable distance. In the
full glare of it were the village cattle, tethered under a shed,
when in the midst of the uproar, a Tigress, as it was afterwards
found to be, crept up a zu/a at the back of the shed, bounded
in, and made off with a full-grown heifer. But to return to
Cherra. Though not aggressive in the daytime the Tigers
were rather more familiar than was pleasant, and if, as is
mostly the case during the rains, the days were dull and misty,
the roads deserted, and your business, or inclination, led you
anywhere near the kAwz, ten to one but what you would see
some sneaking cattle-lifter dodging from rock to rock or peeping
cautiously from some deep rift. People perambulating their

a

: THE TIGER. 63

own compounds were often stalked, but from their being no
recorded instance of accidents, I fancy that Tigers, like the
rest of the Cat-tribe, are imbued with that insatiable curiosity
that housewives lament in the domestic puss. The compounds
were one ard all surrounded with stone walls, some three or
four feet in height, and one evening, leaning up against the
outside of one of these below the messhouse, while talking to
the adjutant and a young civilian, our conversation was brought
toan abrupt termination by the former officer suddenly taking
to his heels, bolting up the messhouse hill as fast as his legs
enabled him. Left behind we gazed on each other in blank
amazement, looked about us and were about to resume our
conversation when our friend, having reached his goal, turned
round, and though far too exhausted to utter a word, pointed
apparently straight at us. ‘Something round the corner, may
be,’ said my companion, but as we did not know what it might
be, we vaulted inside the wall and peeped over, just in time to
see a Tiger creeping stealthily along under cover of the wall
towards a deep gully.

**A shout soon quickened his movements. It turned out
that our friend while talking had caught sight of the brute’s
face as he peered round the angle of the wall, taking stock of
us. Why he did not warn us at the time he started on his
flight, he did not seem inclined to explain, but the construction
we put on his behaviour was that he preferred saving his own
skin at the expense of one or other of us. Dining at the mess
was, from its exposed position, rather an infliction, unless you
sent your bedding and passed the night there. The com-
pound-wall was rather higher than usual, and as the house
occupied a commanding, though solitary, position, with a ruir.
between it and the other station-houses, many a startle have
people had when leaving the hospitable roof. One night on
coming out, I found a Tiger crouched on the walls of the ruin

64 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

aforementioned, and as, instead of bolting, he retained his
position, I had to run back. The sentry, a Ghoorka, was in
the enclosed portico, but as it was raised some six feet above
the beast’s lair, he could not see him. With the inherent pluck
of his race, however, and heedless of the sin of leaving his
post, he accompanied me to the gate from which the animal
could be plainly detected in the same position; resting his
piece on the coping, and drawing as fine a bead as the uncer-
tain light admitted, the man let fly. A tremendous howl
followed, and the wounded beast scuttled off down the very
road I had to go. The party residing at the Mess had come
out at the report of the sentry’s rifle and endeavoured to dis-
suade me from leaving, but I lighted a torch and sallied forth
on my walk of barely 400 yards, waving the torch round and
round, thus keeping it in full glow. Nothing occurred on the
road, but as I turned into the gateway I almost fell over the
prostrate body of the wounded animal, who, as he lay in the
lest mortal throes right in the path, was qui‘e capable of mis-
chief had I got within his reach. MHastily jumping aside I
gained the door and so was safe. ‘The next morning we ex-
amined the dead creature, whose lungs were torn to shreds, the
bullet lodging in the left hind-leg, yet he had run the above
distance in that condition—another instance of the vitality of
the Cat-tribe.

‘‘ As before said, this house, or rather its environs, was in-
fested by Tigers, and during a residence of nine months,
though we caught sight of seven, certainly no dark night
passed without unmistakable evidence in the morning of the
premises having been visited. Only once did the occupant
succeed in bagging an animal from the house ; and then only
after three previous failures. ‘Twice the visitor put in an ap-
pearance at dawn on some rocks well within range, but on
both occasions the opening of a door, though the hinges had

3

THE TIGER. 65

«

been well oiled, and every precaution taken to avoid attracting

attention, the slight creaking, or the mere exposing a gap in

the wall, was enough to send the Tiger off his coign of vantage
down the £/ud, amid the brushwood, in which it would have

_béen impossible to detect him, even could one have followed

him up quick enough. At length, as he seemed attached to
these rocks, we took out one of the panes from the bath-room
window, and three mornings after I was roused a little after
dawn, and hurried to the scene of action. The rain was
coming down heavily, but the animal did not seem to mind it;
he certainly presented an unique picture, standing to full
height, lashing his sides with his tail, and gazing towards the
road down which the cattle from the lines usually came to
their grazing-grounds. As he presented his broadside to us,
and was certainly not more than thirty yards off, the selection
of the vital part was easy enough; the Major fired, while I
went to the bedroom window to note the shot. The aim
proved true, the ball entering behind the shoulder and lodg-
ing in the right shoulder-blade. With a tremendous bound
into mid-air, but without any sound so far as we could hear,
the Tiger appeared to turn a complete summersault, falling
over out of sight. Allowing half an hour to pass, we went
down and found him quite dead. Mr. Inglis, a resident in the
station, had a pet Sambhar Stag, which was chased all round
the house in the most audacious manner in broad daylight by
a half-grown male Tiger, and though Mr. Inglis and two guests
quickly snatched up guns, it was impossible to fire, as the
chased and chaser ran in and out among the outbuildings.
Eventually the Deer dashed into the main entrance, when the
Tiger made off, still keeping among the buildings until he had
secured a good ‘ offing,’ then turning round to look at his would-
be destroyers.

“‘T do not know whether the story has ever been related be-

a F

66 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

fore, but the most comieff episode in connection with Cherra |
Tigers happened, I think, in 1859. Saturday night’s dinner at |
Inglis’ hospitable board had grown into an institution. Coming |
away from these entertainments, which we did in a body for |
mutual protection, was rather good fun on account of occasional
scares, and as the major portion of the guests lived on the way
to the Mess, we saw each other home. The Assistant Com- |
missioner, however, had his house away from all, so left us a |
few yards from our entertainer’s gates, and, being of a some-
what timorous disposition, generally brought with him, in ad- |
dition to his table-servant, a torch bearer for further security, |
travelling in one of the old-fashioned sedan-chairs carried by a |
couple of Khasias—a cavalcade sufficient, one would imagine,
to frighten the life out of any Tiger. His house was round a |
bend, and about half a mile distant. One night we parted |
with him at the junction, where he got into the ancient con-
veyance, and we each pursued our way, reaching our respective !

houses in due course. Not so the magistrate, who had scarce }

reached the bend of the road, when away fled retainers and |
chairmen, having come suddenly upona Tiger. The poor man |
was in fix, for though the chair was stout enough to resist all |
attempts to open it, the wind was beginning to rise and might
not only topple it over, but smash in the panels. ‘The occu-
pant yelled and shouted, but to no purpose ; he was far too

frightened to come out and make the best of his way home, |
and at that time of night there was not the remotest likelihood |
of anyone passing along the lonely road. ‘The best had to be
made of matters, and so he passed the night in a dress-sult, |
expecting every moment that the enemy would put in an ap- |
pearance. Daylight released him at last, but he contracted an
attack of rheumatism that lasted his lifetime. ‘Traps were |
placed all over the station, and a goodly number of Tigers |
caught in this way, though there is always a feeling of repug- |

THE TIGER, 67

hance to resorting to these contrivances on the part of the
sportsman. Poisoning the kill had to be very carefully carried
_ out, for Khasias eat both the Tiger and remains of his prey.”

Regarding its behaviour in captivity, Jardine, in the original
issue of this volume of the “ Naturalist’s Library,” writes that |
“the Tiger is readily tamed when taken young, but its temper
may be said to be scarcely so much depended upon as that of
the Lion. Keepers enter the cage and caress them, but they
never venture upon those annoying liberties which are generally
so freely taken with the Lion; and strangers, I believe, have
never attempted to venture within their reach, It may also
be remarked, that there is only one instance upon record
where the Tiger allowed a Dog to become an inmate of his den,
With the Lion it is frequent, and great affection is displayed.
On the contrary, however, the inhabitants of India appear to

_ have great power in the management of the Tiger, and it is
more frequently seen tame in that country than any of the
other /eide. The tame Tigers of the fakirs exhibit great

gentleness and confidence, which may in part be attributed to

_ the ample way in which they are fed.”

Although many adventurous Indian sportsmen track Tigers to
their “kill” or their lair on foot, while others have the patience
to endure a long night’s watch over a kill or tethered Cow,
perched on a machan, or stage, built in some convenient tree,

_ Tiger-shooting is more generally pursued on Elephants, which
method, indeed, in the long grass-jungles is the only practic-
able one. There are, of course, many modern accounts of
Tiger-shooting in this manner ; but we content ourselves with

“quoting one given in the early part of the century by Captain

-Mundy—at that time a well-known Indian sportsman.

After stating the preliminary preparations for the hunt, and

the start, the narrator writes that “on clearing the wood, we

entered an open space of marshy grass not three feet high; a

Be

68 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

large herd of cattle was ding there, and the herdsman was
sitting under a bush; when, just as the former began to move
before us, up sprang the very Tiger to whom our visit was
intended, and cantered off across a bare plain, dotted with
~small patches of bush-jungle. He took to the open country
in a style which would have more become a Fox than a Tiger,
who is expected by his pursuers to fight and not to run; and
as he was flushed on the flank of the line, only one bullet was
fired at him ere he cleared the thick grass. He was unhurt,
and we pursued him at full speed. Twice he threw us out by
stopping short in small strips of jungle, and then heading back
after we had passed ; and he had given us a very fast trot of
about two miles, when Colonel Arnold, who led the field, at
last reached him by a capital shot, his Elephant being in full
career. As soon as he felt himself wounded, the Tiger crept
into a close thicket of trees and bushes, and crouched. ‘The
two leading sportsmen overran the spot where he lay, and as I
came up I saw him, through an aperture, rising to attempt a
charge. My mahout had just before, in the heat of the chase,
dropped his ankors, or goad, which I had refused to allow him
to recover; and the Elephant, being notoriously savage, and
further irritated by the goading he had undergone, became
consequently unmanageable ; he appeared to see the Tiger as
soon as myself, and I had only time to fire one shot, when he
suddenly rushed with the greatest fury into the thicket, and
falling upon his knees, nailed the Tiger with his tusks to the
ground. Such was the violence of the shock, that my servant,
who sat behind, was thrown out, and one of my guns went
overboard. The struggles of my Elephant to crush his still
resisting foe, who had fixed one paw on his eye, were so ener-
getic that I was obliged to hold on with all my strength to |
keep myself in the howda. The second barrel, too, of the gun
which I still retained in my hand, went off in the scuffle, the |

THE TIGER. 69

ball passing close to the mahout’s ear, whose situation, poor
fellow, was anything but enviable. As soon as my Elephant
was prevailed upon to leave the killing part of the business to
the sportsmen, they gave the roughly used Tiger the coup de
grace. It was a very fine female, with the most beautiful skin
I ever saw.”

Although in this instance the whole party escaped scot-free
from the Tiger’s charge, such encounters are decidedly risky,
and should be avoided when possible. On this subject Colonel
R. H. Percy writes as follows in the ‘‘ Badminton Library”:
‘To hear of Tigers making good their charges and springing on
to Elephants’ heads sounds very nice and exciting, but nothing is
more demoralising to the Elephants, especially at the beginning
of a trip, and every precaution should be taken to save your
Elephants from getting mauled ; for, if injured, many of them
never recover confidence, and become absolutely worthless for
Tiger-shooting afterwards. Forsyth mentions an instance of
an Elephant dying of wounds received from a Tiger. It is all
very fine for a sportsman to take a charge, standing in a howda
perched on the back of a large tusker ; but it is a very different
thing for the opium-sodden nerves of an unarmed mahout
riding a small timid pad-Elephant. Close order is the only
safe formation for pad-Elephants, and should invariably be
adopted. If the Tiger is marked into a particular bush, the
line may be halted, and the howda-Elephants alone be taken
up to engage him; but until the mahouts have thorough con-
fidence in the guns, a fight is better avoided.”

Our account of the Tiger may be brought to a conclusion
with an extract from Dr. John Anderson’s narrative of the
expedition to Western Yun-nan, relating to the boldness of a
man-eater. ‘‘ While we were at dinner one evening at Bhamo,”
writes the narrator, ‘a cry was raised that a Tiger was in the
town, and we at once started with our rifles, and were met by

70 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

aman who informed us i a woman had been killed; we
hurried on, and in a hollow, below a clump of bamboos,
came upon the body of the poor woman, over which her niece
was crying bitterly. The back of the skull was completely
smashed, and part of the scalp torn off. The woman had
been sitting in the low veranda of a ground-hut, making thatch,
and had evidently been whisked off by one fell swoop of the
Tiger's paw, for no marks of the teeth could be discovered.
A number of people were seated close beside her, talking
loudly ; but this only verifies what I have heard about the
boldness of man-eating Tigers, that they rather take advantage
than otherwise of a noise to secure their prey ; and this one, a
Tigress, had a decided partiality for human flesh, for she had
carried off another woman a year before, when the townspeople
attested that she cleared the stockade, nine feet high, with
the woman in her mouth. In the present instance she had
dragged her prey about fifty yards, but whenever the people
discovered what had happened, they rushed from their houses
with torches, and, shouting, drove her off. When we arrived,
there were fifty men, all armed with spears and guns, and
many carried torches, while fires had been lit in every
direction, to frighten the brute away. The scene was a most
exciting and effective picture ; we had the body removed, and
beat the thickets, but could discover no trace of the Tigress.
The woman was buried the same night, in accordance with
the Burmese custom, followed in all cases of persons killed by
Tigers. On the following morning we found the tracks of the
animal clearly imprinted on fresh bricks laid out to dry, and
its sex indicated by the footprints of her cub.”

In spite of our having declared the preceding anecdote of
Tigers to be the last, we cannot resist quoting a telegram sent
some years ago by the Bengali station-master of a small up-
_country railway station in India, where a Tiger had taken pos-

PLATE YV.

LEOPARD

THE LEOPARD. aa

session of the establishment, to the headquarters in Calcutta.
The message ran as follows: ‘Tiger on platform ; am safe on
roof; have put signal-man in charge ; please arrange.”

Ill. THE LEOPARD, OR PANTHER. | FELIS PARDUS.

ens pardus, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. i. p. 61 (1766) ;
Elliot, Monogr. Felidz, pls. vi., vii. (1878-83) ; Blanford,
Mamm. Brit. India, p. 67 (1888).

Felis leopardus, Erxleben, Syst. Regn. Animal, p. 509 (1777).

Felis panthera, Pallas, Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. vol. i. p. 18 (1811).

Felis melas, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 233 (1820).

Leopardus varius, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 40 (1843).

Felis tuliana, Valenciennes, Comptes Rendus, vol. xlili. p.
1039 (1856).

Leopardus japanensis, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1862, p. 262; id,
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 11 (1869).

Felis fontaniert, Milne-Edwards, Ann. Sci. Nat. Zool. ser. 5,
vol. viii. p. 375 (1867); id., Recherches Mammif. p. 208
(1868-74) ; Anderson, Sci. Res. Yun-nan Expedition, p.
162 (1878); Bateson, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1892, p. 106.

Leopardus chinensis, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 264; id.,
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 11 (1869).

Leopardus pardus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 263; id.,
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 10 (1869).

(Plate V.)

Characters.—Size large, but very variable, the total length
ranging from 5 to 8 feet; ground-colour of fur normally yellow,
upon which are numerous distinct black spots or rosettes ;
pupil of eye circular ; length of tail varying from rather more
than half to nearly three-fourths that of the head and body.
General ground-colour of upper-parts varying from rufous to
yellowish-white, or pale brownish-yellow ; spots or rosettes on
upper-parts and superior surface of tail black externally, and

12 LLOYD’s NATURAL HISTORY.

pale-coloured within, very@riable in form, size, and number,
the external ring being generally interrupted, and the central
area usually of the same hue as the ground-colour of the fur,
although occasionally darker. On the head, lower portions of
limbs, under-parts, and extremity of tail, the spots without
light centres ; those at the tip of the upper surface of the tail
taking the form of transverse bars. Young brownish, with
the spots indistinctly defined. Skull with broad nasal bones,
and the hyoid arch connected with it by ligaments, instead of
by a series of small bones.

Distribution—Africa generally, Asia Minor, Persia, Baluchi-
stan, India, Assam, Ceylon, Burma, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra,
Java, and China. During the Pleistocene period the Leopard
ranged into Western Europe, where its remains are met with
in caverns and superficial formations.

Much discussion has taken place as to whether there is
more than a single species of Leopard in India, although all
writers seem to be agreed that there is but one in Africa.* It
may be mentioned before proceeding farther that the names
‘“‘Pard ” and “ Panther” were applied by the ancients to these
Spotted Cats, but whether indifferently to these animals in
general, or as distinctive specific terms, is not apparent. It
does not, moreover, seem at all clear as to whether one or
both of these names were first applied to the African or to the
Asiatic forms, although it is highly probable that they origin-
ally referred to the former.

In addition to the Pard or Panther, the ancients were also
acquainted with the animal now commonly known as the
Hunting-Leopard ; and as this creature was then considered
to be a hybrid between the Lion and the Pard it was appro:

* The gist of this discussion on the nomenclature and varieties of Leo-
pards originally appeared as an article in ‘‘ Land and Water.”

THE LEOPARD. V5

priately designated the ‘‘ Leopard.” By a curious misappli-
cation of terms, the name ‘‘ Leopard” has, however, now been
transferred to the Spotted True Cats, and has thus quite dis-
placed the old word ‘‘ Pard.” It would, of course, be utterly
hopeless to attempt to reintroduce the latter term, and to
restore the term ‘‘ Leopard ” to its original owner; and we are
all accordingly agreed to call the True Spotted Cats either
Leopards or Panthers.

This transference of the name “‘ Leopard” of course left the
animal to which it was originally applied without a distinctive
title. To remedy this want, the Hindustani term “ Chita” was
brought into use in this country to designate the animal which
we prefer to call the Hunting-Leopard. Sucha use of the term
Chita is, however, totally unjustifiable, since that name is applied
in India both to the Leopard, or Panther, and the Hunting-
Leopard, its meaning being merely “spotted.” Sometimes,
indeed, the Leopard, or Panther, is especially distinguished
as the Chita-Bagh (Spotted Tiger), but the simple term Chita
is the common attribute of all these animals. It is on this
ground that we prefer to reject the Hindustani term altogether,
and to employ the English title of ‘“‘ Hunting-Leopard.” Atten-
tion may be directed here to a statement in the late Mr. G. P.
Saunderson’s book on the wild beasts of India which we are
greatly surprised to meet with in a writer of his Indian experi-
ence. It is there written that ‘‘of the handsome spotted skins
that grace many Indian bungalows, and which are generally
referred to as Cheeta skins, at least ninety-nine out of every
hundred are those of the Panther or of the Leopard.” Now,
no one in their senses ever thought that Chita skins in India
meant anything else than Leopard or Panther pelts, and we are
surprised that Mr. Saunderson actually went out of his way in
an earlier sentence of the paragraph quoted to say that the
name Chita was incorrectly applied to the Leopard, or Panther.

74 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

As we shall have no more@® say with regard to the Hunting-
Leopard, we may dismiss this part of our subject with the
following table, showing the various usages of the above-men-
tioned names :—

Hindustani. Ancient. Modern. Scientific.

Chita Pard ... Leopard

(rat ... Ilunting-Leopard .... Cyaelurus jubatus
Panther, -... -Panther

ay ; Felts pardus.

This, however, by no means exhausts the subject of the
confusion of nomenclature, for there is an equal discrepancy
in the use of the terms Leopard and Panther. As we have
already mentioned, there is but one type of these animals in
Africa to which it would appear that the name of Panther is
probably strictly applicable. In India, on the other hand, two
forms are generally recognised. ‘Thus there is, firstly, a large
kind, characterised by the tail being shorter than the head
and body, by the long head, and by the spots being large
and clearly defined, on a pale ground-colour. Secondly,
we have a smaller animal, in which the tail is as long as
the head and body, the head is short, and the spots are
less distinctly defined, of smaller size, and placed closer
together.

Now, the latter smaller form was identified by Temminck
with the African animal, and accordingly termed the Panther
(F. pardus), while the larger kind was called the Leopard (7
leopardus). ‘This usage is followed by Mr. Sterndale in his
work on Indian Mammals, and appears undoubtedly to be
the right one if we regard the smaller Indian form as indistin-
guishable from the African animal. On the other hand, we
find Jerdon, following the lead of Indian sportsmen, applying
the term Panther to the larger form, and Leopard to the
smaller one, this usage being adopted by Mr. Saunderson and
most other sporting writers. We thus have two diagrammati-

THE LEOPARD. a5

cal opposite uses of the terms Leopard and Panther, which
may be epitomised as follows :—

Temminck. Sterndale, Jerdon.
African form... ive (CESMEREE vse (?) oe (?)
Smaller Indian form ... Panther... Panther’ ... Leopard.
Larger Indian form ... Leopard ... Leopard. ... Panther.

Now it is admitted on all hands that the larger and smaller
Indian forms are very close indeed to one another, Mr. Blan-
ford observing that he finds it frequently impossible to “ de-
termine to which of the two supposed forms an Indian skin
should be referred.” On the other hand, an African skin is,
as a tule, distinguished by the spots being very much smaller,
and many of them without light centres.

This being so, it may be submitted that if the two Indian
forms are regarded as distinct, the African animal is at least
equally entitled to distinction. ‘This being admitted, as well
as the right of the latter to the title of Panther, it follows that
if we take (as appears probably right) the term Leopard as ap-
plicable to the larger Indian form, the smaller Indian animal
has no name at all!

It is far from our intention to further complicate matters by
proposing any new name, or, indeed, for that matter, deciding
as to the proper application of the terms Leopard and Panther;
our object being merely to show the different senses in which
they are commonly used.

We may accordingly pass on to the question as to whether
there is really any specific distinction between any or all of the
animals above-mentioned. The late Mr. Blyth seems to have
been the first of modern naturalists to come to the conclusion
that all of them formed but a single species. He was followed,
in a somewhat half-hearted way, by Jerdon, and this half-
heartedness is even more conspicuous in Mr. Saunderson’s
book, wherein, while the two Indian forms are spoken of as

76 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

merely varieties of a sing]@®pecies, they are alluded to under
separate specific names. On the other hand, Mr. Sterndale is
as firmly convinced that there are two distinct Indian species,
which he names as above.

With the advantage of all the information accumulated by
his predecessors before him, Mr. Blanford—our best and latest
authority on Indian Mammals—fully adopts the views of Blyth
as to the specific unity of all these forms. We have already
alluded to his opinion as to the impossibility of distinguishing
between the skins of the larger and the smaller varieties found
in India, and he adds the suggestion that even such distinction
as there is between these two varieties may, in some cases, be
largely due to differences of age. Here it may be mentioned
that there is yet another variety, found in Persia, the so-called
F. tulliana, characterised by the great length of the fur and
the thickness of the tail, this form being, in fact, intermediate
in this respect, and also in the shape of its spots, between the
ordinary Indian Leopard and the Ounce, or Snow-Leopard.
Mr. Blanford sums up the whole question by showing that
both the African and the Persian varieties pass by insensible
gradations into the ordinary form, and states that he cannot
find any difference in the skulls, or evidence to satisfy him
that there is any constant distinction between different races
of Leopards, Pards, or Panthers. In this conclusion, so far
as our own experience admits of our forming a judgment, we
fully agree ; and we also consider it advisable to adopt the
name of Leopard (Ze/is pardus) for the species of Spotted Cat
common both to Africa and Asia. At the same time, we
must guard ourselves against it being supposed that we adopt
the views of the late Sir Samuel Baker, who seems to consider
that every Spotted Cat may be included under the name of
Leopard. Thus, when writing on the Leopard, he observes
that ‘‘ different countries adopt special names for the varieties

THE LEOPARD. "7

which inhabit the localities; the Leopard may be termed a
Panther, or Cheetah, or Wild Cat, or even a Jaguar, but it
remains a Leopard, differing in size, colour, and form of spots,
but, nevertheless, a Leopard. I shall therefore accept that
name as including every variety.” This, of course, is driving
the principle of ‘lumping ” to an absurdity, and if we include
a Jaguar under the title of Leopard, we might as well at once
class a Tiger and a Puma under the same name.

Leaving, then, those who believe in the distinction between
a Leopard and a Panther to assign those terms in the manner
which seems to them best, we pass on to consider the chief
varieties of these animals.

We have already seen that Asiatic Leopards are charac-
terised by the large size of the spots on the body, which
assume a more or less well-defined rosette-like form with a
light centre. It appears that the smaller variety of the Asiatic
Leopard is the one generally found on the plains of Peninsular
India, and is characterised by the small size of the spots and
the paler tint of the ground-colour of the fur ; these features
being generally accompanied by a greater length of tail,
and a proportionately short head. On the other hand, the
larger Asiatic Leopard, in which the spots are large and
distinct, the ground-colour of the fur tending to reddish, and
the tail short, more generally frequents the damp forests of
Bengal, Assam, the Himalaya, and Burma. A large series of
specimens will, however, show a complete transition between
these two types.

Occasionally, and more especially in forest-districts at con-
siderable elevations above the sea-level, there is found a black
variety of the Asiatic Leopard. These black Leopards, which
appear to be more common in Southern India and the Malay
Peninsula than elsewhere, were formerly regarded as indicat-
ing a distinct species, but the occurrence of both black and

78 LLOYD S NATURAL HISTORY.

spotted cubs in one and fe same litter clearly shows that
they are merely a variety. In certain lights the spots on the
skin of a black Leopard can be distinctly seen, owing to the
fact that they are of a deeper tinge than the rest of the fur.
A white Asiatic Leopard seems to be a very rare creature,
although a figure of such an animal is extant.

Secondly, we have the long-haired Asiatic Leopard, of which
the leading features have already been indicated ; this variety
being found not only in Persia, but likewise in the neighbour-
ing district of Baluchistan, and in the mountains of Sind.

Thirdly, there is the African Leopard, readily distinguished
by the small size of the body-spots, some of which are often
solid, and thus resemble those on the head and limbs of its
Asiatic cousin. Curiously enough, it was thought for a long
period that there were no black Leopards throughout the
length and breadth of Africa. ‘That there are none entirely
black seems to be undoubtedly the case; but Dr. Giinther
has described Leopard-skins from the Albany district, which
exhibit a kind of incipient blackness, or melanism. In one
of these specimens the blackness takes the form of a broad
black stripe, extending from the upper part of the head to
the loins; while the tail has an extraordinary number of very
small black spotsand a black tip. It does not appear that any
trace of the spots can be detected in the deep black band
on the back. In a second example the blackness was of
much larger extent, embracing almost the whole of the skin,
with the exception of the under parts of the head and body |
and the inner surfaces of the limbs. ‘The tail, although not
black, is uniformly dark-coloured above. The black portion
of the skin presents a beautiful gloss, without the faintest in-
dication of spots.

Writing of the specimen first received, Dr Gunther observes
that “it is a well-known fact that the Asiatic Leopard ex-

>

THE LEOPARD. 79

hibits a decided tendency to melanism; and it is stated that
the black Leopards are found chiefly in forest-districts of
considerable elevation. So far, the conditions under which
melanism appears in the Asiatic Leopard seem to be similar
to those under which our specimen was reared. On the other
hand, the abnormal coloration affects the ornamental pattern
of the Asiatic Leopard in a different fashion from that ob-
servable in our specimen. In the former the black colour
is equally diffused over the whole body, the rosettes retaining
their shape and number, and shining with a more intense
black through the ground-colour.” It is added that the black-
ness of these African Leopards may perhaps be considered as
an incipient stage of the total melanism of the Asiatic form. We
have, however, yet much to learn as to the nature of melanism,
and of what advantage (if any) it can be to the individuals in
which it is developed.

Since the former of these specimens (which will be found
described and figured in the ‘ Proceedings of the Zoological
Society” for 1883, p. 244, pl. xvi.) is so entirely unlike an or-
dinary Leopard that it might well be taken for a distinct species,
or a hybrid, it may be well to quote the original description
im extenso. ‘Vhe ground-colour of the fur, writes its describer,
“is tawny, with a rich orange gloss about the shoulders. Of
the rosettes only a few faint indications are preserved, namely
on the haunches, where two are visible on the right side,
whilst they form an irregular confluent pattern on the left.
Remains of rosettes are also visible on each shoulder, close to
the whorls of hairs usually developed in the Leopard and Lion
in this place. ‘Two pairs of similar rudimentary rosettes suc-
ceed these at intervals of about ten inches. The remainder
of the rosettes are broken up into, or replaced by, innumer-
able small separate spots, which are most distinct on and be-
hind the region of the shoulder, and on the outer sides of

80 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY. -

the limbs. They are mo#® diffuse on the flanks, where they
mix with the ground-colour, producing a brownish tinge.
Finally, on the back, from the forehead to the sacral region,
they are more or less confluent, so that the whole back appears
to be of a black colour, which is most intense above the lumbar
region. A few black spots on the upper lip, a conspicuous
black spot surrounded by a light yellowish ring above each
eye, and a large one on the back of each ear, are present, as
in Leopards with typical coloration. On the other hand, the
tail differs. in a remarkable manner, being fulvous for its first
two-thirds, this colour gradually changing into pale grey, and
the whole tail being sprinkled with very small and clearly
defined spots, while the extreme tip is black. Chin, chest,
belly, and inside of the legs white, with large black spots, as
in the ordinary Leopard. Whiskers and claws white; hair
between the foot-pads black. The hairs are about of the
ordinary length, with a very thick under-fur on the sides of
the body.”

Lastly, we have a very aberrant variety from China known as
Fontanier’s Leopard (/ fvntanieri), regarded by some writers
as a distinct species. Not improbably this form is really in-
separable from the earlier / japanensis of Gray, founded on
a tanned skin procured from a Japanese trader, but which
probably came originally from China. Concerning this Chinese
Leopard, Dr. J. Anderson, who has devoted great attention to
the subject, writes that it ‘is characterised by the confluence
of the black spots, which form rather large complete rings in
the adult, asin the Jaguar, but without the central black spot.
The fur is also long, soft, and dense. This latter character is
also assigned by Swinhoe to the northern race of Chinese
Leopards, the fur of which, he states, is confusedly spotted
and marked with black rings. Gray also states that the coat of
his /. japanensis is distinguished by its rounded and unequal-

THE LEOPARD. 81

sized spots, and by black rings with no central black spot,
distributed over the shoulders, back, and sides, while Milne-
Edwards describes those rings as very distinct on the scapular
region, the upper parts of the sides, and the back.”

It is added that Professor Milne-Edwards “has pointed
out certain characters by which he considers F. fontaniert
to be distinguished from the Leopards of India and Africa,
and also from the skull figured by Gray as Leopardus chinensis.
He attaches great importance to the short muzzle of the
northern Leopard, and states that the distance between the
alveolar border of the canine and the summit of the fronto-
nasal process of the maxilla equals the breadth between the
external borders of the infra-orbital foramina, while in #,
pardus the former measurement considerably exceeds the
latter; and he records that the relative proportion between
these parts is equally observable in the young as in the
adult of “F. fontantert. I have examined a series of five
skulls of / pardus from India, all with reliable histories
and of different ages, but without any record of their sex;
and although they support the generalisation of the French
professor regarding the greater length of the first interval as
compared with the second in / fardus, measurements suggest
that considerable changes take place with advancing age in the
proportions between these two areas of the face in / pardus,
because in the youngest example they are nearly equal, as in
F. fontanieri, so that these measurements are not very reliable
guides to separate the two forms in youth. At the same
time, there can be no doubt that in the adult / pardus of
India the muzzle is not so deep, but is more elongated than in
F. fontanieri, in which the frontals are more arched, with the
nasals in the same curve. In Leofardus chinensis, Gray,—a
fully adult animal,—there is the same short muzzle as in &
tontanteri.”

7 G

85 LLOYDS NATURAL HISTORY.

e
As the result of this comparison, Dr. Anderson is led to
conclude that the northern Chinese Leopard, if not entitled
to rank as a distinct species, is at least a very well-marked
race.

In conclusion, it may be mentioned as not a little remarkable,
that the only two skulls of this form preserved in the collection
of the British Museum, both, as pointed out by Mr. Bateson,
exhibit an abnormality in the dentition; the one having a
supernumerary last molar on the left side of the upper jaw,
while, in the other, the last right lower pre-molar has an
additional cusp on its hinder border.

Habits.—In spite of their marked difference in coloration, the
three great Cats of the warmer regions of the Old World,
namely the Lion, Tiger, and Leopard, are structurally very
closely allied to one another. Whereas, however, the two
form2r are not climbers, the third is essentially an arboreal
animal, resembling in this respect the majority of the smaller
members of the Family. Moreover, according to information
kindly supplied by General Paget, there is a marked difference
between the Leopard and the Tiger, in the manner in which
they commence to devour their prey, the former always begin-
ning on the shoulder of its “kill,” whereas the latter invariably
takes the first bite at the hind-quarters. Leopards, in common
with several others of the larger Cats, attack an animal by
springing on its neck. Mr. A. Whyte, who was recently col-
lecting animals in Nyasaland, mentions, however, an instance
where a Leopard killed a full-grown denkey by attacking it in
the flank and disembowelling it. Headds that ‘‘another most
unusual occurrence in this case was that the Leopard returned
to the carcase, and was shot dead on the third night, after
having been wounded on the chest the second night with a
charge of small shot, which was afterwards found under its
skin.” The proximity of water is far less essential to Leopards

——————————
I

THE LEOPARD. 83

than it is to Tigers ; and, as a rule, the former animals resort to
hilly and more or less broken districts, especially when well-
wooded; and, although in many parts of India and Africa
numerous in such districts, they are, from their purely noc-
turnal habits, but seldom seen. Occasionally, however, the
traveller on a mountain-path, if accompanied by a Dog, may
be surprised by the sudden dash of a Leopard in pursuit of
his canine companion, Dogs being a favourite prey of these
animals. Capable of hiding completely in a very small
amount of cover, Leopards always attack very stealthily, with-
out giving any warning of their proximity by preliminary
growls ; but when once the attack is determined on, it is made
with great suddenness and rapidity, and these animals are said
to charge home more frequently than Tigers. Messrs. Nicolls
and Eglington write that in South Africa, ‘except when hunt-
ing in couples, it is unusual for them to attack the very large
Antelopes, but they are extremely destructive to the smaller
varieties, and the young of all, including the Giraffe. When
pressed by extreme hunger, Man himself is not free from as-
sault.” The victim is invariably seized by the throat. Domestic
animals of the smaller kinds are terribly harried by Leopards,
and from the ravages inflicted on the flocks of the settlers,
these marauders have been pretty well exterminated from those
districts of South Africa which have been long settled. A few
still remain, however, in the hills and mountains of the Trans-
vaal and Bechuanaland, while farther in the interior they are
much more numerous.

When wounded, a Leopard will fight to the last gasp; and on
this account the animal is regarded as even more dangerous
than the Lion. It is stated, however, that although more men
are wounded by Leopards than by either Tigers or Lions, the
fatalities caused by the former are less numerous than those
due to the latter.

84 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

In addition to Dogs, Goats and Sheep, Leopards killa large
number of Jackals, while they are determined foes to Mon-
keys and Baboons, pursuing the former in India into their
haunts in the trees, while the latter they attack among the
rocks.

Whatever may be the case in Africa, it is well ascertained
that, in India, Leopards not unfrequently take to man-eating,
and there are many instances on record of the fearful destruc-
tion of human life inflicted by such individuals. The following
account of one of these man-eating Leopards, which haunted the
district of Rampur Bauleah, was recently published in an Indian
newspaper. On a certain night the creature broke through the
mat-wall of a native hut, and made its way into the interior.
Inside the hut were sleeping a man, his wife, two or three
women, a goat, and a girl nine years of age. The Leopard
seized the girl by the throat, and attempted to drag her through
the hole. Being seized tight by the throat, the girl could not |
scream, but was almost suffocated. ‘The hole was not big
enough to allow the girl’s body to pass out while the brute held
her by the throat, and the Leopard, thereupon, let go his hold |
upon her throat, and seized her by the foot and dragged her |
through. Assoonashe had let go his hold on her throat, she
screamed loudly, awaking the inmates of the hut, and the man,
thinking that the goat was being carried off, rushed out witha
big stick. ‘The Leopard had, however, carried the girl about
a hundred yards before the man came up with her. He then |
belaboured the animal with his big stick, when the Leopard let |
go his hold and fled into the jungle. The girl was brought to |
the medical missionary, but though everything that surgical and |
medical skill could effect had been done, she was not likely to |
survive, as her wounds were of a terrible nature. About a year |
previously the Collector of the same district, with twelve Ele- !
phants and a party of Europeans, succeeded in killing another |

THE LEOPARD. 85

man-eating Leopard that had killed about 150 people, some
thirty miles from Rampur Bauleah.

Leopards are also not free from the charge of occasionally
eating one another, as proved by the following note contributed
by Major H. D. Olivier to the “Journal” of the Bombay
Natural History Society for 1893. The letter runs as follows:

“In 1884 I was staying with D., a forest-officer in the Panch
Mahals, near to Sodhra. Whilst we were sitting out one even-
ing on the side of a hill, where we had been for a walk, a Pan-
ther came along and stood within ten yards of us. D. hada
rifle with him, but on my whispering to him that there was a
Panther close by him, he turned round so quickly that the
Panther saw him and disappeared. We decided to tie upa
couple of Goats, but nothing came that night except a Hyzena,
which D. shot. The next evening, however, D. wounded a
Panther, but it was too late to follow it up. During the night
we heard one calling for its mate all over the hill, and next
morning, whilst searching for tracks, our attention was called
by one of the men to something in the fork of a large tree close
by, and on nearer inspection this turned out to be the body of
the wounded Panther, whose hind-quarters were half-eaten, and
the skin, of course, worried. The ‘gallant husband’ who had
_ performed this act of cannibalism had left the marks of his
claws on the tree, where some five feet above the ground he
had sprung up on to the trunk.

““Most sportsmen will remember having, in the course of
their shooting expeditions, come across trees which, from the
marks of blood on some large fork, were evidently regular
resorts to which the resident Panther of the neighbourhood
was in the habit of taking its prey for consumption, and this —
tree was a case in point.”

To give some idea of the ravages committed by Leopards
and Tigers, we may quote from the Government Report for the

26 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY. '

year 1893, where it is statedg#hat the number of cattle destroyed
by wild animals and Snakes was 90,253, compared with 81,6538
in the previous year. ‘The total figures are not, probably, of
much value, as such occurrences are frequently not reported,
or are ascribed to the wrong cause ; but the figures for damage
done by wild beasts are probably more reliable than those
regarding Snake-bite. Out of the number (85,131) of cattle
reported as destroyed by wild animals, the great majority
were killed by Tigers and Leopards, the figures (33,526 and
34,404 respectively) showing a considerable increase on those
of 1892 in each case. ‘Tigers appear to be specially destructive
to cattle in Assam, where the number of head destroyed was
reported as 12,840, the next highest figure being 8,716 in
Bengal. Leopards destroyed 10,359 cattle in Bengal and
7,765 in Madras.

The number of wild beasts destroyed is returned as 15,3009,
as compared with 15,988 in 1892. The amount paid in re-
wards for their destruction was Rs. 1,04,810, against Rs.
1,07,974 in 1892. Rs. 37,024 were paid for destroying 1,267
Tigers, and Rs. 41,236 for destroying 4,088 Leopards.

Unlike both the Tiger and the Lion, the Leopard is a com-
paratively silent animal; but when surprised, or in a charge, it
utters a roar not very dissimilar to that of the former. The cry
of the Leopard, which is but very seldom heard, is stated, how-
ever, to be quite peculiar. In India the female gives birth to
her cubs, which vary from two to four in number, during the
months of February and March.

In India, while large numbers of Leopards are captured by
the natives in traps, by Europeans they are either shot from
machans (platforms supported by poles or built up in trees), being
hunted with dogs, when they not unfrequently take to trees, or
are beaten out from covert. The following narrative, some-
what abbreviated and amended, by an anonymous author, of

THE LEOPARD, 87

an exciting Leopard-hunt, is taken from the As/am newspaper
of August 25th, 1893. On the occasion in question, says the
writer, he was sitting in his office, when there rushed in a
party of Burmese, with the information that “about a mile
‘away, close to a village, two men had been coming across the
fields, when on passing through a small patch of jungle left as
‘a hedge, one of them had been sprung on by a Leopard, and
the other bad thereupon cut at the animal with his da una
(chopper) and wounded it. The two men had themselves
come ; they were scratched about, but not bitten or very badly
hurt. I gave them a letter to the Doctor, and then issued in-
vitations to those in the station whom I thought would like to
share in the fun. These were McG., B., and J. It was hot, so
we got steeds, and arrived on the scene. Open fields enclosed
with thorn-hedges, where the hedges met patches of jungle
which ran along here and there as a hedge—such was the spot
where the villagers had been mauled. We sent the beaters
round on to the other side, and posted ourselves, two on one
side, two on the other, a thin thorn-hedge running from the
jungle in question between us. The first beat in the jungle
was unsuccessful, and as the villagers then came along beating
the small thorn-hedge, in which one would not have great
hopes of finding a hare, we thought there was no chance of
finding our Leopard. The villagers thought so too, and came
along shouting and jeering, poking about in a desultory sort of
way, some getting brave under the circumstances. One ot
these, on coming to a bit of bush in the hedge which made it
look a little more likely, poked his head down and gave a jeer
and a prog, and was considerably surprised to hear a reply in
the shape of a roar, and still more so, I fancy, to find himself
warmly embraced. All the beaters surrounded ‘Spots’ and laid
into him vigorously in the most plucky but confused manner.
Poor ‘Spots’ turned his attention from one to the other and

88 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY,

hada most exciting time, by#they were at him like ants. This
was on the opposite side of the hedge to McG. and myself. __B.
and J. were the men that side, and the former, on hearing the
roar and seeing the Leopard come out, stalked up, ready to
bag him as soon as the villagers had done with him. This
soon happened. ‘Spots,’ finding things too warm, charged out
of the mé/ée, and it so happened straight at B., who promptly
turned and fled. He was about six feet two inches, and legs in
proportion, and through a gap in the hedge I saw first B.
flying hard, long legs at their full stride, and the Leopard a
good second, with ears back and tail curved. It looked such
a close thing for first place that I thought I had better try and
handicap ‘Spots,’ so had a snap shot at him as he flew by. I
did nothithim. B. had fled to where J. was ensconced behind
a small tree, and when he got there turned at bay and fired
with his Snider-carbine in the Leopard’s face. He missed
him, but it apparently had the effect of turning the Leopard
off, and he flew by B. and J. behind their tree.

“The moment B. had fired, he turned tc J. and implored to
be informed as to the mechanism of his intricate weapon, the
Snider-carbine. Poor J., with ‘how do you open this?’ dinned
into his ears, said he could have almost kicked the Leopard
as it went by, but was so put off by B. that he missed. The
Leopard then disappeared, and we accordingly collected the
villagers and followed the tracks, which, thanks to open ground
and mud, we were able to do. We tracked him for two fields,
a considerable distance from the scene of action; and the
tracks led into a small hedge of growing bush, which got
thicker and thicker till it joined two other hedges and formed
a small clump of bush at the junction. I could plainly smell
him, and the tracks evidently did not lead out. This time the
beaters thought they would like a gun with them, and accord-
ingly I went with them. After scrutiny, we decided ‘Spots’

THE LEOPARD. 89

was in the corner, and so I took up my post about four yards
from it, in a direct line. The beaters did not come right
_ between me and the spot, but along the hedge, and threw
rocks and mud, and shouted. Behind me I had an ex-dacoit
with my tulwar, a great curved thing that would behead an Ox,
as I thought it might assist me to bag my enemy and prevent
him bagging me. I myself was armed with my Martini-Henri
sporting rifle. Another of my entourage, a tall big Burman,
who has stuck to me ever since, had got mixed up with the
beaters. He carried his own da. After a little persuasion,
out came ‘Spots,’ very angry, showing sideways to me and
towards the beaters, who vanished. The tall Burman, how-
ever, seemed to have made up his mind not to fly, and stood
his ground almost directly in front of me, and on the very
edge of the bush in which the animal was, and as it jumped
out it passed him in its spring. He held his da with both
hands and gave a blow with no apparent effect, and then,
instead of clearing out of the way, bent down on his hands
and knees in a stooping posture. The Leopard, on landing
from his spring and seeing all fled before him, and receiving
the blow, turned round and promptly sprang on him. All
this, however, passed like a flash almost, as I stood at full
tension ready to get a clear shot. There presented to my eye
was the Burman, doubled up, with the Leopard resting one
paw on his head, another across his shoulders, his mouth wide
open as if to seize him by the back of the neck, and his hind-
legs on the ground. My mind was made up in a moment; as
quick as my eye could take it in I up and let fly. Bang—
smoke, and Leopard rolling over the man’s head sideways,
kicking ; the man rising slowly, not quite sure whether he was
whole or not. To make matters sure, as poor ‘Spots’ did not
seem as dead as might be, I stuck my dagger into his throat.
The Leopard was hit in the head, just about the joining of the

90 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

jaw, and I am not sure whether he was dying, or only uncon-
scious, although probably done for.”

In captivity, writes Jardine, Leopards “have in a few in-
stances bred in this country ; but not so frequently as either
the Lion or Tiger. The pair which were in the Tower in 1829
were of very different dispositions ; and in this they resembled
their congeners, for scarcely two are found which can be equally
trusted. The male, notwithstanding very kind treatment, con-
tinued sullen and savage, while the female suffered herself to
be patted and caressed by the keepers. She possessed a sin-
gular propensity, however, for the destruction of umbrellas,
parasols, muffs, hats, and such other articles of dress as hap-
pened to come within her reach, seizing them with the greatest
quickness, and tearing them into pieces, almost before the
astonished visitor had become aware of his or her loss.”

Although it has been several times quoted, the following
account of a tame Leopard at Coomassie, communicated by
Mrs. Bowditch, is sufficiently interesting to bear, in an abbre-
viated form, one more repetition. The animal in question was
sent to Mr. Hutchison, then resident at Coomassie, who, ‘‘ob-
serving that the animal was very docile, took pains to tame
him, and, ina great measure, succeeded. When he was about
a year old, Mr. Hutchison returned to Cape Coast, and had
him led through the country by a chain, occasionally letting
him loose when eating was going forward, when he would sit
by his master’s side, and receive his share with comparative
gentleness. Once or twice he purloined a fowl, but easily gave
it up to Mr. Hutchison, on being allowed a portion of some-
thing else. On the day of his arrival, he was placed in a small
court, leading to the private rooms of the Governor, and, after
dinner, was led bya thin cord into the room, where he received
our salutations with some degree of roughness, but with perfect
good-humour. On the least encouragement, he laid his paws

Q

THER LEOPARD. gI

upon our shoulders, rubbed his head upon us, and his teeth
and claws having been filed, there was no danger of tearing our

clothes. He was kept in the above court for a week or two,

and evinced no ferocity, except when one of the servants tried
to pull his food from him ; he then caught the offender by the
leg, and tore out a small piece of flesh ; but he never seemed
to owe him any ill-will afterwards. He one morning broke his
cord, and, the cry being given, the castle gates were shut, and
a chase commenced. After leading his pursuers two or three
times round the ramparts, and knocking over a few children by
bouncing against them, he suffered himself to be caught, and
led quietly back to his quarters, under one of the guns of the
fortress.

“By degrees the fear of him subsided ; and orders having
been given to the sentinels to prevent his escape through the
gates, he was left at liberty to go where he pleased ; and a boy
was appointed to prevent him from intruding into the apart-
ments of the officers. His keeper, however, generally passed
his watch in sleeping ; and Sai, as the Panther was called, after
the royal giver, roamed at large. On one occasion he found
his servant sitting on the step of the door, upright, but fast
asleep, when he lifted his paw, gave him a blow on the side of
his head, which laid him flat, and then stood wagging his tail,
as if enjoying the mischief he had committed. He became
exceedingly attached to the Governor, and followed him every-
where like a dog. His favourite station was at a window of the
sitting-room, which overlooked the whole town; there, standing
on his hind-legs, his fore-paws resting on the ledge of the
window, and his chin laid between them, he appeared to amuse
himself with what was passing beneath. The children also
stood with him at the window; and one day, finding his pre-
sence an incumbrance, and that they could not get their chairs
close, they used their united efforts to pull him down by the tail,

92 ~ LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

‘This interesting animalgwas well fed twice every day, but
never given anything with life in it. He stood about two feet
high, and was of a dark yellow colour, thickly spotted with
black rosettes ; and from the good feeding, and the care taken
to clean him, his skin shone like silk. The expression of his
countenance was very animated and good-tempered, and he
was particularly gentle to children. He would lie down on the
mats by their side when they slept, and even the infant shared
his caresses, and remained unhurt. During the period of his
residence at Cape Coast, I was much occupied by making ar-
rangements for my departure from Africa; but generally visited
my future companion every day, and we, in consequence, be
came great friends before we sailed. He was conveyed on
board the vessel in a large wooden cage, thickly barred in the
front with iron. Even this confinement was not deemed a
sufficient protection by the canoe-men, who were so alarmed
at taking him from the shore to the vessel, that, in their con-
fusion, they dropped cage and all into the sea. For a few
minutes I gave up my poor Panther as lost; but some sailors
jumped into a boat belonging to the vessel, and dragged him
out in safety.”

After having safely survived the long voyage to England,
Sai was eventually deposited in the menagerie at Exeter
‘Change, where he unfortunately died after a few weeks’ con-
finement.

IV. THE OUNCE. FELIS UNCIA.

Felis uncia, Schreber, Saugethiere, vol. ili. p. 386 (1778) ;
Elliot, Monog. Felide, pl. iv. (1878-83); Blanford,
Mamm. Brit. India, p. 71 (1888).

Felis irbis, Ehrenberg, Ann. Sci. Nat. vol. xxi. p. 394
(1830).

Leopardus uncia, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 41 (1843).

TA, S.L0 Te

4,
Vie,
s
*o
SS.
Fea,
Mf
WDE]: Ke
fa
ki “
rae
Pee
Se
Sree o/h

MA Beas

THE OUNCE. 93

Uncia irbis, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 2, vol. xiv. p.
394 (1854); id. Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 9

(1869).
Felis unctoides, Horsfield, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 2, vol.

Xvi. p. 105 (1855).
(Plate VT.)

Characters.—Although in respect of coloration and the length
of the pelage, the light coloured variety of the Leopard (7
tuliiana) is somewhat intermediate, the Ounce, or Snow-
Leopard, may be distinguished from the Leopard by the
following characters.

Ground-colour white, with the spots larger and not well
defined, except on the head. Skull with a more swollen palate,
flatter tympanic bulla, and the nasals shorter and more like
those of the Lion.

Tail thick, scarcely tapering, and about three-quarters the
length of the head and body. ‘‘'The spots on the back, sides,
and tail are large black interrupted rings or rosettes of rather
irregular shape, much larger than in Leopards, the space inside
each ring being usually rather darker than the ground-colour ;
spots on the head, limbs, and terminal portion of the tail with-
out pale centres ; those on belly few in number and rather in-
distinct. From near the middle of the back to the root of the
tail is a median dark band. Ears black, each with a large
yellowish spot.” (Llanford.)

Distribution.—All the high ranges of Central Asia, includ-
ing Gilgit, Hunza, Turkestan, Trans-Baikalia, Amurland, and
Western China; generally at elevations of over 8,000 feet,
although in Gilgit descending as low as 6,o00 during the
winter. It is also supposed to occur in Persia.

Habits——From the arid and inaccessible nature of the country
where it dwells, not much is known of the mode of life of the

94 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,

Ounce; and the creature is fi seldom even seen by European
sportsmen. It is known, however, to prey largely upon the
smaller kinds of wild Sheep, such as the Bharal and the Sha,
a well as upon Ibex; and from its partiality for the flesh of
the first-named of these three animals, in the Simla district the ,
Ounce is commonly known as the Bharal-Hay, or Bharal-
Tiger. Domestic Sheep, Goats, and even Ponies, also fall
victims to the Snow-Leopard ; and Colonel R. H. Percy relates
that a farm belonging to the Moravian mission at Kailing, in
Lahul (where the present writer once enjoyed a welcome rest
on his return from the desert altitudes. of Tibet), was much
harassed by a pair of these Leopards, one of which was
eventually shot by an officer of the Royal Artillery. The
writer last mentioned states that in 1874 a sportsman in the
Pangi district, on the Chinab, came across the bodies of five
or six male Ibex lying within a few yards of each other; all of
which had doubtless been killed by Snow-Leopards. From
the number of Ibex destroyed in this instance, it is highly prob-
able that the Ounce hunts in couples.

Till within the last few years the Ounce was known to
European naturalists only by skins and skulls; but recently
importers have been successful in bringing this fine Carnivore
to Europe. The first living example brought to England was
a young animal from Bhutan, purchased by the Zoological
Society in 1891. In spite, however, of every care and attention
it did not long survive its arrival at the Gardens in the Regent’s
Park. A second and older specimen was, however, received
in the same menagerie at the beginning of 1894. During the
voyage to England this Leopard became a favourite of the
ship’s cook, by whom it was taught to drink tea and milk;
although its favourite food was mutton-broth. A third Snow:
Leopard was living in the Zoological Gardens at Amsterdam
during 1893.

‘tA ALVId

THE JAGUAR. 95

A specimen killed by Captain Dawkins in 1884 measured
5 feet 114% inches in total length ; of which 36 inches was
occupied by the tail. In this instance, therefore, the length
of the tail was a fraction in excess of that of the head and
body. Another specimen, in which the tail also measured
36 inches, had a total length of 6 feet 4 inches; while
Sterndale gives the total length of a very large individual as
» feet 4 inches, out of which 3 feet were taken up by the tail.

V. THE JAGUAR. FELIS ONCA.

mes onca,~Linn., Syst. \Nat..ed. 12,: vol. i. p. 61 (1766);
Elliot, Monograph of Felidz, pl. v. (1878-83).

Leopardus hernandesit, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1857, p. 278.

Leopardus onca, Gray, op. cit. 1867, p. 264, and Cat. Carniv.
Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 11 (1869).

Uncia onca, Cope, American Naturalist, vol. xxl. p. 143

(1889).
(Plate VIT.)

Characters.—Size equal to, or perhaps rather superior to, that
of the Leopard. Colour and markings generally similar to
those of the latter, but the dark rings larger and arranged
more definitely in groups, each ring generally enclosing one or
more dark spots, and its enclosed light area being of the same
hue as the general ground-colour of the fur, which is typically
of a rich tan. On the sides of the body the rosettes are
usually arranged in seven or eight more or less definable
longitudinal rows. Considerable variation exists, however,
in the coloration, specimens having been described in which
the fur is blackish-brown, with the markings of a still deeper
shade, while other individuals are completely black. These
dark specimens appear to be most common in the northern
parts of South America, whereas, in the southern portions of
the animal’s range, a yellow or even whitish tinge not un:

96 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

frequently occurs; one @@mple described by Azara being so
pale-coloured that the rosettes were only visible in certain
lights.

Pupil of the eye round. Skull distinguished from that of
either of the preceding species by the presence of a distinct
tubercle of variable size in the middle of the inner side of the
rim of the orbit. Length usually about 6 feet 2 inches, of
which about 2 feet 1 inch are taken up by the tail.

Our illustration is taken from the skin of a very fine speci-
men, in which the markings were of a deep chocolate-brown,
upon a yellowish ground, and were remarkable for their clear-
ness. Along the middle line of the back there was almost a
line of open spots, only occasionally interrupted, and the next
two lines were of an oval or diamond shape, producing a very
beautiful appearance. Upon the sides the rings became more
defined and distinct, and many of them possessed the small
spot or spots in the centre, forming one of the characters of
the species.

The skin forming the type of Leopardus hernandesit came
from Mexico, and indicates a variety or local race of the
species distinguished by the distance at which the small spots
are placed from one another, so that it is only here and there
that they form anything like a distinct ring or row.

Distribution—America; from Louisiana, Texas, and Northern
Mexico to about the Rio Negro, on the northern confines of
Patagonia, in latitude 4o° S.

Habits.— Although in the greater part of its range the Jaguar
is an inhabitant of vast primeval forests, where it climbs among
the branches with the facility and agility of a Monkey, yet it
was formerly found in considerable numbers on the open
grassy pampas of Argentina, where, however, it has now been
well nigh exterminated. Throughout South America, the

THE JAGUAR. 97

Jaguar is commonly known as the Tiger (Zigré of the
Spaniards).

In Paraguay, writes Darwin, “‘ the wooded banks of the great
rivers appear to be the favourite haunts of the Jaguar; but
south of the Plata I was told that they frequented the reeds
bordering the lakes: wherever they are, they seem to require
water. Their common prey is the Capybara,* so that it is
generally said, where Capybaras are numerous, there is little
danger from the Jaguar. Falconer states that near the
southern side of the mouth of the Plata there are many
Jaguars, and they live chiefly on fish ; this account I have
heard repeated. On the Parana they have killed many wood-
cutters, and have even entered vessels at night. There is a
man now living in the Bajada, who, coming up from below
when it was dark, was seized on the deck; he escaped, how-
ever, with the loss of the use of one arm. When the floods
drive these animals from the islands, they are most dangerous.
I was told that a few years since a very large one found its way
into a church at Santa Fé, two padres entering one after
another were killed, and a third, who came to see what was
the matter, escaped with difficulty. The beast was destroyed
by being shot from a corner of the building, which was un-
roofed. They commit also, at these times, great ravages
among cattle and horses. It is said that they kill their prey
by breaking their necks. If driven from the carcase, they
seldom return to it. The Gauchos say that the Jaguar, when
wandering about at night, is much tormented by the Foxes yelp-
ing as they follow him. . . . The Jaguarisa noisy animal,
roaring much by night, and especially before bad weather.”

In Uruguay trunks of trees were observed by the same
traveller to be marked with scorings made by the claws of

* An aquatic Rodent, the largest living representative of its Order, and
the sole member of the genus Hydrocherus.

7 H

93 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Jaguars. In reference to (yggestatement as to the former abun-
dance of these animals in the neighbourhood of the Rio de La
Plata made in the foregoing account, it may be observed that
the Rio Tigré, a short distance from Buenos Aires, probably
derives its name from the numbers of Jaguars which once
haunted the beautiful willow-woods with which its valley is
fringed. Although from Darwin’s account, it would look, at
first sight, as if the attacks on the woodcutters and the man
on board ship were unprovoked, yet the general testimony of
observers is to the effect that, unless when pressed by hunger,
as in the case of the priests in the church at Santa Fé, the
Jaguar does not generally make unprovoked attacks on human
beings. Indeed, from the fact that in the Argentine, where
many individuals used to be seen with their backs lacerated
from such attacks, the Jaguar allows himself to be attacked
and beaten by its smaller cousin the Puma, we may regard it
as somewhat of a cowardly creature than otherwise.

As confirming the fishing propensities of the Jaguar referred
to in Darwin’s account, we may quote the following passage
from Humboldt’s narrative of his experiences on the Orinoco,
where he writes that “we were shown large shells of Turtles
emptied by the Jaguars. These animals follow the arraus
towards the beaches, when the laying of eggs is to take place.
They surprise them on the sand ; and in order to devour them
at their ease, turn them in such a manner that the under shell

is uppermost. In this situation the Turtles cannot rise, and as — :

the Jaguar turns many more than he can eat in one night, the
Indians often avail themselves of his cunning and malignant
avidity. When we reflect on the difficulty that the naturalist
finds in getting out the body, without separating the upper and
under shells, we cannot enough admire the suppleness of the
Tiger’s paw, which empties the double armour of the arraus
as if the adhering parts of the muscles had been cut by means

THE JAGUAR, 99

ofa surgical instrument. The Jaguar pursues the Turtle quite
into the water, when not very deep. It even digs up the eggs;
and, together with the Crocodile, the Herons, and the Galli-
nago Vulture, is the most cruel enemy of the little Turtles
recently hatched.” Jaguars have also been known to prey on
Alligators and Caimans.,

In another part of his narrative the traveller last-mentioned
relates how “two Indian children, a girl and a boy, the one
about seven, the other about nine years old, were at play on
the outskirts of the same village, when a large Jaguar, about
two o’clock in the afternoon, came out of the woods and made
towards them, playfully bounding along, his head down and
his back arched, in the manner of a cat. He approached the
boy in this way, and began to play with him; nor was the
latter even sensible of his danger, until the Jaguar struck him
so hard on the head with his paw as to draw blood, whereupon
the little girl, with a small switch, which she had in her hand,
struck him, and he was already bounding back again, not at
all irritated, to his retreat, when the Indians of the village,
alarmed by her cries, came up to them.”

Regarding the strength of the Jaguar, a remarkable account

_ is given by Azara, and as the statements of this naturalist are

in general thoroughly trustworthy, it may, in all probability, be
regarded as true. He states that on one occasion when shoot-
ing on the plains of Paraguay or the Argentine, he was in-
formed that one of these animals had just killed a Horse.
Proceeding to the spot indicated, he found the victim partially
devoured, but no trace of the Jaguar, and the carcase was
accordingly dragged near a tree, to which Azara proposed to
return. Scarcely, however, had he gone half-a-mile, when he
was overtaken by the man left to keep watch, with the in-
formation that the Jaguar, after swimming a broad river, had
taken up the carcase in his mouth, and, after dragging it along ©

H 2

100 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

without apparent effort for ggme seventy paces, re-entered the
river, and swam with the burden to the opposite bank. Azara
states that although he did not follow across the river, he saw
the marks where the Horse had been dragged down to the bank.

By night, especially during the breeding-season, the Jaguar’s
roar is constantly to be heard, and it has been compared to the
syllables Au, pu, pw, very frequently repeated, and uttered in a
very deep and hoarse tone. ‘The cubs are born about Decem-
ber, and vary from two to four in a litter, the percentage of
females being greater than that of males. The fur of the cubs
is longer and less smooth than that of the adults, with the
markings ill-defined. It is said that they will follow their dam
when only about a fortnight old, at which age they are about
the size of an ordinary Cat. When irritated, the cubs mew and
snarl like a Cat, wrinkling the forehead, opening the mouth,
and moving the tip of the tail slowly from side to side. Ac-
cording to Azara, a Jaguar never ascends a perpendicular tree-
trunk ; neither does he descend from those which are inclined
by a spring, but walks or runs down, in the same manner as he
ascended, like a Cat.

In the wooded districts of Paraguay and the neighbouring
countries, Jaguars were formerly hunted with large packs of
Dogs, by whom they were generally driven up a tree, where
they could easily be shot. On the open pampas the animal is
more generally lassoed, the Gaucho who has first lassoed it
setting off at a gallop, and dragging the animal after him, until
a comrade can succeed in throwing another noose round the
hind-limbs, when the unfortunate creature is killed by the two
men pulling in opposite directions.

When these animals were abundant on the Argentine pampas,
Mr. W. H. Hudson relates that at Saladillo, a ‘‘ Gaucho had so
repeatedly distinguished himself by his boldness and dexterity
in killing Jaguars, that he was by general consent made the

THE PUMA. TO!

leader in every Tiger-hunt. One day the Commandante of the
district got twelve or fourteen men together, the Tiger-slayer
among them, and started in search of a Jaguar which had been
seen that morning in the neighbourhood of his ‘ estancia.’ The
animal was eventually found and surrounded, and as it was
crouching among some clumps of tall pampas-grass, where
throwing a lasso over its neck would be a somewhat difficult
and dangerous operation, all gave way to the famous hunter,
who at once uncoiled his lasso and proceeded in a leisurely
manner to form the loop. While thus engaged, he made the
mistake of allowing his horse, which had grown restive, to turn
aside from the hunted animal. The Jaguar, instantly taking
advantage of the oversight, burst from its cover and sprang
first on to the haunches of the horse, then seizing the hunter
by his poncho, dragged him to the earth, and would no doubt
have quickly despatched him, if a lasso, thrown by one of the
other men, had not closed round its neck at this critical
moment. It was quickly dragged off, and eventually killed.”

The same writer tells that on another occasion a party of
Gauchos started a Jaguar on the pampas, which took refuge in
a patch of dry reeds. Being unable to lasso the animal, they
set fire to the reeds, in the natural expectation that it would
break covert. To their astonishment and disgust, the Jaguar,
however, whose eyes could be seen glaring among the reeds,
preferred to perish miserably in the flames and smoke, rather
than face an encounter in the open.

VI. THE PUMA. FELIS CONCOLOR.
Felis concolor, Linn., Mantissa Plantarum, p. 52 (1771); Elliot,
Monogr. Felidz, pl. ii. (1878-83); Mivart, The Cat, p.
397 (1881); True, Rep. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1888-89, pp.
591-608 (1891).
felis couguar, Lesson, Man, Mamm. p. 190 (1827).

La eagecar (err, A Me hes ae

ay,

ic

15).

102 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Felis unicolor, Lesson, Joc. cit,

Leopardus concolor, Gray, Lue Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 43 (1843);
id., Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 12 (1869)

Uncia concolor, Cope, American Naturalist, vol. xxiii. February,

Pp: 193 (1889).
(Plate VIII.)

Characters.—Size somewhat inferior to that of the Jaguar.
General colour of fur tawny, tending to whitish on the under-
parts; but the summer coat tending more to a reddish, and
the winter one to a greyish hue. Middle line of back darker
than the sides, and the end of the tail dusky-brown. Ears
black externally, with a central whitish area ; upper lip white
from the nostrils to the middle of the mouth, where there is a
conspicuous black spot ; nostrils flesh-coloured. Pupil of eye
circular when contracted. Skull of great vertical depth, con-
nected with the arch of the hyoid bone by a chain of bones,
as in the Domestic Cat. ‘Total average length about 7 feet
1 inch, of which 2% feet are taken up by the tail. Cubs with
the upper-parts and limbs marked with large blackish-brown
spots, and the tail ringed with the same colour ; these markings
disappearing in about six months after birth.

There is considerable individual variation in the coloration
of the Puma, but this has not yet been correlated with local
distribution. Burmeister, in his ‘‘ Description of the Argentine
Republic,” remarks that ‘ very rarely individuals of this species
of a brown or nearly black colour have been found; while
variations between yellowish-brown and yellowish-grey are not
uncommon. I am aware that individuals nearly white, and
others nearly black, have been observed, but I hav. aot seen
them myself.”

With regard to the coloration of the young, Mr. True
observes that although the markings disappear more or less
completely about the period indicated above, yet they persist

ae
Ci =
hi Peon OR

TWA WiLv'Td

THE PUMA. 103

more or less indistinctly until the animal has attained its full
dimensions, or possibly in some cases throughout life. Never-
theless, the term ‘“‘spotted” cannot be applied to the Puma in
the same sense as to the Jaguar or Leopard. It is added that
in some instances Lions, which to the eye appear of a perfectly
uniform colour, come out spotted in photographs.

Distribution.—America ; from British Columbia and Maine
in the North to the Straits of Magellan in the south.
Stragglers may, however, occasionally range as far north as
the sixtieth parallel of latitude. In the Andes it is reported
to range as high as 9,000 feet above the sea-level.

Regarding its distribution in North America, Mr. True
writes that “on the Atlantic coast the Puma has not apparently
been found in the States of New Hampshire, Rhode Island,
New Jersey, or Delaware. On our northern boundary I find
no mention of its having been found in Michigan or Indiana.
In Ohio it was extirpated prior to 1838, and probably more
recently in Illinois and Indiana. I find no record of its
occurrence in Nevada, but, as it has been found in the surround-
ing States, it seems improbable that it should be entirely
absent here. With these exceptions, there are recorded in-
stances, more or less numerous, of the occurrence of the Puma
in every State and Territory of the Union, dating from the
beginning of the century. Like many other large American
animals, however, the Puma has retired before the advance of
civilisation, and in many of the more thickly populated States
it is improbable that even stragglers could be found at the
present day.” In Minnesota, according to Mr. Herrick, the
last Puma was killed in 1875.

Over the greater part of South America there appears to bea
dearth of information as to the distribution of this animal.
Writing in the “ Proceedings of the Zoological Society” for
1894, Mr. Aplin observes that in Uruguay “the Puma is now

104 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

extinct in many parts of the country, but in the monte along
the Uruguay River it is stl found. An estanciero living at
Cordova in Argentina tells me he had seen both Pumas and
Jaguars coming down the big river on tree-trunks. In this
way stray examples might very well turn up in a district long
after the native breed was extinct. I heard that it was still
found, although very rarely, in the monfe of the Rio Negro on
that part of the coast of the river which I visited in the Depart-
ment of that name; but all I could hear of it in South Soriano
was a report that one had been seen on the Arroyo de Monzon
some years ago.”

On the pampas of Argentina where it was formerly very
numerous, it is now extremely scarce, although more common
in the wooded chaco-country of the interior. On the Rio
Negro, in Upper Patagonia, Mr. Hudson states that a few years
ago they infested the settlements. ‘ At all seasons a few of
these sly but withal audacious robbers haunt the river-side ;
but in winter a great many lean and hungry individuals come
down from the uplands to slay the Sheep and Horses, and it is
extremely difficult to track them to their hiding-places in the
thorny thickets overhanging the valley. I was told that not les:
than a hundred Pumas were killed annually by the shepherds
and herdsmen.” Further south they appear even at the pre-
sent day to be equally numerous. 3

Habits.—As the Jaguar in South America has usurped the
name of the Tiger, so the Puma is commonly called by Euro-
peans in the same country the Lion (Zeon of the Spanish),
although the natives always call it by its proper name of Puma,
in which, by the way, the w~ should be pronounced as goo.
Although frequently termed in the States the American Lion,
the animal is there more commonly known as the Panther,
generally corrupted into “painter”; although the native Indian
name “‘ Cougar” is likewise in common use, When the natural

.

SS

THE PUMA. 105

products of North America were first made known to the Old
World, the Puma was indeed believed to be specifically iden-
tical with the Lion, and the early explorers were accordingly
puzzled to account. for the absence of maned individuals.
Thus, in the second edition of the “ Description of the New
Netherlands,” published in 1656, Van der Donck writes as
follows: ‘‘ Although the New Netherlands lay in a fine climate,
and although the country in winter seems rather cold, never-
theless Lions are found there, but not by the Christians, who
have travelled the land wide and broad and have not seen one.
It is only known to us by the skins of the females, which are
sometimes brought in by the Indians for sale, who on enquiry
say that the Lions are found far to the south-west, distant fifteen
or twenty days’ journey, in very high mountains, and that the
males are too active and fierce to be taken.”

From its extensive geographical range, probably greater in a
north and south direction than that of any other member of
the class to which it belongs, the Puma may be regarded as par
excellence the characteristic Mammal of the New World; while
for the same reason the creature is remarkable for its power of
adapting itself to different climates and surroundings. Thus,
whereas in the more northern portion of its range it inhabits
the depths of the impassable forest-glades of Florida, it is some-
times found on the open prairies of Texas ; while in mountain-
ous regions it dwells amongst the most rocky and barren peaks.
‘‘ He endures,” writes Mr. True, “‘severe cold during the winter
in the Adirondack Mountains, and other parts of our northern
frontier, and tracks his prey in the snow. He is equally at
home in the hot swamps and cane-brakes along the river-
courses of our southern States. In South America he inhabits
the treeless grass-covered pampas as well as the forests. Inthe
Rocky Mountains he ascends to the high altitudes in which the
Mountain Sheep are found. Mr. Stone saw tracks of the Puma

106 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

on the summit of Mount Pggsephone, in California, at an ele-
vation of 3,000 feet. Similarly, Darwin states that he saw the
footprints of the Puma on the Cordillera of Central Chili at
an elevation of at least 10,000 feet. According to Tschudi,
the Puma is found in Peru in the highest forests, and even to
the snow-line, although seldom at the latter level.” And it has
been stated that the animal is still common in the forests of
Central America at a height of from 8,000 to 9,000 feet above
_ the sea-level.

Wherever it be situated, however, the Puma always selects
for its lair the most sheltered and solitary situations; in wooded
districts generally frequenting thick bushes and copses, rather
than tall forests. Such spots as have rocks, with crevices and
caverns well-suited for the maternal requirements, are, however,
those most favoured. Although occasionally hunting its prey
by day, the Puma is mainly nocturnal in its habits, especially
in thickly populated districts, where constant persecution has
taught it the prudence of caution ; and its favourite times for
being on the prowl are evening and early dawn. When sup-
plies are abundant, it is stated to drink only the blood of its
victims, although this statement stands, perhaps, in need of
confirmation, and it will frequently kill far more than it can
possibly consume, a case being recorded where no less than
half-a-hundred sheep were destroyed in the course of one night
by a single Puma. With such a bloodthirsty and destructive
disposition, it is little wonder that the animal is detested by all
settlers in the districts it frequents, and persecuted by them
with unrelenting pertinacity. The cubs, which in the wild
state vary from two to five in number, although in captivity
there are generally two, but occasionally one, are produced in
soine secure and sequestered situation, varying locally accord-
ing to the nature of the country. In the Adirondack Moun-
tains of New York, for instance, the breeding-lair is generally

THE PUMA. 107

situated in a cave on the face of some almost inaccessible cliff
or ledge of rock; whereas in the Southern United States it is
usually in a dense thicket or cane-brake, while in the Argen-
tine a mass of tall pampas-grass may form the shelter. In the
Southern States the lair consists of a rude kind of bed, formed
of sticks, leaves, twigs, grasses, or mosses, frequently protected
from rain by the long, pointed leaves of the overarching canes.
In the more northern United States the cubs are brought forth
at the close of winter, or the beginning of spring ; but in South
America during the summer, that is to say, towards the latter
part of December. In North America, at least, it is believed
that the female Puma does not breed more frequently than
once every two years.

As regards food, in North America the Puma preys chiefly
upon the various kinds of Deer, but also kills and eats many
of the smaller Mammals, such as Raccoons and Skunks,
together with Porcupines, and such birds as it may be able to
capture. Writing of its habits in South America, Mr. W. H.
Hudson, in the “Proceedings of the Zoological Society” for
1872, observes that ‘‘to the insatiable, bloody appetite of this
animal nothing comes amiss ; he takes the male Ostrich (2/ea)
by surprise, and slays the wariest of wild things on its nest ; he
captures little birds with the dexterity of a Cat, and hunts for
diurnal Armadillos; he comes unaware upon the Deer anc
Guanaco, and springing like lightning on them, dislocates ¢)
necks before their bodies touch the ground. Ofte:
has slain them he leaves their bodies untouched for the Cara-
caras and Vulture to feast on, so great a delight does he take
in destroying life. ‘The Viscacha falls an easy victim to this
subtle creature, and it is not to be wondered at that it be
comes wild to excess and rare in regions hunted over by such
an enemy, even when all other conditions are favourable to its
existence.”

108 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

Throughout its range, be it north or be it south, the Puma
is a terrible foe to stock-ratf@fng of all kinds; and, although in
North America it is reported only to attack such adult Horses
and cattle as are maimed, feeble, or mired, the number of
colts and calves it will destroy, to say nothing of Sheep, is
almost incredible. In South America, however, Mr. Hudscn
states that it not unfrequently kills full-grown Horses and
cattle. Pigs are likewise killed in great numbers by these
insatiate marauders. In certain districts, indeed, as in the
Shasta County Hills of California, horse-breeding became at
one time practically impossible owing to the ravages of Pumas ;
and much the same state of affairs has been reported from parts
of Patagonia. The enmity existing in South America between
the Puma and the Jaguar, and how the latter is either killed or
terribly mauled by its less powerful but more active antagonist,
has been already alluded to under the heading of the species
last named.

In spite of its otherwise ferocious and bloodthirsty nature,
the most curious trait in the habits of the animal under con-
sideration is the rarity with which it attacks human beings,
unless driven into a corner or otherwise provoked ; this being
fully attested by observations made both in North and South
America. This, however, is not all; for in the latter country,
according to Mr. Hudson, it not only never attacks Man, but
has been known to defend him against the assaults of other
animals. In countries where trees and rocks abound, it is the
general habit of the Puma to spring upon his prey from an
elevation ; and if it fails to strike its victim at the first bound,
the pursuit is generally atonce abandoned. From an elevation
of twenty feet, one of these animals has been known to spring
upon a Deer upwards of sixty feet distant at one bound ; the
impetus knocking the quarry a distance of several yards
farther. During the winter in the Northern United States, Dr,

THE PUMA. tog

Hart Merriam observes that “ under certain conditions of the
deep snows the Deer cut in so deeply that the poor animals
can make but slow progress, At such times a Puma, by
spreading the toes of his great broad paws, simulates a man
on snow-shoes, and sinks but a short distance in the snow. °
He then gains a vital advantage over his prey, and will now
give chase to and capture one that he missed at his first spring.
Under no other circumstance will a Puma pursue a Deer, for
he is too well aware of the uselessness of an attempt to over-
take so fleet an animal. Immediately upon killing one, he
drags it bodily into some dense thicket or windfall, where he

_ will not be likely to be observed. He has thus been observed

to drag a full-grown Deer considerably over a hundred feet
before reaching a satisfactory covert.”

In North America, except when pursued by dogs, or in
ascending precipitous cliffs, it appears that Pumas do not
frequently climb trees ; and when hunted by hounds, they
generally spring straight from the ground into the branches,
instead of climbing up the trunk. In Paraguay, however,
these animals are much more arboreal in their habits ; and,
like the Jaguar, have been reported to chase Monkeys from
tree to tree without once descending to the ground. Like the
Jaguar, the Puma is in the habit of scoring the bark of tree-
trunks with its claws.

Regarding the disputed question as to the cries of the
Puma, Mr. True, in the monograph quoted above, writes as
follows: ‘Many reliable authorities are agreed that the Puma
does not ordinarily emit loud cries or screams, but Kennerly,
one of the naturalists of the Mexican Boundary Survey, states
that on one or two occasions the cry of the Puma was heard
at a distance, and Scholt writes as follows: ‘ After dark his
mournful note is heard resounding through the solitudes of
the desert. The note, listened to once attentively, is apt to

rtd LLOYD’s NATURAL HISTORY.

make a deep, lasting impression. ‘The different native names,
as pronounced in SpaniePeound very appropriately to the
note, and it is likely that the cry of the animal forms the
base of its names. The note itself is often several times re-
peated, with intervals of from two to four minutes. As night
advances, the cry is heard but rarely.’ He also writes: ‘A
Puma was killed on the Rio Brava, between Fort Duncan and
Laredo. During his struggles with the hunters and Dogs he
raised a terrible cry, twice or thrice, to express his rage, and
perhaps also to give his family the notice of danger.’ Dr. J.
A. Allen reports that he once heard the Puma’s cry near his
camp in Montgomery, Colorado. Elliot likewise states that he
heard the cry of the Puma at night, whilst camping on the St.
John’s River, Florida. He did not, however, se> the animal.”
Darwin writes that the Puma “‘is a very silent animal, utter-
ing no cry, even when wounded, and only rarely during the
breeding-season.”

In captivity, the Puma, when pleased, purrs after the manner
of the Domestic Cat ; and the female has been heard to utter
a kind of mewing noise. The Puma is one of the most easily
tamed of the Cat tribe, becoming not only perfectly harmless,
but even much attached to its owner. A wonderfully tame
individual formerly in the possession of Kean the actor, used
to follow its master about like a Dog, and was often introduced
into the company of strangers. Writing of the specimen de-
picted in Plate VIII. of the present volume, Jardine observes
that “fit was extremely gentle and playful, and showed no
symptoms of ferocity to the strangers who came to see it. Its
motions were all free and graceful, and it exhibited the greatest
agility in leaping and swinging about the joists of a large
unoccupied room in the old college of Edinburgh.” For the
following additional particulars we are indebted to the account
given by Mr. Wilson. ‘It rejoices greatly in the society of

THE PUMA. | Oe ie |

those to whose company it is accustomed, lies down upon its
_ back between their feet, and plays with the skirts of their
garments, entirely after the manner of a kitten. It shows a
great predilection for water, and frequently jumps into and
out of a large tub, rolling itself about, and seemingly greatly
pleased with the refreshment. While in London, it made its
escape into the street during the night, but allowed itself to
be tuken up by a watchman, without offering even a show of
resistance. It was brought from the city of San Paulo, the
capital of the district of that name in the Brazilian Empire.”
Pumas are generally hunted with packs of Dogs, and, when
brought to bay, fight with the most determined ferocity, biting
and clawing at their antagonists till the last breath. The fol-
lowing account of a Puma-hunt is taken from Audubon, who,
after detailing the preparations for the sport, writes that—

‘“‘ Few words were uttered by the party until we had reached
the edge of the swamp, where it was agreed that all should
disperse, and seek for the fresh track of the Painter, it being
previously settled that the discoverer should blow his horn,
and remain on the spot until the rest should join him. In
less than an hour, the sound of the horn was clearly heard ;
and, sticking close to the squatter, off we went through the
thick woods, guided only by the now and then repeated call
of the distant huntsman. We soon reached the spot, and ina
short time the rest of the party came up. The best Dog was
sent forward to track the Cougar, and in a few minutes the
whole pack were observed diligently trailing, and bearing in
their course for the interior of the swamp. ‘The rifles were
immediately put in trim, and the party followed the Dogs, at
separate distances, but in sight of each other, determined to
shoot at no other game than the Panther.

““The Dogs soon began to mouth, and suddenly quickened
their pace. My companion concluded that the beast was on

——

112 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

the ground ; and putting Horses to a gentle gallop, we
followed the curs, guided by their voices. The noise of the
Dogs increased, when, all of a sudden, their mode of barking
became altered, and the squatter, urging me to push on, told
me that the beast was treed, by which he meant that it had
got upon some low branch of a large tree, to rest for a few
moments, and that should we not succeed in shooting him
when thus situated, we might expect a long chase of it. As
we approached the spot, we all by degrees united into a body ;
but on seeing the Dogs at the foot of a large tree, separated
again, and galloped off to surround it.

“Each hunter now moved with caution, holding his gun
ready, and allowing the bridle to dangle on the neck of his
Horse, as it advanced slowly towards the Dogs. A shot from
one of the party was heard, on which the Cougar was seen to
leap to the ground, and bound off with such velocity, as to
show that he was very unwilling to stand our fire longer. The
Dogs set off in pursuit with great eagerness, and a deafening
cry. The hunter who had fired came up, and said that his
ball had hit the monster, and had probably broken one of his
fore-legs, near the shoulder, the only place at which he could
aim. <A slight trail of blood was discovered on the ground ;
but the curs proceeded at such a rate, that we merely noticed
this, and put spurs to our Horses, which galloped on towards
the centre of the swamp. One bayou was crossed, then
another still larger and more muddy; but the Dogs were
brushing forward, and, as the Horses began to pant at a furious
rate, we judged it expedient to leave them, and advance on
foot. ‘These determined hunters knew that the Cougar, being
wounded, would shortly ascend another tree, where, in all
probability, he would remain for a considerable time, and
that it would be easy to follow the track of the Dogs. We
dismounted, took off the saddles and bridles, set the bells

TIE CLOUDED LEOPARD 113

attached to the Horses’ necks at liberty to jingle, hobbled
the animals, and left them to shift for themselves.

‘“‘ After marching for a couple of hours, we again heard the
Dogs. Each of us’ pressed forward, elated at the thought of
terminating the career of the Cougar. Some of the Dogs were
heard whining, although the greater number barked vehe-
mently. We felt assured that the Cougar was treed, and that
he would rest for some time to recover from his fatigue. As we
came up to the Dogs, we discovered the ferocious animal lying
across a large branch, close to the trunk of a cotton-wood tree.
His broad breast lay towards us ; his eyes were at one time
bent on us, and again on the Dogs beneath and around
him ; one of his fore-legs hung loosely by his side ; and he lay
crouched, with his ears lowered close to his head, as if he
thought he might lay undiscovered. Three balls were fired at
him, at a given signal, on which he sprang a few feet from the
branch, and tumbled headlong to the ground. Attacked on
all sides by the enraged curs, the infuriated Cougar fought
with valour ; but the squatter, advancing in front of the party,
and almost in the midst of the Dogs, shot him immediately
behind and beneath the left shoulder. The Cougar writhed
for a moment in agony, and in another lay dead.”

By some of the Indians of South America, as well as by
certain native tribes in the northern half of the New World,
Puma-flesh is largely eaten ; and Darwin, who essayed the same
dish, reported of it favourably.

Fossil remains of the Puma have been discovered in the
Pleistocene deposits of several parts of North America.

VII. THE CLOUDED LEOPARD. FELIS NEBULOSA.

Felis nebulosa, Griffith, Descript. Vert. p. 37 (1821); Blanford,
Mamm. Brit. India, p. 72 (1888) ; Hose, Mamm. Borneo

p- 17 (1893).

If4 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Felis diardi, Cuvier, Oss. Fggsiles, 2nd ed. vol. iv. p. 437 (1823) ;
Elliot, Monogr. Felidee, pl. viii. (1878-83).

Felis macrocelis, Horsfield, Zool. Journ., vol. i. p. 542 (1825).

Felis macroceloides, Hodgson, Calcutta Journ. Nat. Hist. vol.
iv. p. 286 (1844).

Uncia macrocelis and U. macroceloides, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat.
Hist. ser. 2, vol. xiv. p. 394 (1854).

Leopardus brachyurus, Swinhoe, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1862, p. 352

Felis brachyura, Blyth, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1863, p. 183.

Neofelis macrocelis and WV. brachyurus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc.
1867, p. 266 ; id., Cat; Carniv. Mamm. Brit.’ Mus: ppr 13;

14 (1869).
( (Plate IX.)

Characters.—Size that of a small Leopard; markings clouded,
that is, in the form of large blotches or patches exceeding a
couple of inches in diameter. Ground-colour of fur pale
yellow to grey, with blackish cloudings. ‘Tail very long and
thick, measuring from 2 feet 2 inches to 3 feet 10 inches.
Skull long and narrow, with the upper tusks, or canines, rela-
tively longer than in any other Cat, their length equalling half
that of the palate ; anterior upper pre-molar tooth frequently
wanting. Pupil of eye oval and vertical. Total length, from
6 to 6% feet.

The under-parts of the body, as well as the inner sides of
the limbs, are white or pale tawny. On its upper surface the
head is spotted ; two broad black streaks, separated by nar-
rower bands or elongated spots, start at the ears and run
backwards to the shoulders, whence they are continued as
more or less ill-defined bands of oval markings along the
middle of the back. As a rule the sides of the body are
ornamented with a number of large irregularly-shaped, ovoid,
or quadrangular dark blotches or patches, frequently edged
in places, especially on their hinder borders, with black ; in

‘devdogl GaaNnOTO

THE CLOUDED LEOPARD. 115

old animals the blotches tending to disappear, and thus leav-
ing only the darker borders. The tail is marked by numerous
dusky rings, frequently interrupted on the sides, and on the
upper surface near the body traversed by a longitudinal band.
The black outer surface of the ear is frequently marked with
a grey spot in the middle; and there are two black horizontal
stripes on the cheek, the uppermost of which runs from the
eye ; while in some instances the margin of the upper lip may
be likewise black. In addition to these markings, an irregular
black band traverses the chin, while another crosses the throat.
In the Formosan variety—the so-called Leopardus brachyurus—
the tail is shorter than usual; although such a difference does
not seem of specific importance.

Distribution—The Himalaya, from Nipal to Sikhim and
Assam ; the hill regions of Burma and Siam; the Malay Pen-
insula ; Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and Formosa.

Habits—The Azmau-Dahan (Tree-Tiger), as this animal is
termed by the Malays, is the last of the more typical Old
World members of the Family entitled to rank among the
large Cats. Beyond the fact that it is an arboreal species,
living on birds and smaller mammals, practically nothing is
known as to its habits in the wild state; such accounts as
have appeared being derived from native sources, and thus
of the usual untrustworthy character. ‘Three specimens (all
males) had been exhibited in the London Zoological Gardens
up to 1883, the first of which was obtained in 1854, and the
third in 1875. These are said to have been tamed without
difficulty ; and passed most of their time in sleep,

Writing of some specimens in captivity, Sir Stamford Raffles
observes that they were remarkable for their good-temper and
playfulness, “no domestic kitten could be more so ; they were
always courting intercourse with persons passing by, and in

I 2

116 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

the expression of their couygenance, which was always open
and smiling, showed the a delight when noticed, throw-
ing themselves on their backs, and delighting in being tickled
and rubbcd. On board ship there was a small Musi Dog,
who used to play round the cage with the animal, and it was
amusing to observe the playfulness and tenderness with which
the latter came in contact with his inferior-sized companion.
When fez with a fowl that had died, he seized the prey, and
after sucking the blood and tearing it a little, he amused him-
self for hours in throwing it about and jumping after it, in
the manner that a Cat plays with a Mouse before it is quite
dead.

“‘ He never seemed to look on man or children as prey, but as
companions, and the natives assert that, when wild, the Leopards
live principally on poultry, birds, and the smaller kinds of Deer.
They are not found in any numbers, and may be considered
rather a rare animal, even in the southern part of Sumatra. Both
specimens were procured from the interior of Bencoolen, on
the banks of the Bencoolen River. ‘They are generally found
in the vicinity of villages, and are not dreaded by the natives,
except as far as they may destroy their poultry. The natives
assert that they sleep and often lay wait for their prey on trees ;
and from this circumstance they derive the name of Daan,
which signifies the fork formed by the branch of a tree, across
which they are said to rest, and occasionally stretch them-
selves.

‘¢ Both specimens constantly amused themselves in jumping
and clinging to the top of their cage, and throwing a somerset,
or twisting themselves round in the manner of a Squirrel when
confined, the tail being extended, and showing to great advan-
tage when so expanded.”

One of these animals, upon its arrival in this country, was
sent to Exeter Change, where the noise and novelty of the

THE MARBLED CAT. EDT

menagerie appear to have rendered it very intractable for a
few days ; but it soon became perfectly familiar, and fond of
the persons who were employed about it. It was rather less
voracious than a Leopard, and was fed with beef and the heads
of fowls.

Mr. Hose, who found this species on the Baram River, on
Mount Dulit up to 5,000 feet, and on Mount Batu Song to
2,000 feet, writes that “this animal is constantly procured
by the natives of Borneo, the canine teeth being used by the
Kayans and Keniahs as ear-ornaments, and the skin for the
purpose of a war-coat. It is found both in the low country
and on the mountains to a height of 5,000 fect.”

VIII. THE MARBLED CAT. FELIS MARMORATA.

Felis marmorata, Martin, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1836, p. 107 ; Elliot,
Monogr. Felidz, pl. ix. (1878-83) ; Blanford, Mamm. Brit.
India, p. 74 (1888) ; Hose, Mamm. Borneo, p. 18 (1893).

Felis diardi, Jardine, Naturalist’s Library, Feline, p. 221
(1834 ; ec Cuvier).

Felis longicaudatus, De Blainville, Ostéographie, vol. ii. Zedzs,
p- 47 (1839-64).

Leopardus marmoratus, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 42

(1843).

felis charltont, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. xvili. p. 44
(1846).

Lelis ogilbyt, Hodgson, Calcutta Journ. Nat. Hist. vol. viii. p.
44 (1846).

Uncia marmorata, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 2, vol. xiv.
Pp. 394 (1854).

UOncia charltoni, Gray, loc. cit.

Leopardus dorsul, Gray, Cat. Hodgson Coll. 2nd ed. p. 3

(1863).

118 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

Catolynx marmoratus and Cggfarltoni, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc.
1867, pp. 267, 268; id., Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus.

p. 16 (1869).
(Plate X.)

Characters.—From the preceding species the Marbled Cat may
be distinguished not only by its inferior size (somewhat exceed-
ing that of an ordinary Domestic Cat), but by the much shorter
upper tusks, or canines, which are less than half the length of
the palate ; and likewise by the shorter and more rounded
skull, in which the nasal bones are very broad and flat, while
the orbit, or socket of the eye, is generally surrounded by a com-
plete bony ring. Moreover, the anterior upper pre-molar tooth
is almost always wanting. Externally, the characters are very
similar to those of the Clouded Leopard, the long tail being
of the same bushy nature, and the ground-colour of the fur
varying from fulvous to grey, with black cloudings and
mottlings ; the under-parts being paler. Length of head and
body, from 18% to 23 inches; of tail, from 14 to 15% inches,

The coloration is described by Blanford as follows : ‘Sides
divided by narrow pale streaks into large, irregularly-shaped
darker patches, black on the hinder edges. Along the back
are angular black blotches or irregular rings, arranged more
or less in longitudinal bands. There are black spots on the
outside of the limbs, the upper surface of the tail, and usually
on the lower-parts ; but those on the belly are very variable,
being sometimes large and distinct, sometimes almost imper-
ceptible. The inside of the limbs and the chest are banded
or spotted, and there are the usual cheek-stripes. ‘T'wo inter-
rupted bands, one from the inner corner of each eye, over the
head are continued as well-marked black stripes on the hind-
neck, spots or bands intervening between them on the head,
but not on the neck. The under-fur is rich brown.”

Distribution The Eastern Himalaya, from Sikhim to Assam ;

‘xX WhV Id

a EE

THE TIBETAN TIGER-CAT. 11g

Burma to the Malay Peninsula ; N. Borneo*; Baram River,
Sarawak ; Sumatra ; and perhaps Java.

Habits.—Nothing definite is known as to the habits of this
prettily-marked Cat, although, like the last species, it is prob-
ably arboreal. Mr. Hose says that it frequents the clearings in
Sarawak, and is more often found in the low country than on
the mountains. It is very fierce, when caught, and will not
live long in captivity.

IX. THE TIBETAN TIGER-CAT. FELIS SCRIPTA.

Felis: scripta, Milne-Edwards, Nouv. Archiv. Mus. Bull. vol.
vii. p. 92 (1876); id., Recherches des Mammif. p. 341 ;
Mivart, The Cat, p. 400 (1881).

Characters—As suggested by Mr. W. L. Sclater in his
Catalogue of Mammals in the Indian Museum, Calcutta (part
ii, p. 221), it is not improbable that this form will prove to be
identical with the last. Its general colour is described as pale
g-ey, with reddish-brown spots margined more or less completely
with black. In the region of the shoulders these markings take
the form of longitudinal wavy bands, with a distant resemblance
to Chinese letters. The largest of these dark lines commences
near the inner corner of the eye, then passes above the ear to
the withers, after which it widens out as it descends obliquely ;
and a similar, but more highly-placed band extends from the
forehead to the shoulder. On the sides of the body are large,
irregularly-shaped blotches, forming bands and bars at the
hinder parts, and incomplete rings on the tail; and there are
likewise black spots and bars on the outer sides of the limbs.
A portion of the cheeks, as well as the chest, are white, with
transvers2 black murkings ; and_the yellowish under-parts like-

* A. H. Everett, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1893, p. 495.

120 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

wise carry longitudinal black, streaks. Length of head and
body of type, 2124 inches; oF tail, 10% inches.
Distribution Moupin, Eastern Tibet.

X. FONTANIER’S CAT. FELIS TRISTIS.

Felis tristis, Milne-Edwards, Recherches Mammif. p. 223
(1868-74); Elliot, Monogr. Felidz, pl. xxii. (1878-83) ;
Mivart, The Cat, p. 400 (1881).

This is also a little-known species, distinguished from the
other Cats of the regions it inhabits by its large size, whitish-
grey ground-colour, large spots, and rather short tail. It is
described as having soft and long fur, of a whitish-grey ground-
colour, upon which three or four blackish-brown lines, com-
mencing on the head between the ears, run the whole length
of the back, the remainder of the upper-parts, as well as the
flanks and limbs, being marked with large dark brown solid
spots. Chest with two bars of rufous-brown running across it.
Tail bushy, less than half the length of the head and body ;
rufous-brown above, and yellowish-brown below ; with a series
of obscure dark brown bars on the upper surface. Length of
head and body, 33% inches ; of tail, 16 inches.

Distribution.— The interior of China; the skin of the type
specimen having been purchased in Pekin.

XI. THE GOLDEN, OR BAY CAT. FELIS TEMMINCKI.

Felis temminckt, Vigors and Horsfield, Zool. Journ. vol. iii. p.
451 (1828); Elliot, Monogr. Felidz, pl. xvi. (1878-83) ;
Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 75 (1888); Hose,
Mamm. Borneo, p. 19 (1893).

felis moormensis, Hodgson, Gleanings in Science, vol. iii. p.
177 (1831).

Leopardus moormensis, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 41

(1843).

——

THE FLAT-HEADED CAT. 121

felis aurata, Blyth, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1862, p. 185 (nec Tem-
minck).
felis nigrescens, Gray, Cat. Hodgson Coll. 2nd ed. p. 4 (1863).
Leopardus auratus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 265 ; id.,
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 12 (1869).
Characters.— Distinguished from all the Asiatic Cats described
above by its medium size (rather less than that of Zé/’s nebulosa)
and uniformly-coloured fur, devoid of either distinct spots or
stripes. General colour varying from bright ferruginous red
to dark brown ; tail short and not bushy ; cheeks and forehead
horizontally streaked with white and brown ; indistinct vestiges
of spots occasionally apparent on the flanks and under-parts.
Length of head and body in a male, 31% inches; of tail, 19
inches.

Distribution.—The Eastern Himalaya, at moderate elevations,
from Nipal and Sikhim to the Tippera Hills; Burma; Malay

_ Peninsula ; Borneo ; and perhaps Sumatra.

Habits.—In Borneo, Mr. Charles Hose says that this species
is very rare. Nothing has been recorded of its habits.

XII. THE FLAT-HEADED CAT. FELIS PLANICEPS.

felis planiceps, Vigors and Horsfield, Zool. Journ. vol. iii. p.
450 (1828); Elliot, Monogr. Felidz, pl. xvi. (1878-83) ;
Mivart, The Cat, p. 417 (1881); Hose, Mamm. Borneo,
p. 20 (1893).

Ailinura planiceps, Gervais, Hist. Nat. Mamm. vol. ii. p. 87
(1855).

Viverriceps planiceps, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 269.

Ailurogale planiceps, Fitzinger, S.B. Ak. Berlin, 1869, p. 249.

Characters.— General coloration similar to that of the Bay Cat,

but of about half the size, and having the skull of different
shape, with the nasal bones forming a ridge, as in the under-

122 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

mentioned Fishing Cat, and the anterior upper pre-molar tooth
unusually large and furnis#®d with two roots; orbit of eye
completely encircled by bone. The body is much elongated ;
and the tail and limbs are very short. In colour, the fur,
which is soft, thick, and long, is dark reddish-brown on the top
of the head, with two yellow lines extending from between the
eyes to the ears, while on the body it is dark brown, gradually
lightening on the sides, each hair having a white tip, which
communicates a silvery-grey tinge to the entire coat. Face
below the eyes light reddish, with two narrow dark lines
running across the cheeks to beneath the ears. Chest and
under-parts white ; the latter spotted and streaked with rufous.
Inner surfaces of limbs rufous-brown, becoming lighter near the
feet ; tail reddish-brown. Length of head and body, from 21
to 24 inches; of tail, from 6 to 8 inches.

Distribution.—Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo; on the
Baram River, Sarawak ; Mount Dulit, at 2,000 feet.

Habits.—Of the habits of the little Fire-Cat, as this species
is sometimes called, little is known; although, from the
similarity in the anterior pre-molar tooth, it has been suggested
that they may be similar to those of the Fishing Cat. Mr.
Hose writes that in Borneo “this Cat is common in the low
country, and is often very destructive in the gardens. It is
very fond of fruit, and has constantly been known to dig up
and eat the sweet potatoes which are grown by the natives.”

XIII. THE BORNEAN BAY CAT. FELIS BADIA.

Felis badia, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1874, p. 322; Elliot,
Monogr. Felide, pl. xiv. (1878-83); Mivart, The Cat, p.

419 (1881); Hose, Mamm. Borneo, p. 20 (1893).
Characters—A small, uniformly-coloured Cat readily dis- —
tinguished from the preceding by the small size and single

—_ ae

THE FISHING CAT. 123

root of the anterior upper pre-molar tooth, as well as by the
incomplete closure of the socket of the eye by bone. ‘The fur
of the type specimen is described as being of a bright chestnut
hue, becoming paler on the under-parts, while the limbs and
tail are both redder and paler. The elongate and tapering tail
has a whitish median streak down the terminal half of its lower
surface, this streak expanding and becoming pure white at the
tip, which is marked by a small black spot. The rounded ears
have short blackish-brown fur on the outer side, while internally
they are pale brown, with narrow pale margins. ‘The sides of
the upper lips, as wellas a spot at the front angle, and another
at the edge of the eyelid are pale brown ; while the chin, the
margin of the lower jaw, and the gullet are whitish.
Distribution. Borneo.

Originally described by the late Dr. Gray upon the evidence
of a very imperfect skin preserved in the British Museum,
this Cat is now known from several specimens obtained by
Mr. Everett, and another procured by Mr. Hose on the Suai
River in Sarawak. Nothing seems to have been recorded of
its habits.

XIV. THE FISHING CAT. FELIS VIVERRINA.

Felis viverrina, Bennett, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1833, p. 68; Elliot,
Monogr. Felide, pl. xxii. (1878-83); Blanford, Mamm.
Brit. India, p. 76 (1888).

Felis himalayana, Jardine, Naturalist’s Library, Felinze, p. 230
(1834).

Felis viverriceps, Hodgson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. v. p.
232 (1836).

Leopardus viverrinus, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 43
(1843).

Felis celidogaster, Blyth, Cat, p. 61 (1863 ; zec Temminck).

124 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Viverriceps bennettit, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 268; id.,
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 16 (1869).
(Plate XJ.)

Characters,—Coming under the denomination of a “spotted ”
Cat, this species may be distinguished from the larger Indian
forms with the same general type of coloration by its inferior
dimensions, and the sharp ridge formed by the nasal bones of
the skull. Superior in size to the undermentioned Leopard-
Cat and Rusty-spotted Cat, it differs from both by the grizzled
grey fur of the upper-parts being marked with dark brown spots
formed by broken-up longitudinal lines, passing into small
blackish spots on the hind-quarters. The short and thick tail
is marked above with dark brown bars, and is about one-third
the length of the head and body. The nasal region of the
skull is remarkably narrow, and the socket of the eye gener-
ally completely surrounded by bone. The anterior upper
pre-molar tooth is very small. Length of head and body, from
30 to 32 inches; of tail, 9 to 12 inches. Specimens are occa-
sionally met with in which the ground-colour of the fur is
reddish-grey.

The specimen herewith figured, which was described by
Jardine under the name of feds himalayana, ai 4 has the spots
more confluent into streaks than is generally the case, was
identified by Dr. Gray with his so-called Pardalina warwichi.
The latter, although really identical with the South American
Geoffroy’s Cat, described in the sequel, was supposed to come
from Asia; and the similarity between the coloration of the
present species and that of the latter is not a little remarkable.

Distribution.—India, Ceylon, Lower Burma, Tenasserim, —
Formosa, and Southern China. In India the species has been
recorded from the valley of the Indus, the outer ranges of the
Himalaya, the Nipal Terai, Assam, Bengal, and it, perhaps,

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THE FISHING CAT. 125

inhabits the Malabar and Travancore coasts ; but in Central
India it appears to be unknown.

Habits. —-A dweller in the thickets and jungles, on the borders
of marshes, rivers, and tidal creeks, this Cat differs remarkably
from the great majority of its kindred by its habit of preying
upon fish; although the manner in which it catches them
appears to be quite unknown. This trait has given rise to its
popular name, while its scientific title has been derived from
its somewhat Civet-lik> coloration and general appearance.
In addition to fish, this Cat is stated to feed largely on the large
amphibious snails known as Ampullariz, to be met with in
thousands in every marsh or “jhil” in Lower Bengal ; but’
here, again, we have no information as to how the succulent
morsels are extracted from their somewhat solid shells.
Probably also small mammals, birds, and reptiles contribute to
the diet of this Cat; while, in spite of its comparatively small
size, it is known to be in the habit of killing sheep and calves.
Extreme ferocity is, indeed, a distinctive trait of the Fishing

Cat, although, somewhat curiously, when captured, this species

is stated to be tamed with facility.

An observer, quoted by Mr. Sterndale in his work on the
Mammalia of India, writes: ‘A pair of these Cats broke one
night into a matted house, and went off with a brace of ewes,
which had a half-a-dozen lambs between them, born only a
short time before their mothers met their end. I have caught
this species in traps, and when let loose in an indigo-vat with
a miscellaneous pack of Dogs, they have invariably fought hard,
and at times proved too much for their canine adversaries, so
that I have had to go to their rescue, and put an end to the
fight by a spear-thrust or a heavy blow on the back of the head
with a stout stick. Some years ago one got into my fowl-house
at night, and as I opened the door to go inside, it made a
fierce jump at me from a perch on the opposite side.”

126 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

XV. THE es FELIS BENGALENSIS.

Felis bengalensis, Kerr, Linn. Anim. Kingdom, p. 151 (1792) ;
Elliot, Monogr. Felidz, pl. xxi. (1878-83) ; Blanford, Proc.
Zool. Soc. 1887, p. 627; id., Mamm. Brit. India; pe7e
(1888) ; Hose, Mamm. Borneo, p. 19 (1893).

Felis gavanensts, Desmarest, Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. vol. vi.
p. 115 (1816); Elliot, Monograph of Felidee, pl. xxviii.
(1878-83).

Felis sumatrana, Horsfield, Zool. Research. pl. xxiii. (1821).

Felis minuta, Yemminck, Monogr. Mamm. vol. 1. p. 130 (1827).

Felis nipalensts, Vigors and Horsfield, Zool. Journ. vol. iv. p.
382 (1829).

Felis chinensis, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 577 (1837);
Swinhoe, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1870, p. 629.

Leopardus eliioti, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. x. p. 260
(1842).

Leopardus horsfieldi, Gray, loc. cit.

Chaus servalinus, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 45 (1843).

Leopardus javanensis, L. sumatranus, L. chinensis, Gray, op.
tp. A (1843).

Leopardus reevest, Gray, op. cit. p. 44.

Felis pardochrous, Hodgson, Calcutta Journ. Nat. Hist. vol.
iv. p. 286 (1844).

Felis jerdoni, Blyth, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1863, p. 185.

Felis servalina, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 401.

Felts tenasserimensis, Gray, op. cit. p. 400.

Fe is wagati, Gray, loc. cit.

Viverriceps elliott, Gray, op. cit. p. 269.

Felis herschellt, Gray, Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 28

(1869).
(Pinte 2d ATs.)

Characters—Generally slightly smaller than a _ well-grown
Domestic Cat, but with relatively longer legs, this spotted

TNE

aLW Td

“LWO-duvdoat

THE LEOPARD-CAT, 127

Asiatic species is inferior in size to the last. With the mark-
ings extremely variable, the ground-colour of the fur on the
upper-parts shades from yellowish-grey to bright yellow, while
on the under-parts it is white, the ornamentation taking the
form of dark brown markings. ‘Tail long and spotted ; its
length being about half that of the head and body. Skull shorter
and rounder than in the last, with the nasal region only slightly
narrowed, the orbits incomplete behind, and the anterior upper
pre-molar tooth present. Ears moderate, and rounded at the
tips ; pupil of the eye generally circular.

The spots extend over both the upper- and under-parts,
but towards the end of the tail usually assume the form of
transverse bars. According to Mr. Blanford, “there is almost
always a white band running up to the forehead from the inside
of each eye. Four longitudinal black bands commence on the
forehead, and are continued over the head to the hind-neck,
breaking up into short bands and elongate spots on the shoul-
ders ; less distinct bands of spots occasionally come in between
the two median head-stripes on the forehead and shoulders,
but these two stripes frequently coalesce on the back of the
neck, diverging again between the shoulders, and being con-
tinued as rows of spots to the tail. There are generally two
well-marked horizontal cheek-stripes, the lower of which is often
_ joined to a transverse stripe across the throat ; other transverse
stripes, sometimes broken into rows of spots, cross the lower
neck and breast. There are the usual two dark bands inside
the fore-arm, and a large whitish spot on the black outer sur-
face of each ear.” Length of head and body, from 24 to 26
inches ; of tail, from 11 to 12 inches, or more.

Nearly allied to the under-mentioned smaller Indian species
known as the Rusty-spotted Cat (Feds rubiginosa), the Leopard-
Cat is one of the most variable, and, therefore, one of the
most difficult species the zoologist has to deal with. That it

128 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,

can be divided into several more or less well-defined local
races may be considered uf€oubted ; but whether to regard
such races as species or sub-species may be open to ques-
tion, although personally we prefer to follow Mr. Blanford
in adopting the former view. Other writers have, however,
thought differently ; Professor Mivart, for instance, in addition
to the perfectly distinct / vubiginosa, regards the forms de-
scribed under the names of / chinensis, F. gavanensis, F. jer-
dont, F. minuta, and F, wagati, as entitled to specific rank.

On this subject Mr. Blanford writes: ‘ Leds rubiginosa is
classed by all as distinct, and of its distinctness there can be
no question. ‘The anterior upper pre-molar is always wanting,
at all events in adults, and the bony orbit in the skull is com-
plete behind. In / dengalensis and its varieties, on the other
hand, out of more than forty specimens examined, I have only
seen two in which the anterior upper pre-molar is absent on
both sides, and the orbit is never complete behind. There
is also a character in the external coloration by which every
specimen I have examined of both forms can be at once dis-
tinguished. In all these Cats a variable number of interrupted
dark lines pass from the forehead over the head and hind-neck
to the interscapulary tract. Usually there are four well-marked
bands on the head. Of these, the two innermost are continued
between the shoulders in /. xudiginosa by two long, straight,
slightly-diverging dark lines or spots between them. In
F. bengalensis and its allies, there are never these two lines
alone ; either the markings are all broken and interrupted, or
other lines and spots intervene between the continuations of
the two inner frontal bands. The tail, too, in / rudiginosa is
unspotted above; in all forms of the Leopard-Cat distinctly
spotted.

“ There is in the Natural History Department of the British
Museum a very fine series of these Indian and Malayan Spotted

THE LEOPARD-CAT. 12g

Cats; no less than six specimens of é/is rubiginosa, all but
one of which are from Ceylon, and the remaining specimens
from Nellore in Southern India ; and forty-two skins of
fF, bengalensis and-its allies. In going through the latter,
while I have been struck by the great variety exhibited, I
have been unable to trace a single character, external or
cranial, by which the various races can be distinguished.
There are doubtless several races, and, except that I cannot
see how F. jerdont is to be separated, even as a variety, from
fF javanensis of Horsfield, those accepted as kinds by Professor
Mivart are fairly recognisable. ‘There is perhaps one to be
added, the true Wagati of Sir W. Elliot, not the form that was
_ (I believe erroneously) described under that name by Dr. Gray.
The variation in dimensions is not nearly so great as in the
Leopard, and that in the markings is less than in the Ocelot.
“Accepting, then, the view that all the forms of Leopard-Cat
are varieties of one species, which must be called 7e/is dengal-
ensis, the next question for determination is, whether the Cat
called # jerdont by Blyth is a distinct form, as it has been
considered by Blyth and Mivart ; whether, as Jerdon sug-
gested, it is a small race of / dengalensis, or whether, as
stated by Mr. D. G. Elliot, it is identical with a form of
F. rubiginosa, F. jerdont was founded by Blyth upon three
specimens, as he writes that, ‘I first detected an adult male
and a kitten of this species in the Museum at Madras, and
find that there is an adult specimen also in the British
Museum.’ There is now a second specimen in the latter
Museum, obtained from the East India Museum, and labelled
fF. jerdont in Mr. Blyth’s handwriting. On the stand of the
original specimen the name /. 7erdounz has also been written by
Mr. Blyth. The two specimens are precisely similar, and that
first in the Museum may be taken as the type of the species.
“The markings of this specimen, as already mentioned,

7 K

130 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY,

are scarcely distinguishabl@gfrom those of Horsfield’s type of
F. javanensis. In both the characteristic points mentioned—
the marks in the interscapulary region, and the spots on the
tail—the two skins agree with / dengalensis, and not with
F. rubiginosa. ‘To complete the evidence, Mr. Thomas has
had the skull of one of the skins of # jerdoni extracted, and it
proves to possess the anterior upper pre-molar and imperfect
orbit of / dengalensis. I have, therefore, not the least hesita-
tion in assigning / jerdoni, as a variety, to that species, and
I believe it to be identical with the form commonly known
as F&F. javanensis. ‘The locality of neither specimen of /. jer
doni in the National Collection is known ; but, considering,
that so closely similar a form has been described from Java,
whilst there is no evidence as to the derivation of the Madras
Museum specimens, it is far from improbable that Mr. Blyth
was mistaken in his supposition [as to their Indian origin], and
that these skins were really brought originally from Malacca or
the neighbourhood.”

In the Himalayan variety of this species (/ pardochroa), as
represented in our first illustration, the ground-colour of the
upper-parts is pale rufescent, with the spots usually more or
less angular in form, and with their front border brown and the
hinder margin black. Whereas, however, in some examples
the spots are large and almost triangular, with the apex
directed backwards, in others they take the form of small |
elongated ovals. The so-called Nipal Cat (/ zipalensis) was
founded on a grey phase, which there is some reason for be-
lieving may have been a hybrid. In another Indian variety
the black spots tend to form longitudinal lines, enclosing rich
bands of rufous-brown between them ; the bands being broken
up more or less completely into large rosettes, dark brown at
the centres, with imperfect black rings on the margins. This
form is perhaps the handsomest and most striking of all,

LAT VA NVAVT | ‘LVO-CuUYvdO at

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RS RESSS ay

THX BLVTd

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&

THE LEOPARD-CAT, E31

In the Malayan region, as well as the Philippine Islands,
we meet with the smaller races described as /. minuta and
fF. sumatrana, in which the spots are more numerous and
rounded than ordinary ; while in some, although not all, cases
the tail is shorter than usual. The Javan race (/ javanensis)
is a well-marked local form, easily recognised by its small size,
grey ground-colour of the fur, and small spots, those on the
back being elomgate in form and blackish-brown in colour,
while those on the sides are brown. As already mentioned,
the so-called / jerdoni seems indistinguishable from this
variety, and probably came from some Malayan locality.

Distribution.—India, from the outer Himalaya to the extreme
south, but exclusive of Ceylon, Assam, Burma, the Malay
Peninsula ; the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Borneo; the
Philippines, Formosa, China, and Amurland.

Habits.—With a geographical distribution almost as extensive
as that of the Tiger, the Leopard-Cat, with its numerous varieties,
is essentially a forest-dwelling species, subsisting on the smaller
mammals and birds, which it captures with the stealth and
agility of all its kind. In disposition, it displays the usual Cat-
like ferocity ; Mr. Blyth observing that of many specimens kept
by himself in confinement, none ever displayed the slightest
dispositicn to become tame and confiding. None of these
examples were, however, captured at a very early age. Fre-
quently taking up its residence in the hollow trunk of a decayed
forest-tree, the Leopard-Cat prowls forth at night to commit
depredations on the nearest poultry-roost, and is consequently
destroyed by the natives whenever an opportunity occurs. The
young, of which there are either three or four in a litter in In-
dia, are born during the month of May, the breeding-lair being
generally either in a cavern or beneath the protection of some
overhanging mass of rock. Dr. J. Anderson describes this
Cat as essentially arboreal in its habits, and was told by the

ae

132 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

natives that its prey eS of Squirrels and Trce-
Shrews (Zifaza).

“In Sarawak,” writes Mr. Hose, “this pretty little Cat is
found in the low country, and on the mountains up to 3,000
feet. It is constantly trapped by the natives, and is very fond
of stealing fowls, going into the villages and taking chickens
from beneath the houses. The Dyak name is ‘Kuching
Batu.’ It usually lives amongst the rocks and in holes ot
ireesi”

XVI. BUSHY-TAILED RED-SPOTTED CAT. FELIS EUPTILURA.

Fels euptiiira, Elliot, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1871, p. 760.5 ads
Monogr. Felidze, pl. xxvi. (1878-83) ; Mivart, The Cat, p
416 (1881).

? Felis microtis, Milne-Edwards, Recherches Mammif. p. 221
(1868-74) ; Mivart, The Cat, p. 417 (1881).

Characters—This is a pale-coloured spotted species from
China, apparently allied to the Leopard-Cat, but with a shorter
and more bushy tail. The type specimen is preserved in the
British Museum, and is described as follows: ‘‘Ground-colour
of the body light brownish yellow, strongly mixed with grey,
covered with reddish-brown spots rather oblong in shape, and
darkest and most conspicuous on the hind-quarters. Head
grey, with a white line under the eyes and on the side next to
the nose ; two dark brown st.pes in the centre, commencing
at the tip of the nose, and one on each side, beginning at the
eye, pass over the top of the head, and down the back of the
neck to the shoulders ; a dark red stripe runs from the corner of
the eye, across the cheek, to the base of the ear, and another,
rather lighter in colour, starting below the eye, passes across the
cheek and curves back under the throat. The centre of the
back is much darker than the sides, with spots of dark brown.
Under lip white,as are also the throat and under-parts. Across

THE RUSIY-SPOTTED CAT. 133

the upper part of the breast are four broken bands of foxy-red;
belly covered with large brown spots, becoming rufous between
the hind-legs. Inner sides of hind-legs buff, with cross-bands
of foxy-red, and covered with small reddish spots to the toes.
Tail thick, rather short, bushy, darker than the body, with
several incomplete broken rings of blackish-brown. Inside of
ear buff, behind black.” In the skull the nasal region is much
narrowed, the orbit is slightly incomplete behind, and there is
a small anterior pre-molar.

The Felts microtis, from Pekin and Mongolia, is identified
with this form by Mr. Elliot in his ‘‘ Monograph of the Felide,”
although Professor Mivart regards it as not improbably distinct.
Having the general coloration of the Chinese variety of the
Leopard-Cat, it has very small ears, long, soft, and abundant
fur, with reddish and somewhat confluent spots; the white spot
behind the ear divided into two moieties by a dark vertical
streak, and the tail is not distinctly spotted.

Further evidence as to the unity or distinctness of these
two forms is required, while the writer is by no means assured
whether either are more than well-marked races of the
Leopard-Cat. As in the case of other forms from the same
region, nothing has been recorded in regard to the habits of
this Cat.

XVII. THE RUSTY-SPOTTED CAT. FELIS RUBIGINOSA.

Lelis rubiginosa, 1. Geoffroy, in Bélanger’s Voyage Indes
Orient. p. 140 (1834); Elliot, Monogr. Felide, pl.
xxix. (1878-83); Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 81
(1888).

Viverriceps rubiginosa, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 269;
id., Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 18 (1869).

Characters—This pretty little Indian Cat has had its dis-
tinctive characteristics so fully noticed under the head of

134 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

the Leopard-Cat that only very brief mention is necessary
here. In size it is consideral¥ less than an ordinary Domestic
Cat; the fur is grizzled grey, marked with reddish-brown elon
gate spots ; tail without spots ; skull of the short and rounded
type characterising the Leopard-Cat, but with the nasal bones
more distinctly narrowed, the orbit of the eye completely en-
circled by bone, and the anterior upper pre-molar wanting.
Length of head and body, from 16 to 18 inches ; of tail, 9%
inches,

Distribution—India and Ceylon, in the former country thé
species being recorded from the coasts of Madras, the hills of
Southern India, Seoni, and perhaps Central India. The pecu-
liarly restricted distribution of this Cat, which may be con-
sidered essentially a Singhalese and Southern Indian form, when
contrasted with the wide range of its cousin the Leopard-Cat, is
very noteworthy. It is, in fact, suggestive that while the pre-
sent species was an inhabitant of Ceylon and Southern India,
when the latter was cut off by sea from the more northern part
of the country, the Leopard-Cat is a comparatively recent im-
migrant into India from the countries lying to the eastward
of the Bay of Bengal, a view which would well account for the
absence of the species from Ceylon.

Habits—The smallest member of the Family inhabiting
the Old World, the Rusty-spotted Cat, according to Jerdon,
“frequents grass in the dry beds of tanks, and occasionally
drains in the open country, and is said not to be a denizen of
the jungles. I had a kitten brought to me, when very young,
in 1846, and it became quite tame, and was the delight and
admiration of all who saw it. When it was about eight months
old, I introduced it into a room where there was a small fawn
of the Gazelle, and the little creature flew at it the moment it
saw it, seized it by the nape, and was with difficulty taken off.
I lost it shortly after this. Sir Walter Elliot notices that he has

“IVAA AS

"AIX GLV Td

THE SERVAL. 135

seen several undoubted hybrids between this and the Domestic
Cat, and I have also observed the same.” Later observations
‘ndicate that this Cat does not invariably shun jungles, since it
has been taken in the forests of Ceylon. The exceeding grace-
fulness of the movements of the kittens in captivity has been
noticed by all who have seen them, and their activity far sur-
passes that of domestic kittens of the same age.

XVIII. THE SERVAL. FELIS SERVAL.

Felis serval, Erxleben, Syst. Régn. Animal, p. 523 (i777)3
Elliot, Monogr. Felide, pl. xxvi. (1878-83).

Felis capensis, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 81 (1788).

Felis galeopardus, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 227 (1820).

Felis senegalensis, Lesson, Mag. Zool. 1839, pl. x.; Mivart, The
Cat, p. 407 (1881).

? Felis servalina, Ogilby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1839, P. 94 3 Bocage,
J. Sci. Lisb. ser. 2, vol. iii. p. 176 (1889).

Leopardus serval, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 41 (1843)

(Plate XIV.)

Characters.—Size medium; legs long; tail short. General
colour reddish-orange or tawny, approaching brown along the
middle of the back, and paling to whitish on the under-parts.
Body marked with black or dark brown spots, some of which
are circular, and others irregularly shaped ; towards the middle
of the back the markings tending to unite into two longitudinal
stripes ; no dark streaks on the cheeks ; two strongly-marked
transverse bars on the inner sides of the fore-legs ; tail ringed
with black. Pupil contracting into an oblong vertical slit. In
the skull the anterior pre-molar tooth present, and the second
of unusually large size. Length of head and body reaching to
4o inches ; of tail, to 16 inches.

With regard to the Servaline Cat (F. servalina) of West
Africa, there is some difference of opinion among zoologists as

136 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

to whether it is a distinct species, or whether it is identical with
the Serval. The latter vieg#is adopted by Mr. Elliot in his
‘Monograph of the Felidz,” and he is followed by Mr. W. L.
Sclater in his Catalogue of the Mammalia in the Indian
Museum, Calcutta. On the other hand, Professor Mivart re-
gards it as a distinct species, and this view is strongly advocated
by Professor Bocage. The latter writer observes that in this
form the height is considerably inferior to that of the Serval,
while the spots on the body in place of being large, black, and
widely separated, are small, dark brown, and approximated.
The ground-colour of the fur is also different, being paler and
greyer in the Servaline Cat. The comparison of two young
individuals of both forms leaves no doubt in the mind of
this writer of their specific distinctness. Whichever view be
adopted depends largely on the personal bias of the observer
as to the amount of difference necessary to constitute a species.
F. senegalensis, from the same region, is believed to have been
founded on a young Serval, but if the Servaline Cat be really
distinct, it is probable that this is the name by which it should
be known.
Distribution.—Africa, from Algeria to the Cape.

Habits—Writing of the Serval in “‘The Sportsman in South
Africa,” Messrs. Nicolls and Eglington observe that “at the
present time it is only on extremely rare occasions that this
very pretty and graceful animal is found any considerable dis-
tance south of the Tropic of Capricorn; northward throughout
South-Central Africa it is fairly common, frequenting the thick
bush in the vicinity of rivers. The avosses [mantles] made
from its skin are only worn by the chiefs and the very high
dignitaries amongst the native tribes, and are, in consequence,
eagerly sought after, on which account the species runs a chance
of rapid extermination. Its usual prey consists of the young
of the smaller Antelopes, Francolins, and Guinea-fowls, to the

THE RED TIGER-CAT. 137

latter of which it is a most destructive enemy in the breeding-
season. When obtained young, the Serval can be tamed with
little trouble, and makes an exceedingly beautiful and docile
pet ; but it is at first difficult to rear, and even in a state of
domestication always bears a singular and most unaccountable
aversion to black men, its otherwise even temper being at once
aroused at the appearance of a native. When in anger, it is by
no means a despicable antagonist, and very few Dogs will en-
gage in a combat with it single-handed.” Like the majority of
the /e/id@, the Serval is a completely nocturnal animal. To
the Dutch it is known as the Zegree Cat, while by the natives
of Bechuanaland it is termed Za/.

XIX. THE TOGO SERVAL. FELIS TOGOENSIS.

Felis (Serval) togoénsis, Matschie, S.B. Nat. Fr. Berlin, 1893,
p. 109.

Felis togoénsis, Matschie, M.T. deutsch. Schutz. vol. vi. art. 3,
p. 10 (1893).

Characters.—This form is described as of the size of a Wolf,
with the upright black ears marked by a white spot on the
backs. Tail one-third the length of the body. Upper-parts
reddish-yellow ; the back marked with from five to seven rows
of dark streaks broken up more or less into spots, and some-
times seven rows of blacker and smaller spots on the flanks.
Fore-limbs with small, and hind-limbs with larger spots. English
naturalists have not yet had an opportunity of comparing this
form with the Common Serval.

Distribution.—Togo-land, West Africa.

XX. THE RED TIGER-CAT. FELIS CHRYSOTHRIX.

Lilis chrysothrix, Temminck, Monogr. Mamm. vol. i. p. 251
(1827); Elliot, Monograph of Felide, pl. xxiv. (1878-83);
Mivart, The Cat, p. 406 (1881); Matschie, M.T. deutsch.
Schutz. vol. vi. art. 3, p. 10 (1893).

138 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Felis aurata, Temminck, of. gg p. 120 (withdrawn).
Felis rutila, Waterhouse, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1842, p. 130; Mivart,
The Cat, p. 406 (1881).

Characters—This may be characterised as a rather small,
long-tailed Cat, with the upper-parts reddish-brown, marked on
the sides with black spots ; under-parts white, with black spots ;
tail reddish-brown above and white beneath, without either spots
or bands ; no dark streaks on the face.

Of rather smaller size than the next (with which it was iden-
tified by Mr. Elliot), this species seems sufficiently distinguished
by the reddish hue of the fur and the general absence of dis-
tinct dark markings on the tail. The Ze/is rutila of Waterhouse
was founded onan imperfect skin in the British Museum. It
is described as reddish-brown, with indistinct small darker
spots on the sides; back medianly dark brown ; under-parts
white, with large dark brown spots ; tail reddish-brown, with a
dark central line along its upper surface, while at each side it
is pale, with obscure indications of darker bands. In the skull
the orbit is incomplete behind, and the anterior pre-molar of
very small size. Length of head and body, about 28 inches ;
of tail, 16 inches.

Distribution.—Interior of ‘Togo-land, West Africa. This

species is frequently known by the name of the Golden-haired
Cat.

XXI. THE GREY TIGER-CAT. FELIS CELIDOGASTER.

felis celidogaster, 'Temminck, Monogr. Mamm. vol. i. p. 140
(1827), and Esquisses Zool. p. 87; Mivart, The Cat, pp.
406, 407 (1881) ; Matschie, M.T. deutsch. Schutz. vol. vi.
art. 3, p. 10 (1893).

felis neglecta, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 27 (1838) ;
id. Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 24 (1869) ; Mivart,
Whe ‘Cat, -p. 407 (28s1)t

AX ALVW'Id

‘LOUTHIO

Fie.

THE OCELOT. 139

Characters.—According to Herr Matschie, this rather slen-
derly-made Cat is distinguished from the last by its slightly
superior size, grey colour of the upper-parts, and distinctly
ringed tail, the under-parts being white, and, like the back,
spotted with black. With this form may doubtless be identi-
fied the type of Felis neglecta, now preserved in the British
Museum, which was originally described as follows: “Grey;
head and body marked with numerous small darker spots ; spots
of the lower parts of the sides rather larger ; belly white, with
large blackish spots ; tail quite half the length of the body,
with a dark line along the upper surface ; sides paler, with
obscure indications of darker streaks.” It will be seen that so
far as regards the markings on the tail, the description of this
specimen does not differ from that of the type of Aedis rutila ;
and it is not impossible that Mr. Elliot may be right in re-
garding this form merely as a grey phase of the Red Tiger-
Cat. If this eventually prove to be the case, the name &

_celidogaster will have to be adopted for the species.

Distribution The Gold Coast.

As is the case with so many of the West African Mammals,
which inhabit districts more or less inaccessible to Europeans,
we have no information as to the habits of either the Red or
the Grey Tiger-Cat.

XXII. THE OCELOT. FELIS PARDALIS.
felis pardalis, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. i. p. 62 (1766) ;
Elliot, Monogr. Felidz, pl. xvii. (1878-83) ; Alston, in
Godm. and Salv. Biol. Centr. Amer. Mamm. p. 60 (1880),
felis ocelot and £. catenata, H. Smith, in Griffith’s Animal
Kingdom, vol. v. p. 169 (1827).
Felis canescens, Swainson, Anim. in Menag. p. 118 (1838).
Leofardus pardalis and L. griseus, Gray, List Mamm. Brit.
Mus. p. 42 (1843).

Leopardus pictus, Gray, op. cit. p. 43.

140 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Felis melanura, Ball, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1844, p. 128.
Felis albescens, Pucheran, VO age Vénus, Zool. p. 137 (1855).
Felis picta, Severtzoff, Rev. Mag. Zool. ser. 2, vol. x. p. 194
(1858).
Felts grisea, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 270.
felis pardoides, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 403.
(Plates XV., XVI.)

Characters--Even more variable in coloration than the
Leopard-Cat (to some varieties of which it approximates in
hue and markings), the small South American species known
as the Ocelot is one of the most difficult members of the
whole family to describe adequately. The markings take the
form of obliquely placed spots elongated into streaks; such
spots being bordered with black, and having the enclosed area
generally of a darker and richer hue than the general ground-
colour of the fur. The effect thus produced is very rich and
striking ; and it will not fail to be noticed that this type of
coloration is only a modification of that obtaining in the
Jaguar, the rosettes of the latter being elongated into streaks,
and the bordering spots united into unbroken lines.

Including some of the varieties, the ground-colour of the
Ocelot may be described as ranging from tawny-yellow to red-
dish-grey ; the dark markings running into chain-like streaks
and blotches, generally forming oblique elongated spots, sever-
ally bordered with black, and enclosing an area more or less
darker than the ground-colour. The head and limbs are
marked by small solid black spots, while there are two black
stripes on the cheek, and one or two dark transverse bars on
the inner surface of the fore-leg. The tail may be either
ringed or marked with dark bars on its upper surface ; and
the under-parts and inner surfaces of the limbs are whitish.
The pupil of the eye contracts to a vertical slit ; and in the
skull the ring of bone round the orbit is incomplete behind.

THE OCELOT, 141

In the more typical forms the length of the head and body
ranges from 26 to 33 inches, and that of the tail, from 11 to as
much as 15 inches.

Of-the varieties, local races, sub-species, or whatever they
may be called, the form described as / grisea takes its name
from the grey hue of the ground-colour of the fur, which may
even tend to whitish on the flanks. Another grey phase is
presented by the variety 7 pardoides, which differs from the
preceding in that the spots on the flanks are less ring-like,
while the stripes on the neck are shorter and less distinct, the
ground-colour in that region being redder. This form is of
small size, the length of the head and body being 25 inches,
and that of the tail, 15. In both these grey phases the charac-
teristic tinge exists at birth. The Leopardus pictus of Gray
has the coloration less brilliant than in the typical race, less
closely approximated spots, and a smaller difference be-
tween the shade of the central areas of the latter and the
general ground-colour. On the other hand, the variety F. me-
fanura is characterised by the intensity and brilliance of its
coloration, the ground-colour being bright fulvous, the black
markings very numerous and deep, and the white under-parts
standing out in bold contrast to the rest.

Lastly, we have the so-called Chained Ocelot (F- cazenata),
described by Hamilton Smith in the following words: “It is
about the size of a Wild Cat; the legs are, in proportion,
shorter than in the Ocelot ; the head and body heavier; the
mane, forehead, under the eyes, arms, shoulders, back, rump,
hind-legs, and tail are of a reddish-yellow colour; the temples
ochreous ; the cheeks, throat, belly, and inside of the legs white.
Several rows of black spots from the ears converge on the fore-
head. ‘There is a single streak from the outer angle of the eye
to below the ear. On the shoulders, back, sides, rump, and
hams there are long chain-like streaks of black and reddish-

142 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

brown intermixed ; the belly and throat have black streaks,
and the tail has imperfect Black annuli.”

From the marked difference in these varieties, and the fact
that they breed true, it is probable that each has a definite
local distribution; and hence those zoologists who are inclined
to rank every well-marked variation as of specific importance,
would probably regard them as representing as many species.

The specimen depicted in our first illustration was a female,
measuring 2 feet 91% inches to the root of the tail, our plate
being copied from Wilson’s “ Illustrations of Zoology.” In this
example “the upper part of the head is deep tawny, streaked
with blackish-brown. A blackish streak passes from the upper
and inner canthus of each eye to the forehead, between the
ears, in a converging manner; and between them there are
several delicate lines of the same colour. Another strongly
expressed stripe passes from the outer canthus of the eyes to
the angles of the lower jaw, where an irregular blackish bar
passes upwards, to within an inch of the outer edge of the
ears. From the angles of the jaw, two stripes pass downwards,
and meet in front of the throat. The- ears are thin,’ and
blackish externally, with a spot of pure white on the back of
each. ‘There is a patch of pure white at the angles of the
mouth, beautifully speckled with three rows of black dots,
which lie at the roots of the vibrissze ; chin and throat white,
with blackish bars ; the ground-colour of the breast less pure ;
that of the belly and insides of the legs dull grey. Around
the eye are white marks, nearly enclosing the orbit, but inter-
rupted by the blackish stripes above described. There are
four chains of open lengthened spots on each side, more or
less distinct, sloping down from the shoulder towards the
flanks. The legs are irregularly marked with numerous black
spots, differing in size and shape. The tail is barred with
black on its sides and dorsal line, but is not annulated as in
some of the varieties.”

“TAX

4adLV'Id

| ALaIWA] LOAD

THE OCELOT. 143

Other specimens have the ground-colour of the fur paler,
and of a tawny-yellow tinge.

Distribution America, as far north as Arkansas, Louisiana,
Texas, and Mexico; thence through Central America to South
America east of the Andes, where it is said to extend south-
wards into Patagonia.

Habits.—Essentially a forest animal, and hence unknown on
the open pampas of Argentina, the Ocelot is an excellent
climber, and is said to be characterised by its ultra-fierce and
bloodthirsty disposition, although in confinement it can be
tamed without much difficulty.

The following particulars of the habits of the female Ocelot,
forming the subject of our first illustration, are taken from
Wilson, who writes: “She is remarkably playful, much in-
clined to climb up the legs of those who approach her (an
inconvenient tendency, from the length and sharpness of her
claws), and delights in being carried about in people’s arms
like a Cat. She is an extremely powerful animal, but gentle
through the influence of domestication, and attached to those
who feed her. She one day seized a chamois-leather glove,
which she tore to pieces, and swallowed immediately. The
person to whom the glove belonged could not rescue it with
the strength of both his hands. While young, this animal
was fed on oatmeal-porridge and milk, and has been all along
sustained chiefly by milk and vegetables, with occasionally a
bit of boiled liver, or other offal. The nature of the diet has
obviously a considerable influence on her disposition. When
farinaceous food and milk prevail, she is certainly more tract-
able than when animal food is given in any considerable quan-
tity; and when treated with live birds or raw flesh, she is
observed to assume greater fierceness in her aspect, and to
strike more forcibly with her fore-paws at passing animals, —

144 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

She has sometimes made her escape from confinement, and
exhibited a power of climBffg trees with great ease and activity.
She has occasionally committed considerable havoc in the
poultry-yard, and has more than once greatly alarmed a horse
by jumping on its back in the stable. In this last feat, how-
ever, the Ocelot seemed to be actuated rather by a desire for
society than the love of mischief, for she coiled herself up on
the hind-quarter, evidently with the view of effecting a settle-
ment for the purpose of repose ; but the plunging of the horse
induced her to use her claws to render her seat more secure.
Upon this the steed, as might be expected, redoubled his
exertions to dislodge the enemy, and the Ocelot was at last
thrown, receiving in her descent a kick which she never forgot,
for it has been observed that, on seeing a horse, she immediately
betakes herself to her den. . . . . A few days before her
departure from Liverpool to London, she occasioned a serious
alarm. Being secured by a long chain in front of a cottage
door, she suddenly threw down a young girl of four years old,
and, to the horror of the beholders, appeared to seize the child
by the throat. This was, however, intended merely as play, for
neither her sharp teeth nor crooked talons inflicted the slightest
injury, and, after tumbling over each other more than once,
the child was taken up severely frightened, but no way hurt.”

XXIII THE TIGER-CAT. FELIS TIGRINA.

Felis tgrina, Schreber, Saugethiere, vol. iii. p. 100 (1778);
Elliot, Monogr. Felide, pl. xviii. (1878-83); Alston, in
Godm. and Salv. Biol. Centr. Amer. Mamm. p. 61
(1880); Mivart, The Cat, p. 409 (1881).

Felis mitis, ¥. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. vol. ii. pl. 137 (1820);
Matschie, S.B. Nat. Fr. Berlin, 1894, p. 59.

Felis chati, H. Smith, in Griffith’s Animal Kingdom, vol. v.

p. 479 (1827).
Felis macrura, Neuwied, Beitr, Naturg. Bras. vol, ii. p. 371 (1836).

LV) -U AOL

TAX FZLV'TId

i

THE TIGER-CAT. 145

felis margay, Azara, Nat. Hist. Quad. Paraguay, p. 237 (1838).
Leopardus tigrinoides, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 42
(1843).
? Felis guttata, Hensel, Abhandl. Ak. Berlin, 1872, p. 73;
Mivart, The Cat, p. 410 (1881 ; zee Hermann).
(Plate XVIL.)

Characters.—The Tiger-Cat, of which there are three more or
less well-marked races, is another variable American species,
distinguished from the last by the shorter and frequently solid
spots, which are not aggregated into oblique chains. In the
typical form, or Margay, the somewhat harsh fur is dull grizzled
grey in ground-colour, ornamented with elongated black spots
and rings; the tail being likewise marked above with black
spots, which frequently coalesce into transverse bars, although
not forming complete rings. The cheek is marked with three
transverse black bars. In length the head and body measure
rather more than 20 inches, and the tail 11 inches.

The variety known as the Chati (/ mitis), which is the one
represented in our illustration, is a somewhat larger animal,
with soft, bright fulvous fur, and black-bordered short spots of
variable size, in which the centres are sometimes pale-coloured.
The Long-tailed Cat (/ macrura) is likewise a yellow-coloured
form, characterised by the length of the tail. In these forms
the length of the head and body may reach nearly 27 inches,
while that of the tail varies from 14 to 19 inches. It does not
appear that the Cat from Rio Grande do Sul, described by
Hensel as / guttata, can be distinguished from the present
species.

According to Herr Matschie, in the wooded districts of
Argentina there may be found in a single neighbourhood a
complete transition as regards colour between specimens in

which the ground-colour of the fur is greyish and the black-

bordered spots are elongated, and those in which the ground-
7 L

146 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

colour is yellow and the spots are short. Both the late Mr.
Alston, in the ‘‘ Biologia Cenggeli-Americana,” and Mr. Elliot, in
his “ Monograph of the Felide,” are likewise of opinion that the
three varieties above-mentioned cannot be regarded as species.

Distribution, —America ; from Mexico southwards on the east
side of the Andes as far as Paraguay and the wooded interior
districts of Argentina. Perhaps Trinadad.

Habits.—From the little that has been recorded, it appears
that the Tiger-Cat is an inhabitant of warm, well-wooded dis-
tricts, where it spends a considerable proportion of its time in
climbing among the forest-trees. In parts of Paraguay the
Indians are in the habit of hunting these Cats through the
forest with Dogs till they take to a tree, when they are shot or
shaken out. In captivity, if taken young, they readily become
exceedingly tame and gentle; and it was from this trait that
Cuvier gave the name of mits to the Chati.. Their prey is
doubtless of the same nature as that of the other smaller
Cats.

Writing of the variety of the Chati, which he says is termed
by the natives of Paraguay the Chibdi-guasu, or Great Cat,
Azara states that in that country it was formerly so common
that he knew of eighteen being captured in a couple of years
at a single house. ‘“ Few persons, notwithstanding, are ac-
quainted with it, nor can people penetrate into its lurking-
places ; and I very much doubt whether any species of quad-
ruped more effectually conceals itself. It passes the day in the
most impenetrable fastnesses, and goes out to hunt after dusk,
especially if the night be dark and stormy ; at such times these
Cats enter boldly into the cora/s and courtyards, in all cases
without being perceived by the watch-dogs, On moonlight
nights they neither approach inhabited places nor fall into
traps; and it is in vain to wait for them with a gun, since they

es
2
>

THE TIGER-CAT, 147

are so vigilant as invariably to detect the hunter and flee before
they can be approached. They climb trees in search of
domestic fowls, and carry off as many as six in a night, some-
times leaving several dead behind them. ‘They avoid menand
Dogs with extreme caution, and each pair inhabits a separate
district, as may be inferred from the fact of the male and
female, and no more, being always caught on the same spot.”
Referring to some specimens kept in captivity, the same
author observes that ‘‘they spent almost the whole day rolled
up in the shape of a ball, and the one which wished to stretch
himself did not do so until he had first licked the “‘ Chibi-guazu ”
at his side. Whenever we put straw into the den, or within
their reach, so that they could seize it by putting their paws
through the bars, we always found on the day following that
they had placed it in a heap, after dividing it into chips a
quarter of an inch long ; and on these they reposed. In the
same manner they broke and tore in pieces all the small sticks
or twigs with which the inside of their den was furnished. They
spent the twilight and night in walking to and fro close to the
sides of their den; and if another ‘‘Chibi-guazu” crossed or inter-
rupted this exercise inany way, they puffed and made gestures
like a Cat when irritated, without using their paws ; but they
never quarrelled, except when very much irritated, and then
they struck at each other with their fore-paws. When first
caught, they devoured five pounds of flesh each day, although
they were subsequently satisfied with three. We prepared a
ration for each of the twelve or fourteen individuals, and each
took it with its paws according to the length of time they
had been in captivity, without the others offering the slightest
molestation, but if the Cat, whose turn it was to receive a por-
tion, disregarded, or did not devour it immediately, another
snatched at it, and the lawful proprietor made no defence, save
by sneezing, and occasionally by giving blows with its fore-paws
E93

148 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY,

We made a walk for them, enclosed by a kind of hurdle, in
which we could introduce Bats, Fowls, Ducks, or young Dogs,
and upon opening their cage we found that usually only a single
Cat came out in pursuit of each victim, and almost always in
precedence, according to the length of time they had been in
confinement. They caught Cats and Dogs by the nape of the
neck in their mouths, and throwing them to the ground, over-
laid them, without permitting any movement, until they were
quite dead. Cat’s flesh seemed to produce the itch, which
fretted them, making them mew like Domestic Cats, and finally
leading to their death. They also ate Snakes—both innocuous
and poisonous—and Toads, but these disagreed with them to
such an extent that, after being reduced almost to skeletons,
they perished in the course of a few days. If a Dog were
as big as themselves they did not touch him, for they do not
come to one another’s assistance; and if one alone cannot
overcome any prey which may present itself, he leaves it. They
catch birds by the head and neck, and thoroughly strip them
of their feathers with their teeth before eating them. It appears
that they are not unnecessarily cruel; my friend at least
observed that one did not kill a fowl enclosed in his den till
the third day. We frequently shut the doors of the yard and
opened the den that they might leave it; those which had been
most recently caught moved first, and on some occasions the
old ones would not come out, even when the boy entered the
den to sweep it out. We left them at liberty for several
hours, during which time they examined every crevice and
then lay down to sleep; on the boys persecuting them with
sticks and canes they went back to the den without turning
on their pursuers, although severely beaten. On a certain
occasion, one of them becoming exceedingly lazy, on enter-
ing the den he was abused and bitten by his female, as if she
would punish him. ‘Their eyes shone at night like those of
the Domestic Cat, which animal they resemble in form and

GEOFFROY’S CAT. 149

habits, in lying down, in licking and cleansing themselves,

washing their faces with their paws, in puffing, sneezing, and

all other particulars. My friend caught a young whelp, and it
became so thoroughly domesticated as to sleep in the skirts of
his clerical gown, and went about loose, and he affirmed that
no animal could be more tractable ; the neighbours, however,
killed it, as it destroyed their poultry.”

XXIV. GEOFFROY’S CAT. FELIS GUIGNA.

felis guigna, Molina, Saggio Storia Nat. Chili, vol. i. p. 295
(1782); Mivart, The Cat, p. 410 (1881).

felis geoffroyi, D’Orbigny, Voyage Amér. Mérid. vol. iv. pl.
xil. (1847); Elliot, Monogr. Felidz, pl. xix. (1878-83) ;
Matschie, S.B. Nat. Fr. Berlin, 1894, p. 59.

Pardalina warwickit, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 267;
Sclater, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1870, p. 706, 1872, p. 203.

? felis pardinoides, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 400, and
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 27 (1869); Mivart,
The Cat, p. 411 (1881).

Characters.—This species, which is sometimes known as the
Spotted Tiger-Cat, has the ground-colour of the fur varying from
yellowish-grey to grey, the chin and a streak on the crown of the
head being white, and the under-parts paler. There are four
black streaks on the crown of the head, two on each cheek,
and one between the shoulders ; the forelimbs and body are
covered with numerous small and nearly equal-sized solid
black spots placed at equal distances from one another. The
throat and chest, as well as the upper part of the limbs, are
barred with black ; the tail is spotted at the base, and ringed
towards the tip; and the black ears have a large white spot
behind.

There appear to be two races of this Cat, which some re-
gard as distinct species. Firstly, the typical / guégna, extend-
ing from Chili to Tucuman, in which the general colour is
greyish, while the spots are small and show some tendency to

150 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

aggregate in rosettes; andysecondly, the more southern and
eastern F: geoffroyi of asa in which the colour is
yellower and the spots are larger. The skull is remarkable for
its shortness, width, and convexity, the orbit being open be-
hind, and the anterior pre-molar very minute.

Distribution.—South America, from Chili to Paraguay and
Argentina. In Uruguay, according to Mr. Aplin, the Monte-
Cat (Gato del monte), as it is locally called, is now becoming
very rare, being trapped by the Sheep-farmers on account of
the damage it inflicts on the lambs. In Tucuman the typical
Chilian form is abundant; while in the wooded district of
Tornquist, lying to the north of Bahia Blanca and south of
the Sierra de la Ventana (Sierra de Curumalan), in the south
of Argentina, it is replaced by the true / geoffroyt. ‘This
form is also found on the Argentine pampas.

XXV. BOGOTA TIGER-CAT. FELIS PARDINOIDES.
Felis pardinoides, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 400; id.,
Cat. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 27 (1869); Mivart, The Cat,
p- 411 (1881).

Characters.—Originally described as of Indian origin, this Cat
was identified by Mr. Elliot, in his “‘ Monograph of the Felidze,”
with the preceding, but is regarded by Professor Mivart as
distinct. It differs from the typical Geoffroy’s Cat in the
larger size of the spots, which take the form of dark black-
bordered blotches. Of the two known skins, one has the
ground-colour greyer than the other. Length of head and
body, about 18 inches ; of tail, 10 inches.

Distribution.—Bogota, U.S. of Colombia.

XXVI. THE JAGUARONDI. FELIS JAGUARONDI.
Felis jaguarondi, Fischer, Zoognosie, p. 228 (1814); Elliot,
Monogr. Felide, pl. xii. (1878-83).
Felis mexicana, Desmarest, Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. vol. vi. p.
112 (1816).

THE JAGUARONDI. 151

felis unicolor, Traill, Mem. Wern. Soc. vol. iii. p. 170 (1819).

felis yagouaronat, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 230 (1820).

felis yaguarunadt, Wagn. Suppl. Schreb. Saug. 11, p. 41, pl.
cil. B ; Alston, in Godm. and Salv. Biol. Centr. Amer,
Mamm. p. 63 (1880).

felis darwinit, Martin, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1837, p. 3.

Leopardus yagouaronai, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 42

(1843).
felis calomitit, Baird, N. Amer. Mamm. pl. 74 (1859).

Characters.—Of relatively small size, this species is readily
distinguished by its uniform coloration, which is generally
blackish- or brownish-grey, with a tendency to a reddish or
greyish phase in some specimens; the lower parts of the
limbs being blackish. The body is long, the limbs short, and
the tail much elongated, the head being also long and low.
Blackish-grey at their bases, the hairs are black in the middt
and greyish at their extremities. Female skins are reported to
be lighter and brighter in colour than those of males. Pupil
of eye circular when contracted. Skull elongated and flattened,
with the nasal region very strongly compressed. Length of
head and body, about 30 inches; of tail, 25 inches.

Distribution.— Brazil, Paraguay, Guiana, to North-eastern
Mexico.

Habits—According to Azara, the names “ Jaguarondi” (or
“Vaouarundi”) and ‘‘Eyra” are applied indifferently in Paraguay
to the present species and the one here described under the
latter title; and it is accordingly merely a matter of con-
venience that the two names are respectively assigned to the
two species by naturalists. The same naturalist writes: “I
have never seen the Yaguarundi except in Paraguay and the
Guaranese missions, where I procured two specimens precisely
similar ; experienced persons have assured me that they were
adults, that the sexes only differed in the male being rather the

152 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

larger, and that they brought forth only two young ones in a
year. ‘They inhabit the borggrs of woods, thickets, enclosed
cardales, and ditches, without Venturing into open places. They
climb trees with facility, and remain long in them, subsisting
in the same manner as other Cats; if they find an oppor-
tunity, they also attack poultry in farmhouses. Their body is
longer and their ears are shorter and smaller than thoze of
the common Cat ; from which they also differ in havinga more
bushy tail, and in the pupils of their eyes preserving the cir-
cular form when exposed to the sun, as I observed in one of
the females which, being caught young, allowed herself to be
handled and scratched within twenty-eight days. The Yaguar-
undi, it is said, pounces upon Deer, and does not loose his
hold, although they gallop off at full speed, until he kills them ;
but I believe this to be true only of young fawns.”

XXVII. THE SMALL-FOOTED CAT. FELIS BRACCATA.
felis braccata, Cope, American Naturalist, vol. xxiii. F ebruary,
p- 144 (1889).

Characters.—Closely allied to the preceding species, from
which, according to its describer, it is distinguished by the
following features: The feet are smaller, and the toes of more
equal length than in & jaguarondi ,; while the claws are very
much smaller. Both the inner and outer toes are relatively
shorter in both limbs in & jagwarondi than in the present
species. In &. draccata the tail is rather shorter than in the
former, being less than the length of the body, and only an inch
in excess of the hind-limbs when extended to their full length ;
whereas in / jaguarondi it equals the body in length, and
reaches two inches beyond the limbs. Finally, while the ears
in /. gaguarondi are broadly rounded, in F& évaccata they are
so prominently angulated as to present an apex less than a
right angle. The fur of the muzzle has a truncate border,

THE EYRA. 153

while in / jaguaronadi the border presents an acute angle for-
wards, as it follows the upper border of the nostrils above.

As regards coloration, the hinder surfaces of the ears resem-
ble the top of the head in / jaguarondi, whereas in &. braccata
they are of two contrasting colours, both different from that of
the head. In /& jaguarondi the internal surfaces are like the
hinder ones; whereas in the present species they are totally
different, resembling those of various spotted Cats. The legs
of / jaguarondi are coloured on their outer surfaces like the
back, and are black inferiorly ; whereas in the present form
they are marked by cross-bands superiorly, and on their lower
halves are totally black.

After mentioning that the difference in the length of the
tail in the two forms may prove to be a character of small
importance, Professor Cope observes that ‘the aggregate of
characters indicates the specific distinctness of / dbraccata
from /. jaguwarondt. ‘The only approach to any of the peculiar
characters of / draccata in descriptions of / jaguarondt, which
I can find, is in that by Mr. Alston in the ‘ Fauna Centrali-
Americana,’ who states that there are transverse bars on the
inside of the legs.”

Distribution.—South Brazil. The species was established on
the evidence of a single skin, obtained either from Rio Grande
do Sul or in Matto Grosso, the loss of the label having left
the precise locality a matter of uncertainty.

XXVIII, THE EYRA. FELIS EYRA.

Felis eyra, Fischer, Zoogn. p. 228 (1814); Elliot, Monogr.
Felide, pl. xiii. (1878-83); Alston, in Godm. and Salv.
Biol. Centr. Amer. Mamm. p. 64 (1880); Mivart, The
Cat, Pp: 412 {1881).

felis unicolor, Baird, N. Amer. Mamm. pl. 74 (1859).

(Piate XVIIL)

154 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Characters.— Readily distinguished from all the other members
of the Family by its extrent@fy elongated and Weasel-like body,
short limbs, very long tail, and long and flattened head, this
South American species is also one of the comparatively few
uniformly-coloured forms. In colour the soft fur is uniform
reddish-yellow or chestnut, with a whitish spot on each side of
the upper lip. Pupil round. Skull much elongated and flat-
tened, with the nasal region somewhat compressed laterally,
and the anterior upper pre-molar present. In size the species
may be compared to a rather small Domestic Cat, but with the
limbs proportionately much shorter, and the body longer.

Distribution.—Brazil, Guiana, and Paraguay, extending north-
wards to the Rio del Norte between Mexico and Texas ; but
much more rare to the north than to the south of the Isthmus
of Panama.

Habits —Information is still required as to the habits of this
Cat in a stateof nature. It is, however, known to bea denizen
of forests, and is extremely fierce in disposition, while its move-
ments are extremely active and lithe. Five specimens had
been exhibited in the London Zoological Gardens up to 1883,
the first of which was purchased in 1860. ‘The latter was ex-
tremely gentle in disposition, although one of the others proved
untameable. Azara writes: ‘‘I had one nearly full-grown
which had been captured young, and was as gentle and playful
as any kitten could be; but I kept it chained, as it was a great
enemy to poultry. It slept in the skirt of my garments, purr-
ing, or making the zw7w of the Cats; Rats were an easy prey
to it, and no one of the nine Paraguayan species could surpass
it in the certainty with which it captured, or the promptitude
with which it despatched, the largest Rats, as well as birds of
all kinds.”

With regard to the restriction to the name Eyra to the present
species, the reader is referred to the Jaguarondi, on page 151.

PLATE XIX.

CAT

CAPFRE

THE CAFFRE CAT. I55

XXIX. THE CAFFRE CAT. FELIS CAFFRA.

Felis caffra, Desmarest, Mammalogie, Suppl. p. 540 (1822) ;
Elliot, Monograph of Felidz, pl. xxxi. (1878-83).

Felis obscura, Desmarest, of. cit. p. 230.

felis nigrifes, Burchell, Travels, vol. ti. p. 592 (1824).

felis maniculata, Cretzschmaer, in Rippell’s Atlas, vol. i. pl. i.
(1826).

Felis pulchella, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 577 (1837).

Chaus caffer, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 45 (1843).

Leopardus inconspicuus, Gray, op. cit. p. 44.

felis caligata, 1. Geoffroy, Jacquemont’s Voyage, p. 49 (1844).

Felis lybica, 1. Geoffroy, of. cit. p. 56.

felis margarita, Loche, Rev. Maz. Zool. ser. 2, vol. x. p. 49
(1858).

felis tnconspicua, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 273.

(Plate XTX.)

Characters.— With this species we once more revert to the Cats
of the Old World. Somewhat larger than an ordinary Domestic
Cat, it may be characterised as follows: Colour varying from
pale fulvous to grey or pale yellowish, with dark transverse
markings on the limbs and towards the end of the tail, and
two transverse bars of the same colour on the cheek; tip of
tail black. Frequently the hinder part of the soles of the hind-
feet black ; but in the paler varieties this part not darker than
the back. In some specimens from South Africa there are
indistinct traces of transverse stripes on the back. ‘Tail and
limbs relatively long. Length of head and body, from 24 to
30 inches ; of tail, 14 to 15 inches.

Distribution.—Africa, from Egypt and Algeria to the Cape;
Syria and Arabia.

Habits——This is the common Wild Cat of most parts of
Africa; and although it is now well nigh exterminated in the

156 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

more populated districts of the Cape Colony, it is still abun-
dant in the interior. As if@ habits appear to be generally
similar to those of the common Wild Cat, they require no
detailed notice.

This Cat was tamed by the ancient Egyptians, and vast .
numbers of its remains embalmed and preserved. Although
some writers hold a different view, the black sole of the foot
suggests that the Caffre Cat is the chief stock from which the
Domestic Cats of Europe have been derived; but in different
countries there has been more or less subsequent crossing
with the various indigenous species. On this subject more
will be said under the heading of Domestic Cats.

It is noteworthy that the fossilised remains of the Caffre
Cat have been obtained from the cavern-deposits of the rock
of Gibraltar, in company with those of various kinds of ex-
tinct Mammals, and it may be inferred that at the time when
these creatures flourished, Spain was still connected by land
with Africa.

XXX. DOMESTIC CATS... FELIS DOMESTICA,

Felis domestica, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. vol. 1. p. 80 (1788).

Felis torquata, F. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pl. 54 (1826);
Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 85 (1888).

Felis megalotis, Muller, Verh. Nat. Gesch. Zool. pp. 29, 54
(1839-44); Sclater, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus. pl. u. p. 233
(1891).

Felis huttont, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. xv. p. 69
(1846).

Although Domestic Cats are commonly spoken of as con-
stituting a “species,” yet this term must be used in quite a
distinct sense from that in which it is employed when speak-
ing of the wild members of the Family. For instance, if all
the breeds of Domestic Cats were descended from the Caffre

DOMESTIC CATS. 167

Cat just described, they could not be specifically separated
from that form, and one name should be applied to both. As
a matter of fact, it is, however, much more probable that
Domestic Cats have a complex origin, and that the Wild Cats
of each country have had more or less to do with the origin
of the domesticated breeds found there. Consequently, when
we speak of Domestic Cats as forming a species, such species
must be regarded as being what may be termed a convergent
one.

That the African Caffre Cat, together with the Leopard-Cat,
Rusty-spotted Cat, and Desert Cat of India, will freely breed
with Domestic Cats has been well ascertained; and the same
is true of the Wild Cat of Europe. It has been already men-
tioned that the Caffre Cat was tamed by the ancient Egyptians,
and that from the dark colour of the sole of the hind-foot, and
the comparatively long tail, this species was probably the chief
ancestral stock of the domesticated Cats of Europe. The
Domestic Cats of China, have, however, been regarded as
originating from an exclusively Asiatic source, and the same
has been suggested for those of India. It may be remarked
here that in Europe, before the introduction of a Persian
strain, “ Tabby” Cats, that is, those with dark trans-
verse markings, were the most common in Western Europe,
whereas in India they are quite unknown. This suggests
most strongly that whilst in Europe, the original stock has
been largely crossed with the Wild Cat, in India, where
Domestic Cats are generally spotted, it is more probable that
the Desert Cat (F: ovata), described in the sequel, has been,
to a great extent, or entirely, the parent stock. That the
European Wild Cat was not the direct descendant of the
domesticated breeds of the western part of that continent is
rendered pretty evident by its short and clubbed tail, to say
nothing of the absence of dark soles to the hind-feet.

158 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,

The late Mr. Blyth distinguished two races of Domestic
Indian Cats, namely, the spgtted and the fulvous types. In
the former the spots tend to aggregate into streaks, especially
on the front regions of the body, while the tail is slender, of
uniform thickness, and marked with dark rings. Cats of this
type are frequently met with, which have reverted to a wild
state, and it seems probable that it was from the skin of such
a feral Cat that the so-called Waved Cat (/edis torguata) of
Frederic Cuvier was named. Consequently, following the
lead of Mr. W. L. Sclater, that name, which Mr. Blanford, in
his ‘Mammals of British India,” provisionally allowed to
stand as indicative of a wild species, is here included as a
synonym of /. domestica. As already said, it is highly prob-
able that this spotted type was largely evolved from the
Desert Cat, with more or less crossing with the Rusty-spotted
and Leopard-Cat.

The second, or fulvous type, was termed by Blyth the
‘‘ Chaus-coloured”’ Cat, and this breed he believed to have
been derived from the other domestic type by crossing with the
Jungle Cat (/ chaus), to be described later on. This breed
is of a uniform fulvous colour, with barred legs and a ringed
tail; and thus far it closely resembles the Jungle Cat. In its
proportions it is, however, considerably different, the legs and
ears being much shorter, and the tail considerably longer
than in the latter.

As the subject of the origin of the domestic breeds is a
very complex one, and also one in which there is still much
diversity of view among zoologists, we leave it with the fore-
going brief observations, to pass in review some of the better-
known and more noteworthy types. Before doing so we may,
however, quote from an American newspaper the following
very remarkable instance of the adaptability of Cats to ab-
normal and changed conditions, since such capacity for change

st

[ DOMESTIC CATS. 159

must largely have affected the domesticated breeds of widely
different climates.

From the account referred to, it appears that in the cold-
storage warehouses of Pittsburg there were originally no Cats
or Rats. The temperature in the cold rooms was too low.
The keepers soon found, however, that the Rat is an animal
of remarkable adaptability. After some of these houses had
been in operation for a few months, the attendants found that
Rats were at work in the rooms where the temperature was
constantly kept below the freezing-point. They were found
to be clothed in wonderfully long and thick fur, even their
tapering, snake-like tails being covered by a thick growth of
hair. Rats whose coats have adapted themselves to the con-
ditions under which they live, have thus become domesticated
in the sterage warehouses in Pittsburg. The prevalence of Rats
in these places led to the introduction of Cats. Now, it is well
known that Pussy is a lover of warmth and comfort. Cats, too,
have a great adaptability to conditions. When Cats were turned
loose in the cold rooms they pined and died because of the
excessive cold. One Cat was finally introduced into the rooms
of the Pennsylvania Storage Company which was able to with-
stand the low temperature. She was a Cat of unusually thick
fur, and she thrived and grew fat in quarters where the
temperature was below 30°. By careful nursing, a brood of
seven kittens was developed in the warehouse into sturdy,
thick-furred Cats that love an Icelandic climate. They have
been distributed among the other cold-storage warehouses of
Pittsburg, and have created a peculiar breed of Cats, adapted
to the conditions under which they must exist to find their
prey. These Cats are short-tailed, chubby pussies, with hair
as thick and full of under-fur as the Wild Cats of the Canadian
woods. One of the remarkable things about them is the
development of their “feelers.” Those long stiff hairs that

160 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

protrude from a Cat’s nose and eyebrows are, in the ordinary
domestic feline, about thygg inches long. In the Cats cul-
tivated in the cold warehouses the feelers grow to a length of
five and six inches. This is probably because the light is dim
in these places, and all movements must be the result of the
feeling sense. ‘The storage people say that if one of these
furry Cats be taken into the open air, particularly during the
hot season, it will die in a few hours. It cannot endure a
high temperature, and an introduction to a stove would send
it into fits.

Of the more ordinary varieties of the Cat, the best known
and most common in England, before crossing with the Per
sian breed was introduced, was undoubtedly the Tabby ; this
type of coloration consisting of a grey ground-colour, with sub-
concentric vertical black bands on the body and thighs, longi-
tudinal streaks of the same on the top of the head, a black
stripe down the back, and bars on the upper surface of the
tail. In some individuals the whole fur is of deep black,
with the markings visible only in certain lights. From this
type there is a transition to Black Cats, in which the coat
shows no trace of markings in the adult, although stripes
are more or less distinctly displayed in the kittens. Even
these Cats are, however, seldom totally black, there being
usually some white hairs on the throat. The eyes of Black
Cats are of a peculiar clear yellow, standing out in striking
contrast to the sable fur. As mentioned above, it is probable
that Tabby Cats owe their stripes to crossing with the Wild
Cat. .

A Domestic Cat, brought home by Darwin from South
America, is remarkable, according to Gray, for its striking
resemblance to the Caffre Cat. From that species it chicfly
differs in the tail being more slender and tapering, the colours
more intense and defined, and the throat pure white. In

4 DOMESTIC CATS. 161
colour, it is dark grey, grizzled with black streaks and spots;
the streaks on the limbs being broad, and those on the fore-
legs more or less confluent. The tail is grey for two-thirds its
length, with black rings, of which the hindmost is the broadest ;
while the terminal third is black with a small white tip. In-
stead of having the sub-spiral arrangement of the ordinary
Tabby, the stripes on the loins are straight and parallel ; and
the streaks on the cheeks, of which the lowermost is indistinct
and interrupted, are black.

Grey Cats, which are very rare, may be regarded as Tabbies
from which the stripes have disappeared, save for two black
bars on the fore-limbs; these being very constant among the
smaller wild species of the family.

Tabbies, again, are met with, in which the coat is varied with
a larger or smaller amount of white ; and from these there is
a transition to pure White Cats, which form, however, a breed
by themselves. That these White Cats are not albinos, is
evident from their eyes, which may be either blue, or the
usual greenish-yellow tinge. In some instances one eye may
be blue and the other greenish-yellow ; and in white Persian
Cats this peculiarity is highly admired by the natives of the
Ixast. As mentioned in the portion of this work devoted to
the consideration of Cats in general, White Cats with blue eyes
are generally deaf, although this is not invariably the case.

Another well-marked breed is characterised by the male being
usually sandy, and the female of the so-called “ tortoise-shell ”
colour ; although at least one instance of a true “ Tortoise-shell
Tom” has been recorded. ‘The true Tortoise-shell should be
a mixture of fawn-colour and black; but there are numerous
parti-coloured Cats, such as white, fawn, and black, and greyish-
white and sandy, which are frequently termed “ tortoise-shell ” :
and it is probable that the majority of so-called ‘Tortoise-shell
Toms” belong to this class.

7 M

162 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

The Carthusian or “Blue” Cat is a very. beautiful long
and soft-haired breed with fur of a dark greyish-blue colour,
the lips and the soles of the feet retaining, however, the normal
black hue.

Mention having been already made of the ordinary Domestic
Cats of India, we pass on to what is known as the Siamese Cat,
characterised by its uniformly fawn-coloured fur, which becomes
darker on the muzzle, its blue eyes, and the occasional presence
of two bare spots on the forehead.

More esteemed than all is the beautiful Angora or Persian
Cat. Characterised by their large size, the length and softness
of the fur—especially that of the under-parts,—and the bushy
tail, these Cats are generally either uniform white, yellowish,
or greyish in colour, with the lips and soles of the feet fre-
quently flesh-coloured. It has been suggested that this breed
is descended from the wild Pallas’s Cat of Central Asia.

In Gray’s ‘Catalogue of Carnivorous Animals in the
British Museum,” it is stated that in some Chinese Cats the
ears are pendulous, but subsequent observers have been led to
doubt the truth of this statement.

The Malay Cat, from Siam and Burma, is characterised by
the tail being only half the usual length; while in some speci-
mens, owing to a deformity in the bones, it is twisted up into
a kind of knot, from which it cannot be uncurled.

More remarkable than all are the Tail-less Cats of the Isle
of Man, a breed with the same peculiarity being recorded
from the Crimea. Bell states that Tail-less Cats were likewise
common in his time in Cornwall; while a small village in Dor-
setshire also possessed a breed lacking the same appendage.
In the latter case it was stated that the race was known to be
descended from a Cat accidentally deprived of its tail; and as
another instance is on record of a Cat, whose tail had been
amputated, giving birth to stump-tailed kittens, it is not im-

DOMESTIC CATS. 163

probable tnat the origin of the Manx Cats is due to the same
cause. At the present day, probably owing to crossing with
Cats introduced from the mainland, Cats with tails of all
lengths are to be met with in the Isle of Man.

The Mombasa Cat, from the eastern coast of Africa, near
Zanzibar, is reported to have the fur short and stiff, instead of
the ordinary structure.

Finally, we have the Paraguay Cat of South America, which
is but one-fourth the size of the ordinary domestic breed, and
is further characterised by its elongated body, and its covering of
short, shiny, and close-lying hair, more especially on the tail.
In the same continent there is stated to be another breed lack-
ing the discordant nocturnal cries which render the ordinary
Cat such an unmitigated nuisance in all parts of the world.

With regard to the date of the introduction of Domestic
Cats into Europe, there is a considerable amount of uncer-
tainty ; and it has been considered that the so-called “Cat” of
the ancient Greeks was really the Marten. Be this as it may,
“there can be no question,” writes Professor Mivart, ‘‘as to
the Cat having been domesticated in Europe before the
Christian era. There are signs that it was domesticated
amongst the people of the Bronze period, and the supposition
that it was first introduced into Western Europe by the Cru-
saders, is of course an altogether erroneous one. They may,
however, have introduced a distinct race, for if it be true that
our Domestic Cats have mainly descended from the Egyptian
Cat, it does not follow that blood from other sources may not
have mingled with that of the Egyptian breed. Pope Gregory
the Great, who lived towards the end of the sixth century, is
said to have had a pet Cat; and Cats were often inmates of
nunneries during the Middle Ages. The great value set upon
the Cat at this period is shown by the laws which in Wales,
Switzerland, Saxony, and other European countries, imposed

M 2

164 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

a heavy fine on Cat-killers. As compensation, a payment of
as much wheat was requirgd as was needed to form a pile
sufficient to cover over the body of the animal to the tip of
the tail, the tail being held up vertically, with the Cat’s muzzle
resting on the ground.”

Habits—With regard to the habits of Domestic Cats, Jar-
dine, in the original issue of this volume of the ‘‘ Naturalist’s
Library,” writes as follows:—‘“‘There is perhaps no animal
that so soon loses its cultivation, and returns apparently to a
state nearly wild. A trifling neglect of proper feeding or
attention will often cause them to depend on their own re-
sources ; and the tasting of some wild and living food will
tempt them to seek it again, and to leave their civilised home.
They then prowl about in the same manner as their wild con-
geners, crouching among covert, and carefully concealing them-
selves from all publicity. They breed in the woods or thickets,
and support themselves upon birds or young animals. Fewexten-
sive Rabbit-warrens want two or three depredators of this kind,
where they commit great havoc, particularly among the young
insummer. They sleep and repose in the holes, and are often
taken in the snares set for their prey. I once came upon a
Cat, which had thus left her home; she had newly kittened
in the ridge of an uncut corn-field. Upon approaching, she
showed every disposition to defend her progeny, and beside
her lay dead two half-grown Leverets. We have also known
Cats, which, though they sought their prey in the woods and
fields, regularly carried it home before devouring it, and in this
way various young game and Hares were brought in.

“Cats are also particularly fond of fish, and in a few instances
have been known to catch them from shallow streams. ‘There
is generally, however, a dislike to water, and the examples of
this departure from their general habits are rare. They will
often pursue and feed upon some of the larger insects, There

DOMESTIC CATS. 165

is one mentioned by Bingley, who was a great enemy to Cock-
roaches ; and we have often seen them catch the common
Cricket, and the white Ghost-Moth, which may be seen flying
about a foot from the ground in the summer evenings. One
individual used to hunt these insects regularly, and about dusk
might be seen looking along the lawn for them ; when one was
perceived, she crouched and approached rapidly, and when
within a proper distance, always sprung, and generally brought
the insect to the ground with her paws or breast.

“The Domestic Cat is capable of great attachment to, and
long recollection of, those who have been kind to it, but not
more so than many of its congeners ; for the very limited number
of those which are subjected to the care and tuition of Man,
have in many instances shown as strong feelings towards their
keepers. |

“One of the most singular instances of attachment or fancy,
in the common Cat, took place with one which we have often
seen in attendance upon the watchman in St. James’ Square,
Edinburgh. When the man commenced his rounds, the Cat
was as regularly at his post, and continued walking with him
during the whole night. ‘This continued, we believe, for nearly
two years ; and when we last saw the man, the Cat was in his
company. Upon the approach of any person, the Cat would
run up to the guardian of the night, and rub against his legs
until the individual had passed. In the quieter hours, towards
morning, he ventured to a greater distance, but would always
appear at the call or whistle of his protector.”

Fond of warmth, and generally ensconcing themselves in the
cosiest corner near the fire, Cats are very light sleepers, awaken-
ing and becoming alert at the slightest sound. In spite, how-
ever, of their partiality for warmth, they are not deterred from
setting forth on their nocturnal wanderings by the coldest winter
night, when their screams and “‘caterwaulings” are only too well-

166 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

known. During such excursions they are fond of rolling in beds

of certain highly-scented pithts, such as valerian and cat-mint ,
and will then work themselves up into an extraordinary degree
of excitement. The purring sound uttered by a contented
Cat when caressed is known to all ; but the contrast between
the animal when in this state, and when standing with arched
back, ruffled tail, and exposed teeth, spitting and snarling at
a Dog, is perhaps more marked than in the case of almost
any other creature. It is scarcely necessary to allude to the
stealthy, creeping movements of a Cat stalking its prey, when
the tail is held stiffly, with only its tip moving ina curiously
worm-like manner, since these traits are exhibited by nearly
all the wild members of the genus.

Notwithstanding that they seldom eat those animals (except
when very young), Cats are most determined foes to Rats, and
will watch a Rat-hole for hours; while, when they have seized
their victims, they will not unfrequently deposit them at their
owner’s feet with a triumphant and self-satisfied air. Their
mousing qualities need no mention. The female usually
breeds two or three times in the course of a year, the number
of kittens in a litter generally varying from five to six. Gilbert
White relates an instance where a Cat deprived of her kittens
suckled and brought up three young Squirrels ; and there are
several cases known where young Rats have been similarly
treated.

The following anecdotes of Cats are taken from Jesse’s
‘ Gleanings in Natural History.” In the first case, a gentle.
man in Jamaica being in want of a Cat, “one was given him
which was not full-grown. It was put into a canvas-bag, and
a man on horse-back brought it a distance of five miles from
the place where it was bred, and from which it had never been
removed before. In doing so, he had to cross two rivers, one,
named the Mino, which was about eighty feet wide and two and

DOMESTIC CATS. 167

a half feet deep, running strong. The other, called Thomas
River, was wider and more rapid, but less deep. Over these
rivers there are no bridges. The Cat, when it arrived, was
shut up for some days, and when supposed to be reconciled to
her new dwelling, she was allowed to go about the house.
The next day, however, she was missing, and was found
shortly afterwards at her old abode.

“A family residing at Newcastle-on-Tyne went one summer
to Tynemouth, leaving their house in the care of two female
servants. One evening, when the servants were sitting to-
gether in the kitchen, their attention was attracted by a Cat,
which went up into a laundry over the kitchen, and then
returned to them and mewed. The Cat did this so often that
the servants were induced to go upstairs to see what she
wanted. When they got into the laundry, they found a man
concealed in the chimney.

“A favourite Cat, much petted by her mistress, was one
day struck bya servant. She resented the injury so much,
that she refused to eat anything given her by him. Day after
day he handed her dinner to her, but she sat in sulky in-
dignation, though she eagerly ate the food as soon as it was
offered her by another individual. Her resentment continued
undiminished for upwards of six weeks. The same Cat, having
been offended by the housemaid, watched for three days, until
she found an opportunity for retaliation. The housemaid was on
her knees, washing the passage, when the Cat flew at her, and
left indubitable proofs on her arms that no one could ill-use
her with impunity. It is, however, but fair to record the good
qualities of this Cat as well as her bad ones. If her resent-
ment was strong, her attachment was equally so, and she took
a singular mode of showing it. All the tit-bits she could steal
from the pantry, and all the Mice she could catch, she in-
variably brought and laid at her mistress’s feet. She has been

ié8 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

known to bring a Mouse to her door in the middle of the
night, and mew till it waggopened, when she would present it
to her mistress.”

Cats not unfrequently make friends with other animals,
notably Horses ; but perhaps the most curious instance of such
a friendship is one related by the author just quoted. An
engineer in the United States once caught a young Alligator,
which he took home with him, and made so perfectly tame,
that 1t would follow him about like a Dog. “Its great favourite
however, was a Cat, and the friendship was mutual. When
the Cat was reposing herself before the fire, the Alligator would
lay himself down, place his head upon the Cat, and in this
attitude go to sleep. If the Cat was absent the Alligator was
restless ; but he always appeared happy when the Cat was near
him.” So far as the present writer is aware, this is the only
instance on record of the existence of an attachment between
a Mammal and a Reptile.

Commercial Value-—The pelage of the Cat forms an article of
considerable commercial importance; and the following par-
ticulars in regard to the trade in Cat-skins are taken from Mr.
Poland’s valuable work on ‘ Fur-bearing Animals.” ‘The fur,
which is stated to be one of the warmest, is extensively em-
ployed for coat-linings, muffs, trimmings, and rugs. Black
skins are the most valuable; the best examples coming from
Holland. American skins, of which some three thousand are
annually imported into England, are generally white, blue,
black, or tabby, but are of rather inferior quality ; the price
varying from threepence to eighteenpence per skin. Austra
lian skins, which are generally red-tabby, are the least esteemed
of all. ‘There is considerable annual fluctuation in the market-
value of Cat-skins ; but the very best black Dutch pelts some-
times command as much as from six to eight shillings each
As is well-known, when rubbed, the fur of the Cat 1s highly

CAT-SKINS IN COMMERCE. 169

electrical, giving off sparks which in a dark room are easily
visible.

In this place a few particulars, taken from the same work,
may be given in regard to the commercial value and uses of
the skins of some of the species of Cats already noticed. In
the case of the Lion, a fine black-maned skin may be worth
from £50 to £70; whereas yellow-maned, or menagerie,

skins will not fetch more than from £5 to £30; those of

Lionesses selling at from tos. to 30s. The value of a Tiger-
skin is much less, a good Bengal specimen being obtainable at
from £4 to 46; while the claws vary in value from od. to 5s.
Some idea of the enormous numbers in which these animals
exist, may be gathered from the statement that in the year
1886 no less than 1,464 Tigers are reported to have been
killed in British India alone. The Siberian Tiger is, however,
much more valuable, Mr. Poland stating that skins will fetch
from £10 to 440; while as much as £66 has been paid for
an unusually fine specimen. Upwards of 135 of these skins
were imported into this country in 1891.

Leopard-skins, of which a few thousands are annually im-
ported into England, vary in value from 12 to 52 shillings
each. They are extensively used as housings by some of our
cavalry regiments, while they are also made into rugs, foot-
muffs, wrappers, slippers, &c. Ounce-skins are more valuable ;
the price generally ranging from £2 to £6 tos., although £7
has been paid for a particularly fine one. Black Leopard-skins
are always highly prized. No details are given by Poland
regarding Jaguar-skins ; but he states that Puma-skins are only
worth about five shillings each, their chief use being for
wrappers or rugs. The handsome skins of the Clouded
Leopard, on the other hand, sell for between 43 and £4
each ; while those of the Ocelot vary from 2s. to 4s. 6d.
None of the other smaller Cats are of much commercial im-

170 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

portance, the comparatively small number of skins sold realis-
ing small prices. oe

AAAL LAE. WILD. CAT... FEEIS CATUS;:

Felis catus, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. i. p. 62 (1766) ; Elliot,
Monograph of Felidze, pl. xxx. (1878-83).
felis sylvestris, Schreber, Saugethiere, vol. iii. p. 397 (1778).
(Plate XX.)

Characters.*—General colour yellowish-grey, with an inter-
rupted longitudinal dark stripe down the back, two dusky
bands on the cheeks, and numerous obscure transverse stripes
of the same colour on the body and limbs ; tail of equal thick-
ness throughout, less than half the head and body in length,
and ringed and tipped with black. Length of head and body
of male, about 34 inches ; of tail, 114 inches.

In general aspect, form, and coloration, the Wild Cat re-
sembles large ‘’Tabbies” of the domestic breed ; from which
it differs in the proportionately longer body and limbs, and
the shorter and thicker tail; the fur being also more abundant
than in the original English breed. Conforming in its general
external configuration and appearance to the type characteristic
of the great majority of the members of the family to which it
belongs, the Wild Cat has the general ground-colour of its
soft and long fur yellowish-grey, tending in some individuals to
pale reddish-brown. In addition to some black spots near the
muzzle, the face is marked with two black stripes, commencing
between the eyes, and gradually increasing in width, and
diverging as they pass backwards between the ears to the
hinder part of the neck. Commencing between the shoulder-
blades, a broad irregular black or blackish longitudinal stripe
traverses the whole length of the back, from which diverge
numerous paler transverse bands, gradually becoming lighter in

* Our account of the Wild Cat is abbreviated from the one already pub-
lished in ‘‘ British Mammals.”

VD TIM

XX FLV Id

THE WILD CAT. te

tint as they descend the flanks, until they are finally lost in the
nearly white area of the under-parts. Usually the tail is ringed
with nine black bands upon a grey ground, the first five of
these bands being the narrower, and not meeting inferiorly,
while the terminal black area is the largest of all, being often
as much as two inches in length; it is at the same time the
deepest in tint. Barred externally with horizontal bands of
black, the limbs have their inner surface yellowish-grey, like
the upper surfaces of the feet, while the soles of the latter are
black. The claws are yellowish-grey.
Ranging over a considerable portion of Con-
tinental Europe, namely, France, Germany, Poland, Switzer-
land, Hungary, Southern Russia, Spain, Dalmatia, Greece,
and part of Turkey, and thence extending eastwards into the
forest regions of Northern Asia, the Wild Cat was formerly
widely distributed in Britain, although it appears never to have
been a native of Ireland. At the present day it is restricted
only to the northern districts of our islands, and is there be-
coming year by year more rare. This sole British representa-
tive of the feline family is proved, both by tradition and by the
discovery of its fossilised remains in cavern and superficial de-
posits, to have originally ranged over the whole of such parts
of England as were suited to its habits. Such remains have
been discovered in the Pleistocene brick-earths of Grays, in
Essex, in company with the remains of Mammoths, Hippo-
potami, Rhinoceroses, and other Mammals now either totally
extinct, or long since banished from Britain to warmer climates.
They also occur, in association with similar creatures, in the
caves of Bleadon (in the Mendips), Cresswell Crags (Derby-
shire), Kent’s Hole (near Torquay), Ravenscliff (Glamorgan-
shire), Uphill (in the Mendips), and the Vale of Clywd, while
quite recently they have been discovered in a fissure in the
Wealden rocks near Ightham, in Kent.

Habits Like the rest of its family, truculent and savage in

Distribution.

172 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

its disposition, and endowed with, in proportion to its size,
singular strength and activgggy of body, the Wild Cat is now the
only really formidable wild animal to be met with in the
British Islands, where it always inhabits wooded, and generally
mountainous, districts. Inthe most secluded and inaccessible
parts of such regions the Wild Cat makes its lair, which may
be situated either in some dense thicket, in the hollow stem of
a decayed tree, or in a cleft or crevice of the rocks, and rears
its young. Sometimes, however, the female selects in pre-
ference the deserted hole of a Badger or Fox in which to
litter ; and we have heard of the nest of one of the larger birds
being chosen as a nursery. The young, which are born during
the early summer, are usually five or six in number, and closely
resemble ordinary domestic kittens. After being suckled by
the female till such a period as milk no longer satisfies the
needs of their appetites, they are fed by her on Mice and
small birds until they are capable of taking care of themselves
and capturing larger prey, when they are freed from parental
control.

Those who have had experience of game and game-pre-
serving are well acquainted with the enormous amount of
damage that an ordinary Domestic Cat, which has taken
either to occasional poaching or to a thoroughly wild life, will
inflict on the denizens of their coverts, moors, or warrens.
From its larger size and more powerful build, the Wild Cat is
a still more serious enemy to game of all kinds; while in the
neighbourhood of human habitations it is likewise a foe to
poultry and pigeons. No wonder, therefore, that gamekeepers
wage incessant war against the Wild Cat, shooting and trap-
ping it whenever the opportunity presents itself; indeed, the
marvel is that the creature has managed to survive as long as
it has. From the extreme boldness and ferocity of its dis-
position, an angry and wounded Wild Cat, when brought to

THE WILD CAT. 173

bay, is no mean antagonist, even for an armed man; and
several instances are on record where these creatures have
inflicted considerable harm on their assailants before finally
succumbing.

One of the most vivid descriptions of the habits of the Wild
Cat is given by St. John, in his ‘‘ Natural History of the High-
lands,” who writes as follows :—‘In the hanging birch-woods
that border some of the Highland streams and lochs, the Wild
Cat is still not uncommon, and I have heard their wild and
unearthly cries echo far in the quiet night as they answer and
call each other. I do not know a more harsh and unpleasant
cry than that of the Wild Cat, or one more likely to be the
origin of superstitious fears in the mind of an ignorant High-
lander. ‘These animals have great skill in finding their prey,
and the damage they do to the game must be very great, owing
to the quantity of food they require. When caught in a trap,
they fly without hesitation at any person who approaches them,
not waiting to be assailed. I have heard many stories of their
attacking and severely wounding a man when their escape has
been cut off. I was once fishing in a river in Sutherlandshire,
and, in passing from one pool to another, had to climb over
some rock and broken kind of ground. In doing so, I sank
through some rotten heather and moss up to my knees, almost
upon a Wild Cat, who was concealed under it. I was quite as
much startled as the animal herself could be, when I saw the
wild-looking beast so unexpectedly rush out from between my
feet, with every hair on her body standing on end, making her
look twice as large as she really was. I had three small Skye-
Terriers with me, who immediately gave chase, and pursued
her till she took refuge in a corner of the rocks, where, perched
in a kind of recess, she stood with her hair bristled out, spit-
ting and growling like a Common Cat. Having no weapon
with me, I laid down my rod, cut a good-sized stick, and pro-

174 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

ceeded to dislodge her. As soon as I was within six or seven
feet of the place, she sprang straight at my face, over the Dogs’
heads. Had I not struck her in mid-air as she leaped at me,
I should probably have got some severe wounds. As it was,
she fell with her back half-broken among the Dogs, who, with
my assistance, despatched her. I never saw an animal fight so
desperately, or one so difficult to kill.”

XXXII. PALLAS'S CAT. FELIS MANUL.

Felis manul, Pallas, Reise, vol. iii. p. 692 (1776); Elliot,
Monogr. Felide, pl. x. (1878-83); Blanford, Mamm.
Brit. India, p. 83 (1888).

Felis nigripectus, Hodgson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. xi.
Pp. 270 (1ed2).

Characters.—Somewhat smaller than the domestic species,
Pallas’s Cat is easily recognised by the abundant coat of long
and soft hair with which it is clothed, the short ringed tail, and
the few transverse dark bars on the hinder part of the body.
General colour of fur pale whitish, with some slight black
markings on the chest and upper parts of the limbs; a few
narrow black transverse bars, widely separated from one
another across the loins; tail ringed with black. <A white
streak, bordered both above and below with black, runs
obliquely downwards and backwards from behind the eye;
while there is also a black mark behind each ear. Skull very
broad, and much elevated in the region of the eyes; nasal
bones very narrow posteriorly, and suddenly expanded at their
terminal third ; anterior pre-molar apparently wanting. Length
of head and body, about 21 inches ; of tail, ro inches. The
hairs are yellowish-grey at the base, yellowish in the middle,
and white at the tips.

Distribution. Tibet, extending westwards into Ladak, and
northwards through Mongolia to Siberia. In beds of Pleisto-

?
t

cene age in Central Europe remains of this species have been
discovered by Dr. Nehring, of Berlin, and described by him
(S.B. Nat. Fr. Berlin, for 1889, p. 109).

Habits——An inhabitant of the deserts of Central Asia, Pallas’s
Cat lives among rocks, where it preys on the smaller Mam-
mals and birds. From the rigours of the severe climate of
these regions, it has an ample protection in its abundant coat
of hair; and the fact of its remains occurring in the Pleisto-
cene deposits of Europe associated with those of other desert
Mammals, has led to the inference that at that epoch steppe-
like conditions prevailed over portions of the Continent. In
Siberia the chief food of this species is stated to consist of
Picas, or Tail-less Hares (Zagomys).

THE PAMPAS CAT. be a

XXXII]. THE PAMPAS CAT, FELIS PAJEROS.

Lelis pajeros, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 231 (1820) ; Elliot,
Monograph of Felide, pl. xi. (1873-88) ; Mivart, The Cat,
p. 423 (1881) ; Matschie, S.B. Nat. Fr. Berlin, 1894, p. 60.

Paeros pampanus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 269; id
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 18 (1869).

felis passerum, Sclater, List Vert. Anim. Zool. Gardens, p. 40
(1872); Aplin, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1894, p. 298.

Mp

Characters.—Curiously similar in general appearance, as well
as in the length of its hair, to the preceding species the South
America Pampas Cat, Grass-Cat, or Paja-Cat (Gato pajero of
the Portuguese) may be distinguished as follows: Size about
equal to that of the Wild Cat, but the build more robust, the
head smaller and the tail shorter. The long hair yellowish-
grey in colour, marked with transverse bands of yellow or
brown, running obliquely from the back to the flanks. From
the eyes two bars cross each cheek to meet beneath the throat;
legs and tail marked with darkish bands ; under-parts whitish.
Skull very convex and short; the nasal region much com-

176 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

pressed, and the nasal bones very narrow superiorly ; anterior
upper premolar absent. Length of head and body, 25 inches;
of tail, 12 inches. al

According to Herr Matschie, specimens obtained from
Tornquist, in Argentina, lying north of Bahia Blanca and
south of the Sierra de la Ventana, were almost uniformly
yellowish-grey, with scarcely any traces of dark banding; the
inner sides of the limbs showing a single band; while the
under-parts were white, and the legs and ears yellowish.
Some examples showed elongated spots like / colocolo.

Mr. Aplin observes that two kittens of this species brought
to him in Uruguay “were spotted on the legs and lower-parts,
and it was suggested that they might be the result of a cross
with the Monte-Cat (7. guigna); but as the skins of two more
kittens, brought in with that of the old female a few days
before, were just the same, the spotted dress in youth is
evidently natural to this species. Exactly the same thing
happens in the case of the Puma.”

Distribution.—South America, on the east side of the Andes
from Uruguay through the Argentine pampas to Patagonia,
canging as far south as the Straits of Magellan. In many of
the wilder parts of the Argentine, as in Patagonia, this species
is still common; but in the more settled districts of the former
country, as in those of Uruguay, systematic trapping has
greatly diminished its numbers.

Habits. Except that its ferocity is extreme, little definite has
been recorded of the habits of this Cat. In the Argentine it
lurks among the pampas- or paja-grass. Azara writes that
“the natives call this animal Ga/o pajero, because it lives
on the plains, concealing itself in the jungles, without entering
into the woods and thickets which the Eyra inhabits. I know
not, nor have I heard, that it exists in Paraguay, although it
may formerly have been seen there ; but as the country be-

VLOVO LOYD

TXX ALVId

THE COLOCOLO. 177

came tolerably well peopled, and there are fewer plains, it
was probably exterminated by the inhabitants. I caught four
on the pampas of Buenos Aires, between the 35th and 36th
parallels of latitude, and three others on the Rio Negro,
without any of them retreating to caves. I know not whether
this was owing to there being none at hand, or that they have
a natural dislike to them. On one occasion in April, I took

from the uterus of a female Paja-Cat a single young one, with |

hair just commencing to grow; it is said, notwithstanding,

that they bring forth two, and even three, at a birth. They —

subsist on the same food as the other species, principally on
Apereas (Cavies).”

XXXIV. THE COLOCOLO. FELIS COLOCOLO.

felis colocolo, A. Smith, in Griffith’s Animal Kingdom, vol. ii.
p- 479 (1827); Mivart, The Cat, p. 413 (1881); Matschie,
5.B. Nat. Fr. Berlin, 1894, p. 60.

felis strigtlata, Wagner, in Schreber’s Saiigethiere, Suppl. vol.

li. p. 546 (1841).
(Plate XXT.)

Characters.—Although by previous writers the Colocolo of

the western side of South America has been widely sundered
from the Pampas Cat, the two are, according to Herr Matschie,
very closely related. Indeed, that observer considers that the
relationship between the two is similar to that obtaining be-
tween the typical 7e/is suzgna of Chili and the so-called &
geofroyt of the eastern side of South America. As we have
considered the two latter as mere local races of a single species,

»

it would perhaps have been more logical to follow the same ~

course in the present instance ; especially since, as noted above,
specimens of the Pampas Cat have been described as having
markings like the Colocolo. Nevertheless, for the present at
least, it seems preferable to allow the latter to rank asa species.

7 N

£78 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

Of the approximate size of a large Domestic Cat, the Colo- |
colo has the fur of a Whitigh-grey colour, with elongated dark |
spots or streaks on the upper-parts, and a black mark extend- |

ing from the eye to the jaw. The tail is partially ringed;
and the lower portions of the limbs are dark.

Although the anterior upper pre-molar is wanting, and the |
nasals are narrowed superiorly, the description of the skull of |
the Colocolo given by Professor Mivart does not accord in all |

respects with that of the Pampas Cat.

Distribution.—North-eastern and Western South America; |
the species being recorded from Guiana and Chili, and doubt- |

less occurring in the intermediate countries.
The typical specimen was obtained in Guiana, and is thus

described by Hamilton Smith, who observes: “ The head was —
remarkably flat and broad; the ears large and. round; the >

body slender; the tail just touched the ground when the
animal was standing ; the legs were very strong ; the colour of
the neck and back was whitish-grey ; the head, throat, shoulders,
sides, belly, and inside of limbs white. ‘The back was marked
with lengthened streaks of black, edged with tawny; and to-
wards the shoulders and thighs, with streaks of tawny. There
was a black streak from the corner of the eyes to the jaws, and
some bar-like marks on the forehead. The outside of the ears
were dark grey, the insides pink and naked as well as the nose.
The tail was semi-annulated with black, having a black tip, and
it exhibited a great pecularity in the legs, which were all of hem
of a very dark grey colour up to the knees.

“During his journey down country, the gentleman by whom
the animal had been shot, placed the skin on the awning of
the boat to air, as he was descending the river Paramaribo.
The boat often passed under the branches of large trees, which
overhung the river, and on which were the resting-places of

THE DESERT CAT. 179

fumerous Monkeys, sometimes hanging to the extremest
branches above the water. Although the vessel would on
‘other occasions excite but little attention, no sooner was the
‘stuffed specimen in sight, that the whole community would
feooP off with prodigious screams and howlings. It was of
“course surmised, from the excessive terror of these animals,
‘that this species of Cat must be an active enemy to them.”
Practically nothing is known as to the habits of the Colocolo
‘in a state of nature ; although it is evident that it must differ
from the Pampas Cat in being an arboreal, instead of a purely
terrestrial species.

XXXV. THE DESERT CAT. FELIS ORNATA.
Felis ornata, Gray, Ill. Indian Zool. vol. i. pl. ii. (1830) ;
Elliot, Monograph of Felidz, pl. xxxii., (1878-83); Blan-
ford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 84 (1888).
felis servalina, Jardine, Naturalist’s Library, Felinz, p. 232
(1834).
Chaus pulchellus, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 45 (1843).
Chaus servalinus, Gray, loc. cit.
Chaus ornatus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 275.
(Plate XXII.)
Characters.—With the present species we come to the first
representative of what may be termed the Lynxine group of
Cats, which includes the whole of the remaining members of
the genus. Asa group, theyare characterised by the presence
of a larger or smaller pencil of hair at the tip of the ear; while
the tail is short; and in the skull the orbits are always incom-
_ plete behind, and the anterior pre-molar is generally wanting.
In the present species the tail reaches the hocks; the ground-
colour of the fur is pale yellow, upon which there are small
round black spots ; while the pencils on the ears are reduced
_ toa few short brown hairs. Skullasin J chaus (infra, p. 182).
N 2

180 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Length of head and Pog” 18 to 22 inches ; of tail, g to 10 |
inches. ‘The species may be compared in size to an ordinary |
Domestic Cat. |
The coloration is described by Mr. Blanford as follows :— |
“Very pale sandy (fulvescent grey or light isabelline), with |
numerous small black roundish spots on the body, and still |
smaller elongate spots on the crown and nape, those on >
the crown having a tendency to form longitudinal bands |
Fur of back dusky-grey near the base, thence to the end |
pale rufescent, tip still paler. ‘There are some narrow black |
cross-lines outside the limbs, and two distinct black bars inside |
each fore-arm ; also the usual cheek-stripes, which are brown. |
The lower-parts are pale rufescent, with a few black spots; the
chin, throat, and front of the breast white and unspotted, the |
fore-neck rufescent. Ears externally the same colour as the
back, with a few elongate brown hairs at the end. ‘Tail with |
some black transverse bands above, which form rings towards |
the end; the tip being black. Paws black beneath.” |
This and the four next forms, namely, Shaw’s Cat, the Jun- |
gle Cat, the Pale Cat, and the Steppe Cat, are all very closely |
allied, being distinguished by the slight pencil of hairs at the
summit of each ear. Felis chaus, writes Mr. W. L. Sclater in
the “Catalogue of Mammals in the Indian Museum, Calcutta,” |
“can be distinguished at once by its black pencil, and its
pepper-and-salt colour, with no trace of lines or spots on the
body. caudata is very indistinctly spotted, but has a long
tail, twice the length of that of & chaus. FE. ornataand #. shaw-
tana seem to resemble each other in every respect, although
Mr. Blanford distinguishes the latter from the former by its
shorter tail, its more rufous coloration, and the presence of
distinct black spots on the tail. With regard to the first dis- |
tinction, the tails of the two known specimens of /: shawiana |
are certainly shorter than those of the specimens of & ornata;

us ¥ kr WTA OU

pe
oY ats Y

“f

i

‘TXX WLV1d

THE DESERT CAT. 181

_but the former are furriers’ skins, having been bought in the
bazaars at Yarkand and Kashgar, and the tails in both cases
“seem mutilated. ‘The tails, too, of & ornata in the Museum
collection vary considerably in length, and range from eight to
thirteen inches in specimens of approximately the same size.
‘With regard to the second point, that of colour, the difference
of shade is so slight that it is only perceptible in a strong light.
Finally, there are in the Museum collection many specimens of
_£. ornata with quite as distinct spots on the abdomen as in &
shawiana. With regard to the skulls of & ornata, FE. chaus,
and &: shawiana (there is no skull in the only known skin of
fF. caudata), there does not seem to be any real substantial dif-
ference. Although there are minor points of distinction which
have been indicated by Mr. Blanford, yet it does not appear
that any of these differences are sufficiently important to be due
to anything but individual variations.”
_ Distribution—India; confined to the dry rocky districts of the
north-west from Banda, through the North-west Provinces to
Agra, Sambhar, and Sind, where the species is very common.

Habits.—As its name implies, the Desert Cat is an inhabitant
of open sandy districts (with the colour of which its spotted
yellow coat admirably harmonises), never resorting to forests,
and being to a considerable extent diurnal in its habits. As
already mentioned, it breeds freely with Domestic Cats, and is
probably the parent. form of the spotted breed of India. A
correspondent of Jerdon writes that in the district of Hurriana
it is very common, “frequenting open sandy plains where the
Field-Rat [ Gerdillus hurriane| must be its principal food. I
hardly ever remember seeing it in what could be called jungle,
or even in grass. One of these spotted Cats lived for a long
time under my haystack, and I believe it to have been the pro-
duce of a tame Cat by a wild one. The wild one I have seen
of half a dozen shades of colour, and you frequently see a ten-

nme reel 4

182 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,

dency in these Cats to runes stripes, especially on the limbs.’

It was on such a half-breed that the so-called Waved Cat (£
torguata) was named. Jerdon observes that at Hissar the
Desert Cat is almost always found among the low sand-hills,
although occasionally in bare fields, frequently in company with
the Desert Fox.

XXXVI. SHAW’S CAT. FELIS SHAWIANA,
felis shawiana, Blanford, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. xlv.
Pp. 49 (1876) ; id., Scientific Results 2nd Yarkand Mission
Mamm, p. 17, pls. 1.0, 1.¢ (1870).

The distinctive features of this species or variety having
been already given under the heading of the Desert Cat, it will
suffice to mention that is is known only from a few skins and
a skeleton, mostly purchased in the bazaars of Kashgar and
Yarkand.

Distribution.

3

Eastern Turkestan (Yarkand and Kashgar),

XXXVII. THE JUNGLE CAT. FELIS CHAUS.

felis chaus, Guldenstadt, Nov. Comm. Ac. Petrop, vol. xx. p.
483 (1776); Elliot, Monograph of Felidae, pl. xxxiii.
(1878-83); Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 86 (1888).

felis catolynx, Pallas, Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. vol. i. p. 83 (1811).

Lynx chaus, Fischer, Zoognosie, p. 230 (1814).

felis kutas, Pearson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. i. p. 75
(1832).

felis affinis, Gray, Illustrations Indian Zool. vol. i. pl. iii.
(1832).

felis erythrotis, Hodgson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. y. p.
233 (1836).

felis inconspicua, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 577
(1837).

Chaus libycus, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 45 (1843).

|
|

THE JUNGLE CAT, 183

Felis gacquemonti, Geoffroy, in Jacquemont’s Voyage, p. 58
(1844). ,

Chaus jacquemonti, Gerrard, Cat. Bones Mamm. Brit. Mus.
p. 66 (1862); Gray, Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 34
(1869).

felis libycus, Loche, Explor. Scient. Alger. Mamm. p- 42
(1867).

Characters.—F'rom the two preceding forms the present spe-
cies may be distinguished by the colour of the adult being
generally of a uniform tawny, without spots, while the ears
are yellow, with very small pencils of black hairs ; limbs with
faint indications of dark transverse bars. In the skull the
anterior upper pre-molar may be present or absent; while in
the upper carnassial tooth the tubercle on the inner side is
well developed. Tail short, varying from one-third to two-fifths
the length of the head and body. Pupil of the eye circular.
In Indian specimens the fur is variable in length, being short
in those from the plains, and long in Himalayan examples.

The coloration of the upper-parts varies from sandy or
yellowish-grey to greyish-brown, the back being darker or even
dusky, with, in some cases, a shade of red, while the under-
parts are fulvescent or reddish-white. The individual hairs
are fulvescent white till near the tips, where they become
greyish-white, the tips themselves being black. In some cases
the under-fur is brown. Although the aforesaid dark bars are
generally present on the limbs, they may be wanting. The
under surface of the foot and ankle is brown, while the tail
has black rings near the extremity, the tip being also black.
Occasionally pale ferruginous stripes on the cheeks, and a band
on the chest may be present ; while in some specimens more or
less distinct vertical rows of spots or wavy lines may be de-
tected on the sides, and a black variety has been recorded from
Ind'a. The ears are pale rufous externally, with the tips gener-

184 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

ally black or blackish. Lenggh of head and body, from 22 to 26
inches ; tail, with the hair at the end, 10 to 11 inches ; height at
shoulder, 14 to 15 inches.

Distribution.—The Jungle Cat is one of the few Cats common
to Africa and India, and has the following extensive range :
North Africa, inclusive of Egypt, Nubia, and Barbary ; South
Africa, at least as far as the Orange River ; Asia Minor and
Palestine ; shores of the Caspian, and West and Southern
Persia ; Afghanistan, Candahar, India, Ceylon, Assam, and
Burma. In India the species is universally distributed from
the Himalaya and Sind to the extreme south. Neither by Mr
Blanford, in his ‘“‘ Mammals of British India,” nor by Mr. W. L.
Sclater, in his ‘‘ Catalogue of Mammalia in the Indian Museum,”
is the Jungle Cat spoken of as from Southern Africa. It is,
however, recorded from that region by Messrs. Nicolls and
Eglington, in the “The Sportsman in South Africa,” who write
as follows :—“ This species, which is rarely found south of the
Orange River, but is common within the tropics, seems to
be often confounded with the Booted Lynx (felis caligata),
which does not appear to be known south of the Zambesi.”
Although their description accords exactly with that of the
present species, it is a little difficult to determine the animal
referred to as the Booted Lynx, Ze/is caligata being a
synonym of £&. caffra, and that species being recorded by the
authors from the Cape district. During the Pleistocene period
the Jungle Cat appears to have ranged into Western Europe ;
remains from Germany having been assigned to this species
by Professor Nehring of Berlin.

Habits.—In South Africa, where it is known as the Reed
Cat (fet-Kat of the Dutch), the Jungle Cat, according to
Messrs, Nicolls and Eglington, may “be found frequenting low
marshy ground in which there is plenty of cover in the shape
of reeds, or in the thick bush bordering the rivers and lakes ;

TIIE JUNGLE CAT, 185

its food consisting not alone of such water-fowl as can be
snatched by it when they are resting on the margin of the
water, but also of fish; and its spoor may be constantly ob-
served imprinted on the soft mud surrounding such pools in
the periodical watercourses which are constantly becoming
desiccated, and in which many of the finny tribe may probably
be imprisoned without the possibility of escape.” Evidence of
the crab- or fish-eating propensities of this species in Burma is
afforded by a statement of General MacMaster, to the effect
that when shooting he killed a Jungle Cat walking in deep
black mud, as though in pursuit of fish or crabs.

In India, where it is known to the natives by the name of
Jangli-bilti (Jungle Cat), this species is very common. Jerdon
writes that it is the common wild Cat “from the Himalayas to
Cape Comorin, and from the level of the sea to 7,000 or 8,000
feet of elevation. It frequents alike jungles and the open
country, and is very partial to long grass and reeds, sugar-cane-
fields, corn-fields, &c. It does much damage to game of all
kinds—Hares, Partridges, &c.,—and quite recently I shot a
Peafowl at the edge of a sugar-cane-field, when one of those
Cats sprang out, seized the Peafowl, and after a short struggle
(for the bird was not dead) carried it off before my astonished
eyes, and, in spite of my running up, made good his escape
with his booty. It must have been stalking these very birds,
so immediately did its spring follow my shot. It is occa-
sionally very destructive to poultry.

i ‘It is said to breed twice a year, and to have three or four
young ata birth. I have very often had the young brought to
me, but always failed in rearing them, and they always evinced
a most savage and untameable disposition. I have seen num-
bers of Cats about villages in various parts of the country,
that must have been hybrids between this Cat and tame
ones.”

186 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

The domestic breed of Mian Cats showing evidence of a
cross with the Jungle Cat has already been alluded to under
the heading of Domestic Cats.

In Southern Persia, where it is very common, the late Sir _
O. B. St. John writes that he has shot the Jungle Cat “at
Shapur (3,000 feet), in a ravine of the hills near Borajun
(500 feet), and on the Karagatch, more than 6,000 feet above
the sea, showing that this Cat is not particular about climate.
In the last-mentioned place I found three kittens, so young as
to be unable to drink milk. I reared them with some difficulty
till about three months old, by which time they became very
tame and playful, climbing up on to my knees when at break-
fast, and behaving very much like ordinary domestic kittens.
Unfortunately one was killed by a greyhound and another by
a scorpion, within a few days; on which the survivor be-
came morose, and refused to be comforted, even by the
society of a kitten of his own age, which I procured as a
companion to him. When I left Persia, in 1867, he was a
year old, and very large and powerful. Two English Bull-Ter-
riers I had, who made short work of the largest Domestic Cat,
could do nothing with my wild Cat. In their almost daily
battles, the Dogs always got the worst of it.”

Again, Blyth writes that ‘‘in India the Chaus does not shun,
but even affects populous neighbourhoods, and is a terrible de-
predator among the tame ducks and poultry, killing as many as
it can get at; but I have not known it attack geese, of which I
long kept a flock out day and night, about a tank where ducks
could not be left out at night on account of these animals.

XXXVIIL THE PALE CAT. FELIS PALLIDA.
Felis pallida, Biichner, Bull. Ac. St. Petersburg, ser. 2, vol.
lil. p. 433 (1893) ; id., Wissensch. Result. Reis. Przewalski,
p. 228 (1894).

THE STEPPE CAT. 187

Characters.—Nearly allied to the Jungle Cat, this species is
stated to be distinguished by the following differences. Where-
as in the Pale Cat the colour of the outer surface of the ear is
similar to that of the back, being brownish-yellow, thickly mingled
with black, in the Jungle Cat the outer surface of the ear is
almost invariably rusty-red or reddish-yellow, with the short
pencil of hairs black; the pencil in / fa/dida being brownish-
yellow mixed with black. Then, again, the present species is
characterised by the generally pale yellowish-grey hue of the
fur ; from which the rufous tinge—most conspicuous on the
head, under-parts, and limbs—of / chauws is entirely absent.
Indeed, those parts of the body of the latter which are rufous
or reddish-yellow, in the Pale Cat are whitish or grey. The
tail of & pallida is also longer and more bushy than in &
chaus.

For a detailed account of the coloration of this form, the
reader may refer to the original description ; but the foregoing
is sufficient to indicate its extremely close relationship with
the Jungle Cat. Indeed, it is probable that many zoologists
would regard it merely as a pale-coloured local race of the
latter.

Distribution Kansu, N.W. China.

XXXIX. THE STEPPE CAT. FELIS CAUDATA.

Chaus caudatus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1874, p. 31.
Felis caudata, Elliot, Monograph of Felidae, pl. xxxiv. (1878-83).
Felis caudatus, Mivart, The Cat, p. 421 (1881).
Characters.—As mentioned under the heading of the Desert
Cat, this species may be distinguished from the Jungle Cat by
being very indistinctly spotted, and by the tail being con-
siderably longer.
The type specimen is described as follows :—Fur close, soft,
pale yellowish (the hairs blackish-brown at the base), with very

188 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

indistinct spots. The spots fe roundest and smallest on the
middle line of the back, oblong on the sides, and forming in-
terrupted lines on the shoulders and thighs, these lines being
most distinct on the outside of the fore-legs, while there are
four well-marked broad cross-streaks on the front edge of the
thighs. ‘Tail cylindrical, reaching to the ground, spotted at
the upper part of the base, and with eight or nine interrupted
rings on the upper part of the remaining portion, with a black
tip. Nose brown, with short hair. Forehead and cheeks like
the back, but with smaller spots, and without any distinct dark
streaks from the back edge of the eye. The ears ovate, acute,
pale brown externally, with a terminal pencil of blackish hairs,
and whitish on the edge within. Chin, hinder parts of the
upper lip, under parts of the head, throat, chest, belly, inside
of legs, and hind-feet whitish-brown ; the chin being whitest,
and the inside of the hind-legs and feet darkest. There is a
large blackish spot on the upper part of the inside of the fore-
legs, as well as two small cross-bars on the front edge of the
inside of the thighs, the hinder part of the hind-feet being
blackish. In the one described skull, the anterior pre-molar,
although small, is present. Jength of head and body, 23%
inches ; of tail, 12% inches; height at shoulder, 12 inches.

Distribution.— Transcaspia, eastwards to Afghan and Russian
Turkestan.

XL. THE CARACAL, FELIS -CARACAL:

Felis caracal, Gildenstadt, Nov. Comm. Ac. Petrop. vol. xx.
p. 500 (1766) ; Elliot, Monograph of Felidee, pl. xli. (1878-
83); Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 88 (1888).

Lynx caracal, Fischer, Zoognosie, p. 200 (1814).

Caracal melanotis, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 46 (1843).

Caracal berberorum, Matschie, 5.B. Nat. Fr. Ges. Berlin, 1292,

p- 144.
(Plate XX IIT.)

aLvid

Pe Meri fty

Mise)

“TWOVEV)D

—

THE CARACAL. iS9g

Characters.—With this species we come to the first of the True
Lynxes, all of which are characterised by the long and well-
marked pencil of hairs at the tip of the ears, the absence of the
anterior upper pre-molar tooth, and the slight development of
the tubercle on the inner side of the upper carnassial tooth.
Were it not for their connection with the more typical members
of the family by means of the Jungle Cat and its allies, there
would be much to be said in favour of referring them to a
genus apart. Asit is, however, such a course cannot be justi-
fied, especially when we recall the fact that in its greater length
of tail the Caracal connects the other Lynxes with the Jungle
Cat.

From the other Lynxes the Caracal is at once distinguished
by the greater length of its tail, which reaches down to the
hocks ; while it is further characterised by its uniform red
colour and long and pointed black ears. In point of size it is
intermediate between the Jungle Cat and the common Lynx ;
the build is slender, the limbs are relatively long, and the tail
equals one-third the length of the head and body.

Mr. Blanford describes the colour of the upper parts as vary-
ing from rufous-fawn to brownish-rufous, “ generally the former
in Indian specimens, unspotted ; below paler rufous or white,
often with indistinct rufous spots. Fur nearly the same colour
throughout, slightly paler near the roots, some white tips inter-
mixed on the back, and in dark specimens black tips also,
giving a peculiar grizzled appearance. Limbs and tail the same
colour as the body, the tip of the tail being sometimes, but
not always, black. Ears outside black, often mixed with white ;
inside white. A blackish spot on each side of the upper lip,
and others, not always distinct, above each eye and on each
side of the nose. A white or pale spot inside, and another
below each eye.” Length of head and body, 26 to 30 inches ;
of tail, from 9 to ro inches; height, 16 to 18 inches.

190 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY,

Distribution,— Africa genegplly, Palestine, Arabia, Syria,
Taurus, Mesopotamia, Persia, Transcaspia, and India. Gener-
ally distributed in the latter country, it is found more abun-
dantly in the west, especially in Sind, Kach, Dehra Dun, and
the Nipal Terai.

The Caracal of Northern Africa has recently been separated
by Herr Matschie under the name of Caracal berberorum, but
further evidence is required before its right to specific distinc-
tion can be definitely accepted.

Habits.—The Caracal is believed to be the animal which gave
origin to the term “‘ lynx-eyed,” although there does not appear
to be any evidence that it is more keen of sight than other
members of the Family to which it belongs. In South Africa,
where it is pretty well exterminated in the regions lying to the
southward of the Orange River, the Caracal, according to Messrs.
Nicolls and Eglington, is generally found in open country at
considerable distances from water, thus differing markedly from
the Serval. Rapid in its movements, and an excellent climber,
its strength and activity make it a match for the best Dog ; and
instances are on record where females with young have boldly
attacked natives, by whom they have been with difficulty driven
off. Indeed, for its size, the Caracal is held in this part of Africa
to be the most savage of allthe Cats. ‘ Even when obtained
young and brought up by hand,” write the observers last
named, “it gradually develops a character, so to speak, of pure
‘cussedness,’ that any attempts to tame it have invariably proved
unsuccessful. The Boers hold to the belief—which is often
treated with ridicule—that the skin of this Lynx, when made
into and used as karosses [mantles], is a sovereign remedy
against an attack of rheumatism. Whether they really possess
any Curative virtues, it isnot within our province to determine,
but their general use is greatly favoured in South Africa ; and
it is certainly a fact that the fur of the dead animal is highly
electrical.”

THE LYNX. 1gl

In India but little has been recorded as to the habits of the
Caracal in a wild state. Apparently resorting to low bushes
and tall grass, it avoids dense forests, and is reported to prey
on Gazelles, the smaller kinds of Deer, Hares, and other small
animals, as well as Peafowl, Florican, &c. So active are its
movements, that the Caracal is actually able to capture birds
flying over it, springing up toa height of six or eight feet from
the ground, and striking them down with a blow from one of
its fore-paws.

Being easily tamed, the Caracal in some parts of India was
formerly (and, for all we know to the contrary, may be still)
trained to chase and capture various wild animals, such as
small Deer, Gazelles, Hares, Foxes, Peafowl, or Cranes; while
another pastime was to pit two or more against one another to
kill pigeons out of a flock. As the birds are feeding on the
ground, the Caracals are suddenly loosed in the midst of them,
when each will not unfrequently strike down as many as ten or
a dozen before the pigeons can make their escape. According
to Vigne, the number of Caracals kept by some of the Indian
princes in the first half of the present century was very large ;
and, in proportion to their size, their speed is described as
exceeding even that of the Hunting-Leopard.

Although agreeing with the typical Lynxes in general
characters, the Caracal lacks the ruff of long fur round the
throat so distinctive of the form ; while its short and close fur
is better adapted to the climate of the regions it inhabits. In
allusion to its black ears, the Caracal is known in Persia by the
name of Szya-gush, while in Turkish the name Xarakal has
the same signification.

ALI. THE LYNX. FELIS LYNX,

felis nx, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. i. p. 62 (1766) ; Elliot,
Monograph of Felidz, pl. xxxix. (1878-83); Blanford,
Mamm. Brit. India, p. 8) (1888).

192 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

felis lupulina and F&F. op mvs, Thunberg, Denkschr. Ak.
Munchen, vol. ix. p. 189 (1825).

Felis virgata, Nilsson, Illum. Fig. till. Faun. pls. iii. iv. (1829).

felis borealis, Temminck, Monogr. Mamm. vol. i. p. 109
(1827); Keyserling and Blasius, Wirbethiere Europ. p.
63 (1840).

Lyncus vulgaris, Gray, Cat. Hodgson Coll. p. 7 (1846).

felis tsabellina, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. xvi. p.
1178 (1847).

Lyncus lynx, Severtzoff, Rev. Mag. Zool. ser. 2, vol. x. p. 385
(1858).

Lyncus tsabeliinus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 267.

Lyncus borealis, Gray, loc. cit.

(Plate XXTV.)

Characters.—Readily distinguished from the Caracal by the
shortness of the tail, which is less than one-fourth the length
of the head and body, and does not reach the ankle; by the
abundant ruff cf long hair round the throat, as well as by the
more or less distinctly spotted coat.

Build strong ; limbs relatively long; the long and pointed
ears surmounted by a large tuft of black hairs; fur soft and
thick, that of the hinder part of the cheeks being lengthened
so as to form a ruff partially encircling the throat; pads of
feet more or less completely covered with hair. Pupil of eye
circular. Skull much vaulted, with a short and broad facial
region, the orbit incomplete behind, and the anterior upper
pre-molar absent in the adult.

The colour varies from pale sandy-grey, or isabelline, to
rufous-fawn with a tinge of grey, and in some European
specimens even to ferruginous-red; the under-parts being
white. In the summer coat the upper-parts are marked with
small black spots, which, at least in young individuals, are
also persistent through the winter in the European race; but

“XNA

AIXX FLV Td

THE LYNX 193

in the Asiatic form these spots disappear, except on the
flanks and limbs, and even there they may te wanting in
some examples. ‘Towards their roots the individual hairs are
brownish ; and the tips of the longer ones are whitish, some
of those on the middle of the back being often black at the
extremity. Ears externally grey, with black margins, tips,
and terminal tufts; terminal portion of tail black; a varia-
ble number of black hairs intermingled with the ruff; in
some cases an imperfect dark band across the throat, and
occasionally blackish or black spots on the under-parts.
Length of head and body, 33 inches; of tail, 734 inches.

The Lynx is very variable as regards coloration, and more
especially in respect to the spots; and the pale-coloured Lynx
of Ladak and Tibet was long regarded as a distinct species, on
account of its lighter-coloured fur and the shorter hairs on
the toes, under the name of / ¢sade/lina. On this subject,
Mr. Blanford, in his “‘ Mammals of British India,” writes that
“both these differences are probably due to the Tibetan Lynx
living in open ground among rocks, whilst the common Lynx
of Europe dwells chiefly among forests. The Lynx of Gilgit,
where there is some forest, is intermediate in coloration, and
I can find no constant character of importance by which
fF. tsabellina is distinguishable from the common Lynx. Some
skins procured from Tibet are indistinguishable from Gilgit
and Turkestan specimens.”

Distribution.—Northern Europe, Siberia, Baikal, Amurland
and Saghalien, Eastern and Western Turkestan, Gilgit, and
Western and Eastern Tibet. As mentioned in the sequel, it
is by no means certain that the Canadian Lynx is anything
more than a local race of this species. Still far from un-
common in Northern Scandinavia, Russia, and Northern Asia,
the Lynx also lingers in some of the mountainous districts of
Central Europe, although in the lowlands it has been pretty

$4 O

to4 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

well exterminated. In BMden the last Lynx was killed in
1834; but an example was shot in Wurttemberg so late as
1846. Another Lynx was killed in the Department of Haute-
Loire, France, in the year 1822. The species never inhabited
Britain during the historic period. In Tibet the Lynx lives at
great heights, its cubs having been taken in Spiti at an eleva-
tion of between 14,000 and 15,000 feet; but at Gilgit it de-
scends as low as 5,000 feet above the sea.

Internal Structure—It is worthy of mention that the Lynx
differs from all the species of Cats described above, in the
relative shortness of its intestine, which is only twice the
length of the body. As in the common Cat, the arched bone,
supporting the base of the tongue, is connected with the under
surface of the hinder part of the skull by a continuous chain
of small bones.

Habits—Although generally inhabiting forest-clad districts,
where it captures much of its prey by climbing the trees, the
Lynx, as we have seen, in Tibet, dwells in the open, among
rocks. ‘That it is by no means a common animal is not to be
regretted, seeing that in the wild state it is one of the most
bloodthirsty and rapacious of the /e/zde, frequently killing
more than it can devour, and thus being detested by the
owners of Sheep and Goats. In Tibet it preys chiefly upon the
Hares that are so abundant in the patches of bush along the
watercourses; but it also kills Pigeons, in addition to Sheep and
Goats, In Europe it subsists upon the smaller mammals and
birds ; but the reports of its onslaughts on Red Deer are not to
be credited. An excellent climber, the Lynx frequently lies
stretched out at length on the bough of a tree, from whence
it springs suddenly on its unsuspecting prey ; and the writer
has witnessed the extraordinary rapidity with which a tame
individual would spring on Pigeons on the roof of a house in
Leh. The female produces two or three young in a litter,

i

«

lem

TUE CANADIAN LYNX. 195

which are usually concealed either in a cave, in a crevice
among fallen rocks, or in the hollow trunk of a large tree. In
| spite of their ferocity, Lynxes, if taken sufficiently young, can

be readily tamed, and are susceptible of showing much attach-
ment to their owners.

XLII. THE CANADIAN LYNX. FELIS CANADENSIS.

Felis canadensis, Desmarest, Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat. vol. vi.
p. 108 (1816) ; Elliot, Monograph of Felide, pl. xxvii.
(1878-83) ; Mivart, The Cat, p. 425 (1881).

Lynx canadensis, Rafinesque, Amer. Month. Mag. vol. ii. p. 46
(1817).

Lyncus canadensis, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 46 (1843).

Lyncus borealis, De Kay, New York Zool. p. 5 (1842).

Characters—As already mentioned, it seems highly probable
that this Lynx can only be regarded as a local race of the
preceding ; but since it is generally recognised by American
zoologists as a distinct species, it is provisionally allowed to
retain that rank in the present work. Professor Mivart, who
regards the Canadian Lynx merely as a variety, states that its
skull is indistinguishable from that of the common Lynx; and
that the chief difference from the spotted variety of the latter
consists in the inferior size of the American form, the length
of the head and body being about 30 inches, and that of the
tail 5 inches. Some writers are, however, of opinion that the
spotted /e/is borealis of ‘Temminck, from the north of Europe,
should be separated from the typical # Zyzx, and united with

F. canadensis, which would then have a circumpolar distribu-

tion.*

Distribution North America, as far south as Pennsylvania
and California.

Habits.—In habits the Canadian Lynx apparently agrees in

* See W. L. Sclater, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus. pt. ii. p. 233 (1891).

=),
© 2

196 LLoYD’s NATURAL HISTORY.

all respects with its relatite In his “‘Mammals of the Adiron- |
dack Region,” Dr. Hart Merriam writes that “it preys upon
the northern Hare and such other small animals as it can |
catch, and upon the Ruffed Grouse and Spruce-Partridge. It |
has also been known to devour pigs, lambs, and young fawns, |
but the accounts of its attacking full-grown Deer are not to be
credited. Its haunts are in the deep forests and burnt dis- |
tricts, remote from the paths of Man; and consequently it

rarely intrudes upon the barn-yard. Its ordinary gait when in J.

a hurry is a long gallop, like that of the Hare; and it is said
to swim well. The female commonly has two young at a birth,
her lair being usually located in a cavern or hollow tree.”
After mentioning that it is found on the Mackenzie River |
as far north as latitude 66°, Sir John Richardson writes that
this Lynx “is a timid creature, incapable of attacking any of
the larger quadrupeds, but well armed for the capture of the
American Hare, on which it chiefly preys. Its large paws,
slender loins, and Icng but thick hind-legs, with large buttocks, |
scarcely relieved by a short thick tail, give it an awkward, |
clumsy appearance. It makes a poor fight when it is surprised
by a hunter on a tree, for though it spits lke a Cat, and sets
its hair up, it is easily destroyed by a blow on the back with
a slender stick, and it never attacks a-man. Its gait is) bye!
bounds, straightforward, with the back a little arched, and
lighting on all the feet at once. It swims well, and can cross
the arm of a lake two miles wide, but it is not swift on land.
It breeds once a year, and has two young at a time. The |
natives eat its flesh, which is white and tender, but rather
flavourless, much resembling that of the American Hare.”
Every two to four years there appears a sudden increase in |
the number of Lynxes in parts of North America; these animals |
associating at such times in troops, and forsaking their favourite
haunts te follow the Wood-Hare (Lepus sy/vaticus); and it is —

pares

.

%

TIE RED LYNX. 197

further stated that whenever the latter animals are unusually
plentiful, Lynxes will be sure to be proportionately numerous.

Pelaze.—Lynx-skins, according to Mr. Poland, are a rather
important article in the fur-trade, the Hudson Bay Company

usually selling from 8,000 to 40,000 annually, although in 1887

the number was swelled to over 70,000. Many skins are dyed
black, and others brown or grey, while others, again, are sil-
vered. The long fur of the under-parts is much used for boas
and muffs, when these articles are in fashion, as it is for trim-
mings to coats and jackets; while officers’ busbies in the English
Hussar regiments are made of Lynx-skin dyed dark brown. The
price varies considerably according to the demand, fine skins
realising from forty to forty-two shillings each, while those of
inferior size and quality sell at about from four to fifteen

shillings.
XLII. THE RED LYNX. FELIS RUFA.

Telis rufa, Giildenstadt, Nov. Comm. Ac. Petrop. vol. xx. p.
499 (1776); Elliot, Monograph of Felidee, pl. xl. (1878-83).

Felis carolinensis, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 234 (1820).

Lynx floridanus, Rafinesque, Amer. Month. Mag. vol. il. p. 46
(1817).

Lynx montanus, Rafinesque, Zoc. cit.

Lynx rufus, Rafinesque, loc. cit.

Lynx aureus, Rafinesque, Coc. cit.

Lynx fasciatus, Rafinesque, loc. crt.

Felis maculata, Vigors and Horsfield, Zool. Journ. vol. iv. p.
381 (1829).

Lyncus rufus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. outs 3G
Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 38 (1869).

Characters—This more southern form, which is likewise re-

garded by Professor Mivart as a mere variety of the ordinary

Lynx, is distinguished by the American zoologists on account

of the rufous tinge assumed by the whole pelage in summer.

198 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

Commonly known in Aggerica by the name of “ Wild Cat,”
the Red Lynx was long ago described from Minnesota by |
Carver as follows: “The Cat of the Mountains. This creature
is in shape much like a Cat, only much larger. The hair or |
fur resembles also the skin of that domestic animal ; the colour
however, differs, for the former is of a reddish or orange cast |
but grows lighter near the belly. The whole skin is beautified
with black spots of different figures, of which those on the back
are long, and those on the lower-parts round. On the ears are
black stripes. The creature is nearly as fierce as a Leopard,
but will seldom attack Man.”

With this somewhat vague description may be contrasted the
detailed one given by Mr. C. I. Herrick, in his ‘ Mammals of
Minnesota” (1892), which runs as follows :—‘“ The base of the
fur is tawny-black, the middle buffy-yellow ; terminal portion
white, or white followed by a longer or shorter black band.
Ear-tips black ; pencil well developed. Below, the terminal
white portion is long, concealing the others. Thighs externally
spotted and lighter, obscurely barred within. The upper arm
is slightly barred externally, while internally there are several
wide black bars. In the middle of the back the whole base of
the fur is black, the tips only being white. The tail is tipped
with white. The ruff is moderately long, and composed of
rather stiff harsh hairs. The above description applies to the
winter pelage. As early as February the whole skin takes on
the rufous tint before nearly confined to the flanks. In spring
specimens the base of the fur is pale Vandyke-brown. In the
yearling the head is of nearly the same size as in the adult.
The colour seems independent of sex.” Length of head and
body, 30 inches ; of tail, 6 inches.

Distribution.—North America, as far south as Mexico. More
common southwards than to the north, and probably unknown
in the extreme north,

THE RED LYNX, 199

Habits—From the account given in Dr. Hart Merriam’s
** Mammals of the Adirondack Region,” it would appear that in
habits this Lynx differs to a certain extent from the preceding,
a circumstance which, so far as it goes, is in favour of its right
‘to specific distinction. Frequenting rocky hills and ledges, the
Red Lynx does not exhibit that antipathy to the neighbourhood
‘of human habitations which is such a characteristic trait of the
Canadian Lynx; and it is accordingly quite common in thickly
populated districts, where it carries off lambs, young pigs, and
poultry from the farmyard. In the wilds its food consists, how-
ever, of Rabbits, Squirrels, Mice, Grouse, and such small birds
as it can contrive to capture. The young, generally three in
number, although there may be as few as two and as many as
four in a litter, are generally produced in some hollow tree or
log, where a moss-lined cradle is prepared by the mother for
their reception. When enraged, the Red Lynx hisses, spits
and snarls in the most menacing manner.

“An anecdote quoted under the head of the Jungle Cat is
paralleled by the following experience of Dr. Merriam. ‘In
1873 or 1874,” writes this naturalist, ‘I shot a Grouse as it was
flying along the north side of Mount Tom, in Massachusetts.
Scarcely had it touched the rocky slope when a Wild Cat
sprang upon it from behind a neighbouring bush, and, in a
succession of rapid leaps, started up the side of the mountain
with the Grouse in its mouth. The contents of the other
barrel of my gun caused him to change his mind as well as
direction.”

Mr. Herrick relates that in Minnesota “ during severe
weather the Wild Cat is often forced to feed upon the Porcu-
pine, and it is of no unfrequent occurrence that she pays for
her temerity with her life. I have several times secured them
with the head and throat filled with the spines, rendering
the animals helpless. Such specimens were invariably poor

200 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,

and emaciated.” We haveffeard of other kinds of Cats taking
to the same kind of prey.

Although we are not generally disposed to regard the flesh
of carnivorous animals as affording a palatable dish, yet Dr.
Merriam assures us that Red Lynx flesh is most excellent eat-
ing, resembling veal both in appearance and taste.

XLIV. THE PLATEAU LYNX. FELIS BAILEYI.
Lynx baileyi, Merriam, North American Fauna, No. 3, p. 79
(1890).
Felis baileyi, Lydekker, Royal Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 441 (1893).

Characters.—Said to differ from the Red Lynx of the Eastern
United States in being uniformly paler on the upper-parts, as
well as by its shorter tail and softer fur. The upper-parts are
everywhere suffused with a buffish tint, and the dark markings
are either smaller or altogether wanting. Thus, the blackish
marblings of the face and forehead of the Red Lynx are obso-
lete ; and the black band on the upper surface of the tip of the
tail has not half the width it has in the latter. On the other
hand, the anterior border of the ear is distinctly whitish, in
marked contrast to the black immediately behind it, while in &
rufus the same border is dark tawny-brown. The white hind-
toes so conspicuous in the latter are also wanting.

In spite of certain not very important differences in the
skulls of the two forms, the writer finds it difficult to regard the
features above described as entitling the Plateau Lynx to rank
as a distinct species.

Distribution —Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.

XLV. THE SPANISH LYNX. FELIS PARDINA.

Felis pardina, Temminck, Monogr. Mamm. vol. 1. p. 116
(1827); Elliot, Monogr. Felide, pl. xxxvili. (1878-83);
Mivart, The Cat, p. 426 (188r).

Lyncus pardinus, Gray, List Mamm, Brit. Mus. p. 46 (1843).

THE HUNTING-LEOPARD. 201

Characters—This southern Old World Lynx, of which the
colour is rufous on the upper-parts and white beneath, with
numerous rounded black spots on the body, limbs, and tail,
appears to bea well-marked species distinguished from all the
preceding forms by the characters of the skull. According
to Professor Mivart, when the skull is viewed in profile, it will be
seen to differ from that of the common Lynx and its allies by
being raised and convex between the orbits; while a further
difference is to be found in the more backward extension of
the nasal bones.

Distribution—Southern Europe, including Turkey, Greece,
Sicily, Sardinia, and Spain. ‘That it is a very ancient inhabti-
tant of the latter country is proved by the occurrence of its
~ fossilised remains in the ossiferous deposits of the caverns of
Gibraltar, in association with those of extinct Mammals.

I have not come across any good accounts of the habits
of the Spanish Lynx, but it is probable that these differ in no
essential degree from those of the other representatives of the
group.

II. THE NON-RETRACTILE-CLAWED CATS. GENUS

CYNAILURUS.
Cynailurus, Wagler, Syst. Amphib. p. 30 (1830).

Characters.—Claws only partially retractile, their extremitics
being always protruded from their sheaths ; the tubercle on
the inner side of the upper carnassial tooth rudimental. Body
slender, and limbs relatively longer than in the retractile-
clawed cats. Skull with the foramen below the socket of the
eye very small, and frequently represented by two or more
minute apertures.

The genus is at the present day represented solely by the
under-mentioned species, although it is probable that an ex-
tinct form occurs in the Pliocene rocks of the Siwalik Hills in
the north of India,

202 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

I. THE HUNTING-LEOMM®RD. CYNALURUS JUBATUS.

Felis jubata, Erxleben, Syst. Regn. Anim. p. 510 (1777).

Felis guttata, Hermann, Observ. Zool. p. 38 (1804).

Cynailurus jubatus, Wagler, Syst. Amphib. p. 30 (1830);
Elliot, Monogr. Felidze, pl. xliii. (1878-83).

Cynofelis jubata and C. guttata, Lesson, Nouv. Table. Régn.
Anim. p. 49 (1842).

Gueparda guttata, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1867, p. 277; id.,
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 39 (1869).

Felis megaballa, Heuglin, Zeitschr. Allgem. Erdkunde, vol. iii.
p- 53 (1868).

Felis lanea, Sclater, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1877, p. 532; Mivart,
The Cat, p. 429 (1881).

Cynelurus jubatus and C. ldaneus, Blanford, Mamm. Brit.
India, pp. 90, 91 (1888).

(Plate XX V.)

Characters.—Size about the same as that of the Leopard, but
form more slender, and limbs longer. Ears short and rounded ;
fur coarse, hair of neck somewhat lengthened, and that of the
under-parts rather long and shaggy; tail more than half the length
of head and body. Ground-colour of upper-parts varying from
tawny to bright rufous-fawn, becoming paler beneath ; marked
almost throughout with small solid black spots; chin and
throat buffish-white without spots; a black streak from the
outer corner of each eye to the lip, and another (or a line of
spots) from the inner corner to below the ear; ear black ex-
ternally, with tawny base and margin; tail spotted on upper
surface, the spots towards the tip passing into imperfect rings.
Cubs covered with uniformly grey long hair, but-with spots show-
ing on the under-fur. Pupil of eye circular when contracted.
Skull vaulted and broad, very convex at the crown, and the
facial portion short with the nasals broad and wide ; orbits in-
complete behind; anterior upper pre-molar tooth generally

“CeVdOuw'l ONILLNAH

TAG
aay, DPS fe

AXX WLV'Id

THE HUNTING-LEOPARD. 203

present. Length of head and body, about 41% feet ; of tail, 2%4
feet ; height, about 2% feet.

Distribution.—Africa and South-western Asia, excending from
Persia to Western Turkestan and the countries east of the
Caspian, and eastwards into India. In the latter country
ranging over a considerable portion of the peninsula, from the
Punjab, through Rajputana and Central India, to the confines
of Bengal ; unknown on the Malabar Coast and in Ceylon, as
well as to the north of the Ganges. In Africa the species is
reported to be probably exterminated in Natal, and nearly so
in the Cape Colony, although a few individuals still linger in
the extreme north-western districts. Some also remain in the
more remote unsettled parts of the Transvaal; but in the
waterless portions of the Kalahari, as well as in parts of
Bechuanaland, and throughout South Central Africa, it is less
uncommon.

The so-called Woolly Chita (C. /aniger) of Africa appears to
be merely a variety in which the fur is more woolly and dense
than in the typical form, with the spots taking the shape of
blotches of a dark fulvous tint. As mentioned under the
heading of the Leopard, the name Chita is properly no more
restricted to the present than it is to the latter species, and it
is accordingly preferable to adopt the term ‘‘ Hunting-Leopard.”

Habits.— While in South Central Africa this animal usually
haunts flat bush-clad districts, in India its favourite resorts are
low, isolated, rocky hills. In the former country its prey in-
cludes the smaller Antelopes and the fawns of the larger kinds,
together with Hares, the Cape Jumping-Hare (Pedeées), and
Guinea-fowl ; while in India it subsists chiefly upon Black
Buck, although it also kills Gazelles, Nilgai, and probably Deer
and other large Mammals. Although in both continents it
occasionally carries off a stray Sheep, Goat, or Calf its depre-
dations on domesticated animals are not very serious ; and it

204 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,

has never been known to @@tack human beings. Indeed, its
disposition cannot in any way be said to be ferocious or
sanguinary ; and when the natives of South Africa meet with a
Hunting-Leopard, they have no hesitation in closing with it,
armed only with a club. Fora short spurt, the speed of this
animal far surpasses that of any other member of the Family ;
and it also differs from the other species, in that it generally
hunts in pairs or small family parties. After a meal, it usually
rests for a couple of days, and then repairs to a particular
tree, where it cleans and sharpens its claws in the manner
characteristic of the Family, preparatory to another foray. It
can be tamed with great facility, all the individuals employed
in hunting in India being captured when full-grown, the natives
asserting that it is essential for the cubs to be trained in
capturing their prey by their parents.

Regarding the employment of these animals in the chase,
Jardine writes that at an early period of the Mogul Empire
it is stated that Leopards and Lynxes were kept for chasing
Deer, and Tigers for seizing Boars. ‘‘Although it is not likely
that it was the real Tiger which was employed, it is evident
that there were at least three animals so distinct as to entitle
them to various denominations. It is said that some of the
emperors, in their great hunting expeditions, were accompanied
to the field by a thousand Hunting-Leopards.

“‘ At the present period this sport is confined entirely to India
and Persia, and the Hunting-Leopard alone is employed in it.
These animals are so tame and gentle, as to be led about in a
leash like Greyhounds, but when brought to the hunting-field,
they are carried either on an Elephant or on horseback on a
pad behind the rider, but more generally ona cart made for the
purpose, and drawn by oxen. ‘This carries both the sports-
man and his attendants, and upon approaching the game, the
animal is unhooded and slipped. But tke description of a

THE HUNTING-LEOPARD. 205

chase by one who has enjoyed the sport, wiil give the best idea
of the manner in which it is conducted.

“Just before we reached our ground, the camel-courier,
who always moved on our flanks in search of game, reported a
herd of Antelopes about half a mile out of the line of march,
and the Chitas being at hand, we went in pursuit of them. The
Leopards are each accommodated with a flat-topped cart, with-
out sides, drawn by two bullocks, and each animal has two
attendants. ‘They are loosely bound by a collar and rope to
the back of the vehicle, and are also held by the keeper by a
strap round the loins. A leathern hood covers the eyes. The
Antelopes being exceedingly timid and wild, the best way to
enjoy the sport is to sit on the cart alongside the driver ; for
the vehicle being built like the carts of the peasants, to the
sight of which the Antelopes are accustomed, it is not difficult,
by careful management, to approach within two hundred yards
of the game. On the occasion in question there were three
Chitas in the field, and we proceeded towards the spot where
the herd had been seen, in a line, with an interval of a hundred
yards between each cart. On emerging from a cotton-field,
we came in sight of four Antelopes, and my driver managed to
get within a hundred yards of them, ere they took alarm. The
Chita was quickly unhooded and loosed from his bonds; and
as soon as he viewed the game, he dropped quietly off the cart,
on the opposite side to that on which they stood, and approached
them at a slow crouching canter, masking himself by every bush
and inequality which lay in his way. As soon, however, as
they began to show alarm, he quickened his pace, and was in
the midst of them ina few bounds. He singled out a doe,
and ran it close for about two hundred yards, when he reached

it with a blow of his paw, rolled it over, and in an instant was

sucking the life’s-blood from its throat. One of the other
Chitas was slipped at the same time, but after making four or

206 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

five enormous bounds, by @hich he nearly reached his prey,
suddenly gave up the pursuit, and came growling sulkily.
back to his cart.’

“As soon as the Antelope is pulled down, a keeper runs up,
hoods the Chita, cuts the victim’s throat, and securing some of
the blood in a wooden ladle, thrusts it under the Leopard’s nose.
The Antelope is then dragged away, and placed in a receptacle
under the cart, while the Chita is rewarded with a leg for his
pains.”

Il. THE CIVETS. FAMILY VIVERRIDZ.

This extensive Family, which includes not only the typical
Civets, but likewise the Palm-Civets, Mungooses, &c., may
be distinguished from the Zé/de by two leading characteristics.
In the first place the auditory bulla of the skull is marked bya
transverse external constriction, indicating the position of the
internal bony partition ; and, in the second, the middle incisor
tooth on each side of the lower jaw is raised above the level of
the other two. From all existing 7e/de the Viverride are fur-
ther distinguished by the greater number of pre-molar teeth in
the lower jaw, these varying from three to four pairs. Asa
tule, the teeth of the cheek-series differ considerably from those
of the Cats ; but as the genus Cryftoprocta forms a connecting
link between the two groups in this respect, dental characters
cannot be relied on to distinguish between them. The num-
ber of pre-molar teeth varies from three to four pairs in each
jaw, and there are generally two pairs of molars in each,
although in a few instances these may be reduced toa single
pair. In most cases the feet, which may be either digitigrade
or partly plantigrade, are each furnished with five toes ; but the
number may be reduced to four in either the front or the hind
pair, or in both. The degree of retractility of the claws varies
in the different genera, as does the extent to which the hair
extends on to the hinder part of the sole of the foot.

q
.

THE CIVETS, 207

Although they are approached to a certain degree in these
respects by the Eyra, the Civets and their allies differ from the
Cats in the more elongate form of the head and body, the
sharper muzzle, and the shorter limbs; the skull being also
elongated and narrowed in conformity with the shape of the
head. The majority of them have scent-glands situated be-
neath the tail. In the predominance of spots and stripes on
the fur, these animals resemble the Cats; a few of them,
however, have continucus longitudinal stripes on the whole of
the upper-parts—a feature unknown in the latter,—while the
peculiar “‘pepper-and-salt” coloration of the typical Mun-
gooses is likewise a peculiarity. A few forms, such as the
Fossa and Miller’s Mungoose, have uniformly tawny or reddish
fur. Unlike the Weasel tribe (AZustelide), the Viverride are of
no commercial value on account of their pelts ; such furs as
are used at all selling at very low prices, and being employed
for common articles.

The members of the Family do not present that striking
general similarity so conspicuous among the Cats, and they
are consequently divided into numerous genera, which may be
grouped in three Sub-families. Unknown both in Australasia
and America (so far as can be ascertained, not only at the pre-
sent day, but likewise in past epochs of the earth’s history), the
Civets and their allies are confined to the warmer regions
of Africa, Madagascar, and South-eastern Asia; one species
extending, however, into Spain, and a second into France.
Some of the most peculiar and aberrant forms are confined to
Madagascar ; and it may be noticed that nearly all the species
from that island pertain to peculiar genera. During the Ter-
tiary epoch Civet-like animals were extremely abundant in
Europe in strata antecedent to the Pliocene age, their down-
ward range extending to the Oligocene period, at which date
their remains are met with in great numbers in the Quercy
Phosphorites of Central France.

208 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Many of the Family are@@ss completely carnivorous in their
feeding than the Cats; but their habits may be more con-
veniently noticed under the various groups. Since these
animals are, for the most part, less generally interesting than
the Cats, they will be treated of more briefly than the latter.

I. THE FOSSAS. GENUS CRYPTOPROCTA.
Cryptoprocta, Bennett, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 46.

This genus is the sole representative of a Sub-family charac-
terised by the absence in the skull of the channel known as
the alisphenoid canal, by the auditory bulla being somewhat
intermediate between that of the Civets and Mungooses, by
the feline structure of the teeth, and by the sharp and com-
pletely retractile claws, of which there are five to each foot.
As regards the teeth, there are four pairs of pre-molars and
a single one of molars; but the anterior pre-molar in each
jaw is shed at an early period. ‘The upper carnassial tooth
has a three-lobed blade, like the Cats, and a small inter-
nal tubercle, while the lower carnassial differs from that of
the Fe/ide solely in having a small ledge or heel on its hinder
border, the rudiment of such a heel being found in the corre-
sponding tooth of the Lynxes. The upper molar is a small,
transversely elongated tooth, placed internally to the carnassial.
Although generally resembling that of the /e/:de, the skull is
proportionately longer and narrower, its orbit not being com-
pletely closed by bone behind. ‘The feet are sub-plantigrade,
with the tarsus and metatarsus naked, and the nose and upper
lip have a median groove. =

That the genus constitutes a distinct Sub-family is perfectly
certain, the only question being whether it should not be
assigned to a Family apart. It is represented solely by

I. THE FOSSA. CRYPTOPROCTA FEROX.
‘Cryptoprocta ferox, Bennett, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 46; id.,
Trans. Zool, Soc.:vol. i. p. 137 (1833) ; Mivart, “Bro
Zool, Soc. 1882,. p..19A-

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THE FOSSA, 209

Cryptoprocta typicus, A. Smith, S. African Quart. Journ. vol. ii.

P- 134 (1835). |
(Plate XX VI.)

Characters.—Size about twice that of an ordinary Cat; ears
moderate ; tail long and cylindrical ; fur short, close, and erect.
Colour nearly uniform pale sandy-brown. Total length, about
B.tect.

Distribution Madagascar.

.Habits—The largest Carnivore in its native island, the
Fossa is noted for the ferocity of its disposition, frequently
carrying off Goats and kids, and fighting desperately when
wounded. Beyond the fact that it is purely nocturnal, we
have, however, scarcely any definite information with regard to
its habits ; the following account, sent by an orchid-hunter
named Hamelin to his employers, being apparently somewhat
highly coloured. Monsieur Hamelin, writing of the Fossa,
states that ‘‘ during the daytime it is extremely dangerous, for
it crouches in the forks of trees, hidden among the rich tropica
foliage and climbing plants, and watches for its prey. It is
exceedingly agile, and the moment its victim approaches, it
slides silently down, and in one bound is on top of it—a pic-
ture of horrible ferocity. At night big fires had to be con-
stantly kept up, and men had to take the watch, as we were thus
exposed to the observation of no less savage human enemies.

“The favourite haunt of the Cryffoprocta seemed to me to
be amongst the masses of foliage where the Hulopfiella grew.
Here they were numerous, and I was happy to be able to cap-
ture two young ones. This animal is not big, but extremely
ferocious. ‘The capture of these two cubs was attended by a

- terrible adventure—no less than the death of the brother-in-

law of the king, a fine, handsome, well-built man. It came

about in this wise. Whilst we were busy with the young ones

the mother returned, and, maddened with rage, pounced on

the shoulders of the king’s brother-in-law, rending the flesh

7 _

210 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

from back and shoulders#&nd mangling him in a frightful
manner. ‘Tsiampohé fell as if struck by lightning. The next
moment thirty ‘zagaies’’ were quivering in the carcase of the
fierce creature that had wrought such mischief.”

Il. THE TRUE CIVETS. GENUS VIVERRA.
Viverra, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. 1. p. 63 (1766).

This, together with several other genera, constitutes a second
Sub-family ( Viverrine), distinguished by the following features:
Skull with the auditory bulla conically oval in form, its hinder
border being broad, truncated, and non-everted, while in front
it is narrow and compressed, its anterior chamber being very
small and flat. An alisphenoid canal generally present.
Usually glands in front of the scrotum. Claws curved and
generally more or less retractile. Teeth more or less Dog-
like ; there being always four pairs of pre-molars, and generally
two pairs of molars in each jaw. ‘The upper carnassial tooth
has only two lobes to the blade and a large internal tubercle ;
while the corresponding lower tooth consists of a blade and a
large tubercular posterior heel. ‘The upper molars are triangu-
lar in form ; the anterior one being placed entirely behind the
carnassial.

The present genus is distinguished by the upper lip being
medianly grooved; the tail is of considerable length, and
marked by dark and light rings; the feet are completely
digitigrade, the tarsus and metatarsus being entirely hairy ;
and the ears are without tufts. There are two pairs of upper
molar teeth; the throat is marked by a black gorget; and
there is generally an erectile crest of elongated hairs down the
back; the whole fur being long and loose. The claws are
rather short, blunt, and only partially retractile ; and the pupil
of the eye contracts to a circle.

The Civets include the largest representatives of the Sub-

”

“TAXX

WL Td

“LAAIO

NVOTHAV

THE INDIAN CIVET. 291

family, and have comparatively short, stout, and somewhat
compressed bodies, and the limbs relatively longer than in
some of the allied genera. They are all highly odoriferous ;
one of their secretions being employed in perfumery. Mainly
an Oriental group, they are represented only bya single species
in Africa.
I. THE AFRICAN CIVET. VIVERRA CIVETTA. |

Viverra civetta, Schreber, Sdugethiere, vol. iii. pl. cxi. (1778) ;

Gray, Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 46 (1869).
? Viverra poortmanni, Pucheran, Rev. Mag. Zool. vol. vii. p.

154 (1853).
Viverra orientalis, Matschie, Mittheil. deutsch. Schutzgebieten,

vol. vi. pt. 3, p. 11 (1893).

(Plate XX VII.)

Characters.—Back with a strong erectile crest of black hairs,
continued on to the tail; general colour of fur ashy-grey, marked
with dark streaks and blotches; sides of neck marked by two
dark streaks, separated by a white one, running backwards
from the ear, and the black ones meeting to form a gorget
under the throat. Tail roughly haired, with the rings well
defined on the basal half, but the terminal half almost uni-
formly black. Lower part of limbs uniformly dark.

Distribution.— Africa ; apparently distributed widely over the
tropical portions of the continent, having been recorded from
Abyssinia, Fernando Po, Guinea, and the Gaboon, but seems
unknown in the south, not even being recorded from Nyasaland.

Habits.—So far as known, a non-arboreal species, this Civet
probably agrees closely in habits with its Indian ally, and,
therefore, need not be further noticed.

Il. THE INDIAN CIVET. VIVERRA ZIBETHA.
Viverra zibetha, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. i. p. 65 (1766) ;
Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 208 (1888).
P 2

are LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Viverra undata, Gray, Spie™ool. p. 9 (1830).

Viverra melanurus, Hodgson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. x.
Pp. 909 (1841).

Viverra civetoides, Hodgson, Joc. cit.

Viverra ashtont, Swinhoe, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 379.

Characters.—-Size approximately equal to that of the last
species, from which the present form may be readily dis-
tinguished by the tail being marked with complete dark and
light rings throughout its length ; general colour dark hoary-
grey, often with a brownish or reddish tinge; crest black ;
sides of the body generally without markings, but sometimes
wavy, indistinct, transverse, cloudy stripes present ; front and
sides of neck and upper part of chest white, crossed by a
broad black gorget, with frequently another dark band in front
and a third behind, the latter (when present) meeting a hori-
zontal streak from behind the ear; outer surface of limbs in-
distinctly barred superiorly, but the whole of the lower portions
of the legs and feet uniformly dark brown or black. Length
of head and body, about 32 inches; of tail, 8 inches.

Distribution. Bengal, Assam, Burma, Siam, the south of
China, and Hainan. In Sikhim and Nipal it ascends to a
considerable elevation in the Himalaya. According to Mr.
W. L. Sclater, it is not improbable that the alleged occurrence
of this Civet in the Malay Peninsula is due to its having been
confounded with an allied species.

Habits.— Usually a solitary creature, this Civet, or Civet-Cat,
generally skulks in woods, bushes, or thick grass during the
daytime, and only issues out into the open in search of prey
after dark. It is unable to climb trees; and probably does not
burrow, although it not unfrequently takes possession of holes
in the ground. It feeds largely on small Mammals and birds
(including domestic ducks and poultry); but it will also con-
sume snakes, frogs, insects, and eggs, as well as fruits and

i

THE BURMES# CIVET. 21.3

certain roots. A good swimmer, it never has any hesitation
in taking to the water. The young, in India, are born during
the months of May and June; each litter including three or
four cubs.

The secretion from the glands placed in front of the scrotum
of the male of this and other Civets, and in a corresponding
position in the female, escapes by a number of small orifices
into a kind of pouch with a long slit-like opening. From this
receptacle the Civet of commerce is scraped out periodically
by means of a kind of wooden spoon; the natives of many
eastern countries keeping these animals in confinement for the
sake of this product. ‘Two glands situated more posteriorly
yield a secretion with a most noisome and offensive odour.

III. THE MALABAR CIVET. VIVERRA CIVETTINA.

Viverra civettina, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. xxxi. p.
332 (1862); Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 98 (1888) ;
Sclater, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus. pt. ii. p. 236 (1891).

Characters.—Size nearly as in the last; black rings on tail
complete, but the light ones partially interrupted by a broken
longitudinal dark stripe on the upper surface ; sides of body
distinctly marked with dark spots; dorsal crest commencing
on the head. First upper molar more quadrangular than in
the preceding species. General ground-colour of fur distinctly
yellowish.

Distribution—The Malabar Coast, and the Wynad and Curg
districts of Southern India.

Iv. THE BURMESE CIVET. VIVERRA MEGASPILA.
Viverra megaspila, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. xxxi.
p. 331 (1862); Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 99
(1888); Sclater, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus. pt. il. p. 227
(1891).
Characters.—Size of the last ; a longitudinal black band down

214 LLOYD’s NATURAL HISTORY.

the tail continuous, and wnpletcly interrupting the light rings
on its upper surface ; dark rings continuous below, and at first
not wider than the light intervening spaces ; dorsal crest com-
mencing between the shoulders; sides marked with large,
distinct, and somewhat quadrangular dark spots, tending to
form transverse bands on the flanks, and longitudinal stripes on
the rump. General colour of fur grey, at times with a yellowish
or brownish tinge ; feet brown. ‘The white front and sides or
the neck marked with two or three black gorgets.

Distribution Burma, Malay Peninsula, Cochin China, and
Sumatra.

V. THE JAVAN CIVET. VIVERRA TANGALUNGA.

Viverra tangalunga, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 63; id.,
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 47 (1869) ; Sclater, Cat.
Mamm. Ind. Mus. pt. il. p. 237 (1891).

Characters.—Smaller than the last ; longitudinal dark band
on upper surface of tail very broad, and the dark rings, except
a few near the end, interrupted on the lower surface ; sides of
body marked by spots of somewhat smaller size than in V,
megaspila.

Distribution—Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Celebes,
Amboyna, and the Philippine Islands ; the range of this species
being more easterly than that of any other member of the
genus.

VI. THE RASSE. VIVERRA MALACCENSIS.

Viverra malaccensis, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 92 (1788).

Viverra leveriana, Shaw, Mus. Leverianum, pt. ii. p. 19 (1796).

Viverra indica, Desmarest, Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat. vol. vii. p.
EVO TST):

Viverra rasse, Horsfield, Zool. Researches, plate (1821).

Viverra bengalensis, Gray, Ill. Indian Zool. vol. i. pl. iv.

(1832).

THE RASSE. 215

Viverra pallida, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 63.

Viverricula indica, Hodgson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. x.
Pp. 909 (1841).

Viverricula malaccensis, Cantor, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol.
XV. p. 199 (1846) ; Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 100
(1888).

Viverra schlegelt, Pollen, Nederl. Tijdschr. Dierkunde, vol. iii.
p. 78 (1866) ; Flower, Cat. Osteol. Mus. Coll. Surg. pt. ii.
Pp. 97 (1884).

Characters.—Size small. Distinguished from all the preced-
ing species by the absence of an erectile crest of elongated
hairs down the back, and also the general want of an alisphenoid
canal in the skull. The nails are also sharper and curved,
and the first toe in each foot shorter and more separated from
the others, while the muzzle is more pointed, and the whole
build of the animal lighter. On account of these comparatively
unimportant points of difference, the species is frequently
referred to a distinct genus.

General colour varying from brownish-grey to pale yellowish-
brown, usually with several longitudinal black or dark brown
stripes down the back, and longitudinally-arranged rows of
spots on the sides of the body, but such markings, in some
cases, are very indistinct, and the dorsal stripes even wanting.
Markings on neck somewhat variable; but generally two dark
stripes from behind the ears to the shoulders, and frequently
a third in front, crossing the throat ; a dusky mark behind the
ear, and another in front of the eyes; feet brown or black ; tail
with complete black and whitish rings, numbering from seven
to nine pairs. Length of head and body, from 21 to 23 inches;
of tail, inclusive of the hair at the tip, from 15 to 17 inches.

Distribution.—Socotra, Comoro Islands, Madagascar, Ceylon,
India, Assam, Burma, Malay Peninsula, Java, Southern China,
Hainan, and Formosa. With the possible exception of the

216 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Punjab and Sind, this spe@fes seems to range over the whole
of India. It has the widest geographical distribution of any
member of the Family; and is also the only one common to
Asia and Madagascar ; the latter feature in its distribution
being a very remarkable one.

Habits.—So far as has been ascertained, while all the other
Civets are non-arboreal animals, the Rasse is said to be an
expert climber, although it is generally found inhabiting holes
in the ground, and does not appear to have been observed in
thick forest. Not unfrequently resorting to the neighbourhood
of human dwellings, it has been met with hiding in drains and
outbuildings; and it is frequently kept in captivity in the East,
in which condition it becomes perfectly tame. In addition to
preying on such birds and small Mammalsas it can contrive to
capture, the Rasse, like its congeners, varies its diet with fruit
and roots. Four or five young are produced in a litter.

HI. THE MADAGASCAR CIVETS. GENUS FOSSA.
fossa, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 518.

Nearly allied to the Rasse, the single representative of this
imperfectly-known genus is distinguished from all the members
of the preceding group by the presence of two small bare spots
on the under surface of the metatarsus in the hind-limb ; while
it is believed that there is no scent-pouch. ‘The limbs are re-
markable for their slenderness ; and the absence of a dark line
down the back, and also of a dark gorget, form other distinc-
tive features of the genus. The one species is confined to
Madagascar.

I, DAUBENTON’S CIVET. FOSSA DAUBENTONI.
Viverra fossa, Schreber, Saéugethiere, vol. iii. pl. cxiv. (1778).
fossa daubentonit, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 518 ; Mivart,
Proc. Zool. Soc: 1882, \p.-150,

Characters.—General colour of fur greyish, which may be

THE GENETS. 217

marked only with some spots on the flanks, and a few indistinct
stripes on the shoulders. Young distinctly striped, the median
line of the back being of the general ground-colour bordered
by two rows of small irregular spots, externally to which are
three dark longitudinal stripes on each side; no throat-gorget ;
tail spotted, with the spots tending to arrange themselves in
rings. Length of head and body, about 16 inches ; of tail, 8
inches.

Distribution. Madagascar.

Habits.— Unknown.

IV. THE GENETS. GENUS GENETTA.
Genetta, Cuvier, Regne Animal, vol. i. p. 156 (1817).

Having the same number of teeth, and likewise five toes to
_ each foot, the Genets differ from both the preceding genera by
having a naked longitudinal line running up the middle of the
under surface of the metatarsus; this bald strip being separated
from the pads of the foot by an intervening hairy space. They
are further distinguished from Viverra by the want of a scent-
pouch, and from fossa by having a dark stripe down the middle
of the back. All are comparatively small in size, and they
may have a slight crest down the back, but lack a black gorget
on the throat. The various species are exceedingly alike to
one another, and further comparisons are required before their
distinctive characters can be regarded as properly defined. In
colour, their fur is brownish, yellowish, or greyish, marked with
black or brown spots on the sides of the body and the above-
mentioned dark line down the back; dark stripes extend
backwards from behind the ears over the shoulders; above
each eye is a light-coloured patch, and beneath the same a
white spot; the under-parts are light coloured, sparsely spotted
with a dark tint; the tail has dark and light rings; and the
feet may be either blackish or whitish. In the skull the audi-
tory bulla is less markedly triangular than in Viverra, while

218 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

the last upper molar tootM™s relatively larger and more tri-
angular than is generally the case in that genus, and the lower
carnassial has a larger heel.

The genus is essentially an African one, although the type
species ranges into Southern Europe and Palestine.

I. THE COMMON GENET. GENETTA VULGARIS.
Viverra genetta, L.inn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. i. p. 65 (1766).
Genetta afra, F. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. li. (1825).
Genetta vulgaris, Lesson, Man. Mamm. p. 173 (1827).

Genetta bonaparti, Loche, Rev. Mag. Zool. ser. 2, vol. ix. p.
385 (1857).

Characters—General colour blackish-grey, marked with black
spots and streaks and a black dorsal stripe ; tail relatively long,
with the white and black rings of nearly equal length, and the
tip whitish ; fore-limbs greyish, with black spots ; hind-legs ©
black posteriorly in the neighbourhood of the ankle-joint.
Length of head and body, about 1934 inches ; of tail, 1534
inches.

Distribution—Southern Europe, namely, France, Spain, and
Turkey; North Africa; and Palestine. This is one of the very
few species of the Family common to Europe and Africa.

Habits—In general habits the Common Genet (and the
other species probably also) appears to be very similar to the
Civets, living on the ground, and being found both in wooded
and open country, and likewise on bush-covered mountains,
Although rare in the south of France, it is stated to be com-
moner in Spain, but even there is seldom seen. Small Rodents,
birds, and their eggs form its chief nutriment ; and in pursuit
of its prey the Genet is remarkable for the almost Snake-like
manner in which it steals among the herbage, with its body
elongated and depressed to the greatest possible degree. Its
breeding-habits in the wild state are unknown, but in captivity
only a single young one is produced ata birth. Genets are

PLATE XXXVI.

BLOTCHED GENET.

fHE BLOTCHED GENET. 219

easily tamed, and in some parts of Europe are kept for catch-
ing Rats.

Il, THE FELINE GENET. GENETTA FELINA.

Viverra felina, Thunberg, K. Svensk. Ak. Handl. vol. xxxii. p.
166 (1811).

Genetta felina, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 63, and Cat.
Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 50 (1869) ; Bocage, J. Sci.
Lisboa, ser. 2, vol. i. p. 177 (18809).

Characters.—Closely allied to the last, from which, according
to Gray, it is chiefly distinguished by the blacker legs and feet,
the darker head, and the more distinct black streak on the fore-
head between the eyes.

Distribution—South Africa, and, according to Bocage, West
Africa (Gaboon).

Ill. THE SENEGAL GENET. GENETTA SENEGALENSIS.
Viverra senegalensis, Fischer, Synops. Mamm. p. 170 (1829).
Genetta senegalensis, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832; id., Cat.

Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 50 (1869).
Genetta aubryana, Pucheran, Rev. Mag. Zool. vol. vii. p. 154
(1885).

Characters.—General colour pale yellowish-grey, with brown
spots and streaks ; dorsal stripe black ; the hairs elongated on
the loins ; tail long and slender, ringed with black and yellow-
ish, the light rings being the longer, and the tip light ; hinder
surface of hind-limbs black or blackish.

Distribution West, North, and East Africa.

IV. THE BLOTCHED GENET, GENETTA TIGRINA.
Viverra tigrina, Schreber, Saugethiere, vol. ili. p. 425 (1778).
Genetta abyssinica, Ruppell, N. Wirbelthiere, p. 33 (1835).
Genetta tigrina, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 49 (1843).
Viverra abyssinica, Gerrard, Cat. Bones Brit. Mus. p. 71 (1862).

(Plate XXVIII.)

220 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

Characters.—General col@@f greyish-brown, with large black
ish spots or blotches, not unfrequently becoming brownish at
the centre ; tail long and cylindrical, with the whitish rings
shorter than the black ones, and the tip black ; hind-feet
dark.

Distribution.—South Africa, and northwards on the east coast
through Natal and Mozambique to Abyssinia.

V. THE PARDINE GENET. GENETTA PARDINA.

Genetta pardina, Geoffroy, Mag. Zool. 1832, pl. viii. ; Gray,
Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 51 (1869); Bocage, J.
Sci. Lisboa, ser. 2, vol. i. p. 177 (1889).

Viverra genettoides, Vemminck, Esquisses Zool. p. 89 (1853);
Matschie, Mittheil. deutsch. Schutzgebieten, vol. vi. art.
3, p. 11 (1393); 1d., Mittheil. Nat: Mus. Libeck,*sen 2
vol. i. p. 133 (1894).

Genetta servalina, Pucheran, Rev. Mag. Zool. vol. vii. p. 154
(1855).

Genetta feldiana, Du Chaillu, Proc. Boston Soc. vol. vii. p. 302
(1860).

Genetta angolensis, Bocage, J. Sci. Lisboa, vol. ix. p. 29 (1882).

Characters.—Colour typically yellowish- or greyish-brown, with
three or four longitudinal rows of black spots more or less
brownish at their centres ; tail long and short-haired, with
elongated reddish or black rings and short light ones, anda
black tip ; feet and posterior surface of hind-legs brown.

Gray remarks “that specimens vary considerably in the size
of the spots; in some they are brown with black edges, in
others almost uniformly black ; but I can see no characters by
which they can be separated.” Herr Matschie, who appears
to regard the dark form described as Viverra genettoides as a
distinct species (with which Genetta servalina is probably iden-
ical), states that specimens from the Cameruns show a long

THE ORIENTAL LINSANGS, 221

black tail-tip, on the under surface of which the last three light
rings are indistinctly visible. A variety from Angola (G. angolen-
sis) is described by Bocage as grey, grizzled with black and
white, and marked with large black spots and streaks ; limbs
totally black; tail short, inferior in length to the head and
body, black, with grey rings near the base. Length of head
and body, about 18 inches ; of tail, 1614 inches.

Distribution.— West Africa (Senegal, Fernando Po, Guinea,
Gaboon, the Cameruns, and Angola).

VI. THE RUFOUS GENET. GENETTA RUBIGINOSA.
Genetta rubiginosa, Pucheran, Rev. Mag. Zool. vol. vii. p. 154
(1855); Bocage, J. Sci. Lisboa, ser. 2, vol. i. p. 177 (18809).
Characters.—This Genet was provisionally identified by Gray
with G. fe/ina, but black-tailed specimens obtained from Angola
by Bocage are regarded as indicating a distinct species, which
is probably the one described by Pucheran. ‘These specimens
are described as follows :—Ground-colour of the fur greyish-
white with a tinge of rufous; limbs of the same hue, and show-
ing scarcely any trace of dark markings; dorsal stripe and
streaks on the body bright rufous, with the exception of those
of the last row, which are blackish. ‘The tail, which is of con-
siderable length, generally has four rufous rings near the root,
followed by four or five black rings, alternating with shorter
rings of reddish-white ; tip black, formed by the coalescence of
the last two or three dark rings. Length of head and body,
about 19 inches; of tail, nearly the same.
Distribution. West Africa (Angola).

V. THE ORIENTAL LINSANGS. GENUS LINSANGA.

Prionodontide, Horsfield, Zool. Researches, plate of Feds gra-
cilis, as a “section” of Fe/is (1821); volume dated 1824.
Linsang, S. Miiller, Verh. Nat. Gesch. p. 28 (1839).

222 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY,

Having the under surfaeg@0f the tarsus and metatarsus com-
pletely clothed with hair, as in Viverra, the Oriental Linsangs
differ from all the genera mentioned above by having only one
(instead of two) pair of molar teeth in the upper jaw. The
Linsangs are long-bodied and short-limbed animals, with the
claws of the five-toed feet almost as completely retractile as in
the Cats, and the fur short, soft, close, and erect. There are
no scent-glands corresponding to those which produce civet
in Viverra. The ground-colour of the fur is white or greyish-
white, upon which are dark brown or black markings, taking
the form either of a small number of large patches extending
transversely across the body, or of such patches broken up into
quadrangular spots; there are dark longitudinal streaks (some-
times broken into spots) on the neck and shoulders, as well as
smaller ones on the head; and the tail is ringed with dark and
light. The pupil of the eye is circular when contracted ; and
the skull is very similar to that of Gevetfa,; but the lower car-
nassial tooth has its posterior heel smaller than in the latter.

The genus is exclusively Oriental, ranging from North-eastern
India to Borneo and Java, although unknown in the Malay
Peninsula. It is represented by an allied type in Western
Africa.

I. THE BORNEAN LINSANG. LINSANGA GRACILIS.
Viverra gracilis, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 539 (1820).
Felis gracilis, Horsfield, Zool. Researches, plate (1824).
Paradoxurus linsang, Fischer, Synops. Mamm. p. 159 (1829).
Linsang gracilis, Miller, Verh. Nat. Gesch. p. 28 (1839);
Gray, Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 53 (1869).
Prionodon gracilis, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 519.
Characters.—Size small ; general coloration very similar to
that of the next species, but the skull of a different type,
being relatively shorter, and with a wider brain-case. Mr.

ae

THE BURMESE LINSANG. 223

Blanford observes that in the present species the pale ground-
colour prevails much more than in the next; the upper-parts
of the former being marked by irregularly-shaped blackish spots
on a pale ground, whereas the upper surface of the latter is
dark, with afew white streaks dividing the colour into patches.
On the tail of Z. gracif’s the dark rings, especially towards the
tip, are shorter than the white ones, and there is a long white
tip, whereas in the next species the dark rings are nearly
double the length of the white ones, and the white tip is shorter.
Length of head and body, about 1514 inches; of tail, 12%
inches.

Distribution.— Java, Borneo, and perhaps Sumatra.

Nothing has been recorded of the habits of this species.

II. THE BURMESE LINSANG. LINSANGA MACULOSA.
Prionodon maculosus, Blanford, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol.
xvii. p. 152 (1878) ; id, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 104 (1888).
Linsang maculosus, Thomas, Ann. Mus. Genova, ser. 2, vol. x.
p. 9 (1892).

Characters.—Size large ; upper-parts covered with large black
patches; tail rather shorter than the head and body. Ground-
colour of fur grey, marked with about six broad irregular trans-
verse brownish-black bands across the back ; the light spaces
being thus reduced to narrow stripes. On the sides of the
body the dark bands broken up into interrupted longitudinal
stripes, one of which passes across the shoulder to the side of
the neck, and is continued as a line of spots to the eye. On the
upper part of the sides of the neck a broader black stripe passes
from a short distance behind the ear across the shoulder, where
it merges into the transverse bands. A few spots between the
upper stripes on the neck, and likewise on the fore-neck and
outer surfaces of the limbs ; but the under-parts and feet uni-

formly pale-coloured. ‘Tail with seven complete black rings,

224 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

alternating with much shoffer light ones. Length of head
and body, about 19 inches ; of tail (exclusive of hair at the tip),
16 inches.

Distribution. Tenasserim Provinces of Burma. This exceed-
ingly handsome species is only known by two examples, one
trapped in Southern Tenasserim, and a second taken near
Moulmein.

III. THE NIPALESE LINSANG. LINSANGA PARDICOLOR.

Prionodon pardicolor, Hodgson, Calcutta Journ. Nat. Hist. vol.
ii. p. 57 (1842); Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 103
(1888).

Linsang pardicolor, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 49 (1843);
id., Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 53 (1869).

Viverra pardicolor, Schinz, Synops. Mamm. vol. i. p. 366
(1844). :

Characters—Smaller than the last, from which it is distin-
guished by the back being marked by broad dark transverse
bands broken up into squared spots forming longitudinal rows ;
tail as long as the neck and body. Ground-colour of fur very
pale brown, with large angulated black spots; under-parts and
feet uniform ; head also uniform brown, frequently with a black
spot behind each ear. Neck marked on each side with a pair
of longitudinal stripes; the middle pair continued as rows of
large rounded spots down the back, separated by a line of
smaller irregular spots ; about three rows of squared or rounded
spots along the sides of the body, which are also arranged in
from six to seven transverse bands. Outer surfaces of upper
portion of limbs spotted ; tail with from eight to ten complete
dark rings, separated by intervening light spaces of approxi-
mately the same width. Length of head and body, from 14 to

15 inches; of tail, 12 to 13 inches,

Distribution.—South-eastern Himalaya, extending thence east-

;

THE AFRICAN LINSANGS, 225

wards to Yunan. It is stated to be not uncommon in the inte-
rior of Sikhim, where it probably lives at moderate elevations.
Habits.—This is the only one of the Linsangs of which we
have any information in regard to habits, and even in this case
_ our knowledge is of the scantiest. Hodgson writes that this
animal ‘‘is equally at home on trees and on the ground. It
dwells and breeds in the hollows of decayed trees. It is not
gregarious at all, and preys chiefly on small birds, which it is
wont to pounce upon from the cover of the grass. The times
of breeding are said to be February and August, and the litter
to consist of two young, there being two litters each year.” A
tame female in the possession of the same gentleman is stated
to have been “ wonderfully docile and tractable, very sensitive
to cold, and very fond of being petted.” It never uttered any
sound, and was fed on raw meat. In the wild state Hodgson
suggests that the Linsangs may also eat insects.

VI. THE AFRICAN LINSANGS. GENUS POIANA,
Potana, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 520.

The members of this genus, which is represented only by a
single African species, and perhaps should not be separated
from the last, may be defined as Linsangs with a Genet-like
metatarsus ; there being a bald line on the under surface of that
segment of the hind-limb, as in the Genets. In all other respects
it agrees with Zzmsanga, and it may be noted that in Z. pardicolor
there is a narrow upward prolongation of the main pad of the
sole of the hind-foot foreshadowing the naked strip of the present

genus.
I. WEST AFRICAN LINSANG. POIANA POENSIS.

Genetta poensis, Waterhouse, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1838, p. 59.
Genetta richardsont, Thompson, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. x.
p. 204 (1842).
Linsang richardsoni, Gerrard, Cat. Bones Mamm. Brit. Mus,
Pp. 72 (1862),
7 Q

226 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

Poiana richardsont, Gray, BFoc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 520.
Poiana poensis, Mivart, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 159.

Characters.—Professor Mivart writes that the coloration is
very similar to that obtaining in Zzzsanga ; ‘but the spots are
smaller and show no tendency to run into transverse bands or
stripes, except on the middle of the back of the head, and ex-
cept a broad mark on each side descending from the back of
the head to above the shoulder. The tail is ringed with dark
rings, alternately broad and narrow. The muzzle is very
pointed. The length of the head and body is about 38 inches,
that of the tail, 40% inches.”

Distribution. West Africa (Sierra Leone and Iernando Po).

This apparently rare animal was originaily described from
the flat skin of a young specimen, and nothing has been re-
corded regarding its habits. It may probably be considered
as a rather more specialised form than its Oriental cousins,
from which it may be distinguished at a glance by the peculiar
arrangement of the dark rings (about 22 in number) on the
unusually long tail, of which the tip is black.

VII. THE HEMIGALES., GENUS HEMIGALE;

Hemigalus, Jourdan, Comptes Rendus, vol. v. p. 442 (1837)
Flemigalea, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 524.

In all the preceding forms, with the exception of Fossa, the
tail is marked throughout with distinct rings, whereas in the
present genus it is, at most, only so at the base. Moreover,
whereas in the whole of the former the auditory bulla of the
skull is blunted, in Hemiga/e it is pointed in front, while the
carnassial teeth in the latter are relatively smaller and of a less
completely sectorial type than in the other genera. A further
most distinctive feature of Hemiga/e is to be found in the cir-
cumstance that, in the hind-foot, the pads in the centre are
concentrated, so as to form a bald area on the metatarsus, with

“KIXX

“SIVOIN GH S SMOIMGavVH

wLWw Id

IIARDWICKE’S HEMIGALE. 227

a sharp point directed towards the tarsus, the latter being
completely covered with hair. Another peculiarity is that the
direction of the hair on the back of the neck is reversed, so as
to be inclined forwards. When there are any markings on the
back, these are in the form of uninterrupted transverse bands.
The five-toed feet have strongly-curved claws ; and the nose
and upper lip, as in all the foregoing genera, are marked by a
median groove. The number of the teeth is the same as in
Viverra.

The genus is confined to the countries lying to the eastward
of the Bay of Bengal.

I. HARDWICKE’S HEMIGALE. HEMIGALE HARDWICKEI.

Viverra hardwickit, Gray, Spicil. Zool. p. 9 (1830).

Hlemigalus zebra, Jourdan, Comptes Rendus, vol. v. p. 442
(1837).

Paradoxurus derbianus, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 579
(1837).

Paradoxurus zebra, Gray, loc. cit.

Viverra boiet, Miller, Tijdschr. Natuur. Ges. vol. v. p.144 (1863).

Femigalea derbiana, Blyth, Cat. p. 46 (1863).

Hemigalea hardwicket, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 524;
id., Cat. Carniv. Brit. Mus. p. 57 (1869); Mivart, Proc.
Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 165.

Hemigale hardwicket, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1886, p. 73.

(Plate XXIX.)

Characters.—General colour of fur whitish-yellow, marked on
the back with about seven uninterrupted reddish-brown trans-
verse stripes, extending well down on to the flanks ; there are
also three stripes on the head, and two down the neck, together
with some irregular markings on the shoulders, the under
parts and feet being uniformly coloured, and the tail ringed
at the base, but elsewhere black. Length of head and body,

about 151% inches; of tail, 1614 inches,
Q 2

228 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

Distribution.— Malay Pen#€ula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

Although nothing definite has been recorded, it is probable
that the habits of this animal are generally similar to those of
the Palm-Civets.

II. HOSE’S HEMIGALE. HEMIGALE HOSII.
Hemigale hoset, Thomas, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 6, vol. ix.
p: 6 (1892); id., Proc. Zool: Soc. 1802, ps 222;

Characters.—Size and proportions very similar to those of
the last, but the skull more lightly made, and the teeth more
delicate. General colour of upper-parts dark smoky-brown
or black, with the bases of the body-hairs whitish. Sides of
muzzle at the roots of the whiskers white (the corresponding
place in HZ. hardwickei being black); cheek below the eye, as
well as a patch above and behind the latter, grizzled brownish-
white. Ears thinly haired, pure white internally, their edges
forming a marked contrast to the black of the crown of the
head. Chin, white; chest, under-parts, and upper portion of
inner surfaces of limbs smoky yellowish-grey ; remainder of
limbs and whole of tail black.

Its describer remarks ‘‘ that this species is not a black form
of the preceding, is proved by the white patches on the muzzle,
the white ears, whitish under side, and also by the differences
in the size of the teeth.”

Distribution Mount Dulit, and not improbably Mount Kina
Balu, North Borneo, at an altitude of between 2,000 and 5,000
feet above sea-level. ‘The one known example was discovered
by Mr. Charles Hose, after whom the species has received its
name.

VIII. THE AFRICAN PALM-CIVETS. GENUS NANDINIA.
Nandinia, Grav List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 54 (1843).

Having a partial, * tarsus like Hemigale, the members

of this genus are distingui... _ by the imperfect ossification of

rm

—

THE AFRICAN PALM-CIVETS. 229

the auditory bulla of the skull. In other respects the genus is
very similar to Paradoxurus, the markings taking the form of
spots, and the tail being ringed.

‘The genus is exclusively African, in which region it takes
the place of the Oriental Palm-Civets.

I. WEST AFRICAN PALM-CIVET. NANDINIA BINOTATA.
Viverra binotata, Reinwardt, in Gray’s Spicil. Zool. vol. ii. p.
9 (1830).
Paradoxurus hamiltonii, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 67.
Paradoxurus binotatus, Gray, op. cit. p. 68.
Nandinia binotata, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 54 (1843).

Characters.—Ground-colour of fur rufous-grey ; nape marked
with three parallel streaks, one running from the forehead and
the other two from the ears; back marked with numerous
black spots, varying in size and number; a yellow spot on
each shoulder ; lips, throat, and under-parts rufous-grey ; legs
grizzled ; tail elongated and tapering, marked with numerous
black rings, and the tip blackish. Length of head and body,
23 inches ; of tail, t9 inches.

Distribution.— West Africa (Fernando Po, Ashanti, and An-
gola).

II. EAST AFRICAN PALM-CIVET. NANDINIA GERRARDI.
Nandima gerrardi, Thomas, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 6,
vol. xil. p. 205 (1893).

Characters.—-Similar to the preceding in size and general
colour, but wanting the three distinct black lines found on the
upper surface of the neck in that species, while the fur of the
body is more sparsely and finely spotted, and the transverse
black markings on the tail are narrower, closer together, and
more sharply defined. In the single a7 specimen known,
the tail is also shorter than in JV. 7” 4 but this may be an
individual imperfection. The Datowish spots present on the

230 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

withers of the last-named gpecies are also shown in this one,
although indistinctly, and the back of the ears is of the same
hue as the rest of the fur.

Distribution East Africa (Lower Shire River, Nyasaland).
The type specimen, although not described until 1893, was
collected by Sir John Kirk as far back as 1861, and is pre-
served in the British Museum. When alive, the animal was
stated to live on mice and poultry. The skin of an immature
specimen was obtained at the same time.

IX. THE SMALL-TOOTHED PALM-CIVETS. GENUS
ARCTOGALE.
Arctogale, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 542.

Auditory bulla of skull fully ossified; teeth relatively small ;
palate very narrow, and its middle portion much produced
behind the line of the last molar; no naked glandular tract in
front of the scrotum ; tail not ringed; markings in the form of
longitudinal stripes or rows of spots on the back. Other char-
acters as in Paradvxurus.

The genus is represented by two species from the eastern
part of the Oriental region.

I. THE WHITE-EARED PALM-CIVET. ARCTOGALE LEUCOTIS.

Paradoxurus leucotis, Horsfield, Cat. East Ind. Mus. p. 66
(1851).

Paradoxurus stigmaticus, Temminck, Esquiss. Zool. p. 120
(1853).

Arctogale stigmatica, Mivart, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 163.

Arctogale leucotis, Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1885, p. 789 ; 1d.,
Mamm. Brit. India, p. 115 (1888).

Characters.—Size rather large; fur short and not harsh ; tail
about equal in length to head and body. General colour
varying from fulvous-grey to dusky-grey, or occasionally brown
on the upper-parts ; under-parts paler; the back marked by
three longitudinal dark bands, which may either be continuous

THE PALM-CIVETS. 231

or broken up into spots, and in some specimens very indistinct,
or even wanting. Head above generally darker, often be-
coming ashy or black, usually with a narrow white line down
the middle of the forehead ; feet and terminal portion of the
tail brown or black. Burmese examples frequently show some
whitish on the tips of the ears. Length of head and body,
263% inches; of tail, 27 inches.

Distribution—Sikhim, Arakan, Burma, Malay Peninsula,
Sumatra, and Borneo.

Nothing of importance has been recorded of the habits of
this Palm-Civet, which probably do not differ essentially from
those of the members of the next genus. If captured young,
this species can be easily tamed.

Il. THE THREE-STRIPED PALM-CIVET. ARCTOGALE
TRIVIRGATA.

Paradoxurus trivirgatus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 68.
Arctogale trivirgata, Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1885, p. 7809.

Characters.—Differs from the preceding species in being
slightly smaller, with the three dark lines down the back more
distinctly defined, and also in wanting the dark patch at the
base of the ears, the skull also being smaller, with the palate
less produced backwards.

Distribution.— Java.

X. THE PALM-CIVETS. GENUS PARADOXURUS.

Paradoxurus, F. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. xxiv. (1821).
Pazuma, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1831, p. 95.
Platyschista, Otto, Nova Acta. Ac. Ces. Leop.-Car. vol. xvil
p. 1089 (1835).
From the last genus the True Palm-Civets are distinguished
by their larger teeth (among which the carnassials are short,
with blunted cusps, and the sectorial character but little de-

232 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

veloped), the less backwar@prolongation of the palate, and the
presence of a naked glandular area in front of the scrotum of
the males, and in a similar position in the females. In com-
mon with Arctogale, they have the whole of the metatarsus
and the greater portion of the tarsus naked, the hair extending
across the hinder portion of the heel in an evenly-curved line.
The claws of the five-toed feet are as much curved and as
highly retractile as in the Genets, and in the greater number
of cases the long tail is not ringed, while the markings take
the form of longitudinal streaks, or more rarely spots, a few
species being uniformly coloured. ‘The pupil of the eye is in
the form of a vertical slit.

The teeth are numerically the same as in Viverra, but vary
considerably in shape in the different species; and only in a
few forms does the bony palate extend much Lehind the line
of the last molar teeth. Although the tail is not endowed
with the power of prehension, it can be curled up to a greater or
less extent, and in captive specimens this condition is apt to
become chronic. In size the majority of the Palm-Civets may
be compared to ordinary Cats.

The genus is an exclusively Oriental one, ranging from
India as far eastwards as the Philippine Islands, and embracing
a large number of species.

On account of their purely nocturnal habits, the Palm-
Civets are but seldom seen, although on one occasion the
present writer was fortunate enough to detect an individual of
the Common Indian species moving about in broad daylight
among the leaves of a palm-tree in a garden in the suburbs
of Calcutta. They are all thoroughly arboreal, and adepts
at climbing; and their food comprises fruits as well as the
flesh of animals.

Many of the species have an alarmingly long list of syno-
nyms.

TIIE COMMON PALM-CIVET. 233

‘{. THE COMMON PALM-CIVET. PARADOXURUS
HERMAPHRODITUS.

Viverra hermaphrodita, Schreber, Saugethiere, vol. iii. p. 426
(1778).

Viverra prehensilis, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 208 (1820).

Viverra musanga, Raffles, Linn. Trans. vol. xiii. p. 252 (1820).

Paradoxurus prehensilis, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 66.

Paradoxurus musanga, Gray, loc. ct.

Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Gray, loc. cit. ; Blanford, Mamm.
Brit. India, p. 108 (1888); W. L. Sclater, Cat. Mamm. Ind.
Mus. pt. ii. p. 243 (1891).

Faradoxurus pallasit, P. crossit, and P. finlaysonit, Gray, Proc.
Zool..Soc. 1832, pp. 67, 68.

Paradoxurus quinguelineatus and P. musangoides, Gray, Mag.
Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 379 (1837).

Paradoxurus felinus, Wagner, in Schreber, Saugethiere, Suppl.
vol. ii. p. 349 (1841).

Paradoxurus nigrifrons, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 55
(1843).

Paradoxurus setosus, Pucheran, in Hombr. et Jacq. Voyage
au Pole Ind. Sud, Zool. vol. ili. p. 25 (1853).

Paradoxurus fasciatus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 536.

Variety a.

Paradoxurus strictus, Horsfield, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 2,
vol. xvi. p. 105 (1855).

Paradoxurus quadriscriptus, Horsfield, of. cit. p. 106.

Variety B.

Viverra niger, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 208 (1820).

Viverra bondar, Desmarest, of. cit. p. 210.

_ Laradoxurus typus, F. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. xxiv. (1821).

Paradoxurus leucopus, Ogilby, Zool. Journ. vol. iv. p. 304
(1828). |

Paradoxurus bondar, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 66.

234. LLOYD’S NATURAL fitSTORY.

Paradoxurus pennant, Gray, loc. ctt.
Flatyschista pallasi, Otto, Nova Acta Ac. Cees. Leop.-Car. vol.
XVil. p. T08g (1835).
Puradoxurus hirsutus, Hodgson, Asiat. Researches, vol. xix.
Pe 72.( 8830): |
Puradoxurus niger, Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1885, p. 792;
id.. Mamm. Brit. India, p. 106 (1888).
(Plate XXX.)
Bony palate extending less than a quarter of an
inch behind the line of the last upper molar teeth ; whiskers
black, with occasionally a few of the lowest bristles white at
the base. ‘Tail nearly or quite as long as the head and body,
thickly haired, and only slightly tapering. Fur coarse and
frequently long, with some elongated and ragged patches,
especially on the back; under-fur short or absent. General
colour fulvous, ashy, or black, marked either by streaks, streaks
and spots combined, or dusky patches. ‘The slits on the
anterior extremity of the bony palate only extending as far
back as the canine teeth. Length of head and body varying
from 20 to 25 inches; of tail, from 16 to 20 inches. Males
are considerably larger than females, and there are also racial
variations in point of size.

By Mr. Blanford the Indian Palm-Civet (7. zzger) is regarded
as specifically distinct from the Malayan P. hermaphroditus.
Mr. W. L. Sclater remarks, however, that it seems “more in
accordance with the facts to recognise the two forms only as
geographical races ; since although the Toddy-Cat of Southern
India is fairly distinguishable from that of the Malay Peninsula,
the specimens met with in Lower Bengal are intermediate
between the two. The typical variety is distinguished by the
marked longitudinal stripes down the back; the hill variety
(P. strictus) by its darker colour, more distinct spots, and smaller
size; the Indian variety (P. nzzger) by the absence of definite
stripes and spots, which are replaced by dusky patches.”

Characters.

=

“XXX WLV'Td

: THE PHILIPPINE PALM-CIVET. 235
:

Distribution—The range of the typical form of this species
embraces Burma, Siam, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo,
and Java; the variety P. s¢rictws is apparently confined to Sikhim
and Assam; while the variety P. niger is spread over India
proper and Ceylon, extending to the Himalaya, but becoming
rarer in the north-west, and also to the east in Lower Bengal,

where it passes almost insensibly into the typical form.

Habits—The habits of the Common Palm-Civet, cr, as it is
often called, Toddy-Cat, may be taken as typical of those of
the genus generally. These animals pass the daytime either
among the b:anches of trees or in hollows of their trunks, in
the neighbourhood of the coast cocoa-nut palms being their
favourite resorts, while in more inland districts mangrove-groves
are frequently selected. ‘Thatched roofs of houses, as well as
outbuildings and drains, are, however, sometimes chosen as

_ dwelling-places, and these animals will occasionally take up
their quarters in the heart of cities. From such varied domi-
ciles the Palm-Civet issues forth at dusk in search of food, which
comprises the smaller Mammals, birds and their eggs, lizards,
insects, fruit, and vegetables, in addition to “‘toddy”—that is to
say, palm-juice—which is eagerly drunk from the vessels sus-
pended from palm-trees to collect it. The young are born in

the hollows of trees, and usually number four to five in a litter.

ll. THE PHILIPPINE PALM-CIVET. PARADOXURUS
PHILIPPINENSIS.

Paradoxurus philippinensis, Jourdan, Comptes Rendus, vol. v.
H p. 523 (1837) ; Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1885, p. 800.
| Paradoxurus zeylanicus, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 55
: (1843).

Paradoxurus philippensis, ¥. Cuvier, Ann. Sci. Nat. ser. 2, vol.
viii. p. 372 (1837).
- Characters.—Very similar to the preceding, but rather smaller,
~ with the fur closer, softer, less ragged, and more even in length,
an

>

236 LLOYD'’s NATURAL History,

and a marked gloss on theglfairs. Under-fur thicker and more —
woolly. Upper carnassial tooth with a very large inner tubercle
near the middle of its length. General colour dusky-brown on
the upper-parts and brownish-grey beneath, with or without
indistinct longitudinal rows of spots on the back. Head _
mostly black or blackish-brown, with a pale band across the |
forehead and spots beneath the eyes, as in the typical form of
the preceding species ; feet and tail coloured like the head.
Distribution The Philippine Islands and Borneo.* Mr.
Blanford remarks that specimens from Borneo appear to con-
nect the Philippine race with the typical P. Zermaphroditus.

III. LARGE-TOOTHED PALM-CIVET. PARADOXURUS MACRODUS.

Paradoxurus macrodus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 538;
Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1885, p. Sor ; W. I. sclater
Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus. pt. ii. p. 246 (1891).

Characters—Externally very similar to the typical species,
but readily distinguished by the much larger size of the teeth.

Distribution. Malay Peninsula.

IV. JERDON’S PALM-CIVET. PARADOXURUS JERDONI.
faradoxurus jerdont, Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1885, pp. 613,
802; id.. Mamm. Brit. India, p. 111 (1888).

Characters.— Distinguished from P. hermaphroditus by the
greater length of the apertures at the anterior end of the palate.
The whiskers are dark brown, and the tip of the tail is black,
and not, as figured, white; general colour uniform dark brown,

Distribution—Southern India; viz., the Madura and Nilgiri

Hills.
V. THE RED PALM-CIVET. PARADOXURUS AUREUS.

Paradoxurus aureus, F, Cuvier, Mém. Mus. Paris, vol. ix. p.
48 (1822); Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 18855 1 p.-302);s1de
Mamm. Brit. India, p. 110 (1888).

* See Everett, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1893, p. 495.

THE HIMALAYAN PALM-CIVET. 237

. Paradoxurus montanus, Blyth (ex Kelaart), Journ. Asiat. Soc.
Bengal, vol. xx. p. 161 (1851).
Paradoxurus zeylanicus, Kelaart, Prodr. Faun. Zeyl. p. 32
(1852; mec Gray).
Characters.—T ail about four-fifths the length of the head and
oody ; fur moderately soft and thick, of uniform length, and
‘with little woolly under-fur; whiskers rufous ; general colour
uniform rusty-red or dull chestnut, with occasional traces of
longitudinal streaks on the back. Length of head and bodv
_about 19 inches; of tail, 1544 inches.
Distribution Ceylon, the specimens from the mountains

: being darker than those from the plains.

|
VI. THE HIMALAYAN PALM-CIVET. PARADOXURUS GRAYI.

Paradoxurus grayi, Bennett, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1835, p. 118;
Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1885, p. 803; id., Mamm.
Brit. India, p. 112 (1888).

Paradoxurus nipalensis, Hodgson, Asiat. Researches, vol. xix
p. 76 (1836).

Paguma grayt, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 54 (1843).

Paradoxurus tytlerit, Tytler, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol.
Xxxili. p. 188 (1864).

Characters.—Size larger than in P. hermaphroditus ; tail about
equal in length to the head and body; fur of uniform, but
variable, length, with the woolly under-fur frequently well de-
veloped. Bony palate of the skull extending more than a
quarter of an inch behind the line of the last molar teeth ;
whiskers, at least in part, conspicuously white. Colour of
upper-parts uniform grey, without markings; under-parts
whitish ; the tip of the tail frequently dark brown or black.
Head brown or blackish, with the exception of the forehead, a
broad band beneath the ear, a narrower line down the nose,
and a blotch beneath each eye, in all of which places there is a

i kk > 1 an

waa

233 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

larger or smaller admixtug@of white hairs. Length of head
and body, from 24 to 25 inches; of tail, inclusive of the ter-
minal hairs, about the same.

Distribution.—The Himalaya from Simla to Assam, Arakan,
and the Andamans ; possibly also some parts of the plains of
India.

VII. THE CHINESE. PALM-CIVET. PARADOXURUS LARVATUS.

Gulo larvatus, Griffith, Animal Kingdom, vol. ii. p. 281
(1827 59¢% eram.MiS5.):

Viverra larvata, Gray, Spicil. Zool. p. 9 (1830).

FPaguma larvata, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1831, p. 95.

Paradoxurus larvatus, Gray, op. cit. 1832, p. 67; Blanford,
Proc. Zool. 50c, 1885, p. S05;

Characters.—Very similar to the preceding, but smaller.
General colour light brownish-grey ; the terminal portions of
the tail and limbs, parts of the head, and the neck and back
between the shoulders black or blackish ; a broad white stripe
down the middle of the forehead and nose; a white spot
beneath the eye and another behind it (which join to form a
streak), sharply defined against the blackness of the rest of the

face.
Vistribution—Southern China and Formosa.

VIII. WHITE-WHISKERED PALM-CIVET. PARADOXURUS ;
LEUCOMYSTAX.

Paradoxurus leucomystax, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1836, p. 88;
Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1335, p. $05. .

Paradoxurus jourdant, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. 1. p. 579
(1837).

Paguma leucomystax, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 55
(1843).

Paradoxurus ogilbyi, Fraser, Zool. Typ. pl. x. (1849).

THE CELEBEAN PALM-CIVET,. 239

Paradoxurus rubidtus, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol.
XXVil. p. 275 (1358).

Characters.—Size large, only exceeded in P. musschenbroechi ;

~ tail about three-fourths the length of the head and body. Dis-

tinguished from P. grayz by the brown or rufous colour of the

fur; head-markings generally distinct, brown and whitish; either

a broad pale band across the forehead or the whole face

whitish. Length of head and body, about 27 inches; of tail,
20 inches.

Distribution The Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and
probably some of the other Malayan islands, exclusive of
Java.

IX, THE CELEBEAN PALM-CIVET. PARADOXURUS
MUSSCHENBROECKI.

faradoxurus musschenbroeckt, Schlege!, Notes Leyd. Mus. vol.
i. p. 43 (£879) ; Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1885, p. 806.

Characters—The largest member of the genus; tail about
three-fourths the length of the herd and body ; fur soft and
short. Skull with the bony palate much produced backwards,
but otherwise resembling that of P. hermaphroditus ; teeth
differing from those of all the other species i1 that the two
cheek-series run nearly parallel, in place of being widely diver-
yergent posteriorly. General colour of upper-parts light brown-
ish-chestnut, with numerous light hairs intermixed; under-
parts varying from fulvous to white ; breast rufescent ; hinder
part of back with a pair of indistinct longitudinal stripes, and
some faint spots ; whiskers mixed brown and white. Tail differ-
ing from that of all the other members cf the genus, marked
with alternating rings of dark and pale brown, which are indis-
tinct on the under surface, and disappear towards the dark tip.
Length of head and body, about 35 inches ; of tail, 25 inches.

Distribution.—Celebes,

240 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,

X. WOOLLY PALM-Cl@T. PARADOXURUS LANIGER.
Paradoxurus laniger, Hodgson, Asiat. Researches, vol. xix. p
79 (1836); Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc: 1885, p. 807-51ds
Mamm. Brit. India, p. 114 (1888).
Paguma laniger, Gray, List Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 55 (1843).

Characters.—An imperfectly known species only provisionally
included in the genus. Tail only about half the length of the
head and body, very thick at the root, and rapidly tapering ;
fur very close and woolly. Toe-pads surrounded by hair; and
the claws short. Colour uniform rufescent brown.

Distribution? Tibet. Known only bya single badly pre-
served skin purchased by Hodgson in Nipal.

XI. GENUS: ARCTICTIS:

Arctictis, Temminck, Prospec. Monogr. Mamm. (1824); id.,
Monogr. Mamm. vol. i. p. xxi. vol. il. p. 308 (1835).
Ictides, Valenciennes, Ann. Sci. Nat. vol. iv. p. 57 (1824).

From the whole of the foregoing genera the present one is
distinguished by the completely naked tarsus and metatarsus
of the plantigrade hind-fect, by the presence of long pencils of
hairs surmounting the short ears, and by the long tail being
thoroughly prehensible. The short, compressed, and slightly-
curved claws are only partially retractile; the coarse fur is
long and shaggy ; the pupil of the eye is vertically elongated ;
and the large glands in front of the scrotum of the male open
intoa deep fold. There are generally only three pairs of lower
pre-mo'ars, but the number of the teeth is otherwise the same
as in Viverra, and in some individuals the missing pair of pre-
molars are developed. With the exception of the canines,
which are large and curved, with a sharp hinder edge, the
teeth are relatively small, both the incisors and molars being
separated from one another by gaps. Not unfrequently the
last pair of upper molars is wanting.

J THE BINTURONG. 241
%

The genus is represented solely by the following Oriental
species.
I. THE BINTURONG. ARCTICTIS BINTURONG.
Viverra binturong, Raffles, Linn. Trans. vol. xiii. p. 253 (1822).
Paradoxurus albifrons, ¥. Cuvier, Mém. Mus. Paris, vol. ix.
p. 48 (1822).
Ictides albifrons, Valenciennes, Ann. Sci. Nat. vol. iv. p. 57
(1824).

L. tides ater, F. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. xliv. (1824).
Arctictis binturong, Temminck, Monogr. Mamm. vol. ii. p. 308
(1835); Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 118 (1888).
Arctictis penticillatus, Miller, Verhandl. Nat. Gesch. p. 32

(1839).

Characters.— ‘Tail nearly as long as the head and body, thick
at the root, and clothed with straggling bristly hairs exceeding
in length those on the body ; fur as described above. Colour
uniformly black throughout, although more or less grizzled on
the head and outer surface of the forelimbs, and, in some
examples, over the whole body ; margins of ears white, but the
terminal tufts black. In the young the hairs have long rufous
or grey tips. Length of head and body, from 28 to 33 inches ;
of tail, 26 to 27 inches.

Distribution —The Himalaya from Simla to Assam, Burma,
Siam, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo,* and Java.

Habits.—As might be predicated from its fully prehensile tail
(a feature unknown in any other placental Old World Mammal),
the Bear-Cat, as this animal is frequently termed, is thoroughly
arboreal in its habits, frequenting dense forests, and in conse-
quence of the nature of its haunts and nocturnal mode of life,
but seldom seen, at least by Europeans. Somewhat slow in its
movements, the Binturong is undoubtedly capable of suspend-
ing itself by its tail after the fashion of the American Monkeys,

* Everett, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1893, p. 495.
7 R

242 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

since this has been demostiiftrated in the case of young indi-
viduals kept in captivity. Like the Palm-Civets, this animal
is omnivorous in its diet; but as regards its breeding habits,
naturalists are stillin the dark. It is stated to utter a loud
and prolonged cry, which, if verified, will show that in this
respect the Binturong differs widely from all other members
of the Family. In disposition it is decidedly fierce; but in-
dividuals captured when young become tame and gentle with-
out much trouble.

The zoological position of the Binturong was long a matter
of controversy, but it may now be regarded as settled that it is
a highly specialised form allied to the Palm-Civets.

XII. THE WEB-FOOTED CIVETS. GENUS CYNOGALE,
Cynogale, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1836, p. 88.

Potamophilus, Muller, Tijdsch. Natuur. Gesch. vol. v. p. 140
(1838).

This genus, the last of the Sub-family Viverrin@, may be
easily recognised by the absence of a vertical groove on the
upper lip, the short tail, the partially-webbed feet, and by the
under surface of the tarsus and metatarsus being rather less
naked than in the Palm-Civets, short hairs clothing the former
segment, while the latter is bare. ‘The claws are sharp, rather
elongated and retractile ; and the first toe on each foot is well.
developed.

Like the last, the genus is represented only by a single
Oriental species.

I. BENNETT'S CIVET. CYNOGALE BENNETTI.
Cynogale bennetti, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 578 (1836) ;
id., Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 78 (1869) ; Mivart
Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 172; Sanyal, Proc. Zoolasee

1894, p. 296.
Viverra carcharias, Jourdan, Ann. Sci. Nat. ser. 2, vol. vill. p.

281 (1837).

BENNETT'S CIVET. 243

Fotamophilus barbatus, Miller, Tijdsch. Natuur. Gesch. vol. v.
p. 142 (1838).
Cynogale barbata, Schinz, Synops. Mamm. vol. i. p. 388 (1844).
Characters.—The following description ef a living specimen
is given by Mr. Sanyal. In form and size this animal resembles
partly a Zinsang and partly a Prionodon. The head is elon-
gated, and the muzzle broad and depressed, the breadth of the
latter appearing more pronounced owing to the exceptional
character of the upper lip, which is much thickened in order
‘to support the roots of the abundant and well-developed
whiskers. A bunch of whiskers below each ear and close to
the outer angle of the eye; also an intermediate set on each
side of the nose between the eye and the lip. A tuft of
vibrisse on the chin between the lower lip and the throat.
Eyes large and oblique ; ears small and rounded ; nostrils with
distinct lobes adapted for a sub-aquatic life. Tail moderate and
thick. Prevailing colour of the fur grey, becoming grizzled
white on the back, rump, and outer surface of the limbs*; a
dark longitudinal stripe on the crown of the head and nape;
eyebrows partially white; a white spot on each side of the
head below the ears, corresponding with the place of inser-
tion of the whiskers in this region; lips white. Under-parts
blackish ; tip of the tail whitish. Length ot head and body,
about 32 inches; of tail, 9% inches.

Distribution—Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

Habits.— Little trustworthy information is obtainable as to the
habits of this rare Civet in the native state, although it may be
taken as certain that the creature is to a considerable extent

* The colour has been hitherto described as uniformly reddish-brown,
save for a narrow dark streak down the head. The difference may, perhaps,
be in part accounted for from the fact that one description is taken from
_ the living animal, and the other from dried skins ; and also from the differ-
ent ages of the specimens examined, old ones being probably more grey
than younger examples.

R 2

244 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

aquatic, and feeds largely fish and crustaceans. It is, how-
ever, stated also to capture and eat various land animals, and
likewise to be capable of ascending trees with facility, so that it
may be likened to a climbing Otter. With regard to the habits
of the captive specimen mentioned above, which was exhibited
in the Calcutta Zoological Gardens, Mr. Sanyal writes as follows:
** Except very early in the morning, I have never seen this
animal leave its cage during the day; and though it never ap-
pears to be particularly savage, it always resents the approach of
its keeper, or anyone else, by a sort of low, subdued snarling.
The presence of a strong civet-like smell near its cage, es-
pecially at night, unmistakably indicates the possession of
odoriferous glands. Although said to be omnivorous, it shows
greater partiality for an animal than a vegetable diet, and
relishes fish more than flesh. JI have never observed it in-
dulging in its aquatic habits.”

XII. THE MUNGOOSES. GENUS HERPESTES:

Lchneumon, Lacépede, Mém. Instit. Paris, vol. iil. p. 492 (1801;
preoccupied),

Flerpestes, Wliger, Prodrom. Meth. Mamm. p. 135 (1811).

Mangusta, Olivier, in Fischer’s Synops. Mamm. p. 162 (1829). .

Mungos, Ogilby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1835, p. 103.

Urva, Hodgson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. vi. p. 561(1837).

Mesobema, Hodgson, of. cit. vol. x. p. 910 (1841).

Osmetictis, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. x. p. 260 (1842).

Calogale, p. 560, Calictis, p. 564, Tentogale, p. 569, Onychogale,
p. 570, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864.

With this extensive genus we come to the first representative
of the second Sub-family (//erfestine) of the Viverride, which
may be characterised as follows: In the skull the auditory
bulla is pear-shaped, and its hinder margin distinctly everted,
while the par-occipital process does not project beyond it, but

THE MUNGOOSES. 245

is spread over it, and in the adult becomes merged in its
hinder surface. In the l’rverrine, on the other hand, the same
process generally projects somewhat beyond the auditory bulla,
from which it remains markedly distinct. Instead of being
curved and more or less retractile, the claws of the Herpestine
are long, exserted, and quite incapable of retraction. The
glands so generally present in front of the scrotum of the
males of the Viverrina, are invariably absent in the group under
consideration. It includes several genera, and may be con-
sidered mainly characteristic of Africa and Madagascar, since
only the typical genus extends into the Oriental region, and
even that has more Ethiopian than Asiatic representatives.

As a genus, Herpestes is specially characterised by having five
toes to each foot, by the presence of a vertical groove on the
nose, and usually of four pairs of pre-molar teeth in each jaw,*
the number of molars being, as usual, two. Concerning other
features, it may be noted that the muzzle is sharply pointed,
_the body long and slender, the legs short, and the ears short
and rounded. Asa rule, the tail is long and tapering, with its
investing hair elongated. In the plantigrade feet, the extent to
which the sole in the hind pair is naked varics to a con-
siderable extent with the species, the bare portion extending
in some instances as far back as the heel, while in others the
tarsus is invested inferiorly with hair. The fur is coarse, and
has a peculiar specked or ‘‘pepper-and-salt ” appearance, due
to the circumstance that the longer hairs are marked with
alternating light and dark rings ; in no case is the tail ringed.
All the cheek-teeth have very sharp cusps, and are thus
strikingly unlike those of the Palm-Civets, in which the cusps
are more or less blunted. The skull is remarkable for the
distinct contraction behind the orbits, and likewise for the fact

* If but three are present in either jaw, there is a gap between the first
of the series and the canine,

246 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

that the latter are generally completely surrounded by bone,
whereas in the Civets an@Palm-Civets they are incomplete
posteriorly.

The genus has a distribution equivalent to that of the Sub-
family, and is the second one in the Family which ranges into
the south of Europe, the other being Geve/za.

The most convenient arrangement will be found to treat
the various species mainly according to their geographical dis-
tribution, commencing with the typical Palearctic form. Two
African forms, allied to the members of the next genus, will,
however, be considered after the Oriental species.

I. THE EGYPTIAN MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES ICHNEUMON.
Viverra ichneumon, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. 1. p. 63 (1766).
Lchneumon pharaon, Lacépede, Mém. Instit. Paris, vol. iii. p.
492 (1801).

Ichneumon egyptt, Tiedemann, Zool. vol. i. p. 364 (1808).

fTerpestes pharaonis, Geoffroy, Descrip. de lEgypte, vol. ii.
p..139 (1812):

flerpestes numidicus, F. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. Ixviii.
(1834).

Flerpestes widdringtont, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. ix.
p- 50 (1842).

Flerpestes dorsalis, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 549.

fTerpestes ichneumon, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 64.

(Plate XX XT.)

Characters.—Size large, form slender; tail about three-quarters
the length of the head and bcdy ; fur long, more especially on
the rump and root of the tail. General colour dark grizzled
greyish-brown, the hairs being ringed with dark reddish-brown
and creamy-yellow, but the tips of those on the back of a
darker yellow; the thick and woolly under-fur bright rufous.
Tip of tail shining black, with the hairs elongated into a kind
of tassel, which may reach as much as five inches beyond the

PLATE

EGYPTIAN MUNGOOSF

THE CAFFRE MUNGOOSE. 247

bone. Feet dark brown ; the under surface of the metatarsus
and tarsus generally quite naked, but the heel itself occasionally
hairy. Teeth sharp and slender ; the upper carnassial more
than double the length of the last molar; and the last lower
molar with only two cusps on its outer side. Length of head
and body, about 20 inches; of tail, 15 to 17 inches.

Distribution—Southern Spain, Asia Minor, Palestine, and
Africa north of the Sahara.

The habits of this species may be considered in connection
with the next. With regard to the occasional presence of
hair on the heel, Mr. Thomas remarks ‘that a partly hairy
sole seems to be accompanied by an increased length of the
hallux, as though certain individuals or families were accus-
tomed, probably on account of the nature of the soil, to walk
in a more digitigrade manner than usual, and the hallux w-re
in these cases elongated sufficiently to reach the ground. In
H1. galera I have found the same thing, there being one of our
West African specimens of that species with a hairy sole and
elongated hallux.”

Il. THE CAFFRE MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES CAFFER.

Viverra caffra, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 85 (1788).

Herpestes madagascariensis, A. Smith, S. African Quart. Journ.
vol. ii. p. 114 (1835).

Herpestes bennettii, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 578 (1837).

Herpestes caffer, Blyth, Cat. p. 52 (1863) ; Thomas, Proc. Zool.
Soc. 1882, p. 66.

Characters.—Somewhat larger than the last, but similarly
coloured, except that the rings on the longer hairs are rather
narrower, and are pure black and white in colour, thus com-
municating a clearer grey tinge to the whole pelage, while the
under-fur is dark dull rufous or dark greyish-brown. Under
surface of tarsus invariably naked. Skull longer and narrower
than in H. schneumon, the width being always less (instead of

218 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY,

more) than half the lenge Length of head and body, 22 to
23 inches ; of tail, 18 to 19 inches.

Distribution.— Africa south of the Sahara. The present species
and the closely allied AZ. zchneumon are readily distinguished
from all the other African representatives of the genus by their
large size and long black tail-tips. With regard to the propriety
of considering them as specifically distinct from one another,
Mr. Thomas writes: ‘‘I was at first disposed to regard them
as only races of one species, as Temminck had done; but I
have found such a constancy in their distinguishing characters
that, combined with the fact of their ranges being in different
zoological regions, I have been induced to retain them as dis-
tinct species. There is no doubt, however, that they are very
closely allied ; but when we remember how very distinct are
the faunas of the southern Palearctic and Ethiopian regions,
scarcely any species being common, it would naturally seem
preferable to consider as distinct two forms so fairly well-
marked as are 1/7. ichneumon and H. caffer, when the line of -
demarcation between them so exactly corresponds with what
is generally recognised as the boundary between two zoological
regions.”

Habits——The habits of this species may be taken as charac-
teristic of the genus generally, and may consequently be
noticed at some length. None of the Mungooses are arboreal;
and they generally dwell in holes in the earth, among bushes,
or in hedgerows, being seldom found in thick forest. Their
diet includes the smaller Rodent Mammals, Birds and their
eggs, as well as Snakes, Lizards, and Frogs; while the Egyptian
Mungoose, at least, devours large numbers of Crocodiles’ eggs,
on which account it has always been held in high estimation by
the inhabitants of the Nile Delta. In many parts of Africa the
Caffre Mungoose is kept in captivity for the purpose of killing
Rats, Mice, and other vermin; the same being the case in

;

eal

THK ANGOLA MUNGOOSE, 249

India with some of the species inhabiting that country. Not
only so, but Mungooses have been introduced into the West
Indies for the purpose of killing the Rats that were at one time
playing havoc with the sugar-canes; but although the expert-
ment has been successful, it has been very fatal to several
kinds of birds. The common Indian Mungoose, which bur-
rows holes for itself, produces from three to four young ina
litter; and, like the other species, is commonly found either
singly or in pairs. Although these animals are naturally fierce
and bloodthirsty, they can be readily tamed, when they form
gentle and affectionate little pets, without the ill-odour which
renders the Civets so objectionable.

Mungooses are deadly enemies to Snakes, attacking even
the most venomous kinds with general impunity, although if
severely bitten, they die like other animals. Probably they
owe this immunity to their extreme activity, although they are,
probably, less susceptible to Snake-venom than other Mammals.

Ill, THE ANGOLA MUNGOOSE, HERPESTES ANGOLENSIS.

flerpestes angolensis, Bocage, Journ. Sci. Lisb. ser. 2, vol. ii.
Pp. 32 (1890).

Characters.—Ciosely allied to the two preceding. The dark
brown pelage, speckled with rufous, approximates this form to
ff. tchneumon, but its size is larger, and the tail considerably
longer ; characters by which it is equally well distinguished
from 4. cafer. The rufous rings on the hairs are decidedly
narrower than in H. ichneumon. The muzzle, chin, fore-legs,
and feet are deep black; the remainder of the pelage speckled
with rufous on a blackish-brown ground. The proximal fifth
of the tail is covered with long brown hairs ringed with rufous ;
in the remainder of the tail, except the black tip, the hairs are
short and uniformly bright rufous.

Distribution, West Africa (Angola),

250 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

IV. THE SLENDER MUJ@0OSE. HERPESTES GRACILIS,

Flerpestes gracilis, Rtippell, Neue Wirbelth. p. 29 (1835);
Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc... 1882, -—p. 68, 1893, ‘p. Seas
Bocage, J. Sci. Lisboa, ser. 2, vol. i. p. 178 (1889).

Llerpestes mutgigella, Rippell, loc. cit.

Cynictis melanura, Martin, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1836, p. 56.

Ferpestes badius, Smith, Illustr. S. African Zool. pl. iv. (1838).

Ichneumta nigricaudatus, Geoffroy, Mag. Zool. 1839, p. 18.

Flerpestes ochraceus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1848, p. 138.

flerpestes galiniert, Guerin, Voyage Abyssin. Zool. pl. i.
(1847-48).

flerpestes lefebvret, Des Murs. & Prev. in Lefebvr. Voyage
Abyss. Zool. Atlas, pl. i. (1850); Bocage, of. cit. p. 179.

Lerpestes ornatus, Peters, Reise Mossambique, Mamm. p. 117
(1852).

flerpestes ochromelas, Pucheran, Rev. Mag. Zool. ser. 2, vol.
Vii. p. 393 (1855).

flerpestes todoprymnus, Heuglin, Nova Acta Ac. Cees. Leop.-
War. vol, xxix", 23°( 1561).

LHHerpestes adailensis, Heuglin, Peterm. Mitth. 1861, p. 17.

Calogale grantt, p. 561, C. venatica, p. 563, Gray, Proc. Zool.
Soc. 1864.

Galerella ochracea, Gray, op. cit. p. 564.

Flerpestes mutscheltschela, Heuglin, Reise N. O. Afrika, vol. ii.
p. 41 (1877).

Flerpestes ruficauda, Heuglin, of. cit. p. 43.

Ler pestes melanurus, Matschie, Mittheil. deatsch. Schutzgebie-
ten, vol. vi. att. 3, p. 11 (17893).

Characters.—This is a very variable species, agreeing with the
two preceding ones in the black tip to its tail, but readily distin-
guished by its markedly inferior size. The form is slender; the
tail slightly shorter than the head and body; the fur of medium
length, and not elongated either at the root or the tip of the

TIIE RED-TAILED MUNGOOSE. 251

tail, while the colour may be either sandy, rufous, or dark

greyish-brown. Under-side of tarsus naked. Skull resembling

that of H. zchnewmon in form. Length of head and body, varying

from about 11 to 14% inches ; of tail, from 10% to 12 inches.
Distribution. Africa, south of the Sahara.

Varieties. The typical variety, ranging from Cape Verd
across Abyssinia to Natal, is of large size, and has the
general colour of the fur dark brownish-grey, with or with-
out black annulations, the tips of the hairs often showing a
distinct ruddy tinge. In those specimens without black rings
on the hairs the black terminal portion of the tail is not so
sharply defined.

In the West African variety, ZH. melanurus, ranging from
Liberia to Sierra Leone and the Cameruns, the general colour
is dark rufous, with the hairs distinctly ringed with black, the
fur being short and crisp.

The South African variety, H. dadius, extending from the
Cape to Zanzibar, is rather smaller, and distinguished by its
bright rufous colour, the hairs being sometimes ringed with
black, and the fur rather long and soft.

In the still smaller variety, 4. ochraceus, typically from
Abyssinia, the colour is light sandy-yellow, the hairs in the
type specimen being ringed with black. This variety is re-
corded by Bocage, in the paper cited, from Angola. An allied
West Coast variety (7. flavescens), from Benguela, according
to the same writer, has the fur of a brighter tint, with the hairs
on the head and root of the tail tipped with black.

Another variety from Angola(/Z. punctulatus? = H1. ruficauda)
is of a bright rufous tint, with the hairs tipped with black.

Vv. THE RED-TAILED MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES SANGUINEUS.

Herpestes sanguineus, Riippell, Neue Wirbelthiere, p. 27 (1835) ;
Thomas, Proc. Zcol, Soc. 1882, p. 71.

LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

to
bo

Characters.—Size and foryggmuch as in the last ; fur short and
somewhat harsh. General colour very pale fawn; the hairs
ringed with brown and yellowish-white, the latter colour pre-
dominating, and the arrangement producing the appearance of
cross-bands on the hinder part of the back. ‘Tail with longer
hairs, ringed with black and white, although the black is very
inconspicuous ; its tip yellowish-red, and sharply differentiated
from the remainder. Feet nearly white. Teeth generally
similar to those of HZ. ichneumon. Length of head and body,
about 12 inches ; of tail, either rather more or rather less.

Distribution.— Kordofan.

Habits.—Mr. ‘Thomas writes that “this species, hitherto only
found in Kordofan, is evidently a desert form, having the sandy
coloration usually occurring in animals inhabiting sandy plains.
Dr. Riippell seems to have found it numerous, as he brought
home five or six specimens. He states that it lives in holes in
the ground, among bushes, and that, though fierce when wild, it
is yet easily tameable. Baron von Heuglin also found it, though
not commonly, in the same region.”

VI. NEUMANN’S MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES NEUMANN.
Flerpestes neuinannt, Matschie, S.B. Nat. Fr. Berlin, 1894, p.12r.

Characters.—A small form allied to the two preceding, and
closely resembling HZ. gracilis var. ochraceus in general colora-
tion, but distinguished by the absence of annulations on the
hairs, and the chestnut-brown colour of the tail-tip. General
colour ochre-yellow ; the hairs of the middle line of the back
with small chestnut-brown tips, giving a reddish-brown speck-
ling to the pelage ; the hairs in the last third of the tail darker;
feet coloured like the sides and tail.

Distribution. East Africa (N. Ugogo).

In admitting this form to the rank of a species, it should be
noticed that its describer regards the varieties of HZ. gracilis
and H. albicauda as distinct species,

THE RUFOUS MUNGOOSE. Pt ae

VII. THE RUFOUS MUNGOCSE. HERPESTES GALERA.

Mustela galera, Erxleben, Syst. Regn. Animal, p. 453 (1777).

Viverra nems, Kerr, Linn. Anim. Kingd. p. 160 (1792).

Mustela afra, err, op. cit. p. 175.

Ichneumon galera, et I. afra, Geoffroy, Descrip. de l’Egypte,
vol. il. p. 139 (1813).

Atilax vansire, I. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. liv. (1826).

flerpestes paludinosus, Cuvier, Regine Animal, ed. 2, vol. i. p.
158 (1829).

Mangusta urinatrix, A. Smith, Zool. Journ. vol. iv. p. 437
(1829).

Flerpestes pluto, ‘Temminck, Esquisses Zool. p. 95 (1853).

Llerpestes loempo, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 551 (nec
Temminck).

Athylax vansire, et A. paludosus, Gray, op. cit. p. 557.

Athylax robustus, Gray, op. cit. p. 558.

flerpestes paludosus, Blyth, Cat. p. 52 (1893).

Herpestes galera, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 72.

Characters.— This and the next two species differ from all the
preceding in that the tip of the tail is nct darker than the
rest ; the teeth being generally similar to A. zchneumon, except
that the length of the upper carnassial is less than twice that
of the last molar.

Size very large ; form stout and heavy; length of tail less
than that of the body alone. General colour either grizzled
reddish-brown and white, or dark blackish-brown without
annulations ; under-fur greyish-brown. Feet dark brown ; tail
coloured like the body, but rather darker, sometimes becom-
ing nearly black near the extremity, but never with a sharply
defined black tip. Generally an indistinct whitish mark on the
cheek. ‘Tarsus and metatarsus usually quite naked, but occa-
sionally some hair on the hinder part of the former. Skull very
stout and heavy, with the teeth relatively small. Length of

254 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

head and body in the typf€Al variety, about 24 inches; of tail,
13 inches.

Distribution—Typically West and South Africa; replaced in
East Africa (White Nile) by a larger variety (47. robustus) with
a proportionately shorter tail.

Habits.—In South Africa this species is stated to frequent
marshy spots and the banks of the smaller rivers, feeding chiefly
upon frogs and crustaceans.

VIII. EAST AFRICAN MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES PULVERULENTUS.

flerpestes pulverulentus, Wagner, Minch. Gel. Anzeiz. vol. ix.
p. 426 (1839); Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 74.
Hlerpestes aficulatus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 551.

Characters.—Size rather small; form somewhat stout; tail
about equal in length to the body alone; hinder extremity of
tarsus hairy beneath; fur rather long, soft, and shining.
General colour uniform grizzled grey, the longer hairs with
rings of black and white or yellow, the rings of each colour
being of equal length; under-fur brown at the base and grey
at the extremity. Hair of tail long; in colour the whole tail
like the body ; feet slightly darker. Length of head and body,
from 13 to 15 inches ; of tail, 10 to 11% inches.

Distribution.—Eastern side of the Cape Colony (Algoa Bay,
Natal, &c.).

With the exception that it has not a black tail-tip, this
species presents a considerable resemblance to a very diminu-
tive specimen of H. cafer; the nature of the fur being
similar in the two species. The geographical distribution is
remarkably restricted.

IX. THE SHORT-HAIRED MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES
PUNCTATISSIMUS.
erpestes punctatissimus, Temminck, Esquisses Zool. p, 108
(1853) ; Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 74.

wie

THE SMALL INDIAN MUNGOOSE. 255

Characters.—Fur short and harsh, the hairs on the back being
barely half-an-inch in length. General colour pale grey, the
hairs being finely grizzled with black and creamy-white, those
on the under-parts having longer pale tips and less black.
Tail with the hairs somewhat longer than those on the body,
and uniformly ringed with black and white; no trace of a dark
tip. Limbs coloured like the body; under surface of tarsus
naked. Length of head and body, 13 inches; of tail, 10%
inches.

Distribution—West and South Africa (Gaboon and Algoa
Bay).

This small species is very rare, and presents some resem-
blance to the Oriental H. auropunctatus.

X. THE SMALL INDIAN MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES
AUROPUNCTATUS.

Viverra auropunctata, Hodgson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol.
Vv. p. 235 (1836).

Fer pestes nipalensts, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 578 (1837).

Lerpestes auropunctatus, Wagner, in Schreber’s Saugethiere,
Suppl. vol. ii. p. 310 (1841); Blanford, Mamm. Brit.
India, p. 121 (1888); Sclater, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus.
pt. ii. p. 251 (1891).

Herpestes pallipes, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. xiv. p.
346 (1845).

Herpestes javanicus, Blyth, of. cit. vol. xxi. p. 349 (1852).

Herpestes persicus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 554.

Calogale nepalensis, Gray, Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p.
158 (1869).

Variety.

FHlerpestes birmanicus, Blanford (ex Thomas, 1886), Mamm.

Brit. Ind. p. 122 (1888).

With this species we come to the Oriental representatives of

256 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

the genus, taking the twremaining Ethiopian forms tater
on, since they differ in certain respects from all the others.
Like the foregoing species, the Oriental ones have only two
cusps on the inner side of the last lower molar tooth.

Belonging to the group in which there are no bands or
stripes on the body, and the whole pelage is more or less
uniformly coloured, the present species is specially dis-
tinguished by its small size, close and compact fur, which is
not longer on the rump and the root of the tail than else-
where, though on the remainder of the tail the hairs are
considerably elongated. ‘Tail, exclusive of hair at the tip,
about three-fourths the length of the head and body. ‘Tarsus
partly haired. In the typical form the colour varies from
light grey to dusky-brown, with minute speckles of white or
yellow ; the under-parts being paler and more uniform, or in
some cases white without annulation of the hairs. Under-fur
of the back brown basally, then pale brownish-grey or yellow
for some distance; the long hairs beyond this blackish-brown,
then pale brown or white, and in some cases with dark tips.
Hairs of tail with from five to seven alternations of black and
white. Some individual differences obtain in the proportions
of the black and white rings; dark specimens having the latter
reduced toa minimum. Length of head and body, to to 12
inches; tail, exclusive of hair, 7 to ro inches.

The variety 77. d¢rmanicus is of rather larger size, with the
general colour dark brown, minutely speckled with grey or
yellowish-grey, the under-parts being scarcely paler than the
back. Under-fur dark brown at the base, then whitish; on
the back the long hairs beyond this at first black, then with
a yellowish ring, and finally a black tip. Annulations more
numerous on the hairs of the tail. Length of head and body,
14 or 15 inches; of tail, with hair, 9 or 10 inches.

Distribution. —South-west Persia, Sind, Kandahar, and the

rg hear

THE GREY INDIAN MUNGOOSE., 257

lower ranges of the Himalaya and the neighbouring plains
from Kashmir to Sikhim, as well as Lower Bengal. The
variety A. dirmanicus occurs in Assam, Burma, and perhaps
the Malay Peninsula.

Mr. W. L. Sclater states that the only grounds for separating
the latter are its slightly larger size and darker colour ; but the
feet of some typical specimens are as large as those of the
variety.

XI. THE GREY INDIAN MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES MUNGO.

Viverra mungo, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 84 (1788).

Herpestes griseus, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 212 (1820);
sykes, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1831, p. roz2.

Herpestes frederici, Desmarest, Dict. Sci. Nat. vol. xxix. p. 60
(1823).

Mangusta malaccensis, Fischer, Synop. Mamm. p. 164 (1829).

Mangusta griseus, Fischer, oc. cit.

Herpestes nyula, Hodgson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. v. p.
236 (1836).

Mangusta mungos, Elliot, Madras Journ. vol. x. p. 102 (1839).

Herpestes pallidus, Wagner, in Schreber’s Saugethiere, Suppl.
Fol i. p. 317 (1841).

Herpestes mataccensis, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol.
Xxi. p. 349 (1852).

Herpestes fimbriatus, Temminck, Esquisses Zool. p. 112 (1853).

Calogale nyula, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 560.

Cynictis fimbriatus, Gray, Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 17
(1869).

Hlerpestes ferrugineus, Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1874, p. 661.

ferpestes andersoni, Murray, Vertebr. Faun. Sind, p. 34 (1884).

Herpestes mungo, Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1887, p. 631 ; id.,
Mamm. Brit. India, p. 123 (1888).

Characters.—Size large ; fur not close and compact ; hairs on

7 S

258 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

hinder part of back considably elongated ; tail without biack
tip ; hairs with the light and dark rings of equal length. Taila
little shorter than the head and body ; tarsus completely naked,
but the bare portion of the whole sole of the hind-foot rather
narrow. General colour greyish-brown, speckled with white or
pale grey; not unfrequently a ferruginous tinge on the head,
which in one variety extends over the entire body ; under-parts
paler. Under-fur light brown, the longer hairs distinct in
colour from this, and on the back marked by four or five dark
and as many light rings, which are generally of equal length ;
tips frequently rufous-brown. Claws dark brown. Length of
head and body, from 15 to 18 inches; of tail, 14 to 15 inches.

Distribution.—India generally, from Kashmir and the Himalaya
southward, and Ceylon. Imported into the Malay Peninsula.

This is the common Mungoose of India, and the one
carried about by the itinerant Snake-charmers. The Bengal
variety (47. madaccensts) is darker than usual; while a variety
found in Sind (Z. ferrugineus, or H. anderson) is characterised
by its rich ferruginous tint.

XII. THE RUDDY MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES SMITHI.

HHerpestes smithi, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 578 (1837);
Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 126 (1888).

Herpestes thysanurus, Wagner, Minch. Gel. Anz. vol. ix. p.
439 (1839).

Crossarchus rubiginosus, Wagner, in Schreber’s Saugethiere,
Suppl. vol. ii. p. 329 (1841).

Herpestes elliott, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. xx. p.
162 (1851).

HHerpestes rubiginosus, Kelaart, Prodr. Faun. Zeyl. p. 213 (1852).

Calictis smitht, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 565.

Llerpestes jerdoni, Gray, op. cit. p. 550.

Llerpestes monticolus, Jerdon, Mamm. India, p. 135 (1867).

THE NILGIRI BROWN MUNGOOSE. 259

Characters. Distinguished from the other uniformty-coloured
Indian forms by the black tail-tip. Fur long, harsh, and
somewhat ragged ; tail nearly as long as the head and body,
or, if the hair be included, longer; heel partially haired.
General colour varying from light brownish-grey, speckled with
white, to rufous or iron-grey ; terminal three or four inches of
the tail jet black; behind this the colour ferruginous for a
short distance, and then similar to that of the body; under-
parts sometimes paler than back ; feet generally darker, either
rufous-brown or blackish. Under-fur grey to greyish-brown ;
longer hairs, with alternations of some four white, and as many
dark brown or black rings, the tips varying from light brown
to deep ferruginous-red. Length of head and body, about 20
inches ; of tail, 19 inches.

Distribution.—India, from Kashmir southwards, and Ceylon ;
but everywhere rare, generally frequenting forests.

The variety “7. jerdoni has the fur very grey.

XIII. THE NILGIRI BROWN MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES FUSCUS.
Herpestes fuscus, Waterhouse, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1838, p. 555
Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 127 (1888).

Characters.—No black tip to tail; hairs with three very short
light rings, about one-third the length of the dark ones ; colour
very dark ; under-fur dark brown.

Size large; tail rather shorter than head and body, with
longer hair; fur long and not very harsh; under-fur long,
dense, and woolly ; heel hairy beneath. General colour black-
ish-brown, minutely speckled with yellow or brownish-white ;
tail rather, and feet much darker. Length of head and body,
18 inches ; of tail, with hair, 17 inches.

Distribution.—Travancore, and Nilgiri Hills of Southern
India.

260 LLOYDS NATURAL HISTORY.

XIV. THE CEYLON munQbose. HERPESTES FULVESCENS,
Ferpestes fulvescens, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. xx.
p. 162 (1851); Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 127
(1888); W. L. Sclater, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus. pt. it.
p. 255 (1891).
Cynicits maccarthie, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1851, p. 131.
Onychogale maccarthie, Gray, op. cit. 1864, p. 570.
Herpestes maccarthie, Anderson, Anat. Zool. Research. Exped.
Yun-nan, p. 178 (1878).
Fer pestes ceylanicus, Nevill, Taprobanian, vol. i. p. 62 (1885).
Characters.— Distinguished from the last by its general light-
yellowish colour, owing to the abundant speckling of the fur
with yellow; tail-tip pure yellow; size also less. Length of
head and body, about 16% inches; of tail, 1214 inches.
Distribution.— Ceylon

XV. THE JAVAN MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES JAVANICUS.

Ichneumon javanicus, Geoffroy, Descript. de Egypte, vol. ii.
p. 138 (1813); F. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. xxv
(1821).

Ichneumon ruber, Geoffroy, of. cit. p. 139.

Herpestes javanicus, Desmarest, Mammalogie, p. 212 (1820);
Anderson, Zool. Anat. Research. Exped. Yun-nan, p. 185
(1878).

Mangusta javanica, Horsfield, Zool. Research. plate (1824).

Mangusta rubra, Fischer, Synops. Mamm. p. 165 (1829).

Herpestes exilis, Gervais, Voy. Bonite, p. 32 (1841).

Flerpestes rutilus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1861, p. 136.

Calogale rutila, Gray, op. cit. 1864, p. 561; id., Cat. Carniv.
Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 159 (1869).

Characters.— Very similar to the last, from which it may be
distinguished by its shorter tail, which is only equal to half the
length of the head and body.

THE STRIPE-NECKED MUNGOOSE. 26%

Distribution.—Java, Sumatra, Malay Peninsula, Cambcdia,
and Cochin China.

XVI. THE SHORT-TAILED MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES
BRACHYURUS.
flerpestes brachyurus, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 578
(50 36)5 id. Cats Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus, py ea
(1869); Anderson, Zool. Anat. Research. Exped. Yun-
nan, p. 187 (1878).

Characters.—Nearly allied to the last, but with a still shorter
tail, which is less than half the length of the head and body.
Length of head and body, from 1714 to 181% inches ; of tail,
without hair, 7 to 9 inches.

Distribution Borneo and Malay Peninsula.

XVII, THE STRIPE-NECKED MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES
VILTICOLLIS.

ferpestes vitticollis, Bennett, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1835, p. 67;
Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. 128 (1888).

Mungos vitticollis, Ogilby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1835, p. 103.

Mangusta vitticollis, Elliot, Madras Journ. vol. x. p. 103
(1839).

Tentogale vitticollis, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 569.

Characters.—Its large size, the presence of a black streak on
each side of the ear behind the neck, the black tail-tip, and
the ruddy rump, serve at once to distinguish this species.

Size large ; tail, inclusive of the long hair at the tip, three-
quarters the length of the head and body ; fur long and harsh,
longest on the tail; tarsus naked. General colour varying
from a grizzled dusky iron-grey to a full ferruginous- or chest-
nut-red, without speckling, the red being, however, frequently
confined to the hinder part of the body and tail, and the head
invariably iron-grey ; neck with a black streak running from
behind the ear to the shoulder. bordered above and below by

262 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

all

a paler or more rufous area.” Limbs uniformly dark brown or
black, and tail with a long black tip. Fur brown at the base;
the longer hairs with three or four rings of pale yellowish-grey,
alternating with the same number of black ones, or merely one
or two rings of each colour near the base, and the remainder
of the hairs ferruginous. Length of head and body, 21 inches ;
of tail, with hair, 15 inches, without hair, 13 inches.

Distribution Southern India, Malabar Coast, and Ceylon.

XVIII. THE PALE-NECKED MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES SEMI-
TORQUATUS.

Flerpestes semitorguatus, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. xviii.
p. 211 (1846); Anderson, Zool. Anat. Research. Exped
Yun-nan, p. 191 (1878).

Characters.—Specially distinguished by the pale area on the
neck, and the orange-brown tinge of the fur.

Size rather large; tail about two-thirds the length of the
head and body ; tarsus hairy beneath the heel. General colour
rich orange-brown, becoming more brightly rufous on the
sides of the body, finely speckled with yellow on the back
and upper portion of the sides; lower half of the side of
the neck, from the muzzle backwards, rufous-yellow, without
speckling, this area standing out in marked contrast to the
speckled dark brown of the upper part of the neck ; fore-legs
and lower half of hind-legs dark purplish-brown ; upper sur-
face of head less rufous than back; under-parts rich ferru-
ginous-brown, like the sides; tail uniformly coloured, much
grizzled, owing to the long pale yellow tips of the hairs.
Under-fur pale yellowish-brown at the base, and orange-yellow
towards the tips; the longer hairs on the sides of the body
rich orange-red, below which there is an indistinct brown
band, while the basal portion is pale brown or yellow. On
the back the hairs terminate in a short brown tip, preceded

9 ——

THE CRAB-EATING MUNGOOSE. 263

by a yellow band, which is followed by a long blackish-brown
band, extending nearly to the base, which is yellow. Length
of head and body, 17 inches ; of tail, without hair, 10% inches,
with hair, 1114 inches.

Distribution. Borneo.

XIX. THE CRAB-EATING MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES URVA.
? Viverra fusca, Gray, Ilustr. Indian Zool. vol.i. pl. v. (1830).
Gulo urva, Hodgson, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, vol. v. p. 238
(1836).
Urva cancrivora, Hodgson, of. cit. vol. vi. p. 561 (1837).
Mesobema cancrivora, Hodzson, op. cit. vol. x. p. 910 (1841).
Osmetictis fusca, Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. x. p. 260 (1842),
flerpestes urva, Anderson, Anat. Zool. Research. Exped. Yun-
nan, p. 189 (1878); Blanford, Mamm. Brit. India, p. r29
(1888).

Characters.—A white streak behind the ear; no black tail-tip ;
hairs of back tipped with white; under-parts and limbs reddish-
brown.

Size large; form very robust; tail about two-thirds the
length of the head and body; fur very long, coarse, and
ragged; under-fur woolly; naked surface of under part of hind-
foot extending about two-thirds the distance to the heel.
General colour dusky iron-grey, or blackish with a superficial
tinge of grey caused by the long whitish tips of the hairs; a
distinct narrow white stripe along the side of the neck from
the angle of the mouth to the shoulder ; head dark brown,
speckled with white; limbs uniformiy dark brown, the feet
frequently black. Under-fur dark brown at the base, then pale
brownish-yellow ; the longer hairs brown at the roots, then light
brown or yellowish-brown for a considerable distance, after this
black, and the tips whitish. Length of head and body, from
18 to 21 inches; of tail, without the hair, 11 to 12 inches,

264 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

Distribution. Himalaya rn Nipal to Assam, Arakan, Burma,
North Tenasserim, and Southern China.

Habits.—This species is stated to be sub-aquatic in its habits,
feeding largely upon Crabs and Frogs.

XX. THE WHITE-TAILED MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES ALBICAUDA.

Hlerpestes albicaudus, Cuvier, Regne Anim. ed. 2, vol. i. p. 158
(1829).

FHerpestes leucurus, Ehrenberg, Sym’. Phys. pl. xii. (1830).

Ichneumia albescens, 1. Geoffroy, Mag. Zool. vol. vii. p. 394
(1855).

Herpestes loempo, Temminck, Esquisses Zool. p. 93 (1853);
Matschie, Mittheil. deutsch. Schutzgebieten, vol. vi. art. 3,
p. 11 (1893).

Ichneumia nigricauda, Pucheran, Rev. Mag. Zool. vol. vii. p.
394 (1855).

Ichneumia abu-wudan, Fitzinger and Heuglin, S.B. Ak. Wien,
vol. liy. pt. 1. p. 564 (13866).

LTerpestes (Ichneumia) albicauda, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc.
1802, ). 75.

Herpesies albicaudatus, Thomas, of. cit. 1889, p. 622.

fTlerpestes albicauda, Thomas, of. cit. 1894, p. 450.

With this species we revert to the Ethiopian members of the
genus.

Characters.—From all the species noticed above, the pre-
sent one is distinguished by having the whole of the lower
surface of the tarsus covered with hair, by the upper carnassial
tooth being only about one-fourth longer than the last molar,
and by the presence of three cusps on the outer side of the
last lower tooth. It has been separated as a genus or sub-
genus, under the name of Jchneumia, and connects the more
typical forms with the under-mentioned Baeogade.

THE WHITE-TAILED MUNGOOSE, 265

Size large ; form rather slender; tail bushy, and somewhat
shorter than the body; under surface of the tarsus and meta-
tarsus thickly haired as far as the base of the first toe; fur of
medium length. General colour blackish-grey, the longer hairs
ringed with black and white, except for their terminal third,
which is generally black ; under-fur woolly, of a uniform dirty
grey colour; feet black; hairs on tail very long, in some examples
with white bases and long glistening black tips, so that the
whole tail appears black ; .in others with long white tips beyond
the black, thus rendering the entire tail white. In white-tailed
specimens the terminal hairs are usually wholly white. Length
of head and body, from 23 to 26 inches; of tail, 15 to 1534
inches.

Distribution—Eastern Abyssinia to Natal, West Africa
(Guinea, &c.), and Arabia (Muscat). Regarding the remark-
able variation in the colour of the tail of this peculiar species,
Mr. Thomas writes: “No one seems to have noticed that
the black-tailed AZ. Joemfo is not even specifically distinct from
the typical form, and therefore, of course, possesses all its more
important structural characters. . albicauda and H. loempo
cannot even be separated as varieties ; for the only difference
between them, namely the colour of the tail, seems to be purely
an individual variation. It is true that for the most part
specimens from West Africa, representing 4. /oempo, have
black tails, and those from East Africa white tails; but I have
seen too many exceptions to this rule to feel justified in regard-
ing the two forms as varietally distinct. Thus there is in the
Berlin Museum a specimen from Accra, on the Gold Coast,
which has a regular white tail, justas thetypical H. aldicauda ;
and, on the other hand, black-tailed specimens from East
Africa are byno means rare. Moreover, in the British Museum
we have two specimens from the Bogos country, Abyssinia,
received together, the skulls of which are quite identical, one

266 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

having a black /oemfo-like tail, and the other a tail with quite
as much white on it as inaverage a/bicauda. We thus see that
the presence or absence of a white tip to the tail-hairs is a
character upon which no specific distinction can be founded ;
and, in fact, it would rather seem that the white tail is the
result of a desert life, specimens from sandy districts having,
as a rule, white, and those from forest-regions black tails.”

XXI. LARGE-TOOTHED MUNGOOSE. HERPESTES GRANDIS.

LTerpestes grandis, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1889, p. 622.

Characters.— Known only by the skeleton, which indicates an
animal of larger size than the average of the preceding species
(to which it is closely allied), and with relatively much longer
limbs. The teeth generally larger and heavier than in &.
albicauda, this being especially the case with the canines and
the last lower molar, the latter having not only a more comp'‘ex
crown, but being likewise proportionately large as compared
with the first lower molar (carnassial).

Distribution.—South Africa (probably from the Limpopo or
Zululand).

XIV. SIX-MOLARED MUNGOOSES. GENUS HELOGALE.
Helogale, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1861, p. 308.

The single representative of this genus is distinguished from
the majority of the species of Herpestes by having only three
pairs of pre-molar teeth in each jaw; the first of these being
approximated to the canine, and thus serving to distinguish
the genus from the few forms of //ezfesves with only three pre-
molars, in all of which there is a gap between the first of that
seriesandthecanine. The skull is also shorter and broader, with
the walls of the brain-case thinner, and the ridges for muscular
attachment less developed. The sole of the hind-foot is naked.
The last lower molar has but two cusps on its outer side.
The writer is inclined to agree with Professor Mivart (Proc,

THE SMALL MUNGOOSE. 267

Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 178), as to the doubtful validity of the
genus,

I. THE SMALL MUNGOOSE. HELOGALE PARVULA.

Flerpestes parvulus, Sundevall, Oef. K. Vet. Ak. Foérhandl.
Stockh, 1846, p. 121.

flelogale parvula, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1861, p. 308; Thomas,
Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 79 ; Jentink, Notes Leyd. Mus.
vol. xi. p. 31 (1888) ; Bocage, J. Sci. Lisboa, ser. 2, vol. i.
p. 180 (1889).

flerpestes undulatus, Peters, Reise Mossambique, Saug. p. 114
(1852).

flelogale undulata, Thomas, of. cit. p. 80 ; Jentink, loc. cit.

Characters.—Size small, form slender ; tail rather shorter than
the body. Typically the general colour dark finely-grizzled
greyish-brown throughout, the hairs being ringed with black or
brown and yellowish-white, and the feet and tail rather darker
than the body. In the variety, H. wduZata, the general colour
is grizzled rufous on the upper-parts ; neck, under-parts, and
legs rich rufous, with less black grizzling; size rather larger
than in typical form. Length of head and body, from 8%
to ro inches ; of tail, from 41% to 634 inches.

Distribution.—East Africa (Natal to Mozambique); West
Africa (Angola).

The typical form is from Natal, and the rufous variety from
Mozambique. These were regarded by Mr. Thomas as speci-
fically distinct, but Dr. Jentink subsequently came to the con-
clusion that they were probably only varieties. The latter view
is also taken by Prof. Bocage, who first recorded the species
from West Africa, where both the grey and the red phase is
met with, although the two appear to be locally separated.

Habits—Anchieta, as quoted by Bocage, states that the “ Bi-
muires,” as these animals are called in Angola, inhabit alike

268 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

cultivated and wild districts Waid that they live in small parties,
which frequently combine to attack Snakes. Holes in trees,
and burrows dug by their own strong claws in the ground,
serve for their habitation ; while they not unfrequently take
possession of the deserted mounds of White Ants or Termites.
In Mozambique, according to Peters, the Small Mungoose is
extremely partial to hens’ eggs, which it breaks in a peculiar
fashion, throwing them with its fore-paws between its hind-legs
against a wall or stone.

XV. THE FOUR-TOED MUNGOOSES. GENUS BDEOGALE,
Bdeogale, Peters, Reise Mossambique, p. 119 (1852).
In this East and West African genus the teeth agree in
number and general characters with those of Herpestes albi-

cauda, but there are only four toes to each foot. The sole of
the hind-foot is hairy.

I. THE THICK-TAILED MUNGOOSE. BDEOGALE CRASSICAUDA.
Bdeogale crassicauda, Peters, Reise Mossambique, p. 120
(1852); Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 81.

Characters.— Distinguished from the next species by the re-
latively longer tail, in which the long hairs are white in their
basal, and black in their terminal half, instead of being uai-
formly blackish-brown. ‘The last lower molar seems also pro-
portionately longer.

Distribution. Mozambique.

II], THE PUISA MUNGOOSE. BDEOGALE PUISA.
Bdeogale puisa, Peters, Reise Mossambique, p. 124 (1852);
Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 81.

Characters.—Size rather large; form slender; tail less than
half the length of the head and body; under surface of tarsus
and metatarsus thickly haired to the base of the toes. General
colour dark brownish, with or without rings on the hairs ; long
and soft under-fur tawny-yellow ; limbs nearly black ; head grey

BLACK-FOOTED MUNGOOSE, 269

ish ; tail bushy, uniformly blackish-brown. Length of head and
body, from 15 to 20% inches; of tail, from 7 to 9 inches.
Distribution—Mozambique and Zanzibar.

All the species of the genus appear to be very rare animals ;

and nothing is known of their habits.
III. BLACK-FOOTED MUNGOOSE. BDEOGALE NIGRIPES.
Bdeogale nigripes, Pucheran, Rev. Mag. Zool. vol. vii. p. 111
(1855); Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 82.
Lferpestes, sp., Bocage, J. Sci. Lisboa, ser. 2, vol. i. p. 120
(1889).

Characters.—This imperfectly known form was_ originally
named from a skin from the Gaboon, which Mr. Thomas (of. ci¢.
p. 77) thought might belong to an individual of Herfestes albi-
cauda, which had, through some accident, lost the first toe on
each foot. Bocage writes, however, that two Mungooses from
Angola resemble in appearance, and also in the conformation of
their skulls and teeth, Hervfestes albicauda; but they differ in
their system of coloration, and the absence of the first toe in
both the fore- and hind-feet. The fur, composed of shorter
hairs ringed with black and white, and without any admixture
of the longer ones so abundant in A. albicauda, presents a
uniform coloration of white speckles upon a blackish ground.
The blackness of the limbs is less marked than in the latter.

If these specimens do not indicate that Bd. nigrifes is a good
species, they would seem to show that the number of digits in
H1. albicauda is not constant, and therefore that the genus
Bdeogale has no exis‘ence.

Distribution—West Africa (Gaboon and Angola).

XVE GENUS: CYNICTIS.
Cynictis, Ogilby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1833, p. 48.

In this South African genus there are five toes on the fore-
fect and four on the hind-feet ; the teeth agree in number and

270 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

general characters with thoM of LTerpestes ichneumon, the last
lower molar having only two external cusps, and the soles of
the hind-feet being hairy. Like all the foregoing genera of the
Sub-family, the nose is medianly grooved. Mr. Thomas re-
marks that “ this genus is a very distinct and well-marked one,
not only on account of its different number of digits, but also
from the fact that its skull is very differently shaped to that
of Herpestes, more resembling Swricata than any of the genera
of this section.” The auditory bulla has a large hole near the
middle.

I. THE PENCILLED MUNGOOSE. CYNICTIS PENICILLATA.
Herpestes penicillatus, Cuvier, Regne Anim. ed. 2, vol. i. p. 158
(1829).
Mangusta levaillantit, A. Smith, Zool. Journ. vol. iv. p. 437
(1829).
Cynictis steedmanni, Ogilby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1833, p. 49.
Cynictis typicus, Smith, S. African Quart. Journ. vol. u. p. 116
(1835).
Cynictis ogilbyt, Smith, of. cit. p. 117.
Ichneumtia albescens, 1. Geoffroy, Mag. Zool. 1839. pl. xii.
Cynictis leptura, Smith, Ilustr. Zool. S. Africa, pl. xvii. (1849).
Cynictis penicillata, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 83.
Characters.—Size medium ; form slender, and head relatively
small ; tail bushy, about equal in length to the body. General
colour ranging from dark yellow to light yellowish-grey, the
longer hairs light yellow for the basal half, then with a black
ring, and the tip white ; the individual variation in the general
colour being due to differences in the length of these white
tips. Under-fur rich yellow; chin white; under-parts and
limbs somewhat paler than back ; hairs of bushy tail frequently
exceeding a couple of inches in length, their colour generally
similar to those of the back, but the terminal hairs white
throughout. Length of head and body, 15 to 15% inches;
of tail, 9 to 9% inches.

shal

MELLER’'S MUNGOOSE. aoa

Distribution—Cape Colony and Orange Free State.

Habits.—This Mungoose is an inhabitant of dry sandy dis-
tricts, in which it burrows holes where it reposes during the
night, while in the daytime it is abroad, engaged either in
hunting for the mice and birds on which it feeds or merely in
basking in the sunshine.

XVII. THE SMOOTH-NOSED MUNGOOSES. GENUS
RHYNCHOGALE,
Rhinogale, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 3753; mec Gloger.
Rhynchogale, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1894, p. 139.

The absence of a groove from the nose to the upper lip
serves to distinguish this genus not only from all the foregoing
members of the Herfestine, but likewise from all the Viverrine
with the exception of Cyzogale. ‘There are five toes to each
foot, and four pairs of pre-molar teeth in each jaw, while the
palate of the skull is concave, and the under surface of the
tarsus and metatarsus hairy. The teeth have blunted cusps
suited apparently for grinding rather than cutting ; and the last
molar in both jaws is relatively very large.

The genus appears to be confined to East Africa.

I, MELLER’S MUNGOOSE. RHYNCHOGALE MELLERI.

Rhinogale mellert, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 375 ; Thomas,
Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 85.
Rhynchogale mellert, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1894, p. 139.
Characters.—Size and form very nearly as in Herpestes tchneu-
mon , tail about as long as the body ; under surface of tarsus
and metatarsus hairy as far as the bases of the toes. General
colour uniform pale brown, the longer hairs with one or two
rings of brown and white, which pass so gradually into one
another as to give little appearance of grizzling to the pelage ;
head and under-parts paler, in the former the white of the hairs
showing more conspicuously ; feet darker: under-fur grey at

272 LLOYDS NATURAL HISTORY.

the roots and pale brown atgfie tips. Tail with long hairs, and
gradually darkening from its root to the tip, the hairs of the
basal third being uniformly brown, those of the middle third
white at the basal and black at the terminal half, and those ot
the terminal third entirely black. Length of head and body
in type specimen, 22 inches; of tail, 15 inches.

Distribution.—N yasaland.

For upwards of thirty years the genus was known only by a
single specimen, which, curiously enough, presents the abnor-
mality of having five pairs of pre-molar teeth in the upper jaw.

Habits.— According to Mr. A. Whyte, the re-discoverer of the
species, wild fruits are always found in the stomach of this
Mungoose. Commenting on this, Mr. Thomas writes that
‘Mr. Whyte’s observation on the food of 2. mellert is of great
interest, as its fruit-eating habits may perhaps account for the
peculiar structure and wear of its molars. In all the three
specimens before me the posterior molars appear to be more
worn than the anterior, as though an unusual amount of chew-
ing had fallen to their share; but it must be admitted that
this appearance may be deceptive, and the explanation may be
that the second upper molar is naturally so much flatter than
usual that it appears to be worn flat almost at once.”

XVIII. THE CUSIMANSES. GENUS CROSSARCHYS:

Crossarchus, ¥. Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pl. xlvii. (1825).
Ariela, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 565.

Agreeing with 2RAyachogale in the smooth upper lip, the
present genus is distinguished by having only three pairs of
pre-molar teeth in each jaw, by the flat bony palate of the
skull, and the naked soles of the hinder part of the hind-feet.
The last lower molar is similar to that of Bdeogale, having
three external cusps. The genus is represented by four species -
locally scattered over Africa.

THE GAMBIAN CUSIMANSE, 273

I, THE CUSIMANSE. CROSSARCHUS OBSCURUS.
Crossarchus obscurus, F, Cuvier, Hist. Nat. Mamm. pt. xlvii.
(1825); Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 87.

Characters.—The distinctive feature of this species is the
grizzled dull brown colour of the fur of the back, in which the
tips of the hairs are yellow, and there is no trace of cross-
barring.

Size medium; form rather stout; muzzle elongated ; tail
about half the length of the head and body. General colour
dull grizzled brown; the longer hairs dark brown for four-
fifths of their length, with yellow tips; under-fur brown at
the roots and grey above; head more finely grizzled than the
back, with a rufous tinge; at the extremity of the tail the
yellow tips of the hairs changing to red; feet nearly black.
Length of head and body, from 12% to 15 inches; of tail,
6% to 7% inches.

Distribution West Africa (Cameruns and Congo).

Habits—This species is stated to probe in soft ground for
insects with its muzzle, the elongated form of which would
appear well suited for such a purpose.

Il. THE GAMBIAN CUSIMANSE. CROSSARCHUS GAMBIANUS.
Herpestes gambianus, Ogilby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1835, p. 102.
Mungos gambianus, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, p. 575.
Crossarchus gambianus, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 88.

Characters.— Differs from the last in the general colour being
grey, and likewise in the annulated hairs, which are, however,
not so arranged as to produce cross-bands on the hinder part
of the body. ‘The latter region accordingly differs from the
shoulders only in being more rufous. Neck and chest white ;
a distinct black streak on the side of the neck, as in Herfestes
vitticollis. Length of head and body, 15 inches.

- Distribution. —West Africa (Gambia),
7 T

vg | LLOYDS NATURAL HISTORY.

This species, which, we @@lieve, is still known only by an im-
perfect adult specimen and a second immature example, has a
marked general resemblance to the under-mentioned C. fascia-
tus ; and Mr. Thomas remarks that it “‘is very interesting as
showing what a comparatively unimportant character is the
presence of cross-bands on the back. Its coloration is ex-
tremely similar to that of C. fasciatus ; yet by a simple dis-
arrangement of the hairs of the back all the broad distinct
cross-bands vanish, and the back only presents a coarse
grizzled rufous-grey colour.”

III) NARROW-BANDED CUSIMANSE. CROSSARCHUS ZEBRA.

Ferpestes zebra, Riippell, Neue Wirbelth. Abyss. p. 30 (1835).
LHerpestes._ gothneh, Fitzinger and Heuglin, $.B. Ak. Wien, vol.
liv. pt. i. p. 560 (1866).

Flerpestes leucostethicus, Fitzinger and Heuglin, of. at. p. 561.
Crossarchus zebra, ‘Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 89.

Characters.—Size rather smaller and form more slender than
in the last ; tail half as long as the head and body. General
colour grizzled grey, with dark narrow cross bands on the
hinder half of the back, five or more dark and light bands going
to.an inch. Longer hairs marked with very short black, and
pale yellow or white, rings; under-fur dirty yellowish-grey ;
chin, chest, and under-parts more or less bright rufous, a well-
defined line along the side of the neck demarcating this tint
from the grey above. Generally a white line of variable width
down the middie of the under surface of the body. Feet and
tail darkening towards their extremities, the tip of the latter

eing frequently black. Length of head and body, 13 to 13%
inches; of tail, 634 to 7 inches.

Distribution Abyssinia.

Habits.—In common with the other members of the genus,
this Mungoose ig a burrowing animal, and is frequently seen

“ESNVINISNO CHANVaE-avoud

TDXX FLV Id

DYBOWSKI’S CUSIMANSE. 275

abroad during the daytime. Its food appears to be partly
animal and partly vegetable.

IV. EBROAD-BANDED CUSIMANSE. CROSSARCHUS FASCIATUS.
Lerpestes fasciatus, Desmarest, Dict. Sci. Nat. vol. xxix. p. 58

(1823).
Lchneumon tenionotus, Smith, S. African Qart. Journ. vol. ii.

Pp. 114 (1835).
Ariela tenionota, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1864, D- 565-
Crossarchus fasciatus, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, pi OC
Bocage, J. Sci. Lisboa, ser. 2, vol. i. p. 180 (1889).
(Plate XXXT/.)

Characters.— Readily distinguished from the last by the broad
bands on the back and the grey under surface. Size medium ;
form stout ; tail rather more than half the length of the head
and body. Gcieral colour grizzled grey; the hinder part of
the back marked with broad dark and light cross-bands, of
which about three and a half go to an inch. Longer hairs
annulated with long black and light rings, the base of the
latter being always rufous, but the tip either rufous or yellow.
Under-fur greyish-brown ; neck, chest, and under-parts of the
same grizzled grey as the shoulders ; feet and tail becoming
more or less completely black at their extremities. Length of
head and body, 12 to 13 inches; of tail, 7 to 8 inches.

Distribution.—South-east Africa (Caffraria to Mozambique
and Nyasaland); West Africa (Angola).

The stripes in this species are generally twelve to thirteen
in number ; and from the description of this and the preced-
ing form, it will be seen that the width of the stripes is depen-
dent on the length of the rings on the hairs.

V. DYBOWSKI’S CUSIMANSE. CROSSARCHUS DYBOWSKII.
Crossarchus dybowskit, Pousargues, Archiv. Mus. Paris, ser. 3,

vol. vi. p. 121 (1894).
2

276 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

Characters.— A riaete iba od eras species, distinguished from
all the other four by its greatly inferior dimensions. The
chest and throat lack the black and white markings character-
istic of C. gambianus, while the colour of the pelage is quite
unlike that of C. obscurus.

Distribution Oubangui region, Upper Congo.

XIX, THE MEERKATS. GENUS SURICATA:
Suricata, Desmarest, Tabl. Méth. Mamm., in Nouv. Dict.
Hist. Nat. vol. xxiv. (1804).
Rhyzena, Illiger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. p. 134 (1811).

From the other Smooth-nosed Mungooses the single South
African representative of this genus is distinguished by having
only four (instead of five) toes on each of the fore- and
hind-feet ; while it is further characterised by having three
pairs of pre-molar teeth in the upper, and four in the lower
jaw ; and likewise by the naked under surface of the whole of
the tarsus and metatarsus. The muzzle is produced; the
front claws are elongated and nearly double the length of
those on the hind-feet ; the profile of the face is convex; and
the teeth are of the general type of those of the preceding
genus.
I. THE MEERKAT. SURICATA TETRADACTYLA.
Viverra suricatia, Erxleben, Syst. Regn. Anim. p. 488 (1777).
Viverra tetradactyla, Schreber, Siugethiere, vol. iii, p. 434
(1778).

Wus zenik, Scopoli, Delic. Faun. Flor. vol. ii. p. 84 (1786).

Viverra zenik, et V. tetradactyla, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. vol. i.
p- 85 (1789).

Suricata capensis, Desmarest, Tabl. Méth. Mamm. in Nouv.
Dict. Hist. Nat. vol. xxiv. (1804).

Rhyzena tetradactyla, Mliger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. p. 134 (1811).

Suricata viverrina, Desmarest, Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat. 2nd ed.
vol. Xxxil. p. 297 (1819).

THE STRIPED MUNGOOSES. 277

Rhyzena typicus, Smith, S. African Quart. Journ. vol. ii. p. 117
(1835).

Suricata tetradactyla, Thomas, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 92.

_ Characters.—Size small; form slender; tail about half the
length of the head and body ; fur long and soft. General colour
light grizzled grey, with black cross-bands on the hinder part of
the back, these dark and light bands being formed by the
regular arrangement of the hairs, which are ringed with black
and white, the latter colour predominating. Under-fur dark
rufous. Head nearly white, with the exception of a distinct
oblong black mark round the eyes ; ears black ; tail yellowish,
with a distinct black tip; feet coloured like the body. Length
of head and body, 14 to 15 inches; of tail, 7 to 8 inches.

Distribution Cape Colony, ranging to Algoa Bay.

Habits.— Meerkats are sociable little animals, found both in the
plains and on the mountains of the Cape Colony. In the latter
situation they dwell in caves and the crevices of the rocks ;
but in the former dig burrows for themselves wherever the soil
is sandy, the long curved black claws of the fore-feet being
specially adapted for such work. Unlike the typical Mun-
gooses, they are essentially diurnal animals, not making their
appearance above ground till well after sunrise, and loving to
bask in the full solar rays. When abroad they frequently sit
up on their hind-legs after the manner of Marmots, when they
wil! ailow themselves to be approached within a short distance
before disappearing suddenly into their holes. | When ap-
proached by a Dog, they utter a series of little short barks.
Easily tamed, these little animals form bright and amusing
pets. Their food is stated to consist largely of bulbous roots.

XX. THE STRIPED MUNGOOSES. GENUS GAULIDICTIS:
Galidictis, Geoffroy, Comptes Rendus, vol. v. p. 578 (1837).

The whole of the remaining members of the Family Viver-
ride are confined to the island of Madagascar, and while the

278 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY.

present and two following g@hera are allied to the Herfestina,
the fourth is so markedly distinct as to constitute a Sub-family
by itself. Whether the first three genera should be regarded
as constituting another Sub-family (the Gafdictine), or should
be included in the Herfestineg, may be open to doubt; Pro
fessor Mivart taking the former view, while several othe1
zoologists are inclined to adopt the latter.

In the present genus there are only three pairs of pre-molar
teeth in each jaw, of which the first is placed close to the
canine. The canines themselves are characterised by their
very large relative size, this feature being especially marked in
those of the lower jaw, where they are long, strong, and curved,
with a basal projection on the hinder side. The feet are fur-
nished with five toes, of which the long claws are more curved
than in the typical Herpestine ;, while the tarsus is more or less
completely naked. The muzzle has a median groove inferiorly ;
and the hairs of the tail are longe From the whole of the
other members of the Family the members of this genus may
be distinguished by the light and dark longitudinal stripes on
the fur of the upper-parts.

Together with the next two genera, Gaddictts differs from
the typical Herpestine by the absence of analisphenoid canal
in the skull; while the three are distinguished from all other
Viverride in wanting a foramen on the outer side of the lower
end of the humerus.

I, THE BROAD-STRIPED MUNGOOSE. GALIDICTIS STRIATA.
Putorius striatus, Cuvier, Regne Anim. ed. 2, vol. i. p.144(1835).
Galidictis striata, Geoffroy, Comptes Rendus, vol. v. p. 578

(1837); Mivart, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 186.
Mustela striata, Geoffroy, Cat. Mus. Paris, p. 98 (1851).

Characters.—Size small; length of tail rather less than that of
head and body ; muzzle somewhat blunted. General colour
whitish-brown, with seven or nine broad longitudinal blackish

Parr

THE ELEGANT MUNGOOSE. 279

stripes down the upper-parts, of which the middle pair do not
extend so far back as the rest; head brown; limbs like ground-
colour of body; tail.whitish. Length of head and body, about
14 inches; of tail, 13 inches.

Distribution. Madagascar.

Il. THE NARROW-STRIPED MUNGOOSE. GALIDICTIS VITTATA.
Galidictis vittata, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1848, p. 21 ; Mivart,
Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 186.

Characters. — General colour grizzled grey ; the back and sides
with eight nearly equal-sized and rather narrow longitudinal
blackish-brown stripes; chin and under-parts pale brown ;
hind-feet and outer surface of fore-legs reddish-brown ; tail
grizzled black and grey, becoming white towards and at the
tip ; the longer hairs brownish-white, with two, or occasionally
three, broad black rings. Size approximately as in the last.

Distribution Madagascar.

Nothing appears to have been recorded with regard to the
habits of either of the species of this genus.

XXI. THE RING-TAILED MUNGOOSES., GENUS GALIDIA.

Galidia, Geoffroy, Comptes Rendus, vol. v. p. 580 (1837).

Distinguished from the preceding genus by the smaller size
of the lower canine tooth, and by the under surface of the
tarsus and metatarsus being more or less covered with short
sparse hairs. As regards coloration, the body is uniform,
while the tail is ringed. The skull is very similar to that of
Galidictis, but has the muzzle and palate relatively narrower,
and the hinder portion of the latter flat, instead of concave.

I, ELEGANT MUNGOOSE. GALIDIA ELEGANS.
Galidia elegans, Geoffroy, Comptes Rendus, vol. v. p. 580
(1837); Mivart, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 18.
Characters.—Size small ; tail rather more than three-quarters
the length of head and body. General colour dark chestnut-

280 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY,

brown, with the hairs uniformly coloured; tail ringed with
black. Length of head and body, about 15 inches; of tail,
12 inches.

Distribution — Madagascar.

XXII. THE BROWN-TAILED MUNGOOSES. GENUS
HEMIGALIDIA,

Flemigalidia, Mivart, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 188.
Distinguished from the last by the presence of four pairs of
pre-molars, and the larger size of the second upper molar (which
is very small in Ga/dia), as well as by the uniformly coloured

tail, the more pointed muzzle, and the less curved claws.

I. THE UNIFORM MUNGOOSE. HEMIGALIDIA UNICOLOR.
Galidia unicolor, Geoffroy, Comptes Rendus, vol. v. p. 581
(1837).
Galidia concolor, Geofiroy, Mag. Zool. 1839, p. 30; Gray, Cat.
Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 56 (18609).
Hemigalidia concolor, Mivart, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 188.
Characters.—Ears broad and short; tail little more than half
the length of the head and body. General colour reddish-
brown, speckled with black.
Distribution Madagascar.

II. THE OLIVACEOUS MUNGOOSE. HEMIGALIDIA OLIVACEA.
Galidia olivacea, Geoffroy, Mag. Zool. 1839, p. 36; Gray, Cat.
Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 56 (1869).
Hemigalidia olivacea, Mivart, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 188.
Characters.—General colour olive-brown, speckled with yel-
low. Hinder cheek-teeth relatively broader than in the last.
Distribution.— Madagascar.

XXIII. THE SMALL-TOOTHED MUNGOOSES. GENUS
EUPLERES.
Eupleres, Doyere, Ann. Sci. Nat. ser. 2, vol. iv. p. 280 (1855).
This genus, which, as already mentioned, is generally re-

THE SMALL-TOOTHED MUNGOOSE. 281i

garded as indicating a distinct Sub-family, is distinguished
from the typical Herpestine, as well as from Gadidictis and its
allies, by the non-eversion of the hinder border of the auditory
bulla of the skull, and from all the other members of the
Family by its peculiar dentition. The canine teeth are of very
small size, and scarcely distinguishable from the first three
pre-molars, wh.ch are widely separated from one another in
both jaws ; in addition to which the molars are very similar to
the pre-molars. So like, indeed, is the whcle dentition to that
of many of the Insectivora, that the genus was long regarded
as pertaining to that Order. The head and skull are very
small in proportion to the body; and the muzzle is long,
slender, and sharply pointed. The nose and upper lip are
medianly grooved; the five-toed feet are very slender; and
the under surface of the tarsus and metatarsus is covered with
short hair; the claws are long.

I. THE SMALL-TOOTHED MUNGOOSE. EUPLERES GOUDOTI.

Lupleres goudotit, Doyere, Ann. Sci. Nat. ser. 2, vol. iv. p. 281
(1835); Gray, Cat. Carniv. Mamm. Brit. Mus. p. 177
(1869) ; Mivart, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 189.

Characters.—Size small; taii bushy and rather short; ears
large; fur woolly. General colour uniform olive-grey, minutely
speckled with yellow, becoming paler on the under-parts.
Dark bands across the shoulders in the young. Length of
head and body, about 12 inches; of tail, 7 inches.

Distribution. Madagascar.

Habits——Beyond the bare statement that it burrows in the
ground, nothing definite seems to have been recorded regard-
ing the mode of life of this singular and aberrant member of
the Viverride. From its weak jaws, and peculiarly modified
teeth, it would, however, seem to be highly probable that its
nutriment consists chiefly, if not entirely, of insects or worms.

282 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

e
EXTINCT CATS AND CIVETS.
I. FAMILY FELID! (szrd, p. 1).
I, GENUS FELIS (szgra, p. 26).

Reference having already been made to such existing species
as have been discovered in a fossil state, it will suffice here to
allude to some of the more important extinct representatives
of the genus. The earliest known True Cats appear to be the
small Fes media and F. pygmaa, from the Middle Miocene
strata of Sansan, in the Department of Gers, France, with which
Ff. turnauensis, from the corresponding strata of Styria, may
prove to be identical. From the Lower Pliocene beds of Darm-
stadt, Attica, and Persia, species have been described under
the names of / antediluviana, F. prisca, F. liodon, and F. attica;
the latter being known by an entire skull, much resembling
that of the Wild Cat, but with more powerful teeth. The
Upper Pliocene strata of the Auvergne and the Val d’Arno
have likewise yielded remains of several species, such as /. arver-
nensis, F. brevirostris, F. issiodorensis, and F. pardinensis ; while
in the Pliocene of Montpellier we have / christolt, resembling
a Lynx in size. In the Pliocene strata of the Siwalik Hills of
Northern India the great #. cristata, which was fully as large
asa Tiger, appears to show characters intermediate between
that species and the Jaguar; while the same deposits have also
yielded remains of a small species apparently allied to the
living / dengalensis. In the Pliocene of the United States
there occur remains of two species of the size of the Lion
known as ¥. afrox and F: augusta ; while from the Pleistocene
of Argentina certain Cats more or less nearly allied to the Jaguar
and other existing South American species have been named.

II. GENUS CYNASLURUS (supra, p. 201).
The only fossil species referred to the same genus as the
Hunting-Leopard is one from the Siwalik Hills described as
C. brachygnathus. Unfortunately this is known only by the

EXTINCT CATS. 283

lower jaws, and the generic determination cannot be regarded
as altogether free from doubt until the upper carnassial tooth
be discovered.
III. GENUS MACHARODUS
Machairodus, Kaup, Oss. Foss. Darmstadt, pt. 2, p. 24 (1833).
Agnotherium, Kaup, op. cit. p. 28.
Steneodon, Croizet, Rev. Encyclop. vol. lix. p. 76 (1833).
Cultridens, Croizet, in Huot’s Nouv. Cours. Elém. Géol. vol. i.
p. 265 (1837).
Smilodon, Lund, K. Danske, Vid. Selsk. Skr. vol. ix. p. 293 (1842).
Meganthereon, Pomel, Cat. Méthod. p. 58 (1853).
Drepanodon, Bronn, Lethza Geognost, vol. ili. p. 1115 (1853-
56).
Trucifelis, Leidy, Proc. Acad. Philad. 1862, p. 175.

The Sabre-toothed Tigers, as the members of this genus are
commonly called, are easily distinguished from the True Cats
by the enormous development of the upper canine teeth, which
frequently have serrated cutting edges, and were protected by
a downward flange-like expansion of the front of the lower jaw,
against which they rested when the mouth was closed. These
animals were common to both the Old and New Worlds, and
some of the Pleistocene species attained very large dimensions;
the exposed portion of the highly compressed canines of a
South American species measuring upwards of seven inches
in length. That these Cats were the most specialised of the
entire Family, may be considered certain ; but there is great
difficulty in understanding how they made use of their tusks,
since when the mouth was open these would extend right
across the opening, and it is almost impossible to believe that
they could have been used with the jaws closed. The oldest
representative of the genus is AZ. zusignis from the Upper
Eocene (Oligocene) Phosphorites of Central France. In the
Middle Miocene of France and Styria we have AZ, palmidens
and JZ. jourdani ; and in the Lower Pliocene of Darmstadt,

284 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

France, Attica, Samos, Hutfary, and Persia, JZ. aphanistus
(= IZ. leoninus) and M. ogygia (= M. orientalis and M. schlossert).
Farther eastwards we meet with JZ. sivalensis and the larger
M. paleindicus in the Pliocene of the Indian Siwalik Hills.
In the Upper Pliocene of the Auvergne and Tuscany there
occurs the great AZ. cultridens, the female of which has been
described as AZ. meganthereon; while in the Pliocene of the
Val d’Arno the genus was represented by two other species,
distinguished by the structure of their upper tusks, known as
M. crenatidens and MM. nestianus, the former probably also
occurring in the forest-bed of the Norfolk Coast. The latest
European form is JZ. latidens, of which the great serrated
upper tusks have been found in the caverns of England,
France, and Liguria.

Turning to the New World, we find the genus represented in
the Pliocene strata of Pennsylvania and Texas by JZ. gracilis
and JZ. fatalis, while a rock-cleft in Florida has yielded re-
mains of a species (AZ. floridanus) only second in size to the
great South American form mentioned below. In the caves or
Brazil and the Pleistocene Pampas formation of the Argentine,
the gigantic JZ. meogeus was the largest and most specialised ot
the whole genus; its range also extended to Ecuador. This
splendid animal is known by several complete skulls and
skeletons, one of the latter having been described as a distinct
species under the name of JZ necator, on account of the ab-
sence of a perforation on the outer side of the lower end of the
humerus. This, however, is probably only an individual ab-
normality. Both JZ datidens and J. neogeus lived in the
human period ; and the cause of their extinction (and likewise
that of the genus itself) has yet to be satisfactorily explained.

It should be mentioned that although in the later represen-
tatives of the genus, the skull resembles that of the True Cats
in the absence of an alisphenoid canal, yet this perforation is
present in the earlier AZ. palmuidens.

EXTINCT CATS. 285

IV. GENUS EUSMILUS.

Fusmilus, Gervais, Zool. et Pal. Gén. ser. 2, p. 53 (1876) ;
Lydekker, Cat. Foss. Mamm, Brit. Mus. pt. v. p. 310
(1887).

This genus agrees with the preceding in the general structure
of the lower jaw and the large size of the upper canine teeth ;
but differs in the excessive depth of the descending flange-like
expansion at the front of the lower jaw, and also in having
only two pairs of lower incisor teeth. It is further characterised
by the small size of the front lobe of the blade of the upper
carnassial tooth, as well as in the presence of a small posterior
keel to the corresponding lower tooth, the latter feature affiliat-
ing it to the more generalised members of the Family. The
genus is known only by £. dzdentatus from the Upper Eocene
(Oligocene) Phosphorites of Central France.

Ve. GENUS ALURICTIS.,

At lurogale, Filhol, Ann. Sci. Géol. vol. ili. art. 7, p. 14 (1872)
nec Fitzinger.

Ailurictis, Trouessart, Bull. Soc. Angers. vol. xv. Cat. Mamm.
p. 92 (1885).

With this genus we come to the first of several genera of
Cat-like Mammals agreeing with A/acherodus in the possession
of elongated and compressed upper canine teeth protected by
a flange-like expansion of the lower jaw, and likewise by the
angulated front surface of the latter; but differing in several
important structural features indicative of more generalised
affinities. In the first place, the upper carnassial tooth has
only two (instead of three) lobes to its cutting blade, while the
corresponding lower tooth has always a well-developed posterior
heel. Further, the upper molar is placed more or less poste-
riorly to the carnassial, instead of on its inner side, and a
small second lower molar is generally retained behind the
lower carnassial tooth. ‘There are likewise usually three, in-
stead of two, lower pre-molar teeth. Differences also obtain in

286 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

the structure of the base of if skull by which these primitive
Cats differ from their modern allies, one of these being the
presence of an alisphenoid canal. There is also a difference
in the structure of the astragalus bone of the ankle, while many
of these extinct Cats have a third trochanter to the femur, or
thigh-bone.

On account of these structural distinctions, these primitive
Cats have been referred to a distinct Family, the Mimravide ;
but in the structure of the lower carnassial tooth, as well as in
some other features, they are clearly connected by means of
Eusmilus and Macherodus palmidens with the more typical
representatives of the latter genus, and it is thus evident that
the whole assemblage forms but a single family group.

The genus -4Zurictis, as represented by &. intermedia and
two other species from the Upper Eocene of France and Wirt-
temberg, has large upper canines, a small two-rooted anterior
upper pre-molar, a small rounded upper molar inserted by two
roots, a very small and single-rooted anterior lower pre-molar,
and the lower molar (which may be wanting) also small and
implanted in the jaw by a single root. Only fragments of the
skull, which in the case of the type species indicate an animal
nearly as large as a Leopard, are known.

Vi. GENUS DINICTIS:

Dinictis, Leidy, Proc. Acad. Philad. 1854, p. 127 ; Scott, Proc.
Amer. Phil. Soc. 1889, p. 211.

Dapiophilus, Cope, Rep. U.S. Geol. Survey for 1873, p. 508
(1874).

In this genus the skull is characterised by its short, vaulted,
and generally Cat-like form, the first upper pre-molar being
very minute and single-rooted, and the last molar transversely
elongated, and inserted by three roots. In the lower jaw the
first pre-molar is minute ; and the carnassial differs from that
of .4/uric¢tts in having a cusp on the inner side of the blade,

EXTINCT CATS. 287

the last molar being small and oval. In the limbs the femur
has a third trochanter ; the five-toed hind-feet were probably
plantigrade, and present considerable resemblances to those of
the primitive Civets and Dogs, while the claws were retractile.
The genus is exclusively North American, and is represented
by some three species from the Miocene strata of Nebraska,
Colorado, and Oregon, its typical member being Dvrnictis
felina, which appears to have been an animal of the approxi-
mate dimensions of a Lynx.

Of D. cyclops Professor Cope remarks that “although of an
inferior position in the system of Carnivora, its powers of de-
struction must have excelled those of the Catamount [Lynx].
While the skull is generally less robust, its sectorial teeth are
not smaller nor less effective than those of that animal, and the
canines far excel those of the living species, as instruments
for cutting their prey.”

VII. GENUS NIMRAVUS.
NNimravus, Cope, Proc. Acad. Philad. 1879, p. 169 ; id., Amer.
Naturalist, vol. xiv. p. 842 (1880).

Nearly allied to the last, this genus, which is likewise North
American, forms an exception to the present group in that
there are only two pairs of pre-molar teeth in the lower jaw.
In the upper jaw the first pre-molar is minute, and the molar
transversely elongated ; while in the lower jaw the carnassia]
tooth is devoid of an inner cusp, and the second molar very
small. The femur has no third trochanter. While the pre-
ceding genus is most common in the Lower Miocene White
River beds, the present one is confined to the overlying Upper
Miocene John Day beds of Oregon, where it is represented by
LV. gomphodus and LN. confertus, both of which may be compared
insize toa Leopard. Inall the points in which the genus differs
from Dinictis, it approximates to the modern Cats: precisely
as might have been expected from the higher geological hori-
zon in which its remains occur,

288 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

VIII. GENY> POGONODON.

Pogonodon, Cope, Amer. Naturalist, vol. xiv. p. 843 (1880).

This genus is characterised by the great depth of the flange-
like expansion of the lower jaw, and its remarkably broad
anterior surface, coupled with the presence of three pairs of
lower pre-molars, and the absence of the small last molar.
The two known species, P. platycopis and P. brachyops, come
from the Upper Miocene strata of the John Day River, Oregon.
As they were both of large size, and furnished with long tusks,
they would appear to have been the most powerful beasts of
prey that flourished in their epoch.

IX, GENUS: ARCHAIEURUS,
Archelurus, Cope, Amer. Naturalist, vol. xiii. p. 798, a (1879);
vol. xiv. p. 841 (1880).

Characterised by the remarkably short muzzle of the skull,
which descends abruptly from the forehead, this North Ameri-
can genus differs from all the Cats hitherto noticed in possess-
ing four pairs of pre-molar teeth in the upper jaw, there being
also a small second lower molar. The lower carnassial tooth
has no inner cusp, and only a very small posterior heel. It is
represented only in the Upper Miocene of the John Day River by
A. debilis, a species of the approximate dimensions of a Leopard.

X. GENUS HOPLOPHONEUS.
Hoplophoneus, Cope, Rep. U.S. Geol. Surv. for 1873, p. 509,
(1874); id., Amer. Naturalist, vol. xiv. p. 849 (1880).

Although the skull is very similar to that of mravus, this
genus differs from all the preceding members of the group in
the reduction in the number of the teeth, which are numeri-
cally the same as in Lusmilus and the True Cats; that is to
say, there is no second molar in the lower jaw behind the car-
nassial tooth, while there are only two pairs of pre-molars in
the same jaw, and either two or three pairs of upper pre-molar
teeth. In this respect, therefore, the genus forms a connect-

EXTINCT CATS. z&9Q

ing link between the preceding one and ZLusmilus. The fore-
foot is remarkable for the small size of the first toe, and the
scapho-lunar bone of the carpus, or wrist, still retains traces of
its dual origin which are totally lost in all existing Cats. The
femur has a third trochanter, the hind-foot resembles that of
Dinictis, and the tail is of unusual length. The genus is re-
presented by five species, two of which occur in the White
River beds of Nebraska and Colorado, and the other two in
the overlying strata of the John Day River in Oregon. All
are about the size of a Lynx.

XI. GENUS PSEUDALURUS.
Preudelurus, Gervais, Zool. et. Pal. Franc. vol. i. ps ¥27
(1848-50).

The present is the first of two genera from the Midd’e
Tertiary deposits differing so remarkably from all the forms yet
noticed, that it is a question whether they have any right to a
place in the present family at all, and whether their affinities
are not rather with the Viverrine Cvyptoprocta. If, as some
writers consider to be the case, they are the direct ancestors
of the typical Fe/ide, there will be no question that the latter
Family is clcsely connected with the Viverride, and has not
been independently derived from the primitive Creodont Car-
nivora (see p. 22). In these genera there are three or four
pairs of pre-molar teeth in each jaw, while in the upper jaw there
is one pair, and in the lower two pairs of molars, the lower car-
nassial tooth having a cutting posterior heel. The slender
lower jaw differs from that of the preceding group in that its —
lower border is highly convex instead of straight, and the front
surface rounded in place of being squared. ‘The limbs are
relatively long, and the five-toed feet partially digitigrade. The
dentition is more Cat-like than in all living Viverride, in spite
of the presence of four pre-molars in both jaws, and of a second
lower molar. The skeleton, however, presents so many primitive

7 U

240 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,

features that it is comparablggpith that of the Viverrid@ rather
than that of the A/ide, the osteology of Proelurus presenting
a marked resemblance to Cryftoprocta ; indeed, Dr. H. Filhol
is of opinion that the Tertiary genus is the direct ancestor
of the existing form. In Pseudelurus the feline:characters of
the dentition are more marked.

In the genus under consideration there are only three pairs
of pre-molar teeth, and the lower carnassial tooth has no dis-
tinct inner cusp, the upper tusk being large, with a sharp
posterior edge. ‘The first lobe of the blade of the upper car-
nassial tooth is reduced to a small cusp; while the hinder lobe
of the same is formed by two small cusps. The typical species
(P. quadridentatus) occurs in the Middle Miocene beds of
France and Styria; and may be compared in size to a Lynx.
A lower jaw of a more slender type, from the Pliocene Loup-
Fork beds of Nebraska, has been assigned to a second species,
with the name of P. zntrepidus.

XII, GENUS. PROZZXLURUS.

Pies Filhol, Ann. Sci. Géol. vol.’ x. art. 3, p. 192 (1879).

In this genus there are four pairs of pre-molar teeth in each
jaw ; the lower carnassial has a large inner cusp as well as a
posterior heel ; and in the upper-carnassial the anterior lobe of
the blade of the True Cats is represented only by a rudimentary’
cusp, while the inner tubercle is large and placed close to the
front edge. In the base of the skull the alisphenoid bone is
perforated by a canal; while in the presence and position of
certain foramina in this region the base of the skull agrees with’
the primitive Civets and Dogs. The limbs were relatively long:
and slender; the femur retained a third trochanter ; and the
tail was extremely elongated. The genus is represented in the
Lower Miocene and Upper- Eocene (Oligocene) of France by:
the two species P. lemanensis and P. julien. which nee Be
compared in point of size to a small Civet. ih

i

Kew
:

EXTINCT CIVETS AND MUNGOOSES., 2g!

Py. oe VIVERRID. (sufra, p. 206).
I. GENUS VIVERRA (szra, p. 210).

inci Jager, Foss. Saugeth. Wiirtt. p. 78 (1835) ;
Fraas,, Fauna Steinheim, p. 9 (Sey).

In the Pleistocene cavern-deposits of Madras, this genus is
represented by V. karnuliensis, a species about the size of the
existing V. zzbetha, but distinguished by the more elongated
form of the pre-molar teeth, in which respect it agrees with the
following species, and approximates to the under-mentioned
Lctitherium. V. bakeri and V. durandi are considerably larger
species from the Pliocene rocks of the Siwalik Hills in North-
western India. The Pliocene of Perpignan, in France, has
yielded remains of another species known as V. pepraxti,

_ while in the Middle Miocene of France and Styria we have

respectively V. sansaniensis and V. steinheimensis ; and in the
Lower Miocene of the former country V. /estorhyncha. Civets
likewise occur in the Upper Eocene (Oligocene) deposits of
France and Hampshire; and have been described as V. minima,
V. angustidens, V. simplicidens, and V. hastingsie. The latter,
which was of the approximate size of the large Indian Civet,
appears to be common to England and France, and is charac-
terised by the crowns of the teeth being much taller than in
the existing representatives of the genus.

‘Il. (GENUS AMPHICTIS,
Amphictis, Pomel, Cat. Méthod., p. 63 (1853).
- This genus, as represented by A. antigua and A. leplorhyncha,
from the Lower Miocene and Upper Eocene of France, is
riearly allied to the last, from which it may be distinguished:
by the more elongated form of the last lower molar, which is’
implanted in the jaw by two distinct roots, and has relativ —
taller cusps, and a larger posterior heel.
U 2

2092 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY.

III. GENUS HEQ@ESTES (supra, p. 244).

Remains of Carnivores which have been referred to this genus
occur in the Miocene and Upper Eocene (Oligocene) strata of
Europe; but many of these present characters intermediate
between the existing members of the genus and Viverra, so
that it is frequently impossible to say to which of the two they
should be assigned. For instance, the above-mentioned
Viverra minima has been referred by one writer to Hlerfesies,
while some specimens referable to 4. /emanensis have been
described as Viverra. It would thus appear that the two
genera had a common origin; and it may be added that
through an extinct Miocene and Upper Eocene genus known
as Cynodictis they both seem intimately connected with the an-
cestors of the modern Dogs and Foxes (Canide).

One of the best known species is the large Hferpestes leman-
ensis from the Lower Miocene deposits of the south of France,
with which the so-called Viverra antigua, and perhaps #.
priscus, as well as a German form, appear to be identical. The
skull is stated to approximate to Viverra in possessing an ali-
sphenoid canal. A second Lower Miocene species (Z&. primea-
vus) is distinguished by the great relative length of the last lower
pre-molar tooth, while in the Middle Miocene beds of Grive-
St.-Alban, France, the genus is represented by yet another
species known as Lerfestes crassus.

IV. GENUS PROGENETTA.

Progenetta, Depéret, Archiv. Mus. Lyon, vol. v. p. 34 (1892).

This genus is represented only by a single species (P. z7-
certa) of the size of a small Leopard from the Middle Miocene
dep:sits of France, and is chiefly distinguished by details in
the structure of the teeth, into the consideration of which it
would be quite out of place to enter in a work of the present
nature.

EXTINCT CIVETS AND MUNGOOSES. 293

V. GENUS ICTITHERIUM.
Ictitherium, Wagner, Abh. bayer. Acad. vol. v. pt. 2, p.335(1848).
Galeotherium, Wagner, of. cit. vol. ili. pl. i. (1840), mec Jager.
Thallasictis, Gervais (ex Nordmann), Zool. et. Pal. Frang. vol.
i, p. 120 (1848-50).
Palhyena, Gervais, op. cit. 2nd ed. p. 242 (1858).
Lepthyena, Lydekker, Pal. Ind. (Mem. Geol. Surv. Ind.), ser.
10, vol. ii. p. 312 (1884).

Having the same number of teeth as in the Civets, this
European and Asiatic genus of the Lower Pliocene differs
from all the other members of the Family in that the upper
carnassial tooth has a three-lobed blade, as in the modern Cats
and Hyzenas, one of the species having been regarded as a con-
necting link between the Viverride and Hyenide. ‘The skull
is elongated and narrow, with a strong and upwardly-curved
postorbital process behind the socket of the eye, the hind-foot
is furnished with five toes, and the tail is very long.

The three species, namely, L. robustum, I. orbignyi, and L. hip-
parionum, occurring in the Lower Pliocene deposits of France,
Attica, Samos, Hungary, Bessarabia, and Persia, vary in size from
that of a Civet to that of a Jackal. The thirdand largest is the
one making the nearest approximation to the Hyzenas, its upper
carnassial tooth being greatly elongated, and the molars in the
same jaw very small. In the Siwalik rocks of India the genus
is represented by the imperfectly known Z. s¢va/ense.

VI. GENUS PAL/EOPRIONODON.

Paleoprionodon, Filhol, Comptes Rendus, vol. xc. p. 1579
(1880); id., Bull. Soc. Philom. ser. 8, vol. i. p. 115
(1889).

This and the following genus appear to form a connecting
link between the Civets (Viverridz) and the Weasels (AZus-
telide), and are thus placed by some paleontologists in the

204 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY,
first Family, and by others ifthe second. «It may be observed
that the AZustelide, together with the Urside (Bears), differ
from the /edide and Vizerride, in the absence of a partition in
the auditory bulla of the skull, as well as in certain other struc-
tural features of the same region. In consequence ‘of these
essential differences, the /elide and Viverride, together with the
allied Families of the Hyanide and Proteleide, have been bri-
gaded together in one primary group with the designation of
A®luroidea ; while the Mustelide and Urside have been linked
as the Arctoidea. The intimate connection-shown to exist by
fossil forms between the Civets and Weasels on the one. hand,
and betwixt Dogs and Bears-on the other, indicates, however,
that such associations are altogether erroneous, and that the
absence of the partition in the auditory bullz of the Weasels
and Bears is in all probability. an acquired character which
has arisen independently in the two groups. :

Whether the two genera now under consideration-should be
placed in the Viverride or in the Mustelide is a matter ‘of -but
comparatively little moment, seeing that when we’ come ta
primitive annectant types classification, as adopted in thé°case
of recent animals, becomes a practical impossibility. Since)
however, in the second of the two genera there is, atleast, a
trace of the partition in the auditory bulla, the writer considers
it preferable that they should be placed here. Wat Oi Be

Palaoprionodon is characterised by usually having ‘Liat a
single pair of upper molar teeth, although there are two pairs
in the lower jaw, and its dentition corresponds, therefore,
numerically with that of the Linsangs in the present Family, as
well as with the majority of Weasels. In the general characters
of the base of the skull, and especially in the presence of an
alisphenoid eanal, the genus resembles ‘the more typical. Vzzer-
ride, although the position of the so-called condylar foramen
at the hinder part of the base of the skull, as well as the pres-

tn i i A

EXTINCT CIVETS AND MUNGOOSES. 295

ence of aglenoid cavity near the socket for the articulation of the
lower jaw, affiliate it to the MZustelide, with which, as we have
seen, it agrees in the number of its teeth. The teeth them-
selves have a marked resemblance to those of the Linsangs, the
upper molar lacking the expansion of its inner half so charac-
teristic of the Justelide. It does not appear to have been
ascertained. whether there is a partition in the auditory bulla of
the skull.

The genus is represented by two species, P. mutabilis and P.
simplex, from the Upper Eocene (Oligocene) Phosphorites of
France, both of which may be compared in size to the smaller
Icnneumons. |

VII. GENUS STENOPLESICTIS.
Stenoplesictis, Filhol, Comptes Rendus, vol. xci. p. 346 (1880).

In this genus, which is also represented by two species
(S. cayluxi and S. minor) from the French Phosphorites, the
second upper molar is present, and of larger size than in those
specimens of Paleoprionodon, in which it is developed at all,
while in the lower carnassial tooth the inner cusp is larger than
inthe latter. The auditory bulla is stated to possess a complete
partition. |

By means of certain other forms from the French Phosphor.
ites, for which the names Haflogale and.Stenogale have been
proposed, Paleoprionodon and Stenoplesictis are so intimately
connected with undoubted Weasels like the Tertiary Pleszcits,
that it is quite impossible to determine where the Viverride
really end and the A/usteide commence. In

In conclusion, it may be mentioned that the Lower Tertiaries
of North America have yielded remains of. certain genera of
primitive Carnivora known as Miacis and Didymictis, which
appear not only to connect the Viverride very closely with
the Canida, but likewise to indicate a transition from both te
the still more primitive Creodont Carnivora. .

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Aard-Wolf, 11.
abu-wudan, Ichneumia, 264,
abyssinica, Genetta. 219.
Viverra. 219.
adailensis, Herpestes.
segypti, Ichneumon.
A‘lurictis, 285, 286.
intermedia, 286.
‘Elurogale. 285.
affinis, Felis. 182.
afra, Genetta. 218.
Ichneumon. 253.
Mustela. 253.
africanus, Leo. 27.
Agnotherium. 283.
Ailinura, 121.
planiceps, 121.
Ailurictis. 285.
Ailurogale planiceps,
albescens, Felis. 140.
Ichneumia, 264, 270.
albicauda, Herpestes,
265, 268, 269.
Ichneumia, 264,
albicaudatus, Herpestes.
albifrons, Ictides. 241.
Paradoxurus. 241.
Amphictis, 291.
antiqua. 2QI.
leptorhyncha. 291.
andersoni, Hlerpestes, 257, 25S.
Angola Mungoose. 249.
angolensis, Genetta. 220.
Herpestes, 249.
Angora Cat. 162,
angustidens, Viverra. 291.
Ant-eater, Banded Marsupial. 9,

250,
240.

I2I,

252, 264,

264.

antediluviana, Felis. 2S2,
Antelopes, 1, 2.

antiqua, Amphictis. 291.
Viverra. 202,

aphanistus, Machzrodus. 283.

apiculatus, Herpestes, 254.
Archeelurus, 288.
debilis. 288.

Arctic Fox, /20;

Arctictis, 240.
binturong. 241.
penicillatus. 241.

Arctogale. 230.
leucotis. 230.
stigmaticus. 230.
trivirgata. 231.

Ariela. 272,
tenionota, 275.

Arimau-Dahan,_ IT5.

arvernensis, Felis. 282.

ashtoni, Viverra. 222.

Asiatic Leopard. 78.

asiaticus, Leo. 27,

Athylax. 253.
paludosus,
robustus. 253.
vansire. 253.

Atilax. 253.
vansire. 253.

atrox, Felis. 282,

attica, Felis. 282,

aubryana, Genetta. 270,

augusta, Felis, 282.

aurata, Felis. 121, 138.

auratus, Leopardus, 12?

aureus, Lynx. 197.
Paradoxurus. 236.

253.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

auropunctata, Viverra. 23 5.
auropunctatus, Herpestes. 255,

badia, Felis, 122.
badius, Felis. 18.

Herpestes, 250, 251,
baileyi, Felis, 200.
Lynx. 200.

bakeri, Viverra. 291.
Banded Marsupial Ant-eater. 19,
barbarus, Leo. 27.
barbata, Cynogale. 243.
barbatus, Potamophilus.
Bay Cat. 18,

Bornean. 122.
Bdeogale. 264, 268.

crassicauda. 268,

nigripes. 264, 269.

puisa. 268,
Bears. 293.

Polar. 20,
bengalensis, Felis,

282,

Viverra.. 214.
bennetti, Cynogale,
bennettii, Herpestes.

Viverriceps. 124,
Bennetts Civet. 242.
berberorum, Caracal. 188.
bidentatus, Eusmilus. 285.
binotata, Nandinia. 220,

Viverra. 220.
binotatus, Paradoxurus. 229.
Binturong. 241,
binturong, Arctictis. 241.
birmanicus, Herpestes.

243.

126, 129, 130,

242.
247.

255, 256,

267,
Black-foted Mungoose, 269.
Bogota Tiger-Cat. 150.
bonapartii, Genetta. 218.
bondar, Paradoxurus. 233.
Viverra, 233.
Booted Lynx, 184,
borealis, Felis. 192.
Lyncus. 192, 195.
Bornean Bay Cat, 122.
braccata, Felis, 152, 153.
brachygnathus, Cynelurus. 282.
brachyop3, Pogonodon. 288.
brachyura, Felis. 114,

297

brachyurus, Herpestes. 261.

Leopardus. 114, I15,

Neofelis, 114.
brevirostris, Felis, 282.
Broad-banded Cusimanse, 275,
Broad-striped Mungoose. 279.
Brown-tailed Mungoose. 279.

Bushy-tailed Red-spotted Cat,
132.

caffer, Chaus.
Herpestes.

caffra, Felis.
Viverra. 247.

Caffre Cat. 18, 155, 156, 157.
African. 157.

Caffre Mungoose. 247.

Calictis smithi. 258.

caligata, Felis. 155, 184.

Calogale. 244.
granti. 250.
nipalensis. 255.
nyula. 257.
rutila. 260.

calomitli, Felis. 151,

caluxi, Stenoplesictis. 295.

canadensis, Felis. 195.
Lyncus. 195.

Canadian Lynx. a1.

cancrivora, Mesobema. 263.
Urva. 263.

canescens, Felis. 139.

Canidz. I1, 292, 295.

capensis, Felis. 135.
Suricata. 276,

Caracal. 21, 23, 188, 190.
berberorum. 188.
melanotis. 188.

caracal, Felis. 188.

Lynx. 188.

carcharias, Viverra. 242,

Carnivora, I.

Carnivorous Animals. 1,

carolinensis, Felis. 197,

Carthusian Cat. 162,

Cat, Angora. 162.

, Bay... - 36:

Bushy-tailed, 132.

Caffre. 18, 155, 156, 157.
Carthusian. 162.

I55-
247; 248, 249, 254-
18, 155, 184.

298 ‘ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Cat, Chinese. 162. @ charitoni, Catolynx. 118.

Desert. - 157, 179; 181. Felis.” “917.

Domestic. 4,°5,°156, 162, 163, Uncia, ri7.

164, 178, 181. chati, Felis, 144.

-Fite, 122. Chaus caffer, 155.

Fishing. 122, 123, caudatus, 187.

Flat-headed. 18, 121. jacquemonti. 183.

Fontanier’s. 120. libycus, 182.

Geoffroy’s. 149, 150. ; ornatus. 179,

Grass. 175, . * pulchellus. 179.

Grey.; 161. servalinus. 126, 179.

Grey Tiger. 138, 139. chaus, Felis. 158, 180, 182, 187.

Jungle. 21, 180, 182, 185, Lynx. 182.

Leopard. 126,127, 157. chinensis, Felis. 126, 128.

Long-tailed, 145. Leopardus.. 71, 81,126, 128. .

Malay. 162, Chinese Cats. 162.

Manx, -163. Chita. "73, 203.

Marbled. ~17; 19, §17, TIS. Woolly. 203.

Mombasa. 163. christoli, Felis. 282.

Nipal;. 130...) chrysothrix, Felis. 137,

Paja;- 175. , ; Civet, Bennett's... 242.°. —

Pale. 186. *civetoides, Vivérra. 212.

Pallas’s, 174: - Civets,. 4, Il, 22,. 243, 24672505

Pampas, 175, 178, 179. 293, 294.

Persian, +162. African.” 215,

Red Tiger, 137. | Bennett’s, 242.

Reed. 184. Burmese. 213.

Rusty-spotted. 127, 133,131,157. Daubenton’s. 216.

Servaline. 135, 136. Indian, 211.

Shaw’s. -180, 182. ; Javan. 214.

Small-footed. 152. Malabar, 213.

Steppe. 180, 187. Palm. 245, 246.

Tibetan. I19. Tfue. 210,

Miner, ~94,-17,.144;°145, 146, Web-footed. 242.

Waved, 182, civetta, Viverra, 211.

Wild.o- 18; 155, F57,-17Cy, civettina, Viverra. 213.
catenata, Felis. 139, 141. Clouded Leopard: - 17, 19, 113.
Catoiynx charltoni, 118. Colocolo. 16, 177.

marmoratus: 118. colocolo, Felis. 16, 176, 177.
catolynx, Felis, 182. concolor, Felis. 101.

Cats, Extinct. 282.- °° Galidia. 280.

catus, Felis. 18, 170. Hemigalidia. 280

caudata, Felis. 157. Leopardus. 102. .
caudatus, Chaus. 187. Uncia, Foz,

Felis; 197, confertus, Nimravus, 287,
cayluxi, Stenoplesictis. 295. Cougar. III,
celidogaster, Felis. _123, 138. couguar, Felis. Iof.
ceylanicus, Herpestes. 260. Crab-eating Mungoose. 263.
Ceylon Mungoose. 260, crassicauda, Bdeogale. 268.

Chained Ocelot. .141. crassus, Herpestes. 292.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. "209

crenatidens, Macherodus, 284.
cristata, Felis. 282, ~
Crossarchus, 272.

dybowskii. 275.

fasciatus. 274, 275.
gambianus. 273, 276,
obscurus. 273, 276,

rubiginosus.. 258.
“zebra. 274.
crossil, Paradoxurus, 233.

Cryptoprocta. 4, 22, 208, es 290.

ferox. 208.
typicus. 209. é
Cubs and Tiger. 49.
Cultridens.* 283.
Macherodus. °283.
Cusimanse. 272, 273.
Broad-banded. “275.
Dybowski’s, 275.
Gambian. 273: ~ .
Narrow-banded. — 274.
cyclops, Dinictis. 287,

Cynzelurus. © 5, 23, 282.
brachygnathus, 282.
Jubatus: 17;-74. .

Cynictis. 269. .
fimbriatus. 257.
leptura. 270..
maccarthiz. 260,
melanura. 250,
ogilbyi. 270:
penicillata. 270.
steedmanni. ‘270,
typicus. 270.

cynocephalus, Thylacirius. 19, °

Cynodictis, 292,

Cynofelis. 202.
guttata. 202.
jubata, | 202.

Cynogale. 242, 2716
barbaia. 243,
bennetti. 242. |

Dahan, Arimau-.. I15.—
Daptophilus. 286, .

darwinii, Felis, 51.”
debilis, Archzelurus. 288.
derbiana, Hemigaléa. 227.
derbianus, Paradoxurus. 2275
Desert-Cat. 157, 179, 181.

Desert-Cat, Indian. 18,19, -°4
diardi, Felis: 114, 117. a
Didymictis. 295.
Dinictis. 286, 287, ose.

cyclops. 287,

felina, 287.
Dogs. II.
Domestic Cats. 4, 5, 156, 162,

163, 164, 178, 181.

domestica, Felis. 156, 158.
dorsalis, Herpestes. 246.
dorsul, Leopardus. 117.
Drepanodon: 283.
durandi, Viverra. 291.
dybowskii, Crossarchus, 275
Dybowski’s‘Cusimanse, 275.

East African Mungoose: 254. ~
Egyptian Mungoose.. 246,
elegans, Galidia.° 279.°
Elegant Mungoose. “279,
_etlioti, Herpestes. 258:
Leopardus. 126, »
Viverriceps. 126, ° :
erythrotis, Felis. * 182,
Eupleres. 280,
goudoti, 281.
euptilura, Felis. * +13
Kusmilus. 285, seat 288, 289
bidentatus. 285.
exilis, Herpestes. 260,
Extinct Cats. 282.
Eyra.. tS. 153. 2
eyra, Felis. ia, i5a /

fasciatus, Crossarchus, 274, 275.
Herpestes. 275. .
Lynx 275.."°
Myrmecobius. ° 19. “4
Paradoxurus. ~ 233. ' ie

fatalis, Machzerddus. page ze

feldiana, Genetta. -220,'- +) (9

Felidse, 1,,15,.18) 40, en? 282, 289,

290, 294. - :

felina, Dinictis. 287."
Genetta. 210. hihi .
Viverra. 219._ ws 6

felinus, Paradoxurus. 2330 =e

Felis. $8} 22; 26, 282. *
affnis. 102)

f
j

300 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Felis albescens. 140.
antediluviana. 282.
arvernensis. 282.
atrox, 282.
attica, 282.
augusta. 282.
aurata. 121, 133.
badia. 122.
badius. 18.
baileyi. 200.

bengalensis. 125, 129, 130, 252.

borealis. 192.
braccata. 152, 153.
brachyura. I14.
brevirostris. 282.
caffra. 18, 155, 184.
caligata. 155, 184.
calomitli. 151.
canescens. 139.
capensis. 135.

caracal, 188.
catenata, 139, I4I.
catolynx. 182.

catus. 18, 170.
caudata. 187.
caudatus. 187.
celidogaster. 123, 135.
charltoni, I17.

chati, 144.

chaus. 158, 180, 182, 157.
chinensis. 126, 123,
christoli. 282.
chrysothrix. 137.
colocolo. 16, 176,177.
concolor. IOI.
couguar. IOI.
cristata. 282.
darwinii, 151.

diardi. 114, II7.
domestica. 156, 158.
erythrotis. 182.
euptilura. 132.

eyra. 18, 153.
fontanieri. 71, 80, 81.
herschelli. . 126.
himalayana. 123, 124.
huttoni, 156.
galeopardus. 135.
geoffroyi, 149, 150, 177+
grisea. 140, 141.

er elis guigna, 149, 150, 176,177.

guttata. 145.
inconspicua. 155, 182,
irbis. 92.

issiodorensis. 282.
jacquemonti. 188.
jaguarondi, 151, 152, 153.
japanensis. 80.
javanensis, 126, 128, 129, 130.
jerdoni. 126, 128, 130, 131.
jubata. 202.

kutas. 182,

lanea. 202.

leo. 18, 27,

leo goojratensis. 27.
leopardus, 71.

liodon. 282,
longicaudatus. I17.
libycus, 183.

lupulina. 192,

lybica. 155.

macrocelis. I14.
macroceloides. 114.
macrura. 144, 145.
maniculata. 155.

manul. 174.

margarita. 155.

margay. 145.
marmorata. 17,117,
media. 282,

megaballa, 202.
megalotis. 156.
melanura. 140,

melas. 71.

mexicana. I5I.

microtis, 132, 133.
minuta, 126, 128, 131.
mitis. 144,145.
moormensis, 120.
nebulosa. 17, 113,121.
neglecta. 138.
nigrescens. 121.
nigripectus. 174.
nigripes. 155.

nipalensis. 126, 130.
obscura. 155.

ocelot. 139.

ogilbyi, 117.

onca. 17, 95.

ornata, 18, 157, 179, 180, 181,

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Felis pajeros. 175.

pallida. 186, 187.
panthera. 71.
pardalis. 17, 139.
pardina. 201.
pardinensis. 282.
pardinoides. 149, 15°.
pardochroa, 130.
pardochrous. 126.
pardoides. 140, 141.
pardus, 17, 71, 74, SI.
passerum. 175.
picta. 140.
planiceps. 18, I12Ie
prisca, 282.
pulchella. 155.
puma, 18,

pygmza. 282.

rubiginosa. 127,128,129,130,133-

fufa, “197.

rutila. 138, 139.

scripta. 119.
senegalensis. 135.
serval. 17.

servalina, 126, 135, 179%
shawiana. 180, 181, 182.
spelzea. 20, 27.
strigilata. 177.
sumatrana, 126.
sylvestris. 170.
temmincki. 120.
tenasserimensis. 126.
tigrina. 17, 144.
tigris. 18, 48.
togoénsis. 137.
torquata. 156,158, IC
tristis. 120.

tulliana. 7I.
turnauensis. 282.
uncia.. 17}; 92.
uncioides. 93,
unicolor. 102, I5I, 153.
virgata. 192.
viverriceps. 123.
viverrina, 16, 123.
vulpinus. 192.

wagati. 126, 128.
yagouarondi, ISI.

“ne
—5

ferrugineus, Herpestes 257, 258.
Field-Rat, 181.

fimbriatus, Cynictis. 257,
Herpestes. 257.
finlaysonii, Paradoxurus. 232.
Fire-Cat. 122.
Fishing Cat. 16, 122, 123.
Flat-headed Cat, 18, 121.
flavescens, Herpestes. 251.
floridanus, Lynx. 197.
Macherodus. 284.
fontanieri, Felis, 71, 80, 81.
Fontanier’s Cat. 120.
Leopard. 80.
Fossa. 4, 208, 216.
daubentoni. 216.
fossa, v.
viverra. 216.
fossa, Fossa, v.
Four-toed Mungooses, 263.
Fox; Arctie. 20;
frederici, Herpestes. 257.
fulvescens, Herpestes. 260,
fusca, Osmetictis. 263.
Viverra. 263.
fuscus, Herpestes. 259.

galeopardus, Felis. 135.
Galeotherium. 293.
galera, Herpestes. 247, 253.
Ichneumon. 253.
Mustela. 253.
Galerella ochracea. 250.
Galidia. 279, 280.
concolor, 280.
elegans. 279.
olivacea. 280.
unicolor, 280.
Galidictinz, 278,
Galidictis. 277, 275, 279, 281.
striata. 278.
vittata, 279,
galinieri, Herpestes. 250.
Gambian Cusimanse. 273.
gambianus, Crossarchus. 273.
Hlerpestes. 273.
Mungos, 273.
Gato pajero. 175, 176.
Gazelles. I.
Genetta. 246.
abyssinica. 219.
afra. 218,

301

302 ALPHABETICAL INDEX,

Genetta angolensis. 220.
aubryana. 219.
bonapartii. 218.
feldiana, 220.
felina. 219.
genetta, v.
poénsis. 225,
richardsoni. 225.
rubiginosa. 221.
senegalensis. 219.
servalina. 220.
tigrina. 220.
viverra. ‘218.

genetta, Genetta, v.

genettoides, Viverra. 220.

Genets. 217.
Blotched. 219.
Common, 218.
Feline, 210.
Pardine, 220.
Rufous. 221.
Senegal. 219.

geoffroyi, Felis. 149, 150, 177.

Geoffroy’s Cat. 149, 150.
Gerbillus hurriane, 181.
gerrardi, Nandinia,- 229. ~
Golden or Bay Cat. 120.
gomphodus, Nimravus, 287,
goojratensis, Felis leo. 27.
gothneh, Herpestes. 274.
goudoti, Eupleres. 281.
goudotii, Eupleres. 281.
gracilis, Felis, 222,
Eterpestes. 252. _
Linsanga. 222.
Macherodus. 284.
Prionodon, 222.
Wiverra.. 222:
grandis, Herpestes. 266.
granti, Calogale. 250.
Grass Cat. 175.
Grey Cats. 161.
Grey Indian Mungoose. 257.
Grey Tiger-Cat. 138, 139.
grisea, Felis. 140, 141.
griseus, H[erpestes. 257.
Leopardus. 139.
Mangusta. 257.

guigna, Felis. 149, 150, 176, 177.

Gulo urva. 263.

ttata, Cynofelis, 292.

gu
@ * Felis. 145,

hamiltoni, Paradoxurus. 229.
Haplogale. 295.
hardwickei, Hemigale. 227,
Viverra. 227.
hastingsiz, Viverra, 291.
Helogale. 266.
parvula. 267.
undulata. 267.
Hemigale. 227.
derbiana. 227.
hardwickel. 227.
hosei. 228,
Hemigalidia. 280.
concolor. 280.
olivacea. 280,
unicolor, 280.
Hemigalus zebra. 227.

hermaphroditus, Paradoxurus. 233.

WViverra.. «233.

hernandesii, Leopardus. 95, 96.
Herpestes. 244, 245, :266; 209,

270, 292.
adailensis. 250.

albicauda. 252,264, 265, 268,269.

albicaudus. 264.
andersoni. 257, 258.
angolensis. 249.
apiculatus. 254.
auropunctatus, 255.
badius. 250, 251.
bennettil. 247.
birmanicus, 255, 256, 257.
brachyurus. 261. ;
caffer. 247, 248, 249, 254,
ceylanicus. 260. |
crassus. 292. _

dorsalis. 246,

ellioti. 258.

exilis. 260.

fasciatus, 275. :
ferrugineus, 257, 258.
fimbriatus. 257.
flavescens. 251.

frederici, “257.

fulvescens. 260,

fuscus. 259.

galera, 247, 253.

— —— eel
———

ee _

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 303

3

Ilerpestes galinieri, 250, _ Tlerpestes smithi. 258,

gambianus, 273. thysanurus, 258.

gothneh. 274. undulatus, 267.

gracilis. 250, 252. urva. 263.

grandis, 266. vitticollis. 261, 273.

griseus. 257,. widdringtoni. 246.

ichneumon. 246, 248, 249, 251, zebra. 274.

252, 253, 270);.27 1, Hlerpestinee. 245, 271, 278, 281.
iodoprymnus. 250. herschelli, Felis.. 126.
javanicus. 255, 260, himalayana, Felis. 123, 124.
jerdoni. 258. hipparionum, Ictitherium. 293.
lefebvrei. 250. Tlippopotamus. 171.
lemanensis. 292, hirsutus, Paradoxurus. 234.
leucurus. 264. Hoplophoneus. 288.
loempo. 253, 264, 265. horsfieldi, Leopardus. 126.
maccarthize. 260. hosei, Hemigale. 228,
madagascariensis. 247. Hunting-Leopard. 5, 17, 74.
malaccensis. 257, 253. hurriane, Gerbillus. 181.
melanurus, 250, 251. huttoni, Felis. 156.
monticolus. 258. Hyzenas. 11.
mungo, 257. Ilycenide. 11, 293, 294.
mutgigella. 250. Hybrids, Lion-Tiger. 45.
mutscheltschela. 250. Hydrochzrus. 97.
neumanni, 252.
nipalensis. 255. Ichneumia. 264.
numidicus. 246. abu-wudan. 264.
nyula. 257. albescens. 264.
ochraceus.. 250, 251, 252. albicauda. 264.
ochromelas. 250. nigricauda. 264.
ornatus. 250. nigricaudatus. 250.
pallidus. 257. Ichneumon. 244.
pallipes. 255. egypti. 246.
paludinosus,. 253. afra. 253.
paludosus. 253. galera. 253.
parvulus. 267. Javanicus. 260.
penicillatus. 270. pharaonis. 246.
persicus. 255. ruber. 260,
pharaonis. 246, _ tenionotus. 275.
pluto. 253. ichneumon, Herpestes. 246, 248,
primzevus. 292. 249, 251, 252, 253, 271.
priscus. 292. Viverra, 246.
pulverulentus. 254. Ictides, 240.
punctatissimus. 254. albifrons: 241.
punctulatus. 251. ater. 241.
robustus. 254. Ictitherium. 291, 293.
rubiginosus. 258. hipparionum, 293.
ruficauda. 250, 251. orbignyi. 293.
rutilus. 260. robustum. 293.
‘sanguineus. 251. sivalense. 293.

semitorquatus. 262. incerta, Progenetta. 292,

304

155, 182.

inconspicua, Ielis,

inconspicuus, Leopardus. 155. ca
Indian Desert-Cat. 18, 19.
indica, Viverra. 214.

Viverricula. 215.
insignis, Machzerodus. 283.
intermedia, A‘lurictis. 286.
intrepidus, Pseudzelurus. 290.
iodoprymnus, Herpestes. 250.

irbis, Felis. 92.
Uncia, 93.
isabellina, Felis.
isabellinus, Lynx.
issiodorensis, Felis.

192.
192.
282.
jacquemonti, Chaus. 183.
Felis. 183.
Jaguar, 13, 17, 21, 95.
jaguarondi, Felis. 151, 152, 153.
japanensis, Felis. 80.
Leopardus. 71.
javanensis, Felis, 126, 128, 129, 130.
Leopardus. 126, 128.
javanica, Mangusta. 260.
iavanicus, Herpestes. 255, 260.
Ichneumon. 260.
Javan Mungoose. 260.
jerdoni, Felis, 126, 128, 129, 130,
131.

Herpestes. 258.
Paradoxurus. 236.
jourdani, Machcerodus.
jubata, Cynofelis. 202.

Felis, 202.
jubatus, Cynzlurus. 17, 74.
julieni, Prozlurus. 290
Jungle Cat. 21, 180, 182, 185.

283.

karnuliensis, Viverra.
kutas, Felis. 182.

201.

lanea, Felis. 202,
laneus, Cynzelurus.
laniger, Paguma, 240.
Paradoxurus. 240,
Large-toothed Mungoose.
larvata, Paguma, 238.
Viverra. 238.
larvatus, Gulo.
Paradoxurus.

202.

266.

238.
238.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Lagomys. 175.

latidens, Macherodus.

lefebvrei, Herpestes.

lemanensis, Herpestes.
Prozlurus. 290.

Leo africanus. 27,
asiaticus. 27.
barbarus. 27.
nobilis. 27.

leo, Felis: 18, 27.

leoninus, Macherodus.

284.
250.
292.

283.

Leopard, 4°17, 285-74.
Asiatic. 78.
Clouded. 17, 19, 113.

Fontanier’s. 80.
Hunting. 5,17, 74.
Snow. 93.
Leopard-Cat. 127, 157.
leopardus, Felis. 71.
Leopardus auratus, 121.
brachyurus. 114, 115.
chinensis.
concolor.
dorsul, I17.
ellioti. 126.
fontanieri. 71.
griseus. 139.
hernandesii.
horsfieldi.
inconspicuus.
japanensis.
javanensis.
marmoratus.
moormensis.
onca. 95.
pardalis.
pardus.
pictus.
reevesi. 126,
serval, 135.
sumatranus,
tigrinoides,
uncia, 92.
varius. 71.
viverrinus, 123.
yagouarondi. I51.
Lepthyzena, 293.
leptorhyncha, Amphictis.
Viverra. 201.
leptura, Cynictis.

102.

95, 90.
126.

155:

126.

TE.
120.

139.

Tl, 7%
139, 141.

126,
145.

270.

71, OL, 120, 8en.

71, 126, 128, 129;

201,

—

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

leucomystax, Paguma, 238.
Paradoxurus. 238.
leucopus, Paradoxurus. 233.
leucostethicus, Herpestes. 274.
leucurus, Herpestes, 264.
levaillantii, Mangusta. 270.
libycus, Chaus, 182,
Felis, 183.
Linsanga, 223.
gracilis. 222.
maculosus. 223.
pardicolor. 224.
richardsoni, 225,
linsang, Paradoxurus.
Linsangs. 221, 225.
African. 225.
Bornean. 222.
Burmese. 223.
Nipalese. 224,
Oriental. 221.
liodon, Felis, 282,
hier, “4, 0, 12, 18, 21, 27.
Lion-Tiger hybrids, 45,

loempo, Herpestes. 253, 264, 265,
208.
longicaudatus, Felis.
Long-tailed Cat. 145.
lybica, Felis. 155.
Lyncus, 23, 192.
borealis, 192, 195.
canadensis. 195.
isabellinus. 193.
lynx. 192.
pardinus. 200.
rufus. 197,
vulgaris, 192.
Lynx, Booted. 184.
Canadian, 21.
Fardine, 21,
Lynx, -182.
aureus. I97.
baileyi. 200.
caracal, 188,
chaus, 182,
fasciatus. 197.
floridanus. 197.
montanus. I97.
rufus. 197.
lynx, Felis, 191.
Lyncus, 192.

7

222.

TT,

395

lynx, Red. 197.
Lynxes. 4, 21.
maccarthiz, Cynictis. 260.
Herpestes. 260.
Onychogale. 260.
Macherodus. 22, 283, 255.
aphanistus. 284.
crenatidens. 284.
cultridens. 284.
fatalis. 284.
floridanus. 284
gracilis. 284.
insignis. 283.
jourdani. 283.
latidens. 284.
leoninus. 284.
meganthereon.
necator. 284.
neogeeus. 284.
nestianus. 284.
palzindicus. 284.
palmidens. 283, 284, 286.
ogygia. 284.
orientalis. 284,
schlosseri, 284.
sivalensis. 284.
Machairodus. 283,
macrocelis, Felis.
Neofelis, 114.
Wneia. nT.
macroceloides, Felis.
Uncia. 114.
macrodus, Paradoxurus. 236,
macrura, Felis. 144, 145.
maculosus, Linsanga, 223.
madagascariensis, Hlerpestes. 247.
malaccensis, Herpestes. 257, 258.
Mangusta. 257.

Viverra, 214:

Viverricula, 215.

Malay Cat, 162.

Mangusta, 244.

griseus. 257.

javanica, 260.

levaillantii. 270.

malaccensis. 257.

mungos. 257.

rubra, 260.

urinatrix. 253.

284.

114.

114.

306 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Mangusta vitticollis. 261.

maniculata, Felis. 155.

manul, Felis. 174.

Manx Cats. 163.

Marbled Cat. 17,19, 117, 118.

margarita, Felis. 155.

margay, Felis. 145.

marmorata, Felis.
Uneia.- | 127.

marmoratus, Catolynx. 118.
Leopardus, 117.

media, Felis. 281.

Meerkat. 276.

megaballa, Felis, 202.

Meganthereon. 283.

17 LIZ:

meganthereon, Macherodus, 283.

megaspila, Viverra. 213.

megalotis, Felis. 156.

melanura, Cynictis. 250.
Felis. 140.

melanurus, Herpestes, 250, 251.
Viverra, 212,

melas, Felis. 71.

melleri, Rhinogale. 271, 272.

Rhynchogale. 271.
VYeller’s Mungoose. 271.
Mesobema, 244.

cancrivora. 263.
mexicana, Felis. I51.
Miacis, 295.
microtis, Felis. 132, 133.
minima, Viverra. 291.
minor, Stenoplesictis, 295.
minuta, Felis. 126, 128, 131.
mitis, Felis. 144, 145.
Mombasa Cat. 163.
montanus, Lynx. 197.

Paradoxurus. 237.
monticolus, Herpestes. 258.
moormensis, Leopardus, 120.

Felis, 120.
mungo, Herpestes, 257.
mungo, Viverra, 257.
Mungoose, 244.

Angola, 249.

Black-footed. 269.

Broad-striped. 278.

Brown-tailed. 280.

Caffre. 247.

Ceylon. 260.

@iingoose, Crab-eating. 263.

Fast African. 254.
Egyptian. 246.
Elegant. 279.
Four-toed. 268.
Gambian. 273.

Grey Indian. , 257.
Javan. 260.
Large-toothed. 266,
Meller’s, 271.
Narrow-banded..- 274.
Narrow-striped,. 279.
Neumann’s, 252.
Nilgiri Brown, 259.
Olivaceous. 280.
Pale-necked. 262.
Pencilled. 270.

Puisa. 268.

Red. 268.

Red-tailed. 251.
Ring-tailed. 279.
Ruddy.. 258.

Rufous, 253.
Short-haired. 25,4.
Short-tailed. 260.
Six-molared. 266.
Slender. 250.

S.inall. 267.

Small Indian. 255.
Small-nosed. 271.
Small-toothed. 280, 281,
Striped. 277.
Stripe-necked. 261.
Thick-tailed. 268.
Uniform. 28o.
White-tailed. 264.
Mungos. 244.
gambianus. 273.
vitticollis. 261.
mungos, Mangusta, 257.
musanga, Paradoxurus, 233.
Viverra. 233.
musangoides, Paradoxurus. 233.
musschenbroecki, Paradoxurus.

239.
Mustela afra. 253.
galera, 253.

striata. 278.
Mustelidz. 16, 293, 294, 295.
Mus zenik. 276.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 307

mutabilis, Paleoprionodon. 295.
mutgigella, Herpestes. 250.
mutscheltschela, Herpestes. 250.
Myrmecobius fasciatus. 19.
Nandinia, 228.
binotata. 220..
gerrardi. 229.
Narrow-banded Cusimanse. 274.
Narrow-striped Mungoose. 279.
nebulosa, Felis, 17, 113, 121.
necator, Machzrodus. 284,
neglecta, Felis. 138.
nems, Viverra. 253.
Neofelis brachyurus. 114.
macrocelis. II4.
neogzeus, Machezerodus. 284.
nepalensis, Calogale. 255.
nestianus, Macherodus. 284.
neumanni, Herpestes. 252.
Neumann’s Mungoose. 252.
niger, Paradoxurus. 234.
Viverra. 223.
nigrescens, Felis. 121.
nigricauda, Ichneumia. 264.
nigricaudatus, Ichneumia. 250.
nigrifrons, Paradoxurus. 233.
nigripectus, Felis, 174.
nigripes, Bdeogale. 264, 269.
Felis. 155.
Nimravide. 286,
Nimravus. 287.
confertus. 287.
gomphodus. 287.
Nipal Cat. 130.
nipaiensis, Felis.
Iierpestes. 255.
Paradoxurus. 237.
nobilis, Leo. 27.
numidicus, Herpestes. 246,
nyuwla, Calogale. 257.
Herpestes. 257.

126, 130.

obscura, Felis. 155.
cbscurus, Crossarchus. 273.
Ocelot. 17, 139.

Chained, 141.
ocelot, Felis. 139.
ochracea, Galerella. 250.
ochraceus,

gcz.

Herpestes. 250, 251,

ochromelas, Ierpestes, 250.
ogilbyi, Cynictis. 270.

Felis. 117.

Paradoxurus. 238,
ogygia, Macherodus. 283.
olivacea, Galidia. 280:

Hemigalidia. 280.
Olivaceous Mungoose. 280,
onca, Felis. 17, 95.

Leopardus, 95.

Uncia. 95.

Onychogale maccarthiz, 260.
orbignyi, Ictitherium. 293.
orientalis, Machzrodus. 283.

Viverra. 211.

ornata, Felis. 18, 157, 179, 180,
181.
ornatus, Chaus. 179.

Herpestes, 250.
Osmetictis. 244.

fusca. 263.

Otters. 4.
Sea. 4.
Ounce. 17, 20, 92.

Paguma. 231.
grayil. 237.
laniger. 240.
larvata. 238.
Paja-Cat. 175.
Pajeros pampanus. 175.
palzindicus, Macherodus, 283.
Palzeomephitis. 291.
Palzeoprionodon, 293, 294, 295
mutabilis. 295.
simplex, 295.
Pale Cat. 186.
Pale-necked Mungoose, 262,
Palhyzena, 293.
Pallas’s Cat. 174.
pallida, Felis. 186, 187,
Viverra, 215.
pallidus, Herpestes. 257.
pallipes, Herpestes. 255.
Palm-Civets, 228, 230, 231, 245,
246,
African. 228.
Celebean. 239.
Chinese. 238.
Common. 233.

308 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Palm-Civets, East African. 229. Paradoxurus pennanti. 234,
Himalayan, 237. @ philippensis. 235.
Jerdon’s, 236. philippinensis, 235.
Large-toothed. 236. prehensilis. 233.
Philippine. 235. quadriscriptus, 233.

Red. 236. quinquelineatus. 233.
Small-toothed. 230. rubidus, 239.
Three-striped. 231. Strictus. 233.

West African. 229. trivirgatus. 231.
White-whiskered. 238, typus, 233.

Woolly. 240. tytlerii, 9237.

palmidens, Macherodus, 283, 284, zebra.. 227.

286. zeylanicus. 235, 237.
paludinosus, Herpestes, 253, Pardalina warwicki, 124, 149.
paludosus, Herpestes, 253. pardalis, Felis, 17, 139.
pampanus, Pajeros. 175. Leopardus, 139.

Pampas Cat. 175, 178, 179. pardicolor, Linsanga. 224.

Panther, 71574: Prionodon, 224.

panthera, Felis. 71, Viverra.- 224:

Paradoxurus, 231. Par line Lynx. 21,
albifrons. 241, pardinensis, Felis, 282.
aureus. 236, pardinoides, Felis, 149, 150.
binotatus. 229. pardochrous, Felis, 126, 130,
bondar. 233. pardoides, Felis. 140, 141.
crossil. 233. pardus, Felis. 17, 71,74, 81.
derbianus, 227, pardus, Leopardus. 71,74,
fasciatus. 233. parvula, Helogale. 267.
felinus. 233. parvulus, Herpestes. 267.
finlaysonii. 233. passerum, Felis. 175.
grayl. 237. Pencilled Mungoose. 270.
hamiltoni. 229, penicillata, Cynictis. 270,
hermaphroditus. 233. penicillatus, Herpestes. 270,
hirsutus. 234. pennanti, Paradoxurus. 234.
jerdoni. 238. pepraxti, Viverra, 291.
laniger. 240. Persian Cat. 162.
larvatus. 238. persicus, Herpestes. 255.
leucomystax. 238, pharaonis, Ichneumon. 246.
leucopus. 233. Herpestes. 246.
leucotis, 230. philippensis, Paradoxurus. 235.
linsang. 222, pkilippinensis, Paradoxurus. 235.
macrodus, 236. Pisas, 2075.
montanus. 237. picta, Felis. 140.
musanga, 233. pictus, Leopardus. 139, 14I.
musangoides, 233. planiceps, Ailinura. 121.
musschenbroecki, 239. Ailurogale, 121.
niger. 234. Helis. 026,012,
nigrifrons, 233. Viverriceps. 121.
nipalensis, 237. platycopis, Pogonodon. 28S.
ogilbyi, 238. Platyschista. 231.
pallasii. 233. pallasi, 234.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX,

Plesictis. 295.
pluto, Herpestes. 253.
poensis, Genetta. 225.
Prionodon. 225, 226,
Pogonodon. 288,
brachyops. 288,
platycopis. 288.
Poiana. 225.
poensis, 225, 226,
richardsoni. 226,
Polar Bear. 20.
poortmanni, Viverra.
Potamophilus, 242.
barbatus, 243.
prehensilis, Paradoxurus, 23 as
Viverra. 233.
primzevus, Herpestes. 292,
Prionodon. 243.
gracilis. 222.
maculosus. 223.
pardicolor, 224,
prisca, Felis. 282,
priscus, Herpestes. 292,
Prozelurus, 290,
julieni. 290,
lemanensis. 290.
Proailurus. 290.
Progenetta. 292,
incerta. 292.
Proteleidze, 11, 294.
Pseudelurus. 289, 290,
intrepidus. 290,
quadridentatus,
puisa, Bdeogale.
Puisa Mungoose.
pulchella, Felis. 155,
pulchellus, Chaus. 170,
pulverulentus, Herpestes.
Puma. 4, 18, 21, Ior,
puma, Felis. 18.
punctatissimus, Herpestes. 254.
punctulatus, Herpestes. 251,
Putorius striatus. 278,
pygmea, Felis. 281.

2II,

290.
268.
268.

254.

quadridentatus, Pseudcelurus. 290.
quadriscriptus, Paradoxurus. 233.
quinquelineatus, Paradoxurus. 233.

Rasse, 214.

399

rasse, Viverra. 214,
Rat, Field. 181.
Red-spotted Cat, Bushy-tailed,
132:
Red-tailed Mungoose. 251,
Red Tiger-Cat. 137,
Reed Cat.27 184.
reevesi, Leopardus. 126,
regalis, Tigris. 48,
Retractile-clawed Cats. 26.
Rhinoceroses. 171.
Rhinogale, 271,
melleri, 271, 272.
Rhynchogale. 271, 272,
mellen; “iy.
Khyzena 276,
tetradactyla. 277,
typicus. 277,
richardsoni, Genetta,
Linsang. 225,
Poiana. 225.
Ring-tailed Mungooses.
robustum, Ictitherium,
robustus, Athylax, 253,
Herpestes. 254,
ruber, Ichneumon, 260,
rubidus, Paradoxurus. 239.
rubiginosa, Felis, 127, 128, 129,
130, 133.
Genetta. 221,
Viverriceps. 133,
rubiginosus, Crossarchus, 2 58.
Flerpestes, 258.
rubra, Mangusta,
Ruddy Mungoose,
rufa, Felis, 197,
ruficauda, Herpestes.
Rufous Mungoose.
rufus, Lyncus, 197,
Lynx, | -107:
Rusty-spotted Cat. 127, 133, 134,
157.
rutila, Calogale. 260,
Felis. 138, 139,
rutilus, Herpestes,

226.

279.
293.

260,
258.

250, 25%,
253.

260.

Sabre-toothed Tigers, 22,
sanguineus, Herpestes, 251,
sansaniensis, Viverra. 291,
schlegeli, Viverra. 215.

310 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

schlosseri, Macherodus, 283.
scripta, Felis. 119.
Sea-Otters. 4.
semitorquatus, Herpestes. 262.
senegalensis, Felis. 135.
Genetta. 219.
Viverra. 219.
Serval. 17, 135.
togoénsis. 137.
serval, Feliss 17, 135.
Leopardus. 135.
servalina, Felis. 126,179.
Genetta, 220.
Servaline Cat. 135, 136.
servalinus, Chaus. 126, 179.
shawiana, Felis. 180, 181, 182.
Shaw’s Cat. 180, 182.
Short-haired Mungoose. 254.
Short-tailed Mungoose. 260.
simplex, Palzoprionodon. 295+
simplicidens, Viverra, 291.
sivalense, Ictitherium. 293.
sivalensis, Machzerodus. 283.
Six-molared Mungooses. 266.
Slender Mungoose. 250.
Small-footed Cat. 152.
Small Indian Mungoose. 255.
Small Mungoose.. 267.
Small-nosed Mungooses. 271.
Small-toothed Mungoose. 280,
281.
Smilodon. 283.
smithi, Calictis. 258.
Elerpestes. 258.
Snow-Leopard. 93.
spelcea, Felis. 20, 27.
Spotted Tiger-Cat. 149.
* steedmanni, Cynictis. 270.
- steinheimensis, Viverra. 291.
Steneodon. 283.
Stenogale. 295.
Stenoplesictis. 295.
cayluxi. 295.
minor. 295.
Steppe Cat. 180, 187.
striata, Galidictis. 275.
Mustela. 278.
striatus, Putorius, 278.
strictus, Paradoxurus. 233.
strigilata, Felis. 177.

Striped Mungooses. 277.
Striped-necked Mungoose. 261.
sumatrana, Felis. 126.
sumatranus, Leopardus. 126.
Suricata. 270, 276.

capensis. 276.

suricatta, v.

tetradactyla. 277.
suricata, Viverra. 276.
suricatta, Suricata, v.
sylvestris, Felis. 170.

Tzeniogale vitticollis. 261.
teenionota, Ariela, 275.
teenionotus, Ichneumon. 275.
Tail-less Cats. 162.

Tail-less Hares. 175.

Tegree Cat. 137.

temmincki, Felis. 120.
tenasserimensis, Felis. 126.
tetradactyla, Rhyzena. 276.

Suricata. 276, 277.

Viverra. 276.

Thallasictis. 293.
Thick-tailed Mungoose. 268.
Thylacine. 19.

Thylacinus cynocephalus. 19,
thysanurus, Herpestes, 258.
Tibetan Tiger-Cat. 119.
Tiger. 4, 18, 48.

Sabre-Toothed. 22.
Tiger-Cat. 4,17, 144, 145; 146.

Bogota, _ 150.

Grey, 138.

Red. #337.

Spotted. 149.

Tibetan... 119.
tigrina, Felis. 17, 144.

Genetta, 2109.

Viverra. 219.
tigrinoides, Leopardus, 145.
tigris, Felis. 18, 48.

Tigris regalis. 48.
Togo Serval.. 137.
togoénsis, Felis. 137.

Serval. 137.
torquata, Felis. 156, 158, 182.
tristis, Felis. 120.
trivirgata, Arctogale. 231.
trivirgatus, Paradoxurus. 231.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. gir

Trucifelis. 283.
tulliana, Felis. 71.
turnauensis, Felis. 281.
typicus, Cryptoprocta. 209.
Cynictis. 270.
Rhyzeena. 277.
typus, Paradoxurus, 233.
tytleri, Paradoxurus. 237.

Uncia charltoni. 117.
concolor, 102.
irbis. 93.
macrocelis. I14,
macroceloides, I14.
marmorata. I17.
onca. 95.
uncia, Felis. 17, 92.
Leopardus. 92.
uncioides, Felis. 93.
undata, Viverra, 212.
undulata, Helogale. 267.
undulatus, Herpestes. 267.
unicolor, Felis. 102, 151, 152.
Galidia. 280.
Hemigalidia. 280.
Uniform Mungoose. 280,
urinatrix, Mangusta, 253.
Urside, 2094.
Urva. 244.
cancrivora. 263.
urva, Gulo. 263.
Herpestes. 263.

vansire, Athylax. 253.
Atilax:. 2573.
varius, Leopardus. 71,
virgata, Felis. 192,
vittata, Galidictis, 279.
vitticollis, Flerpestes. 261, 273.
Mangusta. 261.
Mungos. 261,
Tzeniogale. 261.
Viverra. 291, 292.
abyssinica. 219.
angustidens. 291,
antiqua. 292.
ashtoni. 222.
auropunctata. 255.
bakerl. 291.
bengalensis. 214.

Viverra binotata. 229,

binturong. 241.
boiel. 227.
bondar. 233.
caffra. °247.
carcharias. 242,
civetoides. 212,
civetta. 211.
civettina. 213.
durandi, 291.
felina. 219.
fossa.” 216.
fusca. 263.
genetta. 218.
genettoides. 220,
gracilis. 222.
hardwickii. 227.
hastingsiz. 2091.
hermaphroditus. 233.
ichneumon. 246.
indica. 214,
karnuliensis. 291.
leptorhyncha. 291.
leveriana. 214.
malaccensis. 214,
megaspila. 213.
melanurus, 212.
minima. 291, 292,
mungo. 257.
musanga, 233.
nems. 253.
MISer. 233:
orientalis. 211,
pallida. 215.
pardicolor, 225,
pepraxti. 291.
poortmanni, 211.
prehensilis, 233.
rasse. 214.
sansaniensis. 291.
schlegeli. 215.
senegalensis. 219.
simplicidens. 291.
steinheimensis, 291.
suricata. 276.
tetradactyla. 276,
tigrina, 219,
undata. 212,
zenik. 276.
zibetha. 211, 291.

312 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Viverriceps bennettii. 124. e Weasels. 16, 293,294.

ellioti. 126. Web-footed Civets. 242.
planiceps. 121. White. Cats. 161. =
rubiginosa 133 White-tailed Mungoose. 264.
viverriceps, Felis. 123. widdringtoni, Herpestes. 246.
Viverricula. 215. Wild Cat. 18, 155, 157, 170.
indica. 215. Wolf, Aards 12.

malaccensis. 215.
Viverride. 4, II, 22, 277; 278, | yagouarondi, Felis. 151.
281, 289, 290, 291, 292, 2945 Leopardus. I51.

295. Yaguarondi, I51, 152.
viverrina, Felis. 16, 123.

Suricata. 276. zebra, Crossarchus. 274.
Viverrine. 245. Hemigalus. 227.
viverrinus, Leopardus. 123. Heipestes. 274.
vulgaris, Lyncus. 192. Paradoxurus. 227.
vulpinus, Felis, 192. zenik, Mus, 276,

Viverra. 276,
wagati, Felis. 126, 128. zeylanicus, Paradoxurus. 235;
warwicki, Pardalina. 124, 149. 237
Waved Cat. 182. zibetha, Viverra. 211, 291.

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