380 Dr. Horsfield and Mr. Vigors on some Mammalia 



Art. XLIX. Observations on some of the Mammalia con- 

 tained in the Collection of the Zoological Society, By 

 Thomas Kohsfikld, M.D,, F,R,S , i^c.,and N. A. Vigors, 

 Esq., M, A,, F. R. S., 5jc. 



A Lynx from Mexico, lately presented to the Society by one of its 

 most zealous corresponding members, Capt. Lyon, R. N., affords us the 

 opportunity of figuring an animal, which, if not an undescribed species, 

 has not as yet, as far as we are aware, been figured under its present ap- 

 pearance. That it is a new species we can not venture to assert, where 

 so much difference exists in the furs of the animals of this group at dif- 

 ferent ages and seasons, and where the group itself is so numerous, that 

 M. Rafinesque has already announced more than twenty species, accord- 

 ing to M. Fred. Cuvier, as existing in the country from whence our ani- 

 mal comes. We are not of M. Temminck's opinion that the determina- 

 tion of species in such groups as these rests upon any examination, how- 

 ever acute, of preserved specimens in cabinets, or in any research, how- 

 ever extensive, into the stores of furriers. Such examination leads to 

 conjecture ; probable and plausible conjecture it may be true, — but still 

 conjecture and not facts We are in this way as likely to fall into the 

 errour of confounding true species, as into that of creating nominal ones. 

 The truth can be satisfactorily attained only by diligent researches in the 

 native country of these animals; or by accurate observations on their 

 changes and differences as to sex, age and season, when in a living state 

 in confinement. 



But although we may not possess the best materials for our purpose, it is 

 incumbent on us to turn to advantage those which we have. In figuring 

 an animal which appears new, we make some addition to science. " We 

 " make certain a fact," as M. Fred. Cuvier states, when speaking of his 

 doubtful species, the Chat d ventre tachete, *' that in a certain country, 

 " and in a certain stage of life, an animal is found bearing the appear- 

 " ance of that which we figure." A name perhaps ought to be added to 

 such figures or descriptions ; ought, we repeat, because if the real de- 

 scriber neglects to perform this oflSce, some subsequent compiler will 



