MAMMALIA — OCELOT. 



193 



and Southern Asia. With the distinguishing characteristics of the cat 

 species, it combines somewhat of the dog. Unlike those of the cat, its 

 claws are only slightly retractile. In size he is intermediate between the 

 leopard and the hound, but has a slenderer body, more elevation in his legs, 

 and a less flat forepart of the head than the former, while he wants the 

 graceful and lengthened form of head and body by which the latter is dis- 

 tinguished. His fur is not sleek, but has a peculiar crispness. Above, the 

 ground color is a bright yellowish fawn: beneath, it is a pure white; the 

 back and sides are covered with innumerable spots, close to each other, 

 from half an inch to an inch in diameter. The spots are larger, but less 

 closely set, on the back than on the head, sides, and limbs. On the chest 

 and under part of the body they are wanting. The tail is marked with in- 

 terrupted rings of them, till near the extremity, which is surrounded by 

 three or four complete rings. Along the back of the neck, and the anterior 

 part of the spine, is a mane, consisting of longer, crisper, and more upright 

 hairs. 



In the east he is used in hunting by the higher classes. Hiding himself 

 as much as possible, he approaches the object, and when he has come 

 sufficiently near it, he makes Sve or six enormous bounds, with incre- 

 dible velocity, darts on his victim, and instantly strangles him. In his 

 domesticated state, the chetah is one of the most playful and fond of ani- 

 mals. He has not the slightest appearance of the caprice and mischievous- 

 ness of the cat. 



THE OCELOT. i 



In describing the ocelot, serious mistakes have been committed by Buffon 

 and other naturalists. It is to Mr Bennett that we are indebted for the 



1 Felis nardaHs, Liy. 



2-5 



