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 (Myrmecobius fasciatus), which, 

 although one of the most primitive of living Mammals, is yet 

 transversely barred. The Thylacine (Thylacinus 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 

 Felidce 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 Felidce. 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 



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