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 
