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 
