DIVISION OF THE CAT FAMILY. 1 77 



varied localities. Some are found at great heights in mountain regions, 

 others roam over plains or deserts, some haunt the reedy banks of rivers; 

 the most, however, are denizens of the forest, in which the trees afford 

 them a shelter and a vantage ground. They usually avoid the dwellings 

 of man, unless hunger compels them. Then they commence at nightfall 

 to prowl about, or lie in wait near frequented paths for animals or for 

 men. By day they seldom attack. Their food is not confined to any 

 one species of animal; some of them prefer birds, a few eat reptiles, 

 others even catch fish. As a rule they do not disturb the Invertebrata, 

 and prefer prey that they have killed themselves. 



All the species of Felida3 attack in the same manner. With silent, 

 cautious tread they creep along, listening and looking in every direc- 

 tion ; a rustle attracts their attention, they crouch low and advance up 

 the wind, till they are near enough for a spring. One or two bounds 

 carry them to their victim, a blow on the neck from their frightful paw 

 hurls it to the ground, and the sharp teeth are buried in its throat. 

 Most of the Felidae have the habit of tormenting their victims, letting 

 them go, then catching them again, and repeating this cruel proceeding 

 till they die from their wounds. It is probable that by a marvellous 

 provision of Nature the sense of pain is driven out of the victim as soon 

 as it is seized or struck by its destroyer. Dr. Livingstone had personal 

 experience of this fact. He writes : " The lion caught my shoulder as 

 he sprang ; growling horribly he shook me as a dog shakes a rat. The 

 shock produced a stupor similar to that which seems to be felt by a 

 mouse after the first shake by a cat. It causes a sort of dreaminess in 

 which there was no sense of pain or terror, though I was quite conscious 

 of all that was happening. The shake annihilated fear, and allowed no 

 sense of horror in looking round at the beast." 



The family has been made by some naturalists identical with the 

 genus Felis, others again divide it into seventeen generic groups The 

 most convenient arrangement is to regard it as embracing three genera, 

 the Cats, the Lynxes, and the Hunting Leopards 



