2o6 CARNIVORA. 



In length it rather exceeds four feet, including the tail. Its height aver- 

 ages eighteen inches. The ground color ol the fur is a very light 

 grayish-fawn, on which are drawn broken bands of a deep fawn-color, 

 edged with black, running along the line of the body. The band that 

 extends along the spnie is unbroken. On the head, neck, and the inside 

 of the limbs the bands are broken up into spots and dajhes, which are 

 entirely black, the fawn tint in their centre being merged in the deeper 

 hue ; the cars are black, with the exception of a white spot upon the 

 back and near the base of each ear. Owing to the beauty of the fui", the 

 Ocelot skin is in great request, and is extensively employed in the manu- 

 facture of various fancy articles of dress or luxury. 



In its habits the Ocelot is quick, active, and powerful, proving itself 

 at all points a miniature leopard. It is a good climber ; not equal, how- 

 e\er, in this respect, to the jaguar; and a good swimmer, but only takes 

 water in the direst extremity. It rarely approaches the settlements of 

 mankind ; at the utmost its courage only reaches to the robbing of a hen- 

 roost. It is very shy, and takes to the ti^ees when the dogs come near, 

 but defends itself savagely when brought to bay. In captivity it is lazy 

 and lifeless, learns to play with the domestic cats and dogs, and purrs 

 when stroked. 



Of the numerous varieties of these pretty and agile animals, v.'e men- 

 tion only the most conspicuous. 



The Gray Ocelot, FcHs grisais, has comparatively light-colored fur, 

 with few, not very distinct spots, and the whole throat an unbroken gray. 



The Painted Ocelot, FcHs pittus, is, as befits its name, much more 

 richly varied than the common Ocelot. The black markings of the tail 

 are very deep in color, and the throat has one or two bold black streaks 

 extending toward the shoulders. The spots on the spine are of a deep, 

 velvety black. 



The Marquay, Fclis tigrinus, is about the size of the domestic cat. Its 

 soft and beautiful coat is of a fawn-yellow color, with two stripes running 

 along the cheeks, and two others from the corners of the eyes to the 

 neck. Between these, two other stripes make their appearance, and six 

 may be counted on the neck. A long line runs along the back, and on 

 each side are spots either solid or with a bright centre. The ears are 

 black ; the tail bushier at the end than at the root. 



Waterson had a pet one which had been captured when a kitten ; it 

 followed him about, and waged continual war on the rats. 



