424 



THE CARNIVORES 



The range of the eyra is practically coextensive with that of the jaguarondi. 

 And both species are described as being equally bloodthirsty in disposition, playing 

 sad havoc with the fowls of the inhabitants of the districts which they frequent. 

 The eyra, as might have been expected from its weasel-like shape, is, however, the 

 more lithe and active of the two. 



THE COLOCOI^O (Felis colocollo} 



Almost the last of the true American cats that will be noticed here is the imper- 

 fectly known and rare colocollo, easily distinguished from all the other members of 

 the family by its remarkable coloration. The colocollo is, perhaps, rather larger 

 than an average domestic cat ; and is of a grayish-white ground color, ornamented 

 with dashes of black on the back and sides, and further distinguished by a black 



THE EYRA. 

 (One-eighth natural size.) 



streak running from the eye to the jaw. The tail is described as being imperfectly 

 ringed with dark bands, while the lower limbs are dark gray. It has been recorded 

 from Guiana and Chili, but doubtless also inhabits the intervening states. 



THE CAFFRE, OR EGYPTIAN CAT (Felis caffra)* 



With the caffre, or, as it is frequently termed, the Egyptian cat, we come to a 

 species of more than ordinary interest, since, by many authorities, it is regarded as 

 the parent stock from which the domestic cat of Europe has sprung. 



* Also known as F. caligata and F. maniculata. 



