THE RIMAU-DAHAN. 181 



are generally found in the vicinity of villages, and 

 are not dreaded by the natives, except as far as they 

 may destroy their poultry. The natives assert that 

 they sleep and often lay wait for their prey on trees ; 

 and from this circumstance they derive the name of 

 Dahan, which signifies the fork formed by the branch 

 of a tree, across which they are said to rest, and oc- 

 casionally stretch themselves. 



" Both specimens constantly amused themselves 

 in jumping and clinging to the top of their cage, and 

 throwing a somerset, or twisting themselves round 

 in the manner of a squirrel when confined, the tail 

 being extended, and shewing to great advantage 

 when so expanded." 



One of these animals upon its arrival in this coun- 

 try, was sent to Exeter Change, where the noise 

 and novelty of the menagerie appear to have ren- 

 dered it very intractable for a few days ; but it soon 

 became perfectly familiar, and fond of the persons 

 who were employed about it. It was rather less 

 voracious than a leopard, and was fed with beet aiid 

 the heads of fowls. 



The Felis macrocelis inhabits Sumatra. M. Tem- 

 minck considers that it is also found on the conti- 

 nent of India, having received several of the mantles 

 of the Daiakkers which were made of the skin of 

 this animal. 



Dr Horsfield is not satisfied that this animal and 

 the telis nebuiosa ot Urimth are identical, the 

 latter being described as equalling the tiger in the 



