196 THE CHATI. 



there are two transverse bands. Upon the throat 

 there is a sort of half collar, and upon the under 

 jaw two crescent-formed spots ; behind each eye 

 run two bands, about two inches in length, which 

 terminate opposite the ear. The forehead is bordered 

 by two lines, between which there are numerous spots, 

 and at their origin there is a blackish mark from 

 whence the whiskers spring. The outside of the 

 ear is black, with a white spot upon the small lobe. 

 The base of the tail is spotted with small blotches, 

 which, towards the extremity, run into half rings, 

 broadest upon the upper surface. The pupil of the 

 eye of the chati is round ; in other parts of its for- 

 mation, and in its motions, it is said to resemble the 

 common cat ; it also utters a similar cry, only that it 

 is a little harsher and more lengthened." 



The animal from which F. Cuvier took his de- 

 scription was extremely gentle ; towards those with 

 whom it was familiar, and who did not approach its 

 cage, it would express its discontent by a short cry, 

 and when caressed would shew the greatest satis- 

 faction and delight. It was from this mild temper 

 that its first describer applied to it the trivial name 

 of Mitis. 



