SUMATRAN \ND JAVANESE CATS. 217 



a reddish-grey, changing gradually to pure white 

 on the under parts of the body. On the hack there 

 are four lines of lengthened spots, of a deep rich 

 brown ; on the sides there are about four regular 

 rows of rounder shaped brown spots, and the limbs 

 are dotted with similar markings, decreasing in size 

 as they approach the feet *. On the throat and 

 breast there are transverse bands of the same colour. 

 The upper part of the tail is crossed with bands con- 

 sisting of spots. 



The Felis minuta has been found in Java and Su- 

 matra, but not upon the continent of India. It is 

 found in the extensive forests, where it forms a re- 

 treat in hollow trees, remaining concealed during 

 the day. At night, it ranges about in quest of 

 food, and often visits the villages at the skirts of the 

 forests, committing depredations among the hen- 

 roosts. The natives ascribe to it an uncommon 

 sagacity, asserting that, in order to approach the 

 fowls unsuspected, and to surprise them, it imitates 

 their voice. It feeds chiefly on birds, and small 

 quadrupeds ; but, in cases of necessity, it also de- 

 vours carrion. This animal is perfectly untame- 

 able, and its natural fierceness is never subdued by 

 confinement f. 



* In the specimen in the Museum, the spots are rather 

 more crowded than they have been represented in the 

 Plate. 



f- Dr Horsfield's Researches in Java. 



