HABITS OF THE CHATI. 61 



The color of the Chati resembles that of the leopard, only it is paler 

 in general hue. The dark patches that diversify the body are very 

 irregular ; those which run along the back are solid and of a deep 

 black, while those which are placed along the sides have generally a 

 deep fawn-colored centre. Toward the extremity of the tail the spots 

 change into partial rings, which nearly, but not quite, surround the 

 tail. All specimens, however, are not precisely alike, either in the color 

 or the arrangement of the markings, but those leading characteristics 

 which have just been mentioned may be found in almost every 

 individual. 



When at large in its native woods, it wages incessant and destructive 

 warfare against small quadrupeds and birds, the latter creatures being 

 its favorite prey. The Chati is a vexatious and expensive neighbor to 

 any one who may keep fowls, for it seems to like nothing so well as a 

 plump fowl, and is unceasing in its visits to the henroost. It is so act- 

 ive and lithe an animal that it can climb over any palisade and in- 

 sinuate itself through a surprisingly small aperture ; and it is so wary 

 and cautious in its nocturnal raids that it generally gives no other in- 

 dication of its movements than that which is left next morning by 

 the vacant perches, and a few scattered feathers flecked with blood- 

 spots. 



During the day it keeps itself closely hidden in the dark shades of 

 the forest, sleeping away its time until the sun has set and darkness 

 reigns over its world. It then awakes from its slumber, and issues 

 forth upon its destructive quest. On moonlight nights, however, it 

 either stays at home or confines its depredations to the limits of its na- 

 tive woods, never venturing near the habitations of man. Stormy and 

 windy nights are the best adapted for its purpose, as it is sheltered from 

 sight by the darkness, and from hearing by the rushing wind, which 

 drowns the slight sounds of its stealthy footsteps. On such nights it 

 behoves the farmer to keep a twofold watch, and see well to his doors 

 and windows, or he may chance to find an empty henroost in the 

 morning. 



In two years no less than eighteen of these animals were caught by 

 a landowner within a space of five miles round his farm, so that their 

 numbers must be truly great. They do not congregate together, but 

 live in pairs, each pair seeming to appropriate its own hunting- 

 ground. 



In captivity it is a singularly gentle, and even aflfectionate, animal, 

 possessed of most engaging habits and full of pretty, graceful tricks. 

 One of these creatures, which was captured by the above-mentioned 

 landowner, became so entirely domesticated that it was permitted to 

 range at liberty. But although so gentle and tractable toward its 

 owner that it would sleep on the skirts of its master's gown, its poul- 



