CAT KIND. 



means capable of the same education as the ounce, 

 which it more approaches in size than in disposi- 

 tion. Two of these, from whom M. Buffon has 

 taken his description, were brought over from 

 Carthagena, and having been taken from the dam 

 when very young, were afterwards suckled by a 

 bitch. But before they were three months old, 

 they had strength and ingratitude enough to kill 

 and devour their nurse. Their succeeding fierce- 

 ness and malignity seemed to correspond with 

 their first efforts ; for no arts could tame or soften 

 their natures, and while they continued in their 

 cages, they still testified an unceasing disposition 

 for slaughter. When their food was given them, 

 the male always served himself before the female 

 ventured to touch a bit, and it was not till he was 

 satisfied that the other began. In their savage 

 state, these animals are still more destructive : 

 having great strength and agility, they very easily 

 find and overtake their prey, which they pursue 

 among the tops of the trees, as well as on the 

 ground; but what renders them still more mis- 

 chievous, is their unceasing appetite rather for 

 the blood than the flesh of their prey. They 

 suck this with the greatest avidity, but frequently 

 leave the carcass otherwise untouched, in order 

 to pursue other animals for the blood in like 

 manner. They generally continue on the tops 

 of trees, like our \vild cats, where they make 

 their nest, and often bring forth their young. 

 When they spy any animal they can master, and 

 there are but few in the forest but what are hi- 



