198 NATUB A LIST'S CABINET. 



Tiger cat domesticated. 



When Dr. Forster and his son touched at the 

 Cape, in the year 1795, one of these animals \vas 

 offered to him for sale. But from its having a 

 broken leg, he refused it, under the apprehension 

 that it would not be able to bear a passage to 

 Europe. It was brought in a basket to his apart- 

 ment, where he kept it above twenty-four hours; 

 and consequently had an opportunity, not only 

 of describing it, but in some measure, of observ- 

 ing its manners and economy. These seemed 

 perfectly analogous to those of our domestic cats. 

 It ate raw fresh meat, and appeared to attach 

 itself to its feeders and benefactors. In its dis- 

 position it was gentle, and had been rendered 

 perfectly taine. After Dr. Forster had fed it a 

 few times, it followed him like a tame cat. It 

 seemed fond of being stroked and caressed j rub- 

 ted its head and back against his clothes, and 

 seemed very desirous of being noticed. It also 

 purred, as our domestic cats do when they are 

 pleased. At this time it was about nine months 

 fold, and had been taken when quite young bi 

 the woods. 



