418 



CARNIVORES. 



and the circumstance that their spots, which vary much in size, do not run together 

 so as to form the chain-like pattern of the typical form. In some cases the black 

 patches enclose central areas of a paler tint. In these varieties the length of the 

 head and body may be but little short of 27 inches ; while the length of the tail 

 varies from 14 to 19 inches. 



Another spotted cat, exclusively confined to South America, is Geoffroy's cat 

 (F. guigna). It has generally been regarded as confined to the forest regions of 

 Chili and Peru, but, according to Mr. W. H. Hudson, is also found on the Argentine 



THE MARGAY (} nat. size). 



pampas, where it is known as the wood-cat. Like the jaguar, it is, as Mr. Hudson 

 remarks, probably there as an intruder from wooded districts to the northward of 

 the pampas. 



THE JAGUARONDI (Felis jaguarondi). 



The jaguarondi, inhabiting Brazil, Guiana, Paraguay, and North-East Mexico, 

 but not extending to the northward of the Rio Grande, differs from all the American 

 species yet noticed, with the exception of the puma, by its uniform coloration. In 

 form it is characterised by its long body, short limbs, and the great length of the 

 tail, which is nearly as long as the head and body. Its general colour is blackish 

 or brownish-grey, but as in so many variable species there is a tendency to 

 the special development either of an unusually greyish or an unusually rufous 

 tinge. The total length of the cat is about 4 feet 7 inches, of which 2 feet 1 inch 

 are occupied by the tail. The pupil of the eye is stated to be round ; and the 

 species is especially characterised by the peculiar manner in which the nose is, so 

 to speak, pinched in from side to side. 



