90 



VERTEBRATA. MAMMALIA. 



the Tiger (F. Tigris). Equalling that lordly animal 



THE TIGER, (Felis Tigris,) 



in size, superior in activity, and but little inferior in 

 strength, its exceeding beauty, no less than its san- 

 guinary ferocity, has made it celebrated in all ages ; 

 though it does not appear to have been so familiarly 

 known to the ancients as the African Cats. The 

 species is peculiar to Asia, inhabiting the whole 

 southern portion of that continent, but extending 

 as far north as Siberia, and found also in the great 

 islands of the Archipelago. In the hot and teeming 

 atmosphere of those dense jungles, which border the 

 great Indian rivers, the Tiger is abundant, sleeping 

 in the thick shades during the day, but creeping to 



