CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 5. CARNIVORA. 



259 



THE KOTAL TIGER. 



long, usually six to eight feet, but sometimes measuring ten and even twelve feet ; the head is short 

 and round : there is no mane. The ground-color is a pale yellow, elegantly striped by a series of 

 transverse black bands or bars, which occupy the sides of the head, neck, and body, and are 

 continued upon the tail in the form of rings, the last of the series uniformly occupying the 

 extremity of that organ, and giving it a black tip of greater or less extent The under parts 

 of the body, and the inner sides of the legs, are almost entirely white. The whole frame, 

 although less elevated than that of the lion, is of a slenderer and more graceful make. Its 

 movements are exceedingly easy and graceful. When pleased, it purs and rubs itself against the 

 nearest object, like a cat. It lurks in the jungles, and makes prey of such animals as come in 



