THE PANDA, OR WAH. 421 



rapidly darkens into a peculiarly rich black upon the ribs and the outside of the legs. 

 The head is of a whitish-fawn color, with a ruddy chestnut spot under each eye. The 

 tail is of the same chestnut hue as the body, and is marked with a series of dark rings. 

 The head is very short, and thick muzzled, presenting a curious contrast to the coaitis 

 and racoons. 



It is generally found among the trees that grow near rivers and mountainrtorrents, 

 but does not seem to occur in sufficient numbers to render its beautiful fur an object 

 of commercial value. This is more to be regretted, as the coat of the Panda is not 

 only handsome in appearance, but is very thick, fine, and warm in texture, being com- 

 posed of a double set of hairs, the one forming a thick woolly covering to the skin, and 

 the other composed of long glistening hairs that pierce through the wool and give the 

 exquisitely rich coloring to the surface of the fur. The soles of the feet are not merely 

 defended by nailed and thickened cuticles, but are furnished with a heavy covering of 

 woolly hair, which in some species is of a light-gray color, and in others of a snowy 

 white, that contrasts strangely with the deep rich black of the legs and paws. 



The food of the Panda is usually of an animal character, and consists chiefly of 

 birds, their eggs, and the smaller Mammalia and insects, many of which it discovers 

 on the trees whereon it is generally found. 



