HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 223 



The Ocelot very much resembles the common Cat 

 in the form of its body, although it is a great deal 

 larger. Buffon makes its height two feet and a 

 half, and its length about four feet. 



It is a native of South America, inhabits Mexico 

 and Brazil, is very voracious, but timid, and seldom 

 attacks men. It is afraid of Dogs; and when pur- 

 sued, flies to the woods. 



It lives chiefly in the mountains, and conceals 

 itself amongst the leaves of trees; from whence it 

 darts upon such animals as come within its reach. 

 It sometimes extends itself along the boughs, as if 

 it were dead, till the Monkies, tempted by their 

 natural curiosity, approach within its reach. It is 

 said to prefer the blood of animals to their flesh. 



The Ocelot cannot easily be tamed, and retains 

 its original wildness in a state of captivity. No- 

 thing can soften the natural ferocity of its disposi- 

 tion, nor calm the restlessness of its motions. For 

 this reason, it is always kept in a cage. One of 

 these animals, shewn in Newcastle in 1788, although 

 extremely old, exhibited great marks of ferocity. 

 It was kept closely confined, and would not admit 

 of being caressed by its keeper in the same manner 

 as the Lion; but growled constantly, and always 

 appeared in motion. A male and female Ocelot 

 were brought to France some years ago, which had 

 been taken when very young. At the age of three 

 months, they became so strong and fierce, as to kill 

 a bitch that was given them for a nurse. When a 

 live Cat was thrown to them, they sucked its blood, 

 but would not taste its flesh. The male seemed to 

 have a great superiority over the female, as he 

 never allowed her to partake till his own appetite 

 was satisfied. 



