MAMMALIA, 351 



Civets ( Viverridce). This large family has no repre- 

 sentatives in America the civets, genets, and ichneumons 

 being characteristic of Africa and the Oriental region. 

 Allied are the hyenas (Jly&mda), found in India and Asia 

 Minor and Africa. 



Cat (Felidce). The cats, of all the Carnivora y are the 

 most beautiful and active. Their bodies are shapely, 

 many presenting a noble appearance, the type of grace and 

 power. The head is short and broad, the feet armed with 

 powerful, retractile, sheathed claws (Fig. 373), five on the 



FiG. 373. Claws of the cat or tiger : A, claw held back by the strong liga- 

 ment // 2?, claw pulled forward by the tendon / being drawn back, so 

 that / is stretched out. 



fore-feet and four behind, the soles hairy, and provided with 

 soft, elastic pads that aid in their stealthy approach upon 

 prey. The tongue is provided with a rasping surface, 

 composed of sharp recurved prickles ; the limbs are power- 

 ful and adapted for prodigious leaps, for which nearly all 

 the family are noted. The hunting leopard (Felis jtibata\ 

 of southern India and Africa, is an interesting form, 

 and a rapid runner, being employed in hunting by the 

 natives. The claws are retractile,* but in their action more 

 like those of the dog. 



The lynxes (Lynx), of which four species are known 

 in North America, are characterized by thick-set bodies, 

 the tail short and truncated, and ears ornamented with 

 tips. The American wild cat attains a length of about 

 twenty-eight and three quarter inches, the tail seven inches, 



* Claws are retractile when they are held back naturally by the 

 muscles, and thus prevented from wearing away, only being extended 

 when wanted to secure prey or assist in climbing. 



