NATURAL HISTORY. 39 



Pardalis (Gr. 7rap<5a/Uf, a pard), the Ocelot. 



The OCELOT, one of the Tiger-cats, is a native of Mexico 

 and Peru. Its height is about eighteen inches, and its length 

 about three feet. It is a most beautiful animal, and is easily 

 tamed. When in a wild state it lives principally on monkeys, 

 which it takes by stratagem. 



THE CAT. 



The domestic CAT was formerly supposed to be the same 

 animal as the wild Cat, but it is now proved to be a distinct 

 species, and the difference is seen at once by the form of the 

 tail. That of the domestic cat is long and taper, while that 

 of the wild cat is bushy and short. The cat is an animal 

 which, whether lying curled up on the hearth-rug fast asleep 

 and immersed in dreams of shadowy fat mice, or leisurely 

 pacing the room, and complacently muttering its self-satisfied 

 purr as it brushes softly against the legs of the table or chair, 

 certainly succeeds in giving a great air of comfort to a room. 

 On this account it is a general favourite, especially in houses 

 where there are no children. Pussy, however, is not only 

 ornamental, but useful also, as she is eager and successful in 



