4792 THE ZooLoGIsT—FEBRUARY, 1876. 
both in size and colour, those described by that accurate observer, Professor 
Macgillivray. That Mr. Newman is right in thinking the specimen referred 
to by Mr. Corbin, as having been shot by Colonel Wright, was not the 
veritable wild cat, but a domestic cat run wild, there can be no doubt; for 
not only is it particoloured, but a foot shorter than a wild cat described by 
Macgillivray, and less by ten inches than the specimen before me, though 
somewhat shrunk and distorted. The length given by Mr. Corbin—namely, 
two feet four inches—is about the average size of the common domestic cat. 
In reply to Mr. Newman’s query, ‘ Has a wild cat, or has any species of 
Felis distinct from our domestic mouser, really been found in Britain ?"— 
T am convinced there has, though I may fail in demonstrating with precision 
in what respect it differs, but will endeavour to point out what is most 
remarkable :—(1) it appears that the wild cat exceeds the domestic one in 
length by about a foot ; (2) it is proportionately longer in the body and more 
slender; (3) the head is smaller and more pointed at the muzzle; (4) the 
pure white mystachial bristles much stronger than in the domestic cat; 
5) the powerful grooved and blunt canine teeth; (6) the jet-black inner 
surface of the tarsus and paws, and whitish claws ; (7) the dense fur and 
(elongated pile; (8) the thick bushy tail not tapering; (9) the yellowish red of 
the under parts. These are the chief differential points, and Macgillivray’s 
description of Felis catus would, with slight alteration, answer for this 
specimen—a remarkable coincidence, if not of one and the self-same species. 
I need not therefore enter into minute particulars. The general colour of 
this male cat is dark gray, deeply tinged with yellow on the head, back and 
tail; less so on the sides. On the forehead there are five narrow irregular 
longitudinal black bands, blending at the crown before branching off to the 
nape, and abruptly terminating on the neck, from which point a central 
black band passes down the back, gradually widening towards the rump. 
There are on the sides thirteen more or less distinct black rib-like bars. 
The tail has seven black rings that gradually darken and widen towards 
the extremity, which is of a pure jet black for three inches and three- 
quarters—a strikingly characteristic feature. Over the eye there is a band 
of light buff, and a narrower one beneath; and in front of the eye a black 
patch, and a dark reddish brown one towards the nose, which is black ; 
cheeks grayish and yellowish brown; two irregular black bands from above 
and below the eye pass under the ear to the neck. Ears dark reddish brown, 
tinged with gray and narrowly edged with light yellow. Chin yellowish 
gray, a spear-shaped black line separating it from the neck, which is 
yellowish, with a gray and white tinge. The chest blackish, but intermixed 
with gray and yellow, and a very elongated white nap. On the hind leg 
there are six and on the fore leg eight black bars, more or less distinct. 
I now give the chief measurements ;— 
