MAMMALIA—OCELOT. 193 
and Southern Asia. With the distinguishing characteristics of the cat 
species, it combines somewhat of the dog. Unlike those of the cat, its 
claws are only slightly retractile. In size he is intermediate between the 
leopard and the hound, but has a slenderer body, more elevation in his legs, 
and a less flat forepart of the head than the former, while he wants the 
graceful and lengthened form of head and body by which the latter is dis- 
tinguished. His fur is not sleek, but has a peculiar crispness. , Above, the 
ground color is a bright yellowish fawn; beneath, it is a pure white; the 
back and sides are covered with innumerable spots, close to each other, 
from half an inch to an inch in diameter. The spots are larger, but less 
closely set, on the back than on the head, sides, and limbs. On the chest 
and under part of the body they are wanting. The tail is marked with m- 
terrupted rings of them, till near the extremity, which is surrounded by 
three or four complete rings. Along the back of the neck, and the anterior 
part of the spine, is a mane, consisting of longer, crisper, and more upright 
hairs. 7 
In the east he is used in hunting by the higher classes. Hiding himself 
as much as possible, he approaches the object, and when he has come 
sufficiently near it, he makes five or six enormous bounds, with incre- 
dible velocity, darts on his victim, and instantly strangles him. In his 
domesticated state, the chetah is one of the most playful and fond of ani- 
mals. He has not the slightest appearance of the caprice and mischievous- 
ness of the cat. 

Hs:  O'CAL OT 


& 
. 

Ix describing the ocelot, serious mistakes have been committed by Buffon 
and other naturalists. Itis to Mr Bennett that we are indebted for the 


1 Felis. pardalis, Lin 
?A 
