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MR. R. I. POCOCK ON PALLAS S CAT. 



[Apr. 9, 



there is no reason to doubt that the animal was captured in that 

 country * . 



When alive, this Cat differed markedly, both in behaviour 

 and appearance, from most captive exam^Dles of the genus Felis. 

 The latter, if they happen to be tame, usually evince grati- 

 fication of notice by rubbing, with tail erect, against the bars 

 of the cage. When wild, they are either contemptuously in- 

 diflferent to friendly overtures or receive them, crouched in a 

 corner, snarling. The Manul, on the contrary, although not tame 

 enough to be handled or touched, nor sufficiently friendly to rub 

 himself against the bars, showed no fear of spectators and no 

 wish to avoid them. He would boldly and aggressively but 

 silently advance to the front of the cage and, standing on his hind 

 legs, grip the bars with his fore paws, ready to sci-atch at a 

 confiding hand unwarily placed within reach. 



Text-fig. 87. 



Felis maiiul. 

 (From a photograph of a specimen Lving in the Societj''s Gardens.) 



Like all the small Cats, he was usually very silent. He was 

 never Jieard to utter the growling snarl and guttural expii'atoiy 

 hiss with open mouth so familiarly associated with irritation 



* Except that the orbits are incomplete behind, the skull closely resembles that of 

 a specimen from Ladak in the British Museum. 



