36 



SUBKINGDOM VBETEBEATA. 



Lynx rufus. Wild Cat. 

 Fig. U>. 



lires upon birds and small mammals, pursuing them among 



the branches of the trees 

 as well as upon the ground. 

 Its gait is by bounds with 

 all four feet at once, the 

 back being arched. The 

 Wild Cat may be recog- 

 nized by its lacking long 

 ear-tufts, and by having 

 the inside of the legs 

 banded or spotted. 



Viverridae. — The Civei 

 is the type of this numer- 

 ous and varied family. 

 The true civet has semi- 

 retractile claws. It is also 

 characterized by a double 

 pouch, secreting a fatty 

 substance used as a per- 

 fume ; and by the pupil of 

 the eyes being circular 

 during the day instead of 

 vertical, as in the Cats. 

 The Genet has retrac- 

 tile claws. It wages 

 war on rats and mice,* 

 and in many parts of 

 the east is domesticat- 

 ed. The Ichneumon is 

 semi-plantigrade, aijd 

 has the pupils elongat- 

 ed transversely. It 



riverra genetta. Genet. ,V pj.gyg ^^ ^^^ g^gg ^^^ 



young of the crocodile and various reptiles. 



* The ancient Egyptians gave it free access to tlieir houses and paid it divine 

 honors. It is sometimes called "Pharaoh's Eat." 



