MARKINGS OF ANIMALS. 



In the feline animals the colour and markings are in all 

 probability designed for a purpose, and that purpose is no 

 doubt to afford these animals a means of concealment. 

 The stripes and markings of the tiger when lurking in the 

 long dried grass and reeds so assimilate to the surround- 

 ings that it becomes somewhat difficult to see him, hence 

 his ability to creep stealthily and unnoticed upon his prey. 

 The same may be said of the adult lion, whose sandy colour 

 enables him to remain unobserved in the sandy desert 

 where he is usually found. 



With regard to the jaguar and leopard, who frequently 

 hide themselves in trees, their spots and markings are in 

 keeping with the adjacent foliage. It is well known that 

 some of the smaller animals, such as hares, Arctic foxes, 

 and ptarmigan, assume a change of colour according to 

 the season and the locality in which they are found. The 

 common hare which is met with on light sandy soil is 

 distinguishable from the hare found upon dark heavy 

 land. Among fish and reptiles, the colour frequently 

 assumed by them is found to assimilate to the locality in 

 which they may temporarily exist. 



Many interesting experiments have been tried upon 

 insects. Wood, Wallace, and other naturalists have shown 

 that the colour of the chrysalis of many of the butterflies 

 will vary according to the situation where found. The 

 assumed tint is a protection against their enemies, and 



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