4S8 RECORDS OF BIG GAME 



TIGER (Felis tigris). 



A much less noisy animal than the lion, the great striped cat of 

 Asia is also a more variable species, of which at least three local races 

 may be recognised. First, we have the typical Bengal tiger, a large, 

 long-limbed, lithe, and short-haired creature. A much smaller and 

 rougher-haired race {F. tigris virgatd) inhabits the Caspian provinces 

 of Persia, and it is probably this form that extends into the Caucasus. 

 Lastly, we have the Manchurian tiger {F. tigris longipilis), characterised 

 by its large size, heavy build, short limbs, and the great length and 

 thickness of the fur, which is often much less fully striped than in 

 Indian specimens. The dimensions attained by tigers are given in the 

 subjoined table. 



Distribution. — From the Caucasus through Northern Persia, Afghan- 

 istan, India, Assam, Burma, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, 

 and China, to Manchuria and Amurland. In India ranging from 

 an elevation of some 7000 feet in the Himalaya to Cape Comorin, 

 but unknown in Ceylon. 



