THE CHATI. 47 
precisely alike, either in the colour or the arrangement of the markings, but 
those leading characteristics which have just been mentioned may be found 
in almost every individual. : ; 
When at large in its native woods, it wages incessant and destructive war- 
fare against small quadrupeds and birds, the latter creatures being its favourite 
prey. The Chati is a vexatious and expensive neighbour to any one who 
may keep fowls, for it seems to like nothing so well as a plump fowl, and is 
unceasing in its visits to the henroost. It is so active and lithe an animal 
that it can climb over any palisade, and msinuate itself through a surprisingly 
small aperture ; and it is so wary and cautious in its nocturnal raids, that it 
generally gives no other indication of its movements than that which is left 
next morning by the vacant perches, and a few scattered feathers flecked 
with blood-spots. ' ; : 
During the day it keeps itself closely hidden in the dark shades of the 
forest, sleeping away its time until the sun has set, and darkness reigns over 
its world. It then awakes from its slumber, and issues forth upon its de- 
structive quest. On moonlight nights, however, it either stays at home, or 
THE CHATI.—(Leopardus mitis.) 
confines its depredations to the limits of its native woods, never venturing 
near the habitations of man. Stormy and windy nights are the best adapted 
for its purpose, as it is sheltered from sight by the darkness, and from hearin 
by the rushing wind, which drowns the slight sounds of its stealthy footsteps. 
On such nights it behoves the farmer to .cep a two-fold watch, and see weil 
to his doors and windows, or he may chance to find an empty henroost in 
the morning. 
In two years, no less than eighteen of these animals were caught by a land- 
owner within a space of five miles round his farm, so that their numbers must 
be truly great. They do not congregate together, but live in pairs, each pair 
seeming to appropriate its own hunting-ground. 
In captivity it is a singularly gentle, and even affectionate, animal, possessed 
of most engaging habits, and full of pretty graceful tricks. One of these 
creatures, which was captured by the above-mentioned landowner, became 
