CATS. 87 



pre-molar series, there is a minute transversely elongated 

 molnr, which appears to be quite functionless ; while in the 

 lower jaw the flesh-tooth, which is here a molar, forms the last 

 of the whole series. The toes, of which there are five in the 

 front, and four in the hind, limb, are provided with long, 

 sharp, and curved claws, capable, except in the Hunting- 

 Leopard, of being completely retracted within protecting 



Skull of Wild Cat. 



sheaths. In the intestine the blind appendage, or caecum, is 

 short. 



In walking, these animals tread solely on their toes, which 

 are provided on the soles with soft pads, and they are accord- 

 ingly described as digitigrade. 



In habits they differ from the Dogs and Foxes in that they 

 never combine in packs for the purpose of hunting their prey, 

 while thay are mostly expert climbers. 



THE TRUE CATS. GENUS FELIS. 

 Felis, Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 12 vol. i. p. 60 (1766). 



Including the whole of the representatives of the family, 

 with the exception of the Hunting-Leopard {Cynmlurus\ this 

 genus is characterised by the complete retractibility of the 



