OF THE PENINSULAR REGION. 13 



B. Auditory bullae much dilated, rounded but not divid- 



ed. Paroccipital processes flattened against 

 bullae but projecting behind. Condyloid and 

 glenoid foramina distinct. 



Head elongate; 6 upper cheek-teeth, 6 or 7 

 lower ; claws blunt, not retractile ; toes 

 5-4 ... ... Canim:. 



C. Auditory bullae not rounded nor divided but flat- 



tened. Paroccipital processes prominent and 

 quite free from bullae. Condyloid and glenoid 

 foramina distinct. 



a. Size small ; 4 or 5 upper-cheek teeth, 5 or 



6 lower ; toes 5-5 ... Mustelim:. 



b. Size large ; 6 upper cheek-teeth, 7 lower; 



toes 5-5 ... ... Uesid^e. 



Family FELIDiE. 



(Cats). 



Genus FELIS. 



This is the only genus of the family occurring in the 

 Peninsular region : it contains the cats, the most typical and 

 specialised of flesh-eating mammals. 



The claws which are large, sharp and moveable are actuated 

 by powerful muscles and like the sharp-edged pointed teeth are 

 peculiarly adapted for cutting and tearing flesh. The tongue 

 is furnished with papillae which form a rasp-like surface on it 

 and enable the animals to lick the flesh from the bones of their 

 prey. Many of the smaller species are arboreal in habits. 



Key to the Species. 



A. Back and sides banded ... ... F. TIGRIS. 



B. Back and sides rosetted ... ... F. PARDUS. 



C. Back and sides blotched or marbled 



R. A. Soc, No. 53. 1909- 



