54 



The great Cat Tribe has two main divisions, viz., the 

 Felidae, and the smaller Cats, such as Civets, Mongooses, 

 Genets, and the Hyaenas. All the former, being essentially 

 beasts of prey, combine a high degree of activity and ferocity, 

 and depend very largely upon superior intelligence, cunning, 

 strength and agility for their livelihood, and for their high rank 

 among wild animals. To this rule there is hardly an exception, 

 and when one enumerates some of the leading members of the 

 family, it is evident at once that symmetry, strength and beauty 

 of form are combined in the great Cats to an unusua] degree. 

 We have but to remember the Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Puma, 

 Jaguar, Cheetah, Ocelot, Lynx, to see that our rule holds good 

 very closely in this group. Among them are few, if any, of the 

 grotesque, clumsy, powerful forms which are seen so often in the 

 other families of the animal kingdom. It would be impossible 

 to enter here into any details of their structure and form, so 

 well adapted to a very active life. 



The smaller Cats, such as Civets, Mongooses and Genets, 

 are also highly active, and generally of an elegant, elongated 

 form, but less symmetrical than the Felidae, because of their 

 relatively short limbs. 



Hycerias are also well-proportioned, except as regard the 

 size and " pose " of the head, and are less well-favoured than 

 the Felidae, but are of savage, cowardly disposition, though 

 active in habits. It is very likely we should think them better 

 looking in shape if we did not feel the natural aversion from 

 them caused by our knowledge of their habits and dispositions. 



The Cynoidea or Dogs are a far more generally fine-shaped 

 and elegant group than the Bears. When we think of all the 

 varieties of Wolves, Foxes, and even Jackals, we see at once the 

 close connection between a fierce, very active disposition and 

 habit of life, and beauty of form. The Dog Tribe show sym- 

 metrical heads, trunks and limbs, and give altogether the 

 impression of lithe and graceful creatures. Among the endless 

 varieties of Canis Familiaris, or the Domestic Dog, our principle 

 is well illustrated. For if one thinks of the Staghound, Grey- 

 hound, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Beagle, Wolfhound, Boar- 

 hound, Collie, Pointer, Setter, Smooth and Rough Terriers, and 

 certain Wild Dogs, such as those of the Eskimo, we see a very 

 marked and varying beauty of form and high degree of activity, 

 whereas in the case of the Bull Dog, Dachshund, Poodle and 



