16 



The Cheetah or Hunting Leopard {Fclis jubata) is a 

 notable beast. In India, having been properly trained, it is 

 made use of to capture deer and other large game. Its 

 long stiff legs are suggestive of the dogs, and some authors 

 have regarded this as nearly allied to them. 



Several specimens are in this collection, which are called 

 WILD Cats ; they are much larger than the ordinary 

 domestic cat, yet are probably progenitors of the latter. 



The LYNX {Fclis canadensis) is a fine example of this race, 

 its thick coat of light-colored fur rendering it quite attract- 

 ive. It is abundant in Canada and the Rocky Mountains. 

 The peculiar ear tufts and the very short tails are dis- 

 tinguishing features of this group of cats. 



The Caracal {Fclis caracal) is a near relative of the 

 lynx, having the same ear tufts, but with a slenderer body. 

 It is found in Africa and Asia. 



Embraced within the family Felidce are several sub- 

 families, as follows : 



GROUP 9. — The Crvptoproctas. Sub-family Cryp- 

 toproctince. One species only is known of this, viz.: 

 Cryptoprocta fa-ox. This little animal is very rare, but few 

 specimens having as yet reached European collections. 

 It is a native of Madagascar, that region of singular forms, 

 and is credited with the fiercest disposition of any known 

 mammal. 



The Civet Cats, Sub-family Vivcrrince. These are cat- 

 like animals, many of them being peculiarly slender, like 

 the weasels. The civet secretion, which is derived from 

 some of them, is a white, fatty substance, originating in 

 certain glands or pouches, just under the tail, and is used 

 by the perfumer. 



The African Civet {Vivcrra civctta) is the chief 

 species, and the one producing the civet of commerce. 



The Asiatic Civet or Zibet {Vivcrra zibet ha) is the 

 handsomer animal ; a superior specimen is here exhibited. 

 Its habits are little known, but it appears to be domesti- 

 cated with but little effort. 



