THE PAMPAS CAT. 
157 
The color of the Chati resembles that of the Leopard, only is paler in general hue. The 
dark patches that diversify the body are very irregular — those which run along the back are 
solid, and of a deep black, while those which are 
placed along the sides have generally a deep fawn- 
colored centre. Towards the extremity of the 
tail, the spots change into partial rings, which 
nearly, but not quite, surround the tail. All speci 
mens, however, are not precisely alike, either in 
the color or the arrangement of the markings, but 
those leading characteristics which have just been 
mentioned may be found in almost every indi- 
vidual. 
When at large in its native woods, it wages 
incessant and destructive warfare against small 
quadrupeds and birds, the latter creatures being 
its favorite prey. The Chati is a vexatious and 
expensive neighbor to any one who may keep 
fowls, for it seems to like nothing so well as a chati. -Leoparaus mitis. 
plump fowl, and is unceasing in its visits to the 
hen-roost. It is so active and lithe an animal that it can climb over any palisade, and insinuate 
itself through a surprisingly small aperture ; and it is so wary and cautious in its nocturnal 
raids, that it generally gives no indication of its movements except that which is left next 
morning by the vacant perches, and a few scattered feathers flecked with blood-spots. 
PAMPAS CAT —Leopardus pajeros. 
From the shorter heads, and other characteristics of the last few animals, it will be seen 
that we are rapidly approaching that type of the feline nature with which we are so familiar 
in the domestic cat. The Pampas Cat might easily be mistaken for a rather large domestic 
cat which had run at large for some time, and assumed the fierce, suspicious demeanor of th^ 
wild animal. 
