MAEKINGS OF ANIMALS. 
In the feline animals the colour and markings are in all 
probability designed for a purpose, and that purpose is no 
doubt to afford these animals a means of concealment. 
The stripes and markings of the tiger when lurking in the 
long dried grass and reeds so assimilate to the surround- 
ings that it becomes somewhat difficult to see him, hence 
his ability to creep stealthily and unnoticed upon his prey. 
The same may be said of the adult lion, whose sandy colour 
enables him to remain unobserved in the sandy desert 
where he is usually found. 
With regard to the jaguar and leopard, who frequently 
hide themselves in trees, their spots and markings are in 
keeping with the adjacent foliage. It is well known that 
some of the smaller animals, such as hares, Arctic foxes, 
and ptarmigan, assume a change of colour according to 
the season and the locality in which they are found. The 
common hare which is met with on light sandy soil is 
distinguishable from - the hare found upon dark heavy 
land. Among fish and reptiles, the colour frequently 
assumed by them is found to assimilate to the locality in 
which they may temporarily exist. 
Many interesting experiments have been tried upon 
insects. Wood, Wallace, and other naturalists have shown 
that the colour of the chrysalis of many of the butterflies 
will vary according to the situation where found. The 
assumed tint is a protection against their enemies, and 
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