•AT TRIBE. 
«S5 
CAT TRIBE.' 
This - tribe of animals is ferocious, and tolerably 
swift of foot. They hunt for their prey chiefly in 
the night, and seize it by surprize ; lying in wait 
till it comes within reach,, and then springing 
suddenly forwards upon it at one leap. While 
their prey is in sight, they frequently move their 
tail from side to side, keeping at the same time 
their eyes steadily fixed on the object. They 
never adopt vegetable food, except from necessity. 
Most of them are very agUe in climbing trees ; 
and have the remarkable property of alighting 
on their feet, whenever thrown or falling from a 
height, by which the danger usually attendant on 
such accidents is often prevented. The females, 
producing a considerable number of young at a 
birth, have eight teats ; four of which are situated 
on the breast, and the other four on the belly. 
AM the animals belonging to this tribe have six 
fore-teeth, the intermediate ones of which are equal. 
They have also three grinders on each side in both 
jaws. The tongue is furnished with rough sharp 
prickles, that point backwards. And the claws 
are sheathed and retractile : a necessary provision 
to keep them from being dulled while walking; 
for, being their principal weapons, as well of 
offence as defence, they are both hooked and 
sharp. 
Lion. 
The lion is chiefly found in the interior of 
Africa, and in the hotter parts of Asia. His form 
is strikingly bold and majestic. His large head 
