336 
THE STORY OF THE OCELOT. 
yellow or reddish-gray. It is always marked with black spots, which are in 
chain-like streaks and blotches. The head and limbs bear small spots, and 
there are two black stripes over each cheek, and one or two black bands 
around each fore-leg. The tail is ringed, and parts of the trunk and limbs are 
whitish. 
There is, however, a well-marked variety of a gray color, in which the 
flanks may be whitish; while there is a second form characterized by its less 
brilliant color. Still more strikingly different is the third form, characterized 
by its brilliant coloration. The pupil of the eye, when contracted, forms an 
exceedingly narrow vertical slit. Npt only does the ocelot vary in colora¬ 
tion, but it also displays considerable difference in point of size. Thus the 
total length of the animal may vary from four feet to three feet one inch, and 
that of the tail from fifteen to eleven inches. 
The ocelot is an exclusively forest animal, and is' an expert climber, 
capturing most of its prey, which consists of small animals and birds, in the 
trees. In disposition it is fierce and savage in the wild state. 
