THE OCELOT. 
(5 I HE smaller spotted and striped 
t I species of the genus Felis, 
I of both the old and the new 
world, are commonly called 
Tiger-Cats. Of these one of the best 
known and most beautifully marked, 
peculiar to the American continent, 
according to authority, has received 
the name of Ocelot, Felts partialis, 
though zoologists are still undecided 
whether under this name several 
distinct species have not been included, 
or whether all the Ocelots are to be 
referred to as a single species showing 
individual or racial variation. Their 
fur has always a tawny yellow or 
reddish-grey ground color, and is 
marked with black spots, aggregated 
in streaks and blotches, or in elongated 
rings inclosing an area which is rather 
darker than the general ground color. 
They range through the wooded parts 
of Tropical America, from Arkansas to 
Paraguay, and in their habits resemble 
the other smaller members of the cat 
tribe, being ready climbers and exceed- 
ingly blood-thirsty. 
The fierceness of the disposition of 
this animal, usually called by the 
common name of Wild Cat, and its 
strength and agility, are well known, 
for although it is said that it does not 
seek to attack man, yet " when dis- 
turbed in its lair or hemmed in, it will 
spring with tiger-like ferocity on its 
opponent, every hair on its body 
bristling with rage," and is altogether 
an ugly customer to meet with. 
It was long believed that the Ocelot 
was the offspring of the domestic cat, 
but it is now known to be distinct from 
the wild form of our woods. One 
would scarcely wish to stroke the 
Wild Cat's hair in any direction. As 
soon as the young are able to see and 
crawl, their savage nature is apparent, 
and they cannot be tamed. They are 
not often hunted, but when accidentally 
met with by the hunter are despatched 
as quickly as possible. 
In length the Ocelot rather exceeds 
four feet, of which the tail occupies a 
considerable portion. The height 
averages about eighteen inches. On 
account of the beauty of the fur the 
skin is valued for home use and expor- 
tation, and is extensively employed in 
the manufacture of various fancy 
articles of dress or luxury. It may be 
said to be a true leopard in miniature. 
In its native wilds the Ocelot seeks 
its food chiefly among the smaller 
mammalia and birds, although it is 
strong enough to attack and destroy 
a moderate sized monkey. It chases 
the monkeys into the tree branches, 
and is nearly as expert a climber as 
they are, but, as it cannot follow 
the birds into the airy region, it is 
forced to match its cunning against 
their wings, and it rarely secures them. 
As is often done by the domestic cat 
it can spring amongst a flock of birds 
as they rise from the ground, and, 
leaping into the air, strike down 
one or more of them with its 
swift paw. But its usual method of 
securing birds is by concealing itself 
among the branches of a tree and 
suddenly knocking them over as they 
unsuspiciously settle within reach of 
the hidden foe. 
The movements of the Tiger-cat are 
graceful and elegant, and few speci- 
mens of animal life found in our 
zoological gardens are more interesting. 
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