The TIGER CAT.
This animal, in the general outline, reſembles the common domeſtic cat; its colour is beautiful, its ſhape more ſlender, and ſize conſiderably larger, generally between two and three feet from the noſe to the baſe of the tail—the fur of a bright cinnamon colour, is beautifully variegated with dark ſtripes and ſpots, the former along the back and flanks, the latter mark the breaſt and legs; the tail, which is rather ſhort, is alſo ſtreaked; the head reſembles that of the common cat, the ears are ſhort. The Tiger Cat poſſeſſes great activity and vigilance; is indefatigable in purſuit, and bold in attacking, but fearful of man; preys on ſheep, calves, and various kinds of game. Hernandez, in his Hiſtory of Mexico, reports of the cunning and craft of this animal, that it will ſometimes lay itſelf out along the branch of a tree, as if dead; thus exciting the curioſity of the monkey, whoſe approach is quickly followed by death. This animal is a native of America, particularly the ſouthern parts; is met with in great plenty about the Cape of Good Hope; is frequently called the Mountain Cat, and by Mr. Buffon the Ocelot. They inhabit both the mountains and woods.
