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PREFACE
animals in the Paris Muscum, and to the late Prof. Gervais for giving me unrestricted access to the skulls and
skeletons in the Muscum Jardin des Plantes, Tam much indebted. ‘To the late Dr. J. B. Gray, who permitted
me to examine his types and also all the material connected with this Family contained in the British Museum,
and to Dr. Peters forthe privilege of studying the specimens and skulls of the Felide in the Berlin Muscum, Tam
under many obligations. I would also express my acknowledgments to Prof. Baird for fuclities given for inspecting
the material in the Smithsonian Institution, and to Ms. E,W, I wth for the loan of examples of
B. rbiginosa from Ceylon, which were of much importance in determining the specific value of the so-called
ferdoni. Tam also greatly obliged to the Directors of various Zoological Societies in many cities for assistance rendered
to enable me to examine the living animals contained in their gardens
It is quite unnecessary for me to all attention to the Plates which ormament this volume. ‘They are worthy of
the great artist who produced them, and they bear an enhanced value fiom the fuct that they constitute the last
series of drawings from my friend's magical pencil that will be devoted to scientifie ilustration
Mr. J. Smit, who lithographed the plates of several of my previous works, has been most successful in pla
upon the stones Mr. Wolfs beautiful paintings.
The publication of the work hes extended over more time than was originally expected; but the preparation of the
Plates could not be hurried, and I desi to thank my Subseribers for patiently awaiting its termination
D.G.E
INTRODUCTION.
Tux Fexspx, or the great Family of the Cats, contains those Beasts of Prey which are the most perfect
ization, attractive in appearance, and terrible in destructive power. ‘Those dreadful weapons of offence,
tecth and claws, reach their fllest development in the members of this Pamily, and enable their possessors to lead
life of rapine and camage, which is equally their delight and the object for which they were called into exsten
Their lithe and agile forms are clothed in coats of brilliant colours, varied by fancfil markings o
while their easy carriage and proverbially silent movements constitute, in their attractive grace, the very poete
As has been my usual custom in works of this description, 1 shall first review
fiom the time of Linneus, then discuss the Classifation, afterwards recapitulate the Genera which have been propos
the Literature of the Family
hy different authors, to be followed by an investigation of the Ge al Distibution of the species, and last
in the various articles the synonymy and life-history of each, as fully as our present knowledge ¢
le
We have first, then, to consider the Literature of the Fumily, the review of which I commence withthe twell
dition of Linneus's “Systema Nature,’ published in 1
LITERATURE OF THE FAMILY
1766.—Laxs.xvs, ‘Svetewa Narone
Seren species of the Felidse are
described, all of which are acknowledged at the present day. They
F. lo, tigre, pardus, nea, paras, cates, and lgns, Species 7
Liss.nvs, «Marissa
Felis concolor described. Species 8.
78.—Pausas, «Venscurpexe Provixzes pus Ressiseues Rexous.
Felis manul deseribed. Species 9.
&.—Goupexsrnpr, 1» ‘Nov. Comat. Pernor.
Three species appear to be described, vis. F raft earacal, and chavs. Species 12.
1777 —Buximes, ‘Srysrewa Reoxt Axton.
Fifteen species are enumerated, twelve of which are valid, and four deserbed for the fit time, viz. 2.
jubata, tigrina, and sereal. Species 16.
1778.—Scuaxwen, ‘Sivorrmmens
htcon species are given, but no new ones are deseibod. ‘The list is practically the same as that o |