a separate specific rank, much less a generic one. The Clouded Tiger is a tree-loving animal; and in Sumatra, where it is
not uncommon, individuals are said to be found generally in the vicinity of villages, but are not dreaded by the nativfes,
except in so far as they may destroy their poultry. Raffles says it is asserted that they sleep, and often lie in wait for
their prey, on trees, whence they derive their name of Dalian, which signifies the fork of a tree. Jerdon obtained a
young one from the neighbourhood of Daijeeling; and it became very tame and playful. According to the Lepchas this
Cat is very destructive to sheep, goats, pigs, and dogs. Two individuals were obtained on the banks of the Bencoolen
river, in Sumatra, and passed into the possession of Sir Stamford Raffles. They were remarkable for their playfulness
(no kittens could be more gentle), and showed great pleasure when noticed, throwing themselves on their backs, and
expressing delight when rubbed or tickled. One was brought to England; and on board ship it used to play with a
small dog, always exhibiting the greatest care and tenderness towards its little companion whenever they came into contact.
It was placed in Exeter Change, in London, and at first, frightened by the noise and number of people, showed symptoms
of ferocity, but soon became accustomed to its new surroundings, and was again as mild and tractable as before. In its
movements the Clouded Tiger is very quick and graceful; and the individual above mentioned was accustomed to jump
and twist itself about in the cage, like a squirrel, its tail all the time being extended and showing to great advantage
This species has at different times been an inmate of the menageries of Various zoological gardens, and, whenever
branches of trees were placed in the enclosure, was accustomed to amuse itself upon them, and was remarkable for the
grace and suppleness of its movements.
Fur short, rather coarse. General colour of entire body rich buff in some specimens, darker in others. Top of head
spotted with black. Two broad black lines down back of neck, two across cheeks, and two across the throat. Body
covered with large irregular patches, darker in hue than the general colour of the fur, each one bordered on three sides
with black, giving to the skin a marbled appearance. Fore legs, hind quarters, and legs covered with large black spots,
as is also the belly. Tail long, irregularly spotted and ringed with black on a ground-colour like that of the body. Back
of ears black with a buff spot near the centre. Other specimens have the ground-colour greyish, and the patches on
the body dark grizzly grey. No two examples exactly alike.
Entire length 38 inches, tail 30 inches.
The skull of this species is long and narrow, and remarkable for its greatly lengthened canines. The very elongate and
laterally compressed face is nearly on a level with the forehead. Nasals rather long, only meeting the maxillas in their
central portion, being separated by the processes of the premaxilla anteriorly, and by those of the frontals posteriorly.
The frontal processes of the maxilla are square at their upper posterior ends, and are on a line with those of the nasals.
Interorbital space very narrow. Brain-case small, with a well-developed central ridge or crest. Lower outline of ramus
straight for nearly its entire length, curving downwards slightly at the angle. Upper canines much elongated, slightly
curved, with a sharp cutting-edge on their posterior side.