figure, differs from those of all the lesser Cats and Lynxes by the small size of the molar series as compared with the
depth of the jaw. The F. cham, with which it was compared, differs in having the lower true molar larger in proportion
to the premolars. The F. catm differs in having the posterior inner alveolar border much thickened, and rising higher than
the outer border, so that the last true molar and also, to a certain extent, premolar 4 are thrown to the outside of the jaw.
With the F. caffra, however, the jaw agreed in the minutest particular, as well as with those figured by M. de Serres and
Dr. Schmerling ; and therefore Messrs. Dawkins and Sandford deemed it impossible to resist the conclusion that a species
of Wild Cat most closely allied to the F. caffra lived in Britain, Belgium, and France in the Pleistocene period.
Living examples of the Caffer Cat exhibit a great variety of coloration, from pale fulvous to dark grey ; and the species
is distributed generally throughout Africa. I t is the “ Booted Lynx ” of Bruce, although the figure given by that author is
not very characteristic. lie states that the skins were principally used by the natives for cloaks, and that the animal was
called Kakikaan. Many hybrids have been procured between this species and the Domestic Cat, some of which have been
described as distinct, and thus added considerably to the synonymy. Riippell described a specimen which he procured in
Nubia as Felw maniculata. It was of a dark grey colour, with very faint stripes on the legs. This, however, is only one of
the forms exhibited by this species. In the British Museum are several specimens of this Cat, varying considerably from
each other in their colour and markings, and also some hybrids, one of which was named by Dr. Gray F. inconspicua,
although he imagined it might be either a Domestic Cat or hybrid (vide Cat. Mamm. p. 31, 1869). Blanford procured
this Cat in Abyssinia, and states, under the name of F. caligata, that it agrees exactly in the character and coloration of
its fur with Cape specimens. He also obtained a single specimen at Zoulla, which he has called F. maniculata, and which
was very much smaller than the other example procured at Adigrat, about 8000 feet above the sea ; and he thinks that no
naturalist, looking at these two examples only, would consider them to be the same species. It is just this fact that has
created so much confusion in the nomenclature of the Felidæ; for specimens that varied from the types have been
described as distinct, the author not having had access to any series of individuals, which would have shown that differences
of colour and markings, as well as size also, in many instances in the same species, were the rule and not the exception. It
is only from the examination of a good many examples from various localities that a correct idea may be obtained of the
specific value of any form in this family. Loche (I. c.) described a specimen of the present species obtained by him in
Algeria as F. margarita. I t is of the pale fulvous form. The tail in his figure is rather too long, as it is not much over
one half the length of the body in reality, being 28 centimètres to 45 centimètres. He says that he met with it in the
environs of Négouça (Sahara) in a very sandy locality. The individual described was apparently the only one seen.
In the accompanying Plate is given a figure of the typical form of this species.
General colour pale fulvous to dark grey, some specimens having a rich rufous tinge ; centre of the back striped with
black. Legs of the same colour as the body, ringed with black, varying in extent and intensity in different individuals.
Tail long, dark grey, the tip for about an inch and a half black, preceded by two or three irregular rings of the same
colour. In some specimens there is a black line on the centre of the tail above for its entire length. Two indistinct
rufous lines from behind the eye to the ear. Throat, breast, and underparts white in some, rufous in other examples.
Length, nose to root of tail 26| inches, tail 15 inches.
Sometimes individuals of this species are seen having the entire body and loins ringed with rufous, becoming black upon
the loins and legs. The tails of such specimens have usually three or four distinct black rings towards the ends ; and the
general hue of the entire animal is darker than that of those I have here first described.
The young resemble the adults. Occasionally dark varieties of this species are met with, being of a very dark, almost
black rufous-brown over the entire body, the rings and shadings being black.
The profile of the skull forms a regular gradual curve in its upper border. Nasals long and flat. Interorbital space wide;
brain-case rounded, with the squamosals prominent, continuing outwards the curve of the parietals. Orbits incomplete.
Inner alveolar border posteriorly rises higher than the outer, thus forcing the last molar to the outside of jaw.
Infraorbital foramen, in a specimen in the Paris Museum, is round on its upper and outer side, but rather flat on the
inner. Lower outline of ramus straight for two thirds its length, rising gradually to the symphysis. Auditory bulke large,
prominent, broadest on their posterior end. Canines moderate in size.