THE EYRA.[35]
This is by far the most beautiful of all the smaller one-coloured Cats (see next page). The beauty of its rich chestnut hide, and the extreme elegance of its form, quite incline one to assign to it the palm for beauty, even in presence of such splendidly-marked forms as the Ocelot. The specimen in the London Zoological Gardens is a most delightful animal. It is slightly smaller than an ordinary Cat, and much less in height, owing to the shortness of its legs, in comparison with which the body is of great length; so that one at first sight instinctively compares it with a Weasel, to which, however, it has really no relationship whatever. Its neck is long, its head small, and curiously flattened from above downwards, almost like an Otter’s, and its tail long and well shaped. Its movements are almost Snake-like, so continuously does it twist and turn its long lithe body. In its sanguinary habits and mode of life it does not differ in any important respect from the Jaguarondi, with which it also agrees in its geographical distribution. It is, however, a much rarer animal.
JAGUARONDI.
JAGUARONDI.
Mr. Bartlett informs us that he has kept the Eyra in his house, and that it made a most charming pet. Brehm also mentions two domesticated individuals which were on very good terms with the Cats and Dogs in the house, and were particularly friendly with a Monkey, who did them the kind office of catching their fleas.