. The popular natural history . Zoology. THE CHATI. 47 precisely alike, either in the colour or the arrangement of the markings, but those leading characteristics which have just been mentioned may be found in almost every individual. When at large in its native woods, it wages incessant and destructive war- fare against small quadrupeds and birds, the latter creatures being its favourite prey. The Chati is a vexatious and expensive neighbour to any one who may keep fowls, for it seems to like nothing so well as a plump fowl, and is unceasing in its visits to the henroost. It is so active and
. The popular natural history . Zoology. THE CHATI. 47 precisely alike, either in the colour or the arrangement of the markings, but those leading characteristics which have just been mentioned may be found in almost every individual. When at large in its native woods, it wages incessant and destructive war- fare against small quadrupeds and birds, the latter creatures being its favourite prey. The Chati is a vexatious and expensive neighbour to any one who may keep fowls, for it seems to like nothing so well as a plump fowl, and is unceasing in its visits to the henroost. It is so active and lithe an animal that it can climb over any palisade, and insinuate itself through a surprisingly small aperture ; and it is so wary and cautious in its nocturnal raids, that it generally gives no other indication of its movements than that which is left next morning by the vacant perches, and a few scattered feathers flecked with blood-spots. During the day it keeps itself closely hidden in the dark shades of the forest, sleeping away its time until the sun has set, and darkness reigns over its world. It then awakes from its slumber, and issues forth upon its de- structive quest. On moonlight nights, however, it either stays at home, or. THE CHATI.—(LeafUrdus mitis.) confines its depredations to the limits of its native woods, never venturing near the habitations of man. Stormy and windy nights are the best adapted for its purpose, as it is sheltered from sight by the darkness, and from hearirr; by the rushing wind, which drowns the slight sounds of its stealthy footsteps. On such nights it behoves the farmer to keep a two-fold watch, and see weil to his doors and windows, or he may chance to find an empty henroost in the morning. In two years, no less than eighteen of these animals were caught by a land- owner within a space of five miles round his farm, so that their numbers mu'st be truly great. They do not congregate together, but live in pairs, each pair seeming to appro
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1884
