170 



THE BOOTED LYNX. 



of leaping in successive bounds, with its back slightly arched, and all the feet coming to the 

 ground nearly at the same time. It is a good swimmer, being able to cross the water for 

 a distance of two miles or more. Powerful though it be, it is easily killed by a blow on the 

 back, a slight stick being sufficient weapon wherewith to destroy the animal. The flesh of the 

 Peeshoo is eaten by the natives, and is said, though devoid of flavor, to be agreeably tender. 

 It is not so prolific as the generality of the feline tribe, as the number of its young seldom 

 exceeds two, and it only breeds once in the year. The range of this animal is rather extensive, 

 and in the wide district where it takes up its residence is found in sufficient plenty to render 

 its fur an important article of commerce. 



The length of this animal slightly exceeds three feet. 



CANADA LYNX. Lynx canadensii. 



THE BOOTED LYNX derives its somewhat peculiar name from the deep black coloring with 

 which its legs are partially stained. The side and the hinder portions of the legs are partially 

 covered with black hair, which gives the animal, when seen from behind, a quaint aspect, as if 

 it had been endued with a pair of short tight-fitting black buskins. 



The fur of this animal is rather variable in its coloring, and it is found that the coat of the 

 female is rather more yellow than that of the male. The tail is marked with several dark 

 rings upon a whitish ground, the tip of the tail being black. 



The general tint of the fur is a deep gray, sometimes varied by a reddish tawny hue, 

 and sometimes plentifully besprinkled with black hairs. On the upper part of the legs there 

 are some very faint stripes of a ruddy brown, and two similar bands may be observed on 

 the sides of the face. When young, the fur is marked with dark stripes and blotches, 

 which are found sparingly on almost every portion of the body, but are most conspicuous 

 on the sides. It is spread over the two vast continents of Asia and Africa, being found 

 in the southern parts of India and the greater part of Africa, from Egypt and Barbary to the 

 Cape. 



Its food consists of the smaller quadrupeds, and such birds as it can capfcure. It is by no 



