THE CHETAH. 



171 



means a large animal, being barely two feet in length exclusive of the tail, which measures 

 rather more than a foot. 



The Lynx genus is characterized by the absence of the small premolar tooth, and the brief 

 and abruptly truncate tail. Some differences are also seen in the cranium as contrasted with 

 that of the genus Fells. There are four species or varieties of Lynx in the United States. 



The American Wild Cat (Lynx rufus) has a wide distribution, varying greatly in 

 coloration in certain portions of the country. 



A Texas variety, called maculatus, is found in California and Texas. Some slight mark- 

 ings or dark lines along the sides of the neck, and rather longer ears, distinguish it. 



The Eed Cat (Lynx fasciatus) is the one discovered by Lewis and Clark in their journey 

 in the Western Territories in the early part of this century. It has a very full and soft fur, 

 and pencilled ears. The back is of a rich chestnut brown, which is the principal distinguishing 

 feature. 



BOOTED LYNX. Lyra caliyatvt. 



The Canada Lynx is the largest of all the North American species. It is quite easily 

 distinguished by its general aspect of bulkiness. Its feet are larger, and the longer hair gives 

 a stouter look to the limbs and body. The neck has a pointed ruff on each side. The tail 

 is very short, but densely covered with hair. The general color is variable, sometimes being 

 quite whitish. There are pencils of black on the ear tips. The European species (Lynx mr- 

 gatus) is so closely like this, it has at one time been regarded as the same. It is common in 

 the northern portions of New York State. It preys on the hare and other small quadrupeds. 



No species of Lynx is found in South America. 



A beautiful and accurate example of the Canada species is shown in the engraving, p. 170. 



THE beautifully marked and elegantly formed creature which is represented in the 

 following engraving, is worthy the attention of all who are interested in the wondrous 

 influence which can be exerted by the human mind upon the very being of the lower animals. 

 The CHETAH, Youze, or Hunting Cat, as it is indifferently named, is, like the Booted Lynx, 

 an inhabitant of Asia and Africa. It is rather a large animal, exceeding an ordinary 

 leopard in stature. The superiority in size appears to be greater than it is, on account of the 

 very long limbs of the Chetah, which give it the aspect of a very large animal. The head, 

 however, is very small in proportion to its height, and the limbs, although very long, are 

 slender, and devoid of that marvellous strength that lies latent in the true leopard's limb. 



The title " jubata," or crested, is given to the Chetah on account of a short, mane-like crest 

 of stiff long hairs which passes from the back of the head to the shoulders. Although the 



