6 On the Fur-bearing Animals 



I cannot here omit mentioning the aid which I have received, 

 in the scientific parts of the Treatise from the splendid, complete, 

 and accurate work of Prof. Baird on North American Mammals. 

 The general characteristics of Families are quoted verbation from 

 his work. 



LrNx, Rafinesque. 



Gen. ch. Molars |:| the small anterior premolar of Felis wanting. 

 Tail considerably less than half the body, exclusive of the head 

 and neck, generally not much longer than the head, and abruptly 

 truncate at tip. Baird. 



Lynx Canadensis, Raf, 



Sp. ch. Size between that of a Fox and Wolf. Tail thickly 

 furred, shorter than the head, and tipped with black. Paws 

 densely covered with hair, and armed with strong claws. Color 

 in winter, a silver grey on the back, paling towards the belly, 

 which is sometimes white ; a rufus undershade mixes with tints. 

 The ears are pointed, not large, and tipped with a pencil of long 

 black hairs. Whiskers generally white. Length from the tip 

 of the nose to the tip of the tail about 3 feet. Average weight 

 about 25 lbs. 



This species is the largest of the North American Lynxes, and 

 is the only one found in the Mackenzie River District. It is called 

 by the " winterers " indiflferently either Lynx Cat, Loup Cervier, 

 or Pichen. In appearance it is rather formidable ; its teeth are 

 long and sharp, while its powerful claws and immense spring ren- 

 der it a dangerous opponent to any animal that it encounters. In 

 its habits it is predatory. Hares and mice it devours with avidity ; 

 birds it pursues to the tops of the loftiest trees, and it even kills 

 fish in their own element ; while it has no objection to carrion, 

 and, when pressed by hunger will even eat its own kind. Tales 

 of the ferocity of this animal have been told by the early writers — 

 of its attacking and mastering deer — but they are without founda- 

 tion. It is a solitary beast, and I should consider its unaided 

 strength perfc^ctly incompetent for such a purpose. 



In its motions, though very active, the Lynx is rather an un- 

 gainly animal. Its favourite pace is a succession of long leaps 

 much in the manner of the American Hare [Lepus Ajnericanus), 

 which it also slightly resembles in shape. It is stupid, and easily 

 caught. A sudden and loud cry from the hunter pursuing it is 



