2 ^Iaynaud on the Mammals of Florida. 



prove a tolerably correct catalogue of the mammals which 

 inhabit Florida. 



1. Felis congolor Linn. Panther, Tiger, Puma. — 

 This large cat is very common on Indian River, in the inte- 

 rior and more southern sections of the state, but it is not 

 found on the Keys. It is quite a formidable animal, grow- 

 ing sometimes to be eleven feet in length, measuring from 

 the end of the nose to the tip of the tail, and if its courage 

 corresponded with its size it would be a dangerous foe to 

 the inhabitants. It is, however, exceedingly cowardly, and I 

 never knew of any well authenticated instance of its attack- 

 ino- man, although some stories were related of its carrying 

 away young children, which may have been true. The 

 Puma is capable of performing such feats, lor it possesses 

 great strength. Capt. Dummett informed me that he had 

 shot one near his plantation in the autumn of 1871, which 

 had killed a full grown Imck and was devoiu'ing it. 



Like many of this family the Puma is nocturnal in its hab- 

 its and remains concealed in the dense swamps and hum- 

 mocks during the day, commonly reclining on the limb of a 

 tree. It is said to drop upon its prey from such an eleva- 

 tion, and many old hunters warned me against passing 

 through the thick woods in the early morning or late in the 

 evening as they said that the Tigers were usually on the 

 alert at such times and might be tempted to spring upon one 

 if he were alone. It is very inquisitive when its dominions 

 are invaded during the day, and will often follow the in- 

 truder for some distance, uttering a low, moaning cry, but 

 is always carefuV to keep concealed. 



Besides this peculiar low^ note it emits a variety of harsh 

 sounds, some of which are only given during the night, and 

 are quite terrifying when first heard, especially one in par- 

 ticular which resembles the scream of a woman in extreme 



