Mayxaki) oirihf Mi(iiiiu<(ls of Florida. O 



agony. This cry is more frequently given in March, when 

 the males are in pursuit of the females. I think the young 

 are dropped in the autumn. Skins of this animal which I 

 have seen from Florida are of a decidedly rufous color with- 

 out spots or bars. It may be well to remark that I have 

 frequently heard, from hunters, of Tigers which were not 

 only of a larger size than the common species, but which 

 were said to be spotted. I never saw a specimen, but it is 

 not impossible that the closely allied species Fells onca may 

 be found here, although I hardly think it probable. 



This species is now much less common than when the 

 above was penned. I learned last winter that not more 

 than three had been shot in the Gulf Hummocks in western 

 Florida during five years. 



2. Lyxx rufus Rafinesque. Common Wild Cat. — 

 This animal is abundant even on the borders of the settled 

 districts. It is quite annoying to the planters, for it not only 

 commits serious inroads on hen roosts, but frequently carries 

 off young pigs. It is a nocturnal animal, and is seldom seen 

 abroad during the day, but conceals itself in the thick hum- 

 mocks. During the season when the males are in pursuit 

 of the females it may be occasionally met with, especially in 

 the morning and evening. At this time its loud and varied 

 cries are heard, sometimes during the day, but oftener du- 

 ring the night. This is naturally a cowardly animal, and 

 will invariably fly from man when it has the power to do so. 

 The Wild Cats are only as large as setter dogs, yet they pos- 

 sess great strength, and a man requires considerable deter- 

 mination to attack one w^hen placed in such a situation that 

 it cannot escape. My friend, Mr. Thurston, once seized a 

 full grown male, that was only slightly stunned by a charge 

 of dust shot, and strangled it, but did not escape without re- 

 ceiving some scratches. Although shy when faced, they 



