48 CARNIVORA. 



Many skins are dyed black, and some are dyed brown, 

 blue, or silvered. 



The fur of the belly is long, and makes very hand- 

 some boas, trimmings, or muffs ; this was much in vogue 

 in England a few years ago, and is always in demand in 

 Turkey, Herzegovina, etc., where it is much appreciated. 

 The officers' busbies in the English Hussar regiments 

 are made of Lynx-skins, dyed dark brown, which, being 

 a free flowing fur, gives a dashing appearance to the 

 wearer. 



The price of Lynx-skins varies considerably, accord- 

 ing to demand : 40s. 9d. to 42s. is a high price for a 

 prime large skin ; the lower qualities range from about 

 4s. to 15s. 



An ancient name of the Lynx is Lucerne, probably 

 derived from the French name of Loup-cervier. 



Dr. Kichardson, in his "North American Fauna," 

 says: — "It is a timid creature, incapable of attacking 

 any of the larger quadrupeds ; but well armed for the 

 capture of the American hare, on which it chiefly preys. 

 Its large paws, slender loins, and long, but thick hind 

 legs, with large buttocks, scarcely relieved by a short 

 thick tail, give it an awkward, clumsy appearance. It 

 makes a poor fight when it is surprised by a hunter in a 

 tree ; for though it spits like a cat, and sets its hair up, 

 it is easily destroyed by a blow on the back with a 

 slender stick ; and it never attacks a man. Its gait is 

 by bounds, straight forward, with the back a little 

 arched, and lighting on all the feet at once. It swims 

 well, and will cross the arm of a lake two miles wide ; 

 but it is not swift on land. It breeds once a year, and 

 has two young at a time. The natives eat its flesh, 

 which is white, tender, but rather flavourless, much 

 resembling that of the American hare. 



