EUROPEAN LYNX.—Lyncus virgatus. 
Mole,” are generally placed on a par with each other, as examples of especial acuteness of 
either sense. 
The European Lynx is spread over a great portion of the Continent, being found in a 
range of country which extends from the Pyrenees to Scandinavia. It is also found in 
the more northern forests of Asia. 
The colour of this animal is as variable as that of the caracal, or even more so, for the 
same individual will change the hue of its fur according to the season of the year. 
During the colder months the fur becomes larger, fuller, and more grizzled, the latter 
effect being produced by a change in the tips of the hairs, which assume a greyish-white. 
The usual colour of the Lynx is a rather dark grey, washed with red, on which are placed 
sundry dark patches, large and few upon the body, and many and small on the limbs. 
On the body the spots assume an oblong or oval shape, but upon the limbs they are nearly 
circular. The tail of the Lynx is short, being at the most only seven or eight inches in 
length, and sometimes extending only six inches. The length of the body. and head is 
about three fect. 
This animal resembles the caracal in its habits and mode of obtaining prey. Sheep 
often fall victims to the Lynx, but it finds its chief nourishment among hares, rabbits, and 
other small animals. Like the caracal it is an excellent climber of trees, and chases its 
prey among the branches with ease and success. 
The fur of the Lynx is valuable for the purposes to which the feline skin is usually 
destined, and commands a fair price in the market. Those who hunt the Lynx for the 
purpose of obtaining its fur, choose the winter months for the time of their operations, as 
during the cold season the Lynx possesses a richer and a warmer fur than is found upon 
it during the warm summer months. 
The SourHErN, or PArDINE, LYNX is a peculiarly beautiful example of this group of 
Felidx. It inhabits more southern districts than the last-mentioned animals, being found 
in Spain, Sardinia, Portugal, and other southern countries. From the leopard- ie spots 
