THE CANADIAN LYNX. 221 



beard and ear-tufts are more developed, and each hair is of two colors. 

 A brownish silver-gray is the prevailing hue, marked on the Hanks very 

 indistinctly with spots ; in some specimens the fur takes a slight chest- 

 nut tinge. The ears are edged with white. But it is probable that con- 

 siderable changes of the coat take place according to the season of the 

 year. 



When running at speed it presents a singular appearance, as it pro- 

 gresses by a series of bounds, with the back arched and all the feet 

 coming to the ground nearly at the same time. It is a good swimmer, 

 being able to cross the water for a distance of two miles or more. 

 Powerful though it be, it is easily killed by a blow on the back, a slight 

 stick being sufficient weapon wherewith to destroy the animal. The 

 j^.esh of the Peeshoo is eaten by the natives, and is said, though devoid 

 ^i flavor, to be agreeably tender. It is not so prolific as the generality 

 of the feline tribe, as the number of its young seldom exceeds two, and 

 .t only breeds once in the year. The range of this animal is as far south 

 as the Great Lakes and eastward to the Rocky Mountains, but it is not 

 uncommon in Northern New York. It frequents wooded regions, and 

 in its manner of life differs in no respect from the other lynxes. Some 

 authors describe it as a timid animal easy to destroy, but Audubon calls 

 it a strong, bold creature, which can take good care of its hide. Audu- 

 bon writes ; " The Canada lynx is more retired in its habits than our 

 common wild-cat, keeping far from the habitations of settlers. Its fine, 

 long fur enables it to withstand the cold of our northern latitudes. When 

 alarmed, it leaps or bounds rapidly in a straight direction, and if hard 

 pressed, takes to the trees, which it climbs by the aid of its powerful 

 fore-legs and claws. It swims well, and will cross the arm of a lake two 

 miles wide." He adds : " The stories told of the great cunning of this 

 species in throwing mosses from the trees m order to entice the deer to 

 feed on them, and then dropping on their backs, may be omitted as 

 requiring no refutation." He cvidentlv discredits the common belief 

 to which we have referred above that this lynx " is easily destroyed by a 

 blow on the back with a slender stick." 



The food of the Canada lynx consists of grouse and other birds, 

 hares, rabbits, squirrels, the Arctic fox, and the lemming. It is said to 

 pounce on the wild goose at its breeding-places, and Audubon heard 

 with skepticism an account of its having killed a deer, but confirms the 

 statement that it kills young fawns. 



