HABITS OF THE NORWEGIAN LYNX. 11 



also courageous, it is a much, more formidable anta- 

 gonist than the cowardly wolf. When hunted by dogs 

 the ordinary way in Norway it throws itself on its 

 back, and when the dogs approach, it flings out its 

 paws, which are armed with long, sharp, and retractile 

 claws. Woe betide the unfortunate hound that then 

 presumes to attack it, for it is soon ripped open by the 

 lynx. The dogs generally keep the animal at bay, 

 remaining at a respectful distance, but taking care 

 that it shall not escape until the hunter comes up and 

 shoots it through, the head with, his rifle. The Nor- 

 wegian lynx is quite as destructive as the wolf, and 

 seems to delight in the shedding of blood, while it kills 

 much more than it can eat or carry off. Instances are 

 on record, when it has been known to destroy twenty 

 sheep in a night, leaving its victims where they have 

 been slain, and simply sucking the blood, or eating 

 certain dainty parts of one or two of them. 



The Norwegian lynx is not gregarious, but pairs, 

 and the male and female keep constantly together; 

 but when the latter is accompanied by her young, she 

 drives her mate away from her, and claws him most 

 unmercifully if he attempts to approach the cubs. 

 Should either of the pair be killed, the survivor is sure 

 to return to the dead body, and the hunters conceal 

 themselves near, knowing that they are almost certain 

 to secure the living lynx when it comes back to sniff at, 

 and howl round, the carcass of its defunct mate. 



This animal is carnivorous, and subsists entirely on 

 flesh. It conceals itself in the stubble, and pounces 

 on the capercaillie, blackcock, and other large birds. 

 When these last are scarce, it pays a nocturnal visit to 

 the farmyard, and preys on sheep, goats, and poultry. 



