THE LYNX 



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THE LYNX (Felis lynx) 



Few animals have given rise to more discussion among zoologists, in regard ta 

 the number of species into which they should be divided, than the true lynxes ; 

 some authorities regarding those found in North America as representing three 

 species quite distinct from the typical Old World lynx, while others are disposed to 

 consider the whole four as mere varieties of a single species. It was likewise at one 

 time considered that there were two Old World lynxes occurring to the north of the 



THE NORTHERN LYNX. 

 (One-eighth natural size. ) 



Alps ; one being the common lynx of Europe, and the other the Tibetan lynx. It 

 has now, however, been shown that these two varieties pass imperceptibly into each 

 other ; but to the south of the Alps, the so-called pardine lynx is regarded as prob- 

 ably a distinct species. Without committing ourselves definitely to any one view, 

 we" shall treat of the whole of these various forms of lynxes, with the exception of 

 the pardine lynx, under a single heading. 



The true lynxes are mainly a northern group, being unknown in Africa, 

 India, and South America. They are very characteristic of North America, where. 



