THE FELINE. 71 



ad retirement might be found among the rocky cliffs. 

 Change of country sometimes varies the habit of 

 the same animal. The Cougar is often seen in the 

 plains of South America, and so openly as to allow 

 the exercise of the lasso ; but in the northern parts, 

 it is much more confined to the thick swampy 

 woods. Almost all the smaller species which extend 

 to a northern climate, are found in rocky situations, 

 particularly if they are interspersed with trees ; arid 

 the animals can penetrate among the rents and 

 openings, which protect them better from the cold, 

 and afford a safe retreat for themselves or their 

 young. Some will also vary their abode in search 

 of food, and accommodate themselves to circum- 

 stances. 



All seek a living prey, which they seize by differ- 

 ent methods, as we shall presently notice ; and where- 

 ever the various kinds of game, as it is called, 

 abounds, there will be found their destructive ene- 

 mies, following their migrations, hemming in their 

 rear and flanks, and supplying their own wants by 

 the destruction of another race of beings ; and thus, 

 in the ravages of the beast of prey, we may perceive 

 a necessary check to regulate the balance between 

 the herbivorous animals and the fruits of the earth, 

 which, without it, might become too scanty for their 

 sustenance. 



The food of animals depending always on their 

 own exertions, they must be endowed with peculiar 

 senses and structures to secure a supply, while 



