THE MEXICAN TIGER. 



355 



THE OCELOT. 



ts rider have been laid prostrate by its onset. The peculiar con- 

 formation of its head, neck and shoulders render an attack of this 

 kind very formidable. 



The Mexican Tiger, or Ocelot, is extensively spread over the 

 South American Continent. Its body, when grown, is nearly 

 three feet in length, and its tail more than one ; its medium height 

 is about eighteen inches ; the ground color of its fur is gray, 

 mingled with a slight tinge of reddish-yellow, darker on the back, 

 elegantly marked with longitudinal bands, consisting for the most 

 part of a series of elongated spots, faun in the centre, with black 

 margins ; its under parts are white : but the colors vary in dif- 

 ferent specimens It climbs trees expertly in search of its prey, 

 which consists of birds and small animals. It is nevertheless 

 exceedingly powerful, but is easily tamed, and when domesti- 

 cated, becomes mild, gentle, and playful. 



The Ocelot is hunted by the natives of Mexico and South 

 America with muskets and with poisoned arrows. Its skin is 

 greatly valued. 



The Lynx abounds in the s <uthern parts of Europe, and north- 



