17 



THE JAGUAK. (Fells Onca.) 



THE JAGUAR is a native of the New World, and is some- 

 times called the American Tiger. He is generally 

 larger and stronger than the leopard, which he re- 

 sembles in colour ; but the black ring-like marks have 

 always a spot in the centre, which is not the case with 

 those of the leopard. The tail is also shorter, and the 

 head larger and rounder. The Jaguar has great strength, 

 and will kill a horse or an antelope, and carry it off. 

 He is, however, a cowardly animal, always springing 

 upon his prey from behind, and attacking in preference 

 the hindmost of a herd. He fastens upon its neck, 

 placing one paw upon the head, which he twists round 

 with the other, and thus instantly deprives it of life. 

 His principal haunt is the long grass on the banks of a 

 river, where he often feeds upon turtles ; turning them 

 on their backs, and then insinuating his paw between 

 the shells so as to scoop out the flesh. He climbs trees 

 and swims with great facility. 



