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LYNX BOREALIS CANADENSIS, (Gray) (Mivart). 



THE CANADA LYNX. 



Specific Character. — Size, that of a setter dog. Tail as short or shorter than 

 the head ; its terminal fifth above and extreme end black all round. Feet very 

 large, densly furred beneath in winter so as to conceal the pads. Hind feet about 

 nine inches long, general colour grayish hoary, with concealed pale rufous, and 

 waved with l^lack, especially on the back. No distinct transverse band inside the 

 legs ; very obsolete dark markings on the head ; ears with a narrow black margin 

 ■on the convexity, and black pencil ; grayish elsewhere. Whiskers chiefly white. 



, Habitat. — Northern North America, common in Ontario. 



Average Size. — Equal to that of a setter dog. 



Average Weight. — 25 pounds. 



Average Height. — 2 feet. 



Average Length. — 3 feet, 4 inches ; nose to tail, 35 inches ; tail, 5 inches. 



Value of Fur.—Fer skin, average $1.00 to $2.00. 



The Canadian lynx is the lar^^jest ot the North American lynxes, and is 

 ■distinguishable from the others not only on account of its size, but by the longer 

 hair, larger feet and difference in colouration. 



The animal is as large as a setter dog, although its weight is considerably 

 less. 



The head is broad, and the facial outline much arched. The neck is full and 

 thick and has a pointed ruff at each side. 



The legs are thick and the paws enormously large. The paws appear to be 

 covered with thick hair, but on separating this, the naked pads are plainly visible. 



The tail is very short and densely hairy. 



The ears are angular and tipped with a pencil of very long hair. 



The limbs of the lynx are very powerful and the general colour is gray. 



In spite of the ferocious appearance of this animal, it is timid and never 

 seeks an encounter. 



The lynx breeds but once a year, the female producing two or three young 

 ones, late in May or June. 



The flesh is said to be edible, but quite devoid of flavour. 



The fur is not very valuable, and the lynx is so scarce that it is seldom hunted 

 unless when a trapper happens to stumble across a specimen ; then of course 

 a shot is irresistible, but woe to the venturesome huntei" who gets within reach of 

 the claws of the wounded and maddened wild cat. 



The lynx feeds chiefly upon smaller animals such as hares, but it devours 

 lambs, young pigs and other domestic animals at every opportunity, and is much 

 feared and detested on this account by the farmer. 



