284 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



ing with regard to this feat of the Puma is much of 

 the same kind. 



The more probable accounts represent the Puma as 

 attacking only the weaker animals, and as hoarding 

 or burying its food ; and pumas, when tamed, can be 

 made to play with substances in the same way as 

 young cats, only they are more indolent, and their 

 motions not so graceful. It is well ascertained that 

 the Puma is very easily tamed, and that, if it is fed, 

 it shows not the least disposition to attack any animal, 

 but shows considerable affection for those who are at- 

 tentive to it. Its general manners are more like those 

 of the domestic cat than, perhaps, any others of the 

 genus, more so even than the wild cat of Europe, 

 which is often, though it would seem erroneously, con- 

 sidered as the parent stock of the domestic. The 

 Puma watches for birds in the same manner, and with 

 the same action of the body, as the domestic cat, and 

 like that animal, it purrs when caressed. 



Mr. Farnham says, that on the Sacramento and 

 San Joaquin Rivers, as well as on many parts of the 

 coast, the common plain Seal, (Phoca Vitelline?) is 

 found, and on the same rivers the Musk Rat (Fiber 

 Zibethicus) is often met with. 



The Beaver (Castor Fiber), is another of the Cali- 

 fornian animals, which is much sought on account 

 of the value of its fur. 



In an economical point of view, the Beaver is a 

 very valuable animal. The fur is more glossy and 

 beautiful than almost any other of the same fineness : 

 it takes a rich black color, without having its gloss 

 in the least destroyed ; it wears well, and is not much 

 subject to injury from rain ; and it very readily unite3 

 into a strong, though light and flexible fabric, by the 



