CARACAL. OUNCE.---LEOPARD. 155 



When attacked by a dog, it lies down on its back, 

 and defends itself desperately with its claws, and in 

 this posture frequently repels the assailant. 



THE CARACAL 



very much resembles the lynx, but yet appears to lie 

 of a different species, as it is never found in the coun- 

 tries which the former inhabits. It exists only in hot- 

 countries, where it generally attends the panther, the 

 ounce and the lion; especially the last, and lives al- 

 most entirely on the refuse of their prey. It is com- 

 monly called the lions' provider, and is supposed to 

 be employed by the lion to hunt for his prey by the 

 scent, which in this animal is exceedingly acute. 



THE OUNCE 



is also by some writers confounded with the panther, 

 to which, indeed, it bears no small resemblance in 

 the arrangement of its spots. It is, however, much 

 inferior in size, seldom exceeding three feet and a 

 half in length; its hair is longer than that of the pan- 

 ther, as is also its tail considered in proportion to its 

 size. Its colour is also somewhat different, being iv 

 Jight grey, tinged with a yellow cast. 



This animal seems to be more generally diffused 

 than the panther; for it is common in Barbary, Per- 

 sia, and China, and is sometimes trained for hunting. 

 When accustomed to subjection it is exceedingly gen- 

 tle. The hunters carry it with them on horseback, 

 and have it as much under command as a setting dog; 

 when sent out it will return at a call, and jump up 

 behind its master. 



The scent of this animal is inferior to that of the 

 dog. It hunts solely by the eye, and is not snfli- 

 ciently swift to overtake its prey in a long chace, 

 but it is exceedingly nimble in leaping. It frequently 

 climbs trees to place itself on the watch, and suddenly- 

 to dart upon such animals as it sees passing. 

 THE 'LEOPARD. 



This beautiful, but ferocious animal, is an inhabi- 

 tant of the interior parts of Africa, where the specie* 

 most abounds; but it is also found in several parts of 

 India, China, and Arabia; and is bunted, for its flesh 

 H & 



