QUADRUPEDS. 9 



the purpose of rolling upon it. The annexed cut represents the 

 best form of trap for this purpose. You should proceed with cau- 



tion to release the captive felon. Should any blood be spilled 

 upon the trap, wash it off, and change the bait every night. 



NORTHERN OR CANADIAN LYNX. The northern lynx is a fierce 

 and subtle creature, exhibiting most of the traits of character which 

 distinguish animals of the cat kind. To the smaller quadrupeds, 

 such as rabbits, hares, lemings, &c., it is exceedingly destructive, 

 never leaving the vicinities they frequent until their numbers are 

 altogether destroyed, or exceedingly thinned. But the ravages of 

 the northern lynx are not confined to such small game ; it drops 

 from the branches of trees on the necks of deer, and clinging 

 firmly with its sharp hooked claws, ceases not to tear at the throat 

 and drink the blood of the animal until it sinks exhausted and ex- 

 pires. It attacks sheep and calves in the same manner, and preys 

 upon wild turkeys and other birds, which it is capable of surpris- 

 ing, even on the tops of the highest trees. 



The northern lynx is fearful of man, offers very little resistance 

 when attacked, and is easily killed by a smart blow over the back. 

 This animal is not often found to approach closely to settlements, 

 though occasionally it does, when it is destructive to sheep and 

 calves, but frequents the plains and woods where the animals on 

 which it subsists are obtained in the greatest abundance. 



The northern lynx has a large body and strong legs, and mea- 

 sures about three feet from the tip of its nose to the end of its 

 tail, which is about six or seven inches long, and black for half its 

 length towards the extremity. The head is thick and round, and 

 the ears sharp and tipped with a tuft of black hair. There are 

 four or five small undulating bands on the cheeks, and the labial 

 whiskers are white. The animal is about sixteen inches high. 



The general color of the northern lynx is deep reddish, marked 

 on the flanks with small oblong spots of a reddish brown, with 

 small round spots of the same color on the limbs. The ears 

 are black externally, but covered by an angular space of shining 



