NATURAL HISTORY. 301 



inferior size, and its inferior strength, it has much dif- 

 ficulty in procuring its prey. Hardly, indeed, has it 

 jiny thing to subsist on but what the more potent car- 

 nivorous animals are disposed to leave for it. It keeps 

 at a distance from the panther, because that animal 

 exercises its cruelty even after he is satisfied with 

 food ; but it follows the lion, who, when the immedi- 

 ate cravings of his appetite are gratified, is of a paci- 

 fic disposition. From the refuse of what this noble 

 animal has devoured, the caracal frequently enjoys a 

 comfortable meal. Sometimes, even while the lion is 

 in search of prey, by climbing trees, it braves his fu- 

 ry ; for he cannot ascend after it like the panther. 

 For all these reasons it is, that the caracal has been 

 called the " lion's guide," the " lion's provider ;" and 

 that the lion, whose smell is far from being acute, is 

 said to employ this animal to find out prey for him by 

 its scent, of which, for its trouble, it enjoys the re- 

 mains, when its master is satisfied. 



The caracal is about the size of a fox, but much 

 fiercer and stronger. It has been known to attack, 

 tear in pieces, and destroy in a few minutes, a large 

 dog that exerted himself to the utmost. It is very 

 difficult to tame this animal : yet, if taken when very 

 young, and afterwards reared with care, it may be 

 trained to the chase, to which it is by nature inclined, 

 and in which it is sure to succeed, provided it is not 

 let loose but against such animals as are unable to 

 resist it. In India they make use of this animal to 

 take hares, rabbits, and even large birds, all of which 

 it seizes with singular address. 



