THE OCELOT. 59 



Hon cub. While the Puma cubs are yet in their first infancy, their 

 coat is marked with several rows of dark streaks extending along the 

 back and sides, and also bears upon the neck, sides, and shoulders 

 many dark spots resembling those of the ordinary leopard. But as 



^4^- 



The Puma {Leopanhis concoJor). 



the animal increases in size the spots fade away, and when it has attain^ 

 ed its perfect development are altogether lost in the uniform tawny hue 

 of the fur. 



The flesh of this animal is said, by those who have made trial of it, to 

 be a pleasant addition to the diet scale, being white, tender, and of 

 good flavor. When taken young, the Puma is peculiarly susceptible 

 of domestication, and has been known to follow its master just like a 

 dog. The hunters of the Pampas are expert Puma-slayers, and achieve 

 their end either by catching the bewildered animal with a lasso, and 

 then galloping ofl* with the poor creature hanging at the end of the 

 leather cord, or by flinging the celebrated bolas — metal balls or stones 

 fastened to a rope — at the Puma, and laying it senseless on the ground 

 with a blow from the heavy weapon. 



Many of the members of the large genus Leopardus are classed 

 together under the title of Ocelots, or, more popularly, of Tiger Cats. 

 They are all most beautiful animals, their fur being diversified with 

 brilliant contrasts of a dark spot, streak, or dash upon a lighter ground, 

 and their actions filled with easy grace and elegance. 



The Common Ocelot is a native of the tropical regions of America, 

 where it is found in some profusion. In length it rather exceeds four 

 feet, of which the tail occupies a considerable portion. Its height 

 averages eighteen inches. The ground-color of the fur is a very light 

 grayish fawn, on which are drawn partially broken bands of a very 



