128 



THE STORY OF THE MOUNTAIN LION. 



ticated was one killed in Texas in the year 1846, of which the total length 

 was 8 feet 2 inches, the length of the tail being 3 feet i inch. A stuffed speci- 

 men measures 9 feet i inch in total length. I believe that the length may in 

 some instances be as much as 1 1 feet. 



In the parts of South America where cattle and horses are largely bred 

 the puma is a terrible scourge. Indeed, so partial is it to horse-flesh, that in 



MOUNTAIN LION, TREED. 



some parts of Patagonia it is almost impossible to breed horses owing tO' the 

 destruction of their colts. An instance is related of a puma springing on a colt 

 among a drove in charge of a driver, and killing it so suddenly by dislocation 

 of the neck that the unfortunate animal was actually dead before it fell to the 

 ground. It further appears that in districts where pumas abound the semi- 

 wild horses of South America can scarcely maintain their existence, owing to 

 the slaughter of their colts. The puma does not, however, confine its ravages 



