106 LYNXES. 



tection, and by their neighing express their joy and gratitude 

 at our timely interference. 



LYNXES. 



Although lynxes are not so numerous in America as 

 wolves, they are equally destructive, and individually more 

 daring attacking deer and smaller animals when they can 

 take them at a disadvantage. They seldom fly, as wolves do, 

 on the first approach of man. In size > the largest does not 

 exceed the dimensions of an English mastiff. The Canadian 

 lynx is frequently termed the Peeshoo, and sometimes " Le 

 Chat " by the French Canadians. His coat is covered with 

 long hairs of a dark gray hue, besprinkled with black, the 

 extremities of which are white, with dark mottlings here and 



there on the back. Some- 

 times the fur is of a ruddy 

 chestnut tinge, and the 

 limbs are darker than the 

 rest of the body which is 

 about three feet long. The 

 animal possesses powerful 

 limbs, and thick, heavy 

 feet, furnished with strong, 

 white claws. When moving 



over the ground it leaps in successive bounds, its back being 

 slightly arched, and all its feet pitching at the same time. 

 It also swims well, and can cross rivers and lakes a couple 

 of miles broad. Strong as it is, it appears it is easily killed 

 by a blow on the back with a slight stick. It ranges through- 

 out the greater part of the continent, and is shot or trapped 

 for the sake of its fur, which is of considerable value. 



