114. BIG GAME FIELDS 



but where they have come to learn that the con- 

 test between the properly armed man is an un- 

 equal one there is not so much to be feared. 



It is impossible to say beforehand what any 

 dangerous animal will do when come upon, and 

 anything but the impossible may be expected. 

 There is a great deal of individuality among wild 

 animals, and no two of the same species ever 

 are exactly alike in their conduct. Each indi- 

 vidual has its own way of doing things, its own 

 moods and own peculiar temperament. Prob- 

 ably the traits that are more marked in the jaguar 

 than all the other members of the treacherous cat 

 tribe are their deceit, craftiness and treachery. 

 Slyness, stealth and cunning are written in their 

 quick, keen glances, from their lurid, deadly 

 looking eyes, and, above all, their movements of 

 deadly quiet. 



There are innumerable accounts by reliable 

 men of instances where jaguars have attacked 

 and killed human beings of their own accord. 

 There are too many records showing that they 

 have turned and charged when come upon, or 

 when being pursued by hunters. It is my opin- 

 ion, however, that, in the majority of cases, if 

 they are given an option on the safe side of re- 

 treat they are more inclined to make off. If the 



