THE LYNX. 45 



General description Thirst of blood. 



THE LYNX 



IS distinguished from every other animal of 

 the cat kind, by its long and erect ears, which 

 are ornamented at the end with a tuft of long 

 black hair. The length of its body is upwards 

 of four feet, and that of the tail about six inches. 

 Its hair is long and soft, and marked with dusky 

 spots, which vary in colour according to its age. 

 Its legs and feet are thick and strong, and its 

 <?yes of a pale yellow: and its fur is equally va- 

 luable for its warmth and softness. Great quan- 

 tities of it are imported from the northern parts 

 of Europe and America ; and the farther north, 

 the animals are taken, the more beautiful is their 

 fur. It may also be observed, the furs of those 

 taken in winter are thicker, more glossy and beau- 

 tiful than those which are obtained in the sum- 

 mer season. 



In searching after prey, the lynx frequently 

 climbs the highest trees ; and neither weazels, 

 ermines, nor squirrels, are often able to escape its 

 attack. It watches for the fallow deer, the hare, 

 and other animals; and when opportunity offers, 

 it darts from the branches where it lay concealed, 

 and seizes them by the throat; but after sucking 

 - the blood and brains of the hapless victims, it 

 leaves them and goes in search of * fresh game. 

 It is consequently very destructive, as it is not 

 easily satisfied with carnage, and sometimes 

 commits great devastation among the flocks. 



