FEROCITY OF THE JAGUAR. 273 



known in that country by the Americans as the 

 " leopard," and by the Mexicans as the " Mexi- 

 can tiger." When lying in wait at or near the 

 watering-places of deer or horses, this savage 

 beast exhibits great patience and perseverance, 

 remaining for hours crouched down, with head 

 depressed, and still as death. But when some 

 luckless animal approaches, its eyes seem to 

 dilate, its hair bristles up, its tail is gently waved 

 backwards and forwards, and all its powerful 

 limbs appear to quiver with excitement. The 

 unsuspecting creature draws near the dangerous 

 spot; suddenly, with a tremendous leap, the 

 jaguar pounces on him, and with the fury of an 

 incarnate fiend fastens upon his neck with his 

 terrible teeth, whilst his formidable claws are 

 struck deep into his back and flanks. The poor 

 victim writhes and plunges with fright and pain, 

 and makes violent efforts to shake off the foe, 

 but in a few moments is unable longer to 

 struggle, and yields with a last despairing cry to 

 his fate. The j aguar begins to devour him while 

 yet alive, and growls and roars over his prey 

 until his hunger is appeased. When he has 

 finished his meal, he sometimes covers the re- 

 mains of the carcass with sticks, grass, weeds, or 

 earth, if not disturbed, so as to conceal it from 

 other predacious animals and vultures, until he 

 is ready for another banquet. The jaguar often 



