CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 5. CARNIVORA. 



281 



it is most common in Canada. It is of exceedingly retired habits, and feeds on grouse, hare, rab- 

 bits, squirrels. Arc. It occasionally catches a wild goose, a marmot, a porcupine, and even a deer. 

 The young fawns frequently become its victims. Like the rest of its kind, it breeds but once a 

 year, and generally produces two at a birth. The skins are used for muffs and collars, and are 

 much esteemed. Many hundreds of them are annually taken by the hunters and trappers. The 

 Indians regard their flesh as good eating. When alarmed or pursued, it proceeds by leaps 

 or bounds, and if hard pressed, takes to a tree. Its claws are of great strength, and it de- 

 fends itself powerfully. It can leap from a great height without injury, and is likewise a good 

 swimmer. 



This animal so nearly resembles the common lynx of Europe that it has been regarded as of the 

 same species. This opinion is now generally abandoned. It is believed, however, that the same 

 species exists in the northern parts of Asia. 





THE CHEETAH. 



.>^-~--^-^ 



Genus GUEPARD, presents a single species, the Cheetah, Fells jubata, called also the Touze 

 and Hunting-Leopard, celebrated alike for its beauty and its interesting qualities. In its conforma- 

 tion and character this animal seems to combine something of the dog and cat, whence it is called 

 Cynailurus by some naturalists. It has a circular pupil, and is chiefly diurnal in its habits. In 

 size and shape it is between the leopard and the hound. The color is yellowish fawn above, and 

 nearly pure white beneath. It is covered on the upper parts with numerous black spots, from 

 half an inch to an inch in diameter. A slight mane runs along the neck. The hair generally 

 has a crispness, distinguishing it from the softness of that of the cat's. The skins are an article 

 of some importance in the trade of the western coast of Africa. The intelligence, tractability, 

 and fidelity of the cheetah are such that it has been trained to the chase of the antelope in the 

 East. Several of them are carried to the field in low cars whereon they are chained, each one 

 being hooded. When the hunters come within view of a herd of antelopes, one leopard is 

 unchained, his hood is removed, and the game is pointed out to him; for he is directed in the 

 pursuit by his sight. Perceiving the object, he steals along cautiously and crouchingly, taking 

 advantage of every means of masking his attack, till he has approached the herd unseen, within 

 killing distance, when he suddenly launches himself upon his quarry with five or six vigorous and 

 rapid bounds, strangles it instantaneously, and drinks its blood. The huntsman now approaches 

 the leopard, caresses him, wins him from his prey by placing the blood which' he collects in a 

 Wooden ladle under the nose of the animal, or by throwing to him pieces of .meat; and while he 

 is thus kept quiet, hoods him, leads him back to his car, and then chains him. If the leopard 

 ails in his attack, he returns to his den with a mournful and dejected air. 



Of the habits of the hunting-leopard in a state of nature we have but little knowledge. It is 



Vol. I.— 3G 



