lesson, for although slinking and prowling enough about hunters' 

 paths, he displays a wholesome dread of any personal encounter 

 with them. 



This fear of man is his only fear, however, since almost all 

 wild animals, at some time or other, furnish prey to this big cat, 

 of lithe frame and long body, measuring five or six feet exclusive of 

 his two or three foot tail, he is the best climber of his tribe and 

 admirably fitted to spring down from some overhanging tree or 

 ledge directly upon the unconscious victim, for whom he has been 

 lying in wait. When too hungry, to choose this uncertain way of 

 getting a meal, he will pursue a crafty still hunt, sneaking about 

 until he sights his game, then approaching it noiselessly with the 

 marvelous leaps which his long muscular legs make possible and 

 at last pouncing upon it with one swift, silent dart. By this means 

 he brings to earth such able creatures as the mountain sheep, mule 

 deer, peccary, etc. At any time he may dine at his ease upon fish, 



76 



