850 



FIERCENESS OF THE JAGUAR. 



Fish, too, he does not disdain to eat ; and in default of other food, 

 will even seize upon the caimans. It is rare that he attacks man ; 

 but if attacked by him, he defends himself courageously, and his 

 muscular strength renders him exceedingly formidable. Not even an 

 Ajax could maintain a combat with him as Fitz-James fought with 

 Roderick Dim, when 



" Foot, and point, and eye opposed, 

 In dubious strife they darkly closed ; '' 



BlSON ATTACKED BY A JAGUAR. 



if man would win, he must arm himself with bow and arrow, keen 

 spear, or unerring rifle. The hunter, thus provided, pursues him 

 with restless animosity to obtain his fur, which is much esteemed in 

 commerce, where it is improperly designated by the names of "Great 

 Panther," and "American Tiger." 



According to Humboldt, the Pampas are colonized with dogs 

 grown wild, which gather in great numbers in subterranean caverns, 

 and oftentimes, when stimulated by hunger, fling themselves upon 

 man, in whose defence they originally displayed their courage. 



