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THE EUROPEAN LYNX. 



" Blind Mole," are generally placed on a par with each other, as examples of especial 

 acuteness of either sense. 



The European Lynx is spread over a great portion of the Continent, being found in 

 a range of country which extends from the Pyrenees to Scandinavia. It is also found 

 in the more northern forests of Asia. 



The color of this animal is as variable as that of the caracal, or even more so, for the 

 same individual will change the hue of its fur according to the season of the year. 

 During the colder months the fur becomes larger, fuller, and more grizzled, the latter 

 effect being produced by a change in the tips of the hairs, which assume a grayish-white. 

 The usual color of the Lynx is a rather dark gray, washed with red, on which are placed 

 sundry dark patches, large and few upon the body, and many and small on the limbs. 

 On the body the spots assume an oblong or oval shape, but upon the limbs they are 

 nearly circular. The tail of the Lynx is short, being at the most only seven or eight 

 inches in length, and sometimes extending only six inches. The length of the body 

 and head is about three feet. 





EUROPEAN LYNX. Lyncua virgatus. 



This animal resembles the caracal in its habits and mode of obtaining prey. Sheep 

 often fall victims to the Lynx, but it finds its chief nourishment among hares, rabbits, 

 and other small animals. Like the caracal it is an excellent climber of trees, and chases 

 its prey among the branches with ease and success. 



The fur of the Lynx is valuable for the purposes to which the feline skin is usually 

 destined, and commands a fair price in the market. Those who hunt the Lynx for the 

 purpose of obtaining its fur, choose the winter months for the time of their operations, 

 as during the cold season the Lynx possesses a richer and a warmer fur than is found 

 upon it during the warm summer months. 



The SOUTHERN, OR PARDINE, LYNX is a peculiarly beautiful example of this group of 

 Felidae. It inhabits more southern districts than the last-mentioned animals, being found 

 in Spain, Sardinia, Portugal and other southern countries. From the leopard-like spots 



