220 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



in company with its master, and take shelter by 

 running up a tree. 



It is very destructive to domestic animals, par- 

 ticularly to Hogs. It preys also upon the Moose 

 and other Deer ; lies lurking upon the branch of a 

 tree till some of these animals pass underneath, 

 when it drops down upon one of them, and never 

 quits its hold till it has drunk its blood. It will 

 even attack beasts of prey. In the museum of the 

 Royal Society is preserved the skin of one of these 

 animals, which was shot just as it had seized a 

 Wolf. When satisfied with eating, it conceals the 

 rest of the carcase, covering it carefully with leaves. 

 It purs like a Cat, and sometimes howls dreadfully. 



The fur is soft, and is used by the Indians for a 

 winter habit ; when dressed, it is made into gloves 

 and shoes. The flesh is white, and by the natives 

 reckoned excellent food. 



The Couguar, when brought into captivity, is 

 almost as gentle as the Domestic Cat, allows itself 

 to be caressed, and will permit boys to mount on 

 its back. It is sometimes called the Poltron Tiger. 



