236 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



Tartary. It is much larger than the common kind. 

 Its skin sells in that country for one pound sterling. 

 The colour of its hair changes with the climate and 

 the season. The winter furs are richer and more 

 beautiful than those taken in summer. 



The Lynx is said to be very long-lived, is a very 

 destructive animal, lives by hunting, and pursues 

 its prey to the tops of the highest trees. It feeds 

 on Weasels, Ermines, Squirrels, &c., which are 

 unable to escape it. It watches the approach of 

 the Fallow Deer, Hare, and other animals, and 

 darts upon them from the branches of trees, where 

 it lies concealed; seizes them by the throat, and 

 drinks their blood ; after which, it abandons them, 

 and goes in quest of fresh game. Its sight is 

 remarkably quick, and it sees its prey at a great 

 distance. It often eats no more of a Sheep or Goat 

 than the brain, the liver, and the intestines. It 

 will sometimes dig under the doors to gain ad- 

 mission into the sheepfold. When attacked by a 

 Dog, it lies down on its back, strikes desperately 

 with its claws, and frequently obliges its assailant 

 to retreat. 



Although the Lynx has nothing in common with 

 the Wolf, it has been distinguished by the name of 

 Lupus-Cervarius, or the Stag Wolf. Its manner of 

 howling is similar to that of the Wolf; and when 

 heard at a distance, is not easily distinguished from 

 the cry of that animal. The epithet Cervariiis has 

 been added, because its skin is variegated with 

 spots like that of a young Stag. 



A variety is found in the inner parts of the 

 province of New York, which is called the Bay 

 Lynx, and is about twice the size of a large Cat. 

 Its hair is short and smooth; its general colour is a 



