198 MAMMALIA-CARACAL. 



hair at the extremity of the ears ; we do not scruple, nevertheless, from 

 their disagreement in other respects, to treat of them as animals of different 

 species. 



The caracal is not spotted like the lynx ; it has hair rougher and shorter ; 

 its tail is larger, and of a uniform color ; its snout is more elongated ; in 

 appearance it is less mild, and in disposition it is fiercer. The lynx is an 

 inhabitant of the cold, or at most of the temperate regions ; the caracal is 

 only found in hot countries. 



The caracal, which is the lynx of the ancients, is common in Barbary, in 

 Arabia, and in the southern half of Asia, and in all those countries which 

 are inhabited by the lion, the panther, and the leopard: like them it depends 

 on prey for its subsistence ; but, unlike them, from its inferior size, its 

 inferior strength, to procure that prey, it has much difficulty. Hardly, 

 indeed, has it aught to subsist on, but what the more potent carnivorous 

 animals are disposed to leave for it. It follows the lion, who, when the 

 immediate cravings of his appetite are gratified, is of a disposition altogether 

 unhostile. From the refuse of what this noble animal has devoured, the 

 caracal frequently enjoys a comfortable meal. When, however, he is left to 

 his own powers for support, he attacks hares, rabbits, and birds ; of the 

 latter he is exceedingly fond, and will pursue them with astonishing swift- 

 ness to the tops of the tallest trees. 



The caracal is somewhat larger than a fox, and much fiercer and stronger. 

 It has been known to attack, tear in pieces, and destroy, in a few minutes, a 

 large dog, who, fighting for his life, defended himself with all his strength. 

 It is very difficult to tame this animal ; yet if taken when very young, and 

 afterwards reared with care, some affirm that it may be trained to the chase, 

 to which it is by nature inclined, and in which it is sure to succeed, pro- 

 vided it is let loose against such animals only as are its inferiors, and 

 unable to resist it. Should it be a service of danger, with every expression 

 of reluctance it declines it. It is stated that in India they make use of this 

 animal to take hares, rabbits, and even large birds, all of which it surprises, 

 and seizes with singular address and facility. It is, however, doubtful 

 whether the caracal is ever thus employed. In captivity it is extremely 

 sulky, and stares fiercely whenever it is noticed. 



