109 



The Jaguar, or American Once. 



Felis Onca, Gmelin. (Fig. 12.) 



This formidable species, the most powerful of all the 

 American carnivorous quadrupeds, is but little inferior 

 in size to the tiger of the Asiatic continent. In its 

 marking, however, it more resembles the panthers and 

 leopards of Africa, particularly in the spots or rings; but 

 those towards the back of the American animal have a 

 central black dot, which is never seen in the two former 

 animals. The tail also, in this, never reaches further 

 than to the ground; and this is considered by major 

 Smith as one of the best distinctions between these ani- 

 mals. 



The native manners of the jaguar have been de- 

 scribed by various writers, but more especially by 

 Azara. It preys upon animals of the largest descrip- 

 tion, as cows and young bulls, but horses appear to be 

 its favourite game. It destroys these bulky quadru- 

 peds by leaping on their back ; and by placing one paw 

 on the muzzle and one upon the head, they exert such 

 force as to break the neck of their victim in a moment. 

 They will then drag the carcase with their teeth to their 

 den, which is often at a considerable distance. Like 

 most of the American Felincc, the jaguar is described 

 as an excellent fisher : it is certain that it swims remark- 

 ably well ; but we know not upon what authority it has 

 been stated that the jaguar will stand in the water, out 

 of the stream, and drop its saliva, which, floating on the 



