38 CLASS-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY. 



Asia. The number of lions in those countries was more 

 considerable in ancient times than now, and the diminu- 

 tion of them can only be attributed to the increase of the 

 number of mankind. Sylla the Dictator exhibited a 

 hundred, Caesar four hundred, and Pompey six hundred 

 lions in the grand circus in Rome ; and the first person in 

 that city who caused them to be yoked, so as to draw a 

 carriage, was Marc Antony, who appeared in the streets 

 in a chariot drawn by lions. It is not extraordinary to 

 see tamed lions also in our own menageries. 



§ 123. The Tiger (Felis Tigris) is from five to six 

 feet long, of a pale yellow color, striped with great regu- 

 larity, and found only in Asia, from Bengal to China. Its 

 .skin is much valued. 



\ 124. The Panther (Felis Pardus) is about five feet 

 long, of a pale yellow color, elegantly marked with black 

 spots, and a native of Africa and the East Indies. 



\ 125. The Jaguar or American Tiger (Felis Onca) is 

 five feet long, of a pale yellow color with black spots, 

 and resides in the warmer countries of America. The 

 Jaguar is very dangerous, never loses his ferocity, and 

 has frequently killed those who have domesticated him. 



\ 126. The Cougar or American Lion (Felis concolor) 

 is five feet long, of a brownish yellow color, or a mixture 

 of red and blackish, and is found in the warmer parts of 

 the United States. The Cougar is very destructive to 

 deer, hogs, sheep, cows, and calves. He climbs trees 

 with surprising facility, and in that way he is enabled to 

 drop suddenly upon any animal that passes. 



\ 127. The Northern Lynx (Felis Canadensis) is two feet 

 and a half long, of a deep reddish color, marked on the 

 flanks with small oblong spots and black tufts on the ears. 

 It is found only in the northern regions of both continents ; 

 but principally southwest of the Hudson's Bay settle- 

 ments. The Lynx, called sometimes wild-cat, has a 

 highly esteemed fur ; in one year 9,000 skins were sent 

 by the Hudson's Bay Company to Europe. 



\ 128. Among amphibious flesh-eaters may be mentioned 

 the following. The Walrus, or Morse, or Sea-cow, by each 

 of which names it is sometimes called, (Trichechus Rosma- 



