78 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. 
The Puma, or Mountain Lion, (Felis concolor), is the 
most widely-known feline in North America. At present 
it is at home in Florida, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, 
Texas, and all the states westward thereof. Southward it 
inhabits’ Mexico and Central America, and ranges through 
South America quite down to southern Patagonia. It at- 
tains its maximum size (8 feet in length, weight 225 pounds) 
in Colorado, where it appears to be more numerous than in 
any other state. In Routt County it is hunted very success- 
fully with dogs. When pursued, it is compelled to take 
refuge in a low tree, in which it can be photographed or shot 
without danger. 
Despite the numerous thrilling stories that have been 
written and published about the dangerous doings of this 
animal, it is by no means really dangerous to man. No 
Puma holding an option on a safe line of retreat ever stops 
to fight a man. 
The Puma was formed for agility rather than strength. 
It swims well, and it is the most agile climber of all the 
large felines. The head of this animal is particularly beau- 
tiful, and its temper in captivity is entirely satisfactory. 
The first specimen of this species to enter the Zoological 
Park came from Peru, as a gift from Mr. Joseph P. Grace, 
and during the years 1901 and 1902 it lived out doors, con- 
stantly, in the Puma House (No. 338A), where its health was 
excellent. 
THE SEA-LIONS, No. 12. 
Of all animals which find permanent homes in zoological 
gardens and parks, very few afford the public more con- 
stant entertainment than Sea-Lions. They are delightfully 
active, and in one way or another—diving, swimming, climb- 
ing or hopping about—are nearly always ‘‘showing off.’’ 
No one within a quarter of a mile of their pool need inquire 
where they are, for their loud and cheerful ‘‘Hook! hook! 
hook,’” is heard far and wide, and draws visitors like a 
magnet. 
The Sea-Lion Pool is situated about in the center of Baird 
Court. 
The California Sea-Lion, or ‘‘Barking Sea-Lion,’’ (Zalo- 
phus californianus), is the species most easily caught alive. 
and the one usually seen in captivity. Its home is the coast 
of California, but it is said to enter the Sacramento River 
and travel upward for a considerable distance in pursuit of 
