FEROCITY OF THE JAGUAR. 278 
known in that country by the Americans as the 
“leopard,” and by the Mexicans as the “ Mexi- 
zan tiger.” When lying in wait at or near the 
watering-places of deer or horses, this savage 
beast exhibits great patience and perseverance, 
remaining for hours crouched down, with head 
depressed, and still as death. But when some 
luckless animal approaches, its eyes seem to 
dilate, its hair bristles up, its tail is gently waved 
backwards and forwards, and all its powerful 
limbs appear to quiver with excitement. The 
unsuspecting creature draws near the dangerous 
spot; suddenly, with a tremendous leap, the 
jaguar pounces on him, and with the fury of an 
incarnate fiend fastens upon his neck with his 
terrible teeth, whilst his formidable claws are 
struck deep into his back and flanks. The poor 
victim writhes and plunges with fright and pain, 
and makes violent efforts to shake off the foe, 
but in a few moments is unable longer to 
struggle, and yields with a last despairing cry to 
his fate. The jaguar begins to devour him while 
yet alive, and growls and roars over his prey 
until his hunger is appeased. When he has 
finished his meal, he sometimes covers the re- 
mains of the carcass with sticks, grass, weeds, or 
earth, if not disturbed, so as to conceal it from 
other predacious animals and vultures, until he 
is realy for another banquet. The jaguar often 
8 
