68 WOLF'S WILD ANIMALS. 



They are long-legged, slender-bodied animals, and run with considerable swiftness, 

 which is not usually the case with the cats of this section of the Family. The 

 Caracal, too, is fond of dwelling upon the plains, while the other species affect the 

 dense forests, where their stealthy ways 'enable them to surprise their prey, and 

 where they most easily find places of concealment, in which they love to remain. 

 The fur of the Lynx is much sought after. as an article of commerce, and so many 

 thousands of these animals are killed every year in the far northern portion of 

 North America, by the hunters attached to the great fur companies, that they are 

 fast decreasing in numbers, and will probably soon become rare where formerly 

 they were most abundant. The motions of this animal are made with great caution, 

 as if it considered every step it took, particularly when it has perceived any game ; 

 and if it is not able to ascertain the exact position of its prey, it will jump with 

 lightning speed into some low branches, and there crouching beneath the overhang- 

 ing foliage will wait the favourable moment for a spring. 



Such is the attitude of the animal in the engraving. The goats, all un- 

 mindful of the vicinity of their fierce enemy, are browsing, in straggling, parties, 

 nearer and nearer the fatal spot. Too cunning to lean forward, lest he rnay be 

 seen by the approaching animals, the Lynx trusts to his ears to tell him of their posi- 

 tion, while he crouches closer within his ambush. The green eyes, that exhibit so 

 little real intelligence, glare with suppressed excitement, and one velvet paw, 

 hiding the sharp claws, all ready to be thrust out, is pushed slightly forward 

 upon the branch, and the entire animal is gathered for the onslaught. Soon 

 the opportunity will come. Gradually the unsuspecting kids will arrive beneath 

 the tree, browsing on the tender leaves, or cropping the mossy sward ; and while 

 the playful animals gambol in fancied security, one will be selected from the flock, 

 and then, like a flash, the Lynx will descend upon its victim, tearing it at once 

 with both teeth and claws, and bearing it to the ground ; while its more fortunate 

 companions, frightened at the unlooked-for attack, scamper away in all directions. 

 If hot too heavy for it to lift, the Lynx will carry its prey into some thicket 

 where it may satisfy its appetite concealed from all eyes, and will emerge once 

 more, when aroused by the pangs of hunger, to seek its victim again from out 

 another ambuscade. 



