The Puma 261 



Amazon"), accustomed to live in cliffs and^caves, and they 

 seem able to do without the constant supply of water that 

 some others among the Felidce require. 



It is said that here, as in India, the representatives of 

 the tiger and lion do not live together. While this may 

 be true in a general way, there is not the same separate- 

 ness of range as in Asia ; and the author, in common with 

 other explorers, has found them in similar localities on sev- 

 eral occasions. No accounts have been given, so far as 

 the present writer is aware, of actual conflicts occurring 

 between the puma and jaguar, and, in fact, there could be 

 little hope for the former in such a contest, as his adver- 

 sary would be much heavier and more powerful, equally 

 active, and better armed. With respect to the grizzly 

 bear, there is little doubt that common report among 

 frontiersmen, to the effect that he is often assailed by the 

 puma and frequently worsted, has some foundation in fact. 

 From two to four young are born together, and by the end 

 of the first year these whelps lose their spots and stripes. 

 They are lively and playful during infancy, and although in 

 them, as in all animals so highly organized, a decided indi- 

 viduality displays itself from the first, personal experience 

 has convinced the author that they possess a great degree 

 of intelligence, are easily taught those things which their 

 faculties enable them to acquire ; and, so far as their own 

 interest and convenience influence conduct, that they 

 exhibit ludicrously strong preferences and dislikes. 



Great strength and activity are combined in the puma, 

 its armature is formidable, the brute is habitually silent, 

 stealthy in the highest degree, and full of the so-called 



