384 



MAMMALIA. 



however, eat the flesh of large Tictims, unless its hunger is ex- 

 treme ; but generally is satisfied by sucking out the brain. 



Taken young, it becomes accustomed to captivity, and is fond 

 of being caressed ; but it will return to its wild life if oppor- 

 tunity offers, so really never becomes attached to its master. It is 

 an extremely cleanly animal, and, like the Cat, passes a large 

 portion of its time in washing and cleansing its fur. 



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IK 



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Fig i4«.— Tlie Cara.;"! {i'elin airacat. Buff.). 



The Caracal {Caracal mclanotis), Fig. 149, is aboiit the size of 

 the preceding animal. Its pelage is red above, without any spots ; 

 its chest is fawn coloured, speckled with brown. It is the Lynx of 

 the ancients, and inhabits the north and east of Africa, Arabia, and 

 Persia. Its habits differ but little from those of the Lynx. 



It preys chiefly upon Antelopes and Gazelles. It always 

 retains, when in captivity, a savage disposition, and a oreat 

 desire for liberty. 



