THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



the upper part of each of the fore legs; head and body rather slender; 

 tail short; legs and ears long, the latter being somewhat rounded 

 and devoid of the long hairs on the tip peculiar to the Lynx.] 



At the present time it is only on extremely rare occasions that this 

 very pretty and graceful animal is found any considerable distance 

 South of the Tropic of Capricorn; Northward throughout South- 

 central Africa it is fairly common, frequenting the thick bush in the 

 vicinity of the rivers. The karosses made from its skin are only 

 worn by the chiefs and the very high dignitaries amongst the 

 native tribes, and are, in consequence, eagerly sought after, on 

 which account the species runs a chance of rapid extermination. Its 

 usual prey consists of the young of the smaller antelopes, Franco- 

 lins, and Guinea Fowl, to the latter of which it is a most destructive 

 enemy in the breeding season. When obtained young, the Serval 

 can be tamed with little trouble, and makes an exceedingly beautiful 

 and docile pet, but it is at first difficult to rear, and even in a state 

 of domestication always bears a singular and most unaccountable 

 aversion to black men, its otherwise even temper being at once 

 aroused at the appearance of a native. When in anger, it is by no 

 means a despicable antagonist, and very few dogs will engage in 

 combat with it single handed. Entirely nocturnal in habits, it may 

 be passed over from a sporting point of view. 



The Caracal or Red Lynx {Felis caracal). — Rooi Kat of the 

 Dutch. 



[Height 15 or 16 inches. The colour varies in different specimens 

 from light red to purplish brown.^ being free from spots or markings, 

 but darker along the centre of back; throat and under parts white; 

 body long, thick-set, and powerful; legs and tail short; ears very 

 long, gradually tapering to a point, back and tips being black, the 

 latter having long pencilled hairs of the same colour.] 



The range of the Caracal is far more extended than the Serval, but 

 if still met with South of the Orange River it must be only on very 

 rare occasions. It is said to be tamed by some of the native princes 

 in India for hunting small game in a similar manner to the Cheetah. 

 Climatic influence may have something to do with the disposition 

 of the animal, as in South Africa, when its size is taken into 

 consideration, it is justly reputed to be, without exception, the 



