206 
ANIMALS. 
before him. The Tiger, unable to distinguish between the 
" shadow and the substance," springs at the bulkiest part of the 
object, and as he passes, receives a dexterous blow across the 
neck from the machete, which generally proves fatal. On 
some of the larger estates there is usually a " tigrero," or tiger- 
hunter, who is exclusively detailed to destroy the wild beasts 
that prey upon the herds of cattle. A number of dogs trained 
for the purpose are employed to worry the Tiger until he seeks 
refuge in a tree, where he is easily dispatched by a ball from 
the escopeta of the tigrero. A peculiarity which distinguishes 
these dogs is, that they never yelp on the scent, but follow as 
noiselessly as possible ; otherwise the Tiger, being made aware 
of the approach, will leap from the trail for a great distance into 
a tree, and, concealing himself in the density of the foliage, 
escape. Some of their skins are exceedingly beautiful, the 
ground color being of a pale brownish yellow, variegated on 
the upper part of the body by dark oblong streaks, while the 
thighs and extremities are similarly marked with spots of black. 
The Puma (Felis discolor) is also quite common. This animal 
is somewhat larger than the Tiger, but less destructive, generally 
preying upon smaller individuals. In the immense wilderness 
which intervenes between the settled portions of the country, 
both Tigers and Lions are surprisingly numerous, and roam un- 
molested throughout the dark, dense forest. 
The Ocelote {Felis par dolls) differs but little from the Jaguar, 
except in point of size, and is found in great numbers. The 
same may be said of the Wild-cat. 
The Coyoto, which seems to be peculiar to Mexico, and very 
numerous on the Isthmus, is thus quaintly described by the 
Abbe Clavigero : " It is a wild beast, voracious like the wolf, 
cunning like the fox, in form like the dog, and in some quali- 
ties like the jackal. It is less than the wolf, and almost the size 
of a mastiff, but slenderer. It has yellow, sparkling eyes, small 
ears, pointed and erect, a blackish snout, strong limbs, and its 
feet armed with large crooked nails. Its tail is thick and 
heavy, and its skin a mixture of black, brown, and white. Its 
voice hath both the howl of the wolf and the bark of the dog. 
The Coyoto is one of the most common quadrupeds of Mexico, 
