CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 5. CARNIYORA. 
281 
it is most common in Canada, It is of exceedingly retired habits, and feeds on grouse, liare, rab- 
bits, squirrels, &c. It occasionally catckes a wild goose, a marmot, a porcupine, and even a deer. 
The young fawns frequently become its victims. Like the rest of its kind, it breeds but once a 
year, and generally produces two at a birth. The skins are used for muffs and collars, and are 
much esteemed. Many hundreds of them are annually taken by the hunters and trappers. The 
Indians regard their flesh as good eating. When alarmed or pursued, it proceeds by leaps 
or bounds, and if hard pressed, takes to a tree. Its claws are of great strength, and it de- 
fends itself powerfully. It can leap from a great height without injury, and is likewise a good 
swimmer. 
This animal so nearly resembles the common lynx of Europe that it has been regarded as of the 
same species. This opinion is now generally abandoned. It is believed, however, that the same 
species exists in the northern parts of Asia. 
THE CHEETAH. 
P Genus GUEPARD, presents a single species, the Cheetah, Felis juhata, called also the Youze 
and Hunting-Leopard^ celebrated alike for its beauty and its interesting qualities. In its conforma- 
tion and character this animal seems to combine something of the dog and cat, whence it is called 
Cynailurus by some naturalists. It has a circular pupil, and is chiefly diurnal in its habits. In 
size and shape it is between the leopard and the hound. The color is yellowish fawn above, and 
nearly pure white beneath. It is covered on the upper parts with numerous black spots, from 
half an inch to an inch in diameter. A slight mane runs along the neck. The hair generally 
has a crispness, distinguishing it from the softness of that of the cat's. The skins are an article 
of some importance in the trade of the western coast of Africa. The intelligence, tractability, 
and fidelity of the cheetah are such that it has been trained to the chase of the antelope in the 
East. Several of them are carried to the field in low cars whereon they are chained, each one 
being hooded. When the hunters come within view of a herd of antelopes, one leopard is 
unchained, his hood is removed, and the game is pointed out to him; for he is directed in the 
pursuit by his sight. Perceiving the object, he steals along cautiously and crouchingly, taking 
advantage of every means of masking his attack, till he has approached the herd unseen, within 
killing distance, when he suddenly launches himself upon his quarry with five or six vigorous and 
rapid bounds, strangles it instantaneously, and drinks its blood. The huntsman now approaches 
the leopard, caresses him, wins him from his prey by placing the blood which he collects in a 
wooden ladle under the nose of the animal, or by throwing to him pieces of meat ; and while he 
is thus kept quiet, hoods him, leads him back to his car, and then chains him. If the leopard 
fails in his attack, he returns to his den with a mournful and dejected air. 
Of the habits of the hunting-leopard in a state of nature we have but little knowledge. It is 
Vol. L— 36 
