LYNX RUFUS. 
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LYNX RUFUS 'Gn.elin) Raf. 
Wild Cat; Bay Lynx; “ Chat Cervier .” 
The Wild Cat is, for some reason, an extremely rare animal in the 
Ad irondacks. It may be that our climate is too severe for it, since 
it is much more common farther south. 
It frequents rocky hills and ledges, and does not show that antip- 
athy to civilization so marked in its congener, the Lynx. In fact it 
is often quite common in thickly settled portions of the State, and 
sometimes proves of much annoyance to the farmer by carrying off 
lambs, little pigs, and poultry — ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens 
proving alike acceptable. Away from the farm-yard it feeds upon 
rabbits, squirrels, mice, grouse, and what small birds it is fortunate 
enough to capture. It generally makes its nest in a hollow tree 
or log, and lines it well with moss. From two to four young con- 
stitute a litter, the most frequent number being three. 
In 1873 or 1 8 7 4- I shot a grouse as it was flying along the north 
side of Mt. Tom, in Massachusetts. Scarcely had it touched the 
rocky slope when a Wild Cat sprang upon it, from behind a neigh- 
boring bush, and, in a succession ol rapid leaps, started up the side 
of the mountain with the grouse in its mouth. The contents of the 
other barrel of my gun caused him to change his mind as well as 
direction. 
I have eaten the flesh of the Wild Cat, and can pronounce it excel- 
lent. It is white, very tender, and suggests veal more than any other 
meat with which 1 am familiar. 
When enraged, this animal is the most ferocious-looking beast I 
have ever seen, and hisses, spits, and growls in the most unattractive 
manner imaginable. 
The term “ Wild Cat'' is sometimes also applied to certain erratic 
individuals of the domestic cat kind, that have become wild and make 
their homes in the forest, bringing forth their young in hollow logs, 
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