CARNIVORA. 
62 
THE CARACAL*, OR PERSIAN LYNX. LE CARACAL. 
Felis Caracal, L. 
The caracal is not spotted, like the common lynx ; 
the hair is shorter and more harsh, the tail is longer, 
and uniform in colour; the muzzle is longer, and 
the whole appearance of the animal much less gentle; 
and, in fact, it is also much more ferocious in dispo- 
sition. In other respects it accords with the lynx, 
except also in its residence, as it is a native of hotter 
parts of the world, and is found in all those countries, 
which are pestered with the lion, the panther, and 
the ounce. 
The caracal is about the size of a fox, but is much 
stronger, and more ferocious, and will easily destroy 
a powerful dog. It appears to possess a degree of 
generosity in common with the lion ; for, if its ap- 
petite be satiated, like that animal, it is no longer an 
enemy, in which respect it is reported to differ from 
the tiger and the panther. 
The caracal is said sometimes to satisfy its appetite 
with the overplus of the lion’s meal ; and, for the 
purpose of so doing, is thought to follow closely this 
animal, which it can escape by ascending trees; 
* From the Turkish word karrah-kulak, or kara-coulac, which 
signifies a cat of the desert, according to Bruce. 
