64 
CARNIVORA. 
described by this naturalist was no other than the 
dark variety of the caracal now exhibiting at Exeter 
’Change, and that Major Smith’s animal is previously 
imdescribed, or an accidental variety. 
THE COMMON LYNX. LE LYNX. 
Felis Lynx. L. 
The common lynx has a tail much shorter than that 
of those already mentioned, not exceeding six inches 
in length. Buffon, in his learned description of the 
lynx, says, it much resembles the cat in make, 
manners, and habits. Although sometimes called 
^ the loup cervier, or stag wolf, either because it attacks 
the genus cervus, or because its fur is spotted some- 
thing in the manner of a young stag, it possesses 
nothing of the character of the wolf ; unless, indeed, 
in having a distant similarity of voice, by which, 
when far off^ it may be mistaken for that animal. 
The lynx is generally about the size of a fox, 
but its legs are shorter in proportion to its size ; the 
fur is long, the spots are indistinct, and the ears 
large, and terminated with a pencil of hair. Its 
physiognomy and general appearance are rather 
gentle than savage 5 and it is said to be of a less 
ferocious disposition than several of the tribe. It 
walks, and leaps, or bounds like a cat; and hunts 
