MAMMALIA. 
384 
however, eat the flesh of large victims, unless its hunger is ex- 
treme ; hut generally is satisfied by sucking out the brain. 
Taken young, it becomes accustomed to captivity, and is fond 
of being caressed ; but it will return to its wild life if oppor- 
tunity offers, so really never becomes attached to its master. It is 
an extremely cleanly animal, and, like the Cat, passes a large 
portion of its time in washing and cleansing its fur. 
Fig. 149. — Tlie Caragal ( telis caracal , Buff.). 
The Caracal ( Caracal melanotis), Fig. 149, is about the size of 
the preceding animal. Its pelage is red above, without any spots ; j 
its chest is fawn coloured, speckled with brown. It is the Lynx of 
the ancients, and inhabits the north and east of Africa, Arabia, and I 
Persia. Its habits differ but little from those of the Lynx. 
It preys chiefly upon Antelopes and Gazelles. It always ! 
retains, when in captivity, a savage disposition, and a great ; 
desire for liberty. 
