ORDER OF CARNIVORA. 
385 
The Greeks consecrated it to Bacchus, and Pliny has debited to 
its credit several absurd stories. Among others, he endows it 
with the faculty of seeing through walls ; hence the expression 
Lynx-eyed , which is adopted in our language to designate very 
keen vision. 
After these two varieties we will mention the Marsh Lynx, so 
named in consequence of its habits, which are quite exceptional 
Fig. 150.— Marsh Lynx. 
among the Felinse. This animal inhabits the Caucasus and 
i Eastern Africa, and is essentially aquatic. It delights in water, 
swims well, pursues marsh birds, and even dives for fish. 
We will say nothing of the American Lynxes, as their habits 
do not present any remarkable peculiarity. 
The Cheetah ( Gueparda jubata ). — The Cheetah or Hunting 
I Leopard forms the transition between the Felinse and Canina, or, 
in other terms, between the Dog and Cat. By its physical 
organisation and its character it belongs, in fact, to both these 
classes. It has weak, non-retractile claws, which are unfitted for 
tearing purposes ; but in its dentition it unmistakably shows its 
affinity to the Cat family. Its limbs are also longer, the vertebral 
column is less flexible, and the body more slender than that of the 
other Felinse, from whence results a greater aptitude for hunting. 
Its tail is curled over on itself at the extremity, a disposition 
very common in Dogs, but which is not observed in the Felinse. 
Its mildness, obedient temper, and attachment in domesticity, 
naturally define its place on the confines of the Feline and the 
Canine family. 
