LYNXES. 
441 
Both these are, however, now generally regarded as mere geographical races of 
the bay lynx. 
In the Adirondacks the bay lynx is very rare, probably on account of the 
climate being too severe for it, as it is far more common to the southward. “ It 
frequents rocky hills and ledges,” writes Dr. Merriam, “ and does not show that 
antipathy to civilisation so marked in its congener the [Canadian] 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 equally acceptable. Away 
from the farmyard it feeds upon rabbits, squirrels, mice, grouse, and what small 
THE PARDINE LYNX (g nat. size). 
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 constitute a 
litter, the most frequent number being three.” Dr. Merriam mentions the extremely 
spiteful disposition of the bay lynx, and adds, “ I have eaten the flesh of the wild 
cat, and can pronounce it excellent. It is white, very tender, and suggests veal 
more than any other meat with which I am familiar.” 
The last of the American lynxes which the transatlantic naturalists now regard 
as a distinct species, is the plateau lynx (F. baileyi). This form takes its name 
from inhabiting the high plateau of Colorado, Utah, and Arizona; and is said to 
differ from the bay lynx in being uniformly paler above, and also by its shorter 
tail and softer fur. The back is suffused with a buff tint, and the blackish 
marblings found on the face and forehead of the bay lynx are wanting, while the 
black at the tip of the tail occupies a smaller area than in the latter. There is 
