QUADRUPEDS. 15 
on their backs, and then insinuating his paw between the 
shells so as to scoop out the flesh. No instance is yet 
known of a Jaguar being tamed. 
THE PUMA. (Felis Concolor.) 
THE Puma, or American Lion, is smaller than the jaguar, 
and has a shrill hissing cry, very different from that of 
other animals of the cat kind. The fur is of a silvery fawn- 
colour, nearly white below, but becoming black at the 
head ; the animal has no mane, and its tail is without any 
tuft at the tip. The cubs are spotted when young. The 
habits of the Puma are somewhat peculiar ; when attacked, 
it climbs the nearest tree for safety, and there it is generally 
shot by its hunters. The flesh is eaten by the Indians, 
and it is said to be much prized by them. The Puma flies 
from the sight of man, and seldom attacks any animal 
larger than a sheep ; but when he can surprise a flock 
of sheep, he kills as many as he can, only sucking the 
blood of each. He never devours the whole of his 
prey at once, carefully covering up what he cannot 
