THE JAGUAR. (Felis Onca.) 
The Jaguar is a native of the New World, and is some- 
times called the American Tiger. He is generally 
larger and stronger than the leopard, which he re- 
sembles in colour ; but the black ring-like marks have 
always a spot in the centre, which is not the case with 
those of the leopard. The tail is also shorter, and the 
head larger and rounder. The Jaguar has great strength, 
and will kill a horse or an antelope, and carry it off. 
He is, however, a cowardly animal, always springing 
upon his prey from behind, and attacking in preference 
the hindmost of a herd. He fastens upon its neck, 
placing one paw upon the head, which he twists round 
with the other, and thus instantly deprives it of life. 
His principal haunt is the long grass on the banks of a 
river, where he often feeds upon turtles ; turning them 
on their backs, and then insinuating his paw between 
the shells so as to scoop out the flesh. He climbs trees 
and swims with great facility. 
