68 
Golden Pheasant ( Thaumaleapictd), and Amherst’s Pheas¬ 
ant (T. amherstia, ) are natives of China, but have largely 
been acclimated elsewhere. 
The magnificent Argus Pheasant (. Argusianus argus ) rivals 
the pea fowl in the display of feathers made by the male 
during the breeding season, and although the colors of the 
elongated feathers of the tail and wings are not brilliant as 
in the peacock, the quiet elegance of the pattern and shades 
borne by them constitute them an object of rare beauty. 
This species is found in Siam, Sumatra, and other parts of 
the Malayan region, but they are extremely delicate, rarely 
live long in captivity, and are not often seen in collections. 
Specimens of the eastern Wild Turkey ( Meleagris gallo- 
pavo) are kept here. This splendid bird is now nearly 
extinct except in the wilder parts of the Alleghenies. 
No. 29.—THE LYNX CAGE. 
The Common American Lynx or Wild Cat (Lynx rufus ) 
is distributed generally over the United States, and varies in 
color to so great an extent that some naturalists have in¬ 
sisted upon three or four not very well-defined species within 
the range of its distribution. Though in appearance it is 
ferocious to the last degree, it is in reality a cowardly beast, 
and subsists altogether upon small animals and birds. 
In most localities it is known as the Catamount. 
In the north it is replaced by the Canada Lynx (Z. cana¬ 
densis ), of somewhat larger size and grayer color. This 
species may also be known by the long tufts or pencils of hair 
which stand erect from the tip of the ear, and by its larger 
feet. As this lynx is found far to the north among the snows 
of British America, nature—fitting all things for their neces¬ 
sities—has developed the enormous paw which is character¬ 
istic of the species, to answer the part of a snow-shoe in 
enabling the animal to range at will and capture its prey 
on the surface of the snow, without sinking enough to be im¬ 
peded in its progress. 
A lynx closely similar is found in Europe and Asia, a fine 
specimen of which from Thibet, at present occupies this cage. 
The European Wild Cat (Felis catus ) is near at hand 
opposite the Monkey House, but as it rarely comes out during 
the day time, it is not often seen. 
