the other down a steep bank. Having reloaded he rushed forward; but, by this time, the leopard had seized the unfortunate man by the throat, and mangled him dreadfully. His comrade had only the melancholy satisfaction of dispatching the savage beast, already exhausted by loss of blood, from several deep wounds inflicted by the knife of his expiring companion.

THE LYNX.

THE lynx, which is an inhabitant both of the Old and New World, differs considerably from every other animal of the cat kind. Its distinguishing characteristic is the length and erect position of the ears, which are tipped with a tuft of long black hair; a circumstance that has procured it in Hindostan the name of seahgosh, or, black ear. The length of the

body is upwards of four feet, and that of the tail not more than six inches. Its general colour is reddish grey, slightly spotted with black, and white beneath; the tail is black at the tip. The legs and feet are thick and strong, and the eyes of a pale yellow. The fur of this animal is highly valued for its warmth and softness. Considerable quantities of skins are imported from the northern parts of Europe and America, and the farther north the animals are taken, the more beautiful is their fur, being whiter, and the spots more distinct. The Hudson's Bay Company alone has imported in one year not fewer than nine thousand skins.

The lynx hunts for its prey like the other individuals of the cat family. In this pursuit it climbs to the tops of the highest trees; and neither the weasel, the ermine, nor the squirrel can escape it. There, too, it watches for the fallowdeer, the hare, and other animals; darting down

from among the branches where it lies concealed, seizing them by the throat, and sucking their blood: after which it leaves them, and goes in quest of fresh game. It is conse

quently a very destructive animal, not easily satisfied with carnage, and sometimes makes great havoc among flocks. When attacked by a dog, it will throw itself down upon its back, and make so desperate a defence with its claws as frequently to repel the assailant.

In Hindostan the lynx is trained to the pursuit of jackals, foxes, and birds.

THE PUMA.

THE puma, or couguar, is a large species of the genus Felis, a native of South America, to which the name of lion was originally but improperly applied. It has a much greater resemblance to the panther tribe. Its body is