Anecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of AnimalsLee, R., Mrs.
General
Anecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of Animals
Lee, R., Mrs.
Animal behavior -- Juvenile literature
as her strength would let her to the nearest neighbour's, a distance of
two miles, where she procured help for her wounded fingers, which were
long getting well. On his return, her husband found a male and female
jaguar in the forest close by, with their cubs; and all were destroyed.
As proof that these animals are as soon startled as the tiger, we are
told of an Indian, who saw a fierce-looking jaguar standing directly in
his path, at a distance of ten paces. At first he was extremely puzzled
to know what to do; but a sudden impulse prompted him to take off his
broad brimmed hat, make a low bow, and say, "A very good morning to you,
Sir;" and to his surprise, the jaguar turned round, and walked leisurely
away.
A very beautiful Ounce lived in the menagerie of the Jardin des Plantes,
in Paris, which became extremely tame; and Mdlle. Cuvier and I used
very often to go and take him a walk, leading him from his den to a
small space surrounded by high stakes: he required no other confinement
to ensure his obedience, than twisting our hands in the loose skin of
his neck, and he never failed at all times to recognise us with pleasure
if we went into his vicinity.
The Cheetah is gentle and affectionate, and successfully trained for
hunting.
CATS.
Cats are diminished examples of the feline race; but their fur is longer
than that of others, and they bear a greater resemblance to leopards
than to lions. The idea of majesty is not connected with them, but they
are celebrated for grace, elegance, suppleness, and insidiousness. There
is yet a wild species in existence, which inhabits the mountainous and
wooded districts of the northern part of England, and also Scotland,
where it used formerly to be very abundant. It is scarcely necessary to
give a description, even of the untamed species, so well known are the
general characters of these animals. It will be quite sufficient to say,
that the head of the latter is triangular, the soles of the feet of the
male are always black, their tails are bushy, they spring furiously upon
whoever approaches, and utter unearthly cries. Mr. St. John, when
walking up to his knees in heather, over broken ground, came suddenly
upon a wild cat. She rushed out between his legs, every hair standing
up. He cut a good sized stick; and three Skye terriers gave chase till
she took refuge in a corner, spitting and growling. On trying to
dislodge her, she flew at Mr. St. John's face, over the dog's heads; but
he struck her while in the air, and she fell among the dogs, who soon
dispatched her, even though they say, that a wild-cat has twelve instead
of nine lives. If one be taken, those in the neighbourhood are sure to
be also secured, as they will all, in the manner of foxes, assemble
round the body of their relation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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