Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/190

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152
THE BABYHOOD OF WILD BEASTS

tinge of contrasting colour is more pronounced in summer than in winter. Lynxes who live in high, dry countries are much lighter than those of damp, foggy countries. Ingersoll says:

"Those inhabiting the northern shores of the Mediterranean sea are redder and more spotted. They are strongly spotted when babies. This Lynx is the same as our southern variety and is called the pardine Lynx. One species of Lynx is found throughout Africa." The Canada Lynx rarely ranges south of Lake Superior. It is found in Quebec, New Brunswick and Maine. The skins are much sought after by the Indians and the big fur posts of the North. The Bay Lynx is first cousin to the Canada Lynx.

He certainly is the handsomest animal on the North American continent. He is smaller and more spotted than his big relative of the North. He is a beautiful reddish brown colour, with a face like a big tabby cat. He has fine large mustachios and a thick whisker under his chin; but the ear tassels of the Canada Lynx are missing. His feet are very small and dainty for such a big strapping fellow. They are not splayed and furry