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ARBUCKLES' ALBUM
OF
ILLUSTRATED NATURAL HISTORY


(Actual Size: 6-7/8" x 11-1/8" - shown approx. 1/2 scale)
CLICK on any animal to see the corresponding card as it was originally issued.

Puma, Zibeth, Rimau-Da-Han, European Lynx
(Felis concolor, Viverra zibetha, Felis macrocelis, Lynx virgatus)


(facing page)

Puma.

The puma has been known by a variety of names, including the American lion, the panther, the cougar, the carcajou (which is entirely a different animal) and the "painter." It is rather large, but on account of its small head appears to be less powerful than it really is. Its total length is about six and a half feet, of which two feet is tail. The tip of the tail is black, but it is destitute of the black tuft of hair characteristic of the true lion. Its limbs are extremely thick and muscular, as need be for an animal whose life is spent almost entirely in climbing trees, and whose subsistence is gained only by the exercise of mingled activity and force. The puma has been known to track human beings for long distances, awaiting its opportunity of springing unobservedly upon the passer-by; but it is said not to be able to stand the steady gaze of the eye, and even when impelled by hunger to attack mankind, has thus been discomfited. The experiment, however, is not one to be coveted. The puma is a bad neighbor for the farmer, and has been known to kill fifty sheep in one night, acting always with such craft that it can seldom be caught while engaged in such destruction, or be prevented from doing it. Much of its food is small animals. It has a habit of hiding itself among the branches till ready to spring. When taken young it can be domesticated, and will follow its master like a dog.


Zibeth.

The zibeth, or zibet, is a kind of civet found in India and some of the adjacent islands. It is also called the Asiatic or Indian civet. It secretes an odoriferous substance like that of other civets, and when tamed lives in the countries where it is found, like a domestic cat. It is usually more than two feet long, the tail being about ten inches. It is sometimes reared in large numbers for its civet, in establishments conducted for that purpose. The quantity of civet which a single animal affords depends generally upon its health and nourishment. It gives more in proportion as it is more delicately and abundantly fed. The zibeth differs from others of its kind in having a longer and more slender body, smaller nose, ears longer and broader, and there is no mane of long hair running down its back, and the tail is longer, and better marked with rings from one end to the other.


Rimau-Dahan.

This is the clouded or tortoise-shell tiger. The last half of the native name given it in Sumatra--dahan--signifies a forked bough, from its habit of lying in wait stretched along the branch of a tree with its head in the fork. It is gentle in disposition, despite its size and strength, which equal, or nearly approach, those of the tiger and the leopard. It generally restricts its depredations to small deer and birds, making sad havoc with poultry. Its head is small in proportion to its body; its skull being long and low, and it has a mild and pleasant expression of countenance. It is not common, and even in Sumatra is not often found. The tail of this beautiful animal is peculiarly capable of that curious expansion familiar to us in the domestic cat when she is irritated. Its limbs, although apparently short in proportion to the dimensions of the body, are very thick and powerful, and altogether it presents the appearance of an animal which, if it chose to be offensive, might be a truly fearful antagonist. Its usual length is three and a half feet; tail thirty-two inches.


Lynx.

A wild cat, with short tail, penciled ears, and twenty-eight teeth. It is considerably larger than any house cat, and has a short body, large and long limbs, usually bearded cheeks, and tufted ears. It is famed for its far-sightedness, which, however, is probably no greater than that of any other cat. In the European lynx the color varies with the different seasons of the year. The lynx found in Canada has longer hair, its limbs are very powerful, and its feet thick and heavy. It is not dangerous to man. The American hare is its favorite food. It is a good swimmer, and able to cross water two miles wide or more. It is easily killed by a blow on the back, with a small stick. Its flesh is eaten, but although tender, is devoid of flavor. Its howl has considerable resemblance to that of a wolf. In captivity it is ferocious, frequently expresses its malignity in a kind of snarling scream, and is seldom, or never tamed. In the time of the Romans the lynx appeared to have been common in France, whence considerable numbers were brought for the games of the circus at Rome. Nowadays it is very rare, if not extinct there. It occurs in Spain, but more frequently in Germany, and still more so in the countries of the north, where its fur forms an article of commerce.