ed by the carcass, assemble from
far and near to their expected feast, when the puma springs out to drive
them off. The gauchos of the Pampas, observing the birds rise together
on the wing, hurry with men and dogs to the chase. Whirling their bolas
round their heads, they quickly entangle the animal's limbs, and then,
throwing their lassoes over it, drag it along the ground till rendered
insensible, when its brains are quickly beaten out. In Chili it is
hunted with dogs, or, driven up a tree, is easily shot. It is noted for
its craft. When once it has been betrayed when watching a carcass, and
has managed to make its escape, it is said never to resume that habit.
When pursued it will stop and spring on one side, and wait till the dogs
have passed by. Unlike the jaguar, which is among the most noisy of
beasts of prey, the puma seldom utters any sound, even when wounded, but
silently takes its way, its presence only known as it makes the fatal
spring on its victim.

THE JAGUAR.

The Indian, as he roams through the forest, turns many a cautious look
over his shoulder, lest the savage jaguar, with stealthy feet, may be
following his trail. Meeting the monarch of his forests face to face,
he fears it not, provided he is armed with a bow and poisoned arrows, or
sumpitan and envenomed dart, which will soon compel the fierce creature
to succumb to its deadly influence.

Of the jaguar, or ounce (Felis onca), there are two species--the one of
a palish brown-yellow, variegated on the upper parts of the body with
streaks and regular oblong spots of black; while the other is of a
general black hue, and is considered the more savage of the two. It
reaches a size which may vie with the tigers of India, though it is
often not much larger than a wolf. It is frequently called the tiger or
panther of the New World. The tail is not so long as the body. In
outward appearance it closely resembles the leopard, especially in its
arborial habits, as by means of its powerful claws it can with ease
spring up the trunk of a tree, and make its way along the branches,
ready to pounce down upon a foe. Nearly every creature of the forests
and arid plains over which it roams, and many which frequent the margins
of the rivers and lakes, have to dread its voracious jaws. It will
spring from the bough, along which it lies crouching, on the back of the
thick-skinned tapir, which, with those powerful claws clinging to its
hide, dashes terror