The PERSIAN LYNX.
This animal belongs to the Cat Tribe, and is cloſely allied to the Ounce and Panther; and, notwithſtanding Nature has beſtowed a diſpoſition fierce and ſavage, they frequently are made tame and ſubſervient to the amuſements of the chace. For the entertainment of the Grandees they are taken young, brought up tame, and early accuſtomed to the chace of both beaſts and birds. They are carried to the place of diverſion on horſeback behind a rider, and when ſhewn the game, run at it with great ſpeed, and, jumping on its back, inſidiouſly creep forward, and ſcratch out the eyes; thus effecting by art what their ſtrength could not achieve, they never openly attack any animal, but ſuch as their ſuperior force can readily overcome. One fell on a hound, which it killed and tore to pieces in a moment, notwithſtanding the dog defended itſelf to the utmoſt. They ſurpriſe with great addreſs the larger kinds of birds, ſuch as Cranes, Pelicans, Peacocks, &c.
The Perſian Lynx is called alſo the Lion’s Provider, becauſe the natives report they ſeek out and hunt down proviſion for the Lion; this is generally ſuppoſed to be the cauſe aſſigned to the effect; as they inhabit the ſame climate and countries as the Lion, it is moſt probable they frequently attend upon and partake of his leavings: the ſame report alſo informs us, that when they call the Lion, the voice reſembles that of one perſon calling another.
The Turks call it Karrah-Kulak—that is, black ears—The Perſians, to the ſame purpoſe, name it Siyah-guſh. Mr. Buffon calls it the Caracal.
The ſize of the Perſian Lynx is ſomething larger than a full-grown fox, colour not quite ſo red, fur not ſo long, reſembling more that of an hare; cheſt and belly part white, has a very long viſage, and over-hanging eye-lid, which gives a very ſly, inſidious and ſulky appearance; the ears large and thin, inſide white, black on the outſide, with a radiating tuft of hair on each of the ſame. Inhabits the warmer climates of Aſia.
