Although lynxes are not so numerous in America as wolves, they are
equally destructive, and individually more daring--attacking deer and
smaller animals when they can take them at a disadvantage. They seldom
fly, as wolves do, on the first approach of man. In size, the largest
does not exceed the dimensions of an English mastiff. The Canadian lynx
is frequently termed the Peeshoo, and sometimes "Le Chat" by the French
Canadians. His coat is covered with long hairs of a dark grey hue,
besprinkled with black, the extremities of which are white, with dark
mottlings here and there on the back. Sometimes the fur is of a ruddy
chestnut tinge, and the limbs are darker than the rest of the body--
which is about three feet long. The animal possesses powerful limbs,
and thick, heavy feet, furnished with strong, white claws. When moving
over the ground it leaps in successive bounds, its back being slightly
arched, and all its feet pitching at the same time. It also swims well,
and can cross rivers and lakes a couple of miles broad. Strong as it
is, it appears it is easily killed by a blow on the back with a slight
stick. It ranges throughout the greater part of the continent, and is
shot or trapped for the sake of its fur, which is of considerable value.