self
overpowered.

The jaguar, or, as he is sometimes called, "ounce" (_Felis onca_), and
by most Spanish-Americans "tiger," is the largest and most ferocious of
all the American _Felidae_. He stands third in rank as to these
qualities--the lion and tiger of the Eastern continent taking precedence
of him. Specimens of the jaguar have been seen equal in size to the
Asiatic tiger; but the average size of the American animal is much less.
He is strong enough, however, to drag a dead horse or ox to his den--
often to a distance of a quarter of a mile--and this feat has been
repeatedly observed.

The jaguar is found throughout all the tropical countries of Spanish
America, and is oftener called tiger (_tigre_) than jaguar. This is a
misapplied name; for although he bears a considerable likeness to the
tiger, both in shape and habits, yet the markings of his skin are quite
different. The tiger is striated or striped, while the black on the
jaguar is in beautiful eye-like rosettes. The leopard is more like the
jaguar than any other creature; and the panther and cheetah of the
Eastern continent also resemble him. The markings of the jaguar, when
closely examined, differ from all of these. The spots on the animals of
the old world are simple spots or black rings, while those of the
American species are rings with a single spot in the middle, forming
_ocellae_, or eyes. Each, in fact, resembles a rosette.

Jaguars are not always of the same colour. Some have skins of an orange
yellow, and these are the most beautiful. Others are lighter-coloured;
and individuals have been killed that were nearly white. But there is a
"black jaguar," which is thought to be of a different species. It is
larger and fiercer than the other, and is found in the very hottest
parts of the Great Montana. Its skin is not quite jet-black, but of a
deep maroon brown; and upon close inspection, the spots upon it can be
seen of a pure black. This species is more dreaded by the inhabitants
of those countries than the other; and it is said always to attack man
wherever it may encounter him.

In the forests of South America, the jaguar reigns with undisputed sway.
All the other beasts fear, and fly from him. His roar produces terror
and confusion among the animated creation, and causes them to fly in
every direction. It is never heard by the Indian without some feeling
of fear,--and no wonder; for a year does not pass without a number of
thes