STORY OF A LYNX

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 117, 13 November 1937, Page 26

STORY OF A LYNX

One of the most remarkable of animal stories is "Mourzouk:' The Story of a Lynx." This is by. Vitaly Bianchi, *nd an illustrated translation has been published by Allen and Unwin. The story is remarkable for three things: for its convincing and completely unsentimental picture of a wild animal's response to wise and loving treatment; for the simple clarity and directness of its style; and for its honesty. '

The lynx was born in a Russian forest and adopted before its eyes were properly open by old Vassilich, a forester. He carried it home in the pouch of his blouse, fed it, and trained it with unfailing kindness, forming.a bond of friendship. Young readers will wish for more of Mourzouk's day-by-day life with the old man, when it herded the goats for -him and hunted game for his supper, and when, at their established signal, which was a shot in the air, it came bounding down the mountain side to the hut.

The author could have made a lovely, happy story out of this part of the lynx's life, but his sense of realism prevented him. It was unlikely that a poor old forester would have been left in peace for long with so beautiful and unusual a pet. It is grievous when Vassilich is tricked into parting with Mourzouk, but even these scenes are described with such detachment and sense of truth that the "sob in the throat" is avoided altogether. Adults as well as children will appreciate this book.