Game of all sorts in consequence abounded at the Chimneys, capybaras, pigeons, agouties, grouse, etc.

The greater part of these animals were killed in the part of the forest on the left bank of the Mercy, to which they gave the name of Jacamar Wood, in remembrance of the bird which Pencroft and Herbert had pursued when on their first exploration.
This game was eaten fresh, but they preserved some capybara hams, by smoking them above a fire of green wood, after having perfumed them with sweet-smelling leaves.

However, this food, although very strengthening, was always roast upon roast, and the party would have been delighted to hear some soup bubbling on the hearth, but they must wait till a pot could be made, and, consequently, till the oven was built.
During these excursions, which were not extended far from the brick-field, the hunters could discern the recent passage of animals of a large size, armed with powerful claws, but they could not recognize the species.

Cyrus Harding advised them to be very careful, as the forest probably enclosed many dangerous beasts.
And he did right.

Indeed, Gideon Spilett and Herbert one day saw an animal which resembled a jaguar.