What was the approximate population of lynx in 1865?

During the 1800s up to the early 1900s, the population of Lynx have seen a fluctuating trend. This is because of the presence and absence of its main prey which are hares. This predator-prey dynamics affects population of both species, meaning, when hares are abundant within the environment, lynx cats tend to also expand in population, and vice versa.

Yes he thought they should be left to chance why, because he thought that was the best thing to do