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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Cats and All About Them, by Harrison Weir
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Our Cats and All About Them
+       Their Varieties, Habits, and Management; and for Show, the
+       Standard of Excellence and Beauty; Described and Pictured
+
+Author: Harrison Weir
+
+Release Date: March 2, 2011 [EBook #35450]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR CATS AND ALL ABOUT THEM ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, woodie4 and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at
+http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from
+images generously made available by The Internet
+Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  Our Cats
+
+  BY
+
+  Harrison Weir.
+
+  [Illustration:]
+
+
+  [Illustration: The Author
+
+  With all good wishes,
+  Yours truly
+  Harrison Weir
+  1889
+
+  Engraved by R. TAYLOR, from a Photograph by G. GLANVILLE,
+  of Tunbridge Wells.]
+
+
+
+
+  OUR CATS
+
+  AND
+
+  ALL ABOUT THEM.
+
+  THEIR VARIETIES,
+
+  HABITS, AND MANAGEMENT;
+
+  AND FOR SHOW,
+
+  THE STANDARD OF
+
+  EXCELLENCE AND BEAUTY;
+
+  DESCRIBED AND PICTURED
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+  BY
+
+  HARRISON WEIR, F.R.H.S.
+
+  _NEW EDITION._
+
+  London:
+  PUBLISHED BY THE "FANCIERS' GAZETTE," LIMITED,
+  54-57, IMPERIAL BUILDINGS, LUDGATE CIRCUS.
+  1892.
+
+  [_All rights reserved._]
+
+
+
+  TO MY DEAR WIFE,
+
+  Alice Mary,
+
+  I DEDICATE THIS BOOK,
+
+  IN TOKEN OF MY APPRECIATION OF HER GENTLE AND TENDER
+
+  KINDNESS TOWARDS ALL ANIMAL LIFE,
+
+  MORE PARTICULARLY
+
+  "THE CAT."
+
+  "_Iddesleigh," Sevenoaks._
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+                 "What is aught, but as 'tis valued?"
+                                    _Troilus and Cressida_, Act II.
+
+
+The following notes and illustrations of and respecting the Cat are the
+outcome of over fifty years' careful, thoughtful, heedful observation,
+much research, and not unprofitable attention to the facts and fancies
+of others. From a tiny child to the present, the love of Nature has been
+my chief delight; animals and birds have not only been objects of study,
+but of deep and absorbing interest. I have noted their habits, watched
+their ways, and found lasting pleasure in their companionship. This love
+of animal life and Nature, with all its moods and phases, has grown with
+me from childhood to manhood, and is not the least enjoyable part of my
+old age.
+
+Among animals possibly the most perfect, and certainly the most
+domestic, is the Cat. I did not think so always, having had a bias
+against it, and was some time coming to this belief; nevertheless, such
+is the fact. It is a veritable part of our household, and is both
+useful, quiet, affectionate, and ornamental. The small or large dog may
+be regarded and petted, but is generally _useless_; the Cat, a pet or
+not, _is of service_. Were it not for our Cats, rats and mice would
+overrun our house, buildings, cultivated and other lands. If there were
+not _millions_ of Cats, there would be _billions_ of vermin.
+
+Long ages of neglect, ill-treatment, and absolute cruelty, with little
+or no gentleness, kindness, or training, have made the Cat
+self-reliant; and from this emanates the marvellous powers of
+observation, the concentration of which has produced a state analogous
+to reasoning, not unmixed with timidity, caution, wildness, and a
+retaliative nature.
+
+But should a new order of things arise, and it is nurtured, petted,
+cosseted, talked to, noticed, and _trained_, with mellowed firmness and
+tender gentleness, then in but a few generations much evil that bygone
+cruelty has stamped into its often wretched existence will disappear,
+and it will be more than ever not only a useful, serviceable helpmate,
+but an object of increasing interest, admiration, and cultured beauty,
+and, thus being of value, profitable.
+
+Having said this much, I turn to the pleasurable duty of recording my
+deep sense of the kindness of those warm-hearted friends who have
+assisted me in "my labour of love," not the least among these being
+those publishers, who, with a generous and prompt alacrity, gave me
+permission to make extracts, excerpts, notes, and quotations from the
+following high-class works, their property. My best thanks are due to
+Messrs. Longmans & Co., Blaine's "Encyclop�dia of British Sports;" Allen
+& Co., Rev. J. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore;" Cassell &
+Company (Limited), Dr. Brewer's "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," and
+"Old and New London;" Messrs. Chatto & Windus, "History of Sign-boards;"
+Mr. J. Murray, Jamieson's "Scottish Dictionary," and others. I am also
+indebted to Messrs. Walker & Boutal, and The Phototype Company, for the
+able manner in which they have rendered my drawings; and for the careful
+printing, to my good friends Messrs. Charles Dickens & Evans.
+
+                                                         HARRISON WEIR.
+
+"IDDESLEIGH," SEVENOAKS,
+       _May_ 5_th_, 1889.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO NEW EDITION.
+
+              "'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful."
+                                                  _Othello._
+
+
+Some time has passed since I published my book, "Our Cats and all about
+them," in 1889, and much has taken place regarding these household pets.
+All know as well as myself that each and everything about us changes,
+nothing stands still; that which is of to-day is past, and that which
+was hidden often revealed, sometimes by mere accident, at others by
+scientific research; but one was scarcely prepared in any way for so
+wonderful "a find" as that of the large number of "mummy" Cats at Beni
+Hassan, Central Egypt. They were discovered by an Egyptian fellah,
+employed in husbandry, who tumbled into a pit which, on further
+examination, proved to be a large subterranean cave completely filled
+with mummy Cats, every one of which had been separately embalmed and
+wrapped in cloth, after the manner of the Egyptian human mummies, all
+being laid out carefully in rows; and here they had lain probably about
+three or four thousand years. The "totem" of a section of the ancients,
+as is well known, was the Cat; hence when a Cat died it was buried with
+due honours, being embalmed, and often decorated in various ways, and,
+in short, had as much attention paid to it as a human being. It had long
+been believed that a Cat cemetery existed on the east bank of the Nile,
+and in the autumn of 1889 the lucky Egyptian, about 100 miles from
+Cairo, came unexpectedly upon it.
+
+Immediately on "the find" becoming known, "specimen" mummy Cats were
+written for to agents in Egypt, one friend of mine sending for four, and
+it appeared for a while that much money would be realised by the owner
+of the cave or land in this way; but the number was too great, and the
+prices and the interest gave way, and, sad to relate, these former
+"Deities" were dug out of their resting-place by hundreds of thousands,
+and quickly sold to local farmers, being used for enriching the land.
+Other lots found their way to an Alexandrian merchant, and were by him
+sent to Liverpool on board the steamer _Pharos and Thebes_.
+
+The consignment consisted of 19� tons, and were sold by auction, mostly
+being bought by a local "fertiliser" merchant. The auction was only
+known to the trade, and the lots were "knocked down" at the "giving
+away" sums of �3 13_s._ 9_d._, �3 17_s._, to �4 5_s._ _per ton_, the big
+and the perfect ones being picked out for the museum and private
+collections. The broker who sold used a head of one of these Cats in
+lieu of an auctioneer's hammer. And now these tons of "deified" Cats are
+used for manure, and in our English soil plants grow into them, and on
+them, and of them; and, if it be true, as chemists assert, these plants
+take into their system that on which they feed, and so, if so, possibly
+in our very bread that we have eaten, we have swallowed "_a little_ at a
+time part of if not the whole of a deified cat."
+
+I made several endeavours to find out from those on the spot at
+Liverpool whether there was any hair of colours in existence among the
+mass of bodies; but in no case could I succeed in getting any, as I had
+hoped by this means to possibly come to some conclusion as to the kind
+or breed. Of course, it is well known from mummies long in this country
+what form, size, and general appearance the Egyptian possessed; but as
+yet, as far as I can learn, no one has found so much, if any, of the fur
+as to be able to determine the colour.
+
+Apropos with the above, as applying the bodies of the mummy Cats for
+manure, comes the modern idea of keeping Cats for their fur. It is
+stated that a company has been formed in America for that purpose in
+Washington, and an island of some size has been bought or leased for
+the purpose. The intention is to raise entirely black Cats; and as their
+place of abode will be surrounded by water, it is conjectured that after
+the first importation they will go on propagating and producing only
+Cats of that beautiful though sombre dark hue. The Cats with which the
+island is to be stocked are to be procured from Holland, where already
+the "industry" is "at work." So much so that a friend of mine, an
+elderly gentleman, sending to a furrier in Holland to know what kind of
+fur he would recommend as the best for warmth, received the reply that
+Cats' skins "were the most useful and warmest." A few days ago he called
+on me wrapped in a cloth coat, with fur collar and cuffs, and _lining
+throughout of black Cats' skins_, and I am bound to say that the general
+appearance was much in its favour; he also stated that he was in every
+way perfectly satisfied.
+
+By-the-bye, the Cat Company intend to feed their Cats on fish, which
+abound about the shores of their island, and so they affirm the food
+will cost nothing, and their profits consequently be very large. But in
+this I hope they have been well informed as to the adaptability of the
+Cat to feed _entirely_ on fish, for of this I have my doubts; certainly
+those I have had did not appear to thrive if they had fish too often.
+
+Again, as the Cats are to roam the island at their "own sweet will," I
+take it there will be at times some "damaging of fur" by the playful way
+in which they so often engage, when jealousy incites them to mortal
+combat. But possibly this has been considered and duly entered in the
+"profit and loss" account.
+
+While writing that portion of my book in which I referred to the
+superstitions connected with the domestic Cat, and the amazing stories
+told of the witches' Cats, I felt convinced that in those darkened and
+foolish times that the very fact of the wonderful faculty the Cat
+possesses of applying what it observes to its own purposes was in some
+way the cause of the ignorant and superstitious considering that it was
+"possessed" of an evil spirit. I therefore searched for proofs among the
+evidence given at the trial of witches, and was, as I expected, rewarded
+for my trouble. What a Cat would do now would not unreasonably be
+thought clever and showing much sagacity, if not attributes of a deeper
+kind.
+
+Yet I find that at a trial for witchcraft, the following questions were
+put to a man: "Well! and what did you see?" "Well! I saw her Cat walk up
+and try to open the door by the latch." "What did you do?" "I
+immediately killed it." This, which is now regarded as an everyday
+example of the intelligence of the Cat, bore hardly in the evidence
+against the witch. Sir Walter Scott, in his letter on "Demonology and
+Witchcraft," tells of "a poor old woman condemned, as usual, on her own
+confession, and on the testimony of a neighbour, who deposed that he saw
+a Cat jump in the accused person's cottage through the window at
+twilight, one evening, and that he verily believed the Cat to be the
+devil, on which precious testimony the poor wretch was hanged." One more
+note and I leave the subject. A certain carpenter, named William
+Montgomery, was so infested with Cats, which, as his servant-maid
+reported, "spoke among themselves," that he fell in a rage upon a party
+of these animals, which had assembled in his house at irregular hours,
+and betwixt his Highland arms of knife, dirk, and broadsword, and his
+professional weapon of an axe, he made such a dispersion that they were
+quiet for the night. In consequence of his blows _two witches_ are said
+to have died.
+
+Since writing of the English wild Cat, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.
+Francis Darwin (brother of Mr. Charles Darwin) on board the steamboat
+going to St. Servan, when, in the course of conversation, he informed me
+that a wild Cat was killed at Bramhope Moor Plantation, in 1841, a
+keeper having caught it in _two_ traps.
+
+In February of this year, 1891, my kind friend, Mr. Dresser, of
+Orpington, the well-known naturalist, wrote to me to know whether I
+would like to have a kitten half-bred between the British Wild Cat and a
+domestic she Cat, which I was unfortunately obliged to decline, fearing
+it would "make matters unpleasant" with what I had. He very kindly
+supplied me with the following particulars forwarded to him by O. H.
+Mactheyer, Esq.: "Mr. Harrison Weir can see the papa of the kitten at
+the Zoo.
+
+"He is a young Cat (under a year old, we thought, by the teeth). He was
+seen one moonlight night in company with my 'stalker's' small lean black
+Cat, right away in my deer forest. We caught the papa in a trap after he
+had killed a number of grouse, and not being badly hurt, I sent him to
+Bartlett at the Zoo. We are thoroughly up to real wild Cats here. I have
+caught them forty-three inches from nose to tail-end; tails as thick at
+the point as at the root; the ears are also differently set on. Martin
+Cats, Polecats, and Badgers are all extinct here, and it is ten years
+since we got the last wild Cat, but three have been killed in this
+district this winter."
+
+I insert the foregoing as being of much interest, it having been
+frequently stated that the wild Cat will not mate with the domestic Cat.
+The kitten offered to me is now at Fawley Court, Bucks.
+
+Among the numerous letters I have received from America is one from Mrs.
+Mary A. C. Livermore, of Cambridge, Mass., U.S.A., who writes: "I have
+just come possessed of a black long-haired Cat from Maine. It is neither
+Persian, Angora, nor Indian. They are called here 'Coon' Cats, and it is
+vulgarly supposed to be a cross between a common Cat and a 'Coon.' Mine
+is a rusty bear-brown colour, but his relatives have been black and
+white, blue and white, and fawn and white, the latter the gentlest,
+prettiest Cat I know. His tail is very bushy and a fine ruff adorns his
+neck. A friend of mine has a pair of these Cats, all black, and the
+female consorts with no one but her mate. Yet often she has in her
+litter a common short-haired kitten."
+
+Since the above reached me, I have received from another correspondent
+in the United States a very beautiful photograph of what is termed a
+"Coon" Cat. It certainly differs much from the ordinary long-haired Cat
+in appearance; but as to its being a cross with the Racoon, such a
+supposition is totally out of the question, and the idea cannot be
+entertained. The photographs sent to me show that the ears are unusually
+large, the head long, the length being in excess from the eyes to the
+tip of the nose, the legs and feet are large and evenly covered with
+long, somewhat coarse hair, the latter being devoid of tufts between and
+at the extremity of the toes; there are no long hairs of any consequence
+either within the ears or at their apex. The frill or mane is
+considerable, as is the length of the hair covering the body; the tail
+is rather short and somewhat thick, well covered with hair of equal
+length, and in shape like a fox's brush. The eyes are large, round, and
+full, with a wild staring expression. Certainly, the breed, however it
+may be obtained, is most interesting to the Cat naturalist, and the
+colour, as before stated, being peculiar, must of course attract his
+attention independently of its general appearance.
+
+Since the above was written, I have received the following from Mr.
+Henry Brooker, The Elms, West Midford, Massachusetts, United States of
+America. After asking for information respecting Cats of certain breeds,
+he says: "I have had for a number of years a peculiar strain of
+long-haired Cats; they come from the islands off the coast of Maine, and
+are known in this country as 'Coon' Cats. The belief is that they have
+been crossed with the 'Coon.' This, of course, is untrue. The
+inhabitants of these islands are seafaring people, and many years ago
+some one on his vessel had a pair of long-haired Cats from which the
+strain has sprung. There are few short-haired cats on the island as
+there is no communication with the mainland except by boat. I want to
+improve my strain and get finer hair than the Cats now have. Yellow Cats
+are the most popular kind here, and I have succeeded in producing Cats
+of a rich mahogany colour with brushes like a fox. They hunt in the
+fields with me, and my Scotch terriers and they are on the most friendly
+terms." This, as a corroboration of the foregoing letters and the
+photographs, is, I take it, eminently satisfactory.
+
+I have been shown a Siberian Cat, by Mr. Castang, of Leadenhall Market;
+the breed is entirely new to me. It is a small female Cat of a
+slaty-blue colour, rather short in body and legs; the head is small and
+much rounded, while the ears are of medium size. The iris of the eyes is
+a deep golden colour, which, in contrast to the bluish colour of the
+fur, makes them to appear still more brilliant; the tail is short and
+thick, very much so at the base, and suddenly pointed at the tip. It is
+particularly timid and wild in its nature, and is difficult to approach;
+but, as Mr. Castang observed, this timidity may be "because it does not
+understand our language and does not know when it is called or spoken
+to." I think it would make a valuable Cat to cross with some English
+varieties.
+
+A correspondent writes: "In your book on Cats you do not mention
+Norwegian Cats. I was in Norway last year, and was struck by the Cats
+being different to any I had ever seen, being much stouter built, with
+thick close fur, mostly sandy, with stripes of dark yellow." I suppose I
+am to infer that both the sexes are of sandy yellow colour. If so, I
+should say it is more a matter of selection than a new colour. I find
+generally in the colder countries the fur is short, dense, and somewhat
+woolly, and as a rule, judging from the information that I am
+continually receiving, whole or entire colours predominate.
+
+Large Cats are by some sought after. This, I take it, is a great
+mistake, the fairly medium-sized Cat being much the handsomer of the
+two, and they are generally also devoid of that coarseness that is found
+apparent in the former; while small Cats are extremely pretty, and I
+understand are not only likely to be "in vogue," but are actually now
+being bred for their extreme _prettiness_. I have heard of some of these
+"Bantam" Cats being produced by that true and most excellent fancier,
+Mr. Herbert Young, who not only has produced a Tortoiseshell Tom Cat on
+lines laid down by myself, but is also engaged in breeding more, and I
+have not the least doubt he will be most successful, he having so been
+in producing new colours and some of the finest silver tabby
+short-haired Cats as yet seen; these short-haired Cats, in my opinion,
+far surpassing for beauty any long-hair ever exhibited, and are
+certainly of a "sweeter disposition."
+
+In my former edition of "Our Cats," I wrote hopefully and expectantly of
+much good to be derived from the institution of the so-called National
+Cat Club, and of which I was then President; but I am sorry to say that
+none of those hopes or expectations have been realised, and I now feel
+the _deepest regret_ that I was ever induced to be in any way associated
+with it. I do not care to go into particulars further than to say I
+found the principal idea of many of its members consisted not so much in
+promoting the welfare of the Cat as of winning prizes, and more
+particularly their own Cat Club medals, for which, though offered at
+public shows, the public were not allowed to compete, and when won by
+the members, in many cases the public were thoughtlessly misled by
+believing it was an open competition. I therefore felt it my duty to
+leave the club for that and other reasons. I have also left off judging
+of the Cats, even at my old much-loved show at the Crystal Palace,
+because I no longer cared to come into contact with _such_ "Lovers of
+Cats."
+
+I am very much in favour of the Cats' Homes. The one at Dublin, in which
+Miss Swift takes so much interest; the one in London, with Miss Mayhew
+working for it with the zeal of a true "Cat lover"; and that where Mr.
+Colam is the manager, all deserve and _have_ my _sincerest_ and
+_warmest_ approbation, sympathy, and support, standing out as they do in
+such bright contrast to those self-styled "Cat lovers," the National Cat
+Club.
+
+                                                 HARRISON WEIR, F.R.H.S.
+
+SEVENOAKS,
+     _March_ 12_th_, 1892.
+
+
+
+
+                             ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+                                                                    PAGE
+
+  Reduction of Cat's Head drawn for Posting Bill,
+       Crystal Palace Cat Show, 1871                                   1
+
+  Silver Tankard presented by the Crystal Palace Company
+       to the Author                                                   3
+
+  Cat at Show                                                          5
+
+  Miss Saunders' White Persian, "Muff"                                 6
+
+  "The Old Lady." Silver Tabby, good in colour and marking,
+       the property of the Author, shown at the first Crystal
+       Palace Cat Show, not for competition                           13
+
+  Miss Saunders' Long-haired Cat, "Tiger"                             16
+
+  "The Colonel." Deaf White Persian, the property of the Author       17
+
+  Miss F. Moore's Persian Cat, "Fez"                                  19
+
+  Miss Saunders' Long-haired Cat, "Tiger"                             20
+
+  Specimen of a good White Angora                                     21
+
+  Miss F. Moore's Long-haired Kitten, "Dinah." This and "Chloe,"
+       as Kittens, won first prize and medal at the Crystal
+       Palace, Brighton, and Bexley Cat Shows, 1887                   23
+
+  Miss Saunders' very Light Blue Tabby, "Sylvie." A great beauty,
+       and winner of first prize, silver medal, and silver sugar
+       basin, at the Crystal Palace, 1886, as the best long-haired
+       cat in the show; then the property of Mrs. Christopher         24
+
+  Mr. Lloyd's Black Persian, "Minnie." Winner of a large number
+       of prizes at the Crystal Palace, etc.                          26
+
+  Mr. A. A. Clarke's White Persian, "Tim." First prize and
+       silver medal at the Crystal Palace, 1885, and winner of
+       other prizes                                                   27
+
+  Mrs. C. Herring's young Persian Kitten                              29
+
+  Russian Long-haired Brown Tabby Cat, the property of the Author     30
+
+  Miss Mary Gresham's Persian Kitten, "Lambkin."
+       (Also see reference, p. 36)                                    33
+
+  Long-haired Cat, from Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813                 34
+
+  Tail of the same                                                    35
+
+  Miss Mary Gresham's "Lambkin No. 2." This, with "Lambkin" at
+       p. 33, won first and special and silver medal at the
+       Crystal Palace Show. These were of fine quality, and
+       were said to be the best pair of long-haired kittens
+       ever seen                                                      36
+
+  Miss Moore's Long-haired Persian, "Bogey." First and medal
+       at Albert Palace Show, 1885; second at Brighton Show           37
+
+  Miss Saunders' White Persian, "Fluffie"                             38
+
+  Mr. Smith's Tortoiseshell He-Cat. The only tortoiseshell
+       he-cat of entire colouring ever shown at the Crystal
+       Palace, and winner of numerous first prizes                    39
+
+  Example of Tortoiseshell Cat, very dark variety, purposely
+       showing too much black, which is a defect                      40
+
+  Light White and Sandy She-Cat and Kittens                           43
+
+  Tortoiseshell-and-white Cat, finely marked, and prize-winner        44
+
+  Head of Mrs. Vyvyan's Royal Cat of Siam. Winner of prizes           47
+
+  Example of a properly-marked Brown Tabby, showing the width
+       of the black bars and spaces between. A fine specimen          48
+
+  Example of a Brown Tabby, "Aaron," with the black bars far
+       too wide, only showing the brown as streaks. This is a
+       defect. Property of the Author                                 50
+
+  Well-marked Silver Black-banded Tabby. First prize in its
+       class and special prize, Crystal Palace Show, 1886             51
+
+  White Cat at the Show. First prize, blue eyes and deep.             53
+
+  Example of a finely-marked Spotted Tabby He-Cat                     54
+
+  Spotted Tabby Half-bred Indian Wild Cat                             56
+
+  Head of a well-marked Striped Brown Tabby                           57
+
+  Mrs. Herring's Dark Blue, Small-banded Tabby, "Chin."
+       A very fine specimen, and winner of a large number
+       of prizes, and in champion classes                             60
+
+  Group of Kittens at the Crystal Palace Cat Show                     61
+
+  White Cat. Prize-winner in 1879                                     62
+
+  Archangel Blue Cat                                                  66
+
+  Group of Kittens in Box                                             67
+
+  Example of a properly-marked Black-and-White Cat                    68
+
+  Mrs. Vyvyan's Royal Cat of Siam. Prize-winner                       69
+
+  Mr. Lyon's curiously-marked White-and-Black Cat                     70
+
+  White Cat. Winner of many prizes                                    72
+
+  Mrs. Lee's Royal Cat of Siam. Winner of many prizes                 73
+
+  Head of properly-marked Siamese Cat                                 79
+
+  Mr. Thomas's Tortoiseshell Manx She-Cat. Winner of
+       many prizes at the Crystal Palace                              80
+
+  Mr. Thomas's Brown Tabby Manx Kitten                                83
+
+  Kittens at the Show                                                 86
+
+  Kittens after the Show                                              90
+
+  The Game of Ball                                                   108
+
+  Cat and Kittens. "Happy"                                           109
+
+  What is it?                                                        114
+
+  Tired of Play                                                      117
+
+  Miss Moore's Long-haired Kitten, "Chloe." (See description
+       of "Dinah" for p. 23.) Chloe has been several times
+       shown alone, and never without winning                        119
+
+  The Cat Club Challenge Vase, presented by Mr. A. A. Clarke,
+       to be won three times by the same exhibitor before it
+       is his actual property                                        122
+
+  Example of a finely-marked Tortoiseshell Cat                       123
+
+  Mr. Babb's beautiful properly-marked Light Silver Tabby
+       She-Cat. First prize in her class, silver medal and
+       plate as being the best short-haired cat in the
+       Crystal Palace Show, 1888; also winner of many
+       prizes at other shows                                         133
+
+  Example of a well-marked Black-and-White He-Cat                    134
+
+  Mr. A. A. Clarke's extremely beautiful White Persian
+       She-Cat, "Miss Whitey." At the Crystal Palace Show
+       in 1888, first in her class, taking the Crystal Palace
+       silver medal for the best female cat in the section,
+       the silver-mounted Doulton ware five o'clock tea-set
+       for the best long-haired cat in the exhibition, the
+       gold medal given by the National Cat Club for the
+       best long-haired cat belonging to a member, the National
+       Cat Club Challenge Cup, and also winner of numerous
+       first prizes elsewhere                                        140
+
+  "In full play"                                                     143
+
+  Head of Miss Saunders' "Sylvie." (See other description)           146
+
+  Wild Cat shown at the Crystal Palace Cat Show, 1871, by
+       the Duke of Sutherland; caught in Sutherlandshire             154
+
+  English Wild Cat, from the British Museum                          160
+
+  Heading to "Cat Proverbs"                                          185
+
+  Cat watching Mouse-hole                                            209
+
+  Cat on Tight-rope with White Mice                                  215
+
+  Cat made of Snail Shells and Wax                                   219
+
+  Blue Long-haired Persian Cat. Prize-winner                         223
+
+  Head of Wild Cat                                                   239
+
+
+[Illustration: A reduction of the large black Cat's Head, drawn for the
+ Posting Bill giving notice of the first Cat Show at the Crystal Palace,
+ July 16, 1871.]
+
+
+
+
+OUR CATS
+
+AND ALL ABOUT THEM.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY.
+
+
+After a Cat Show at the Crystal Palace, I usually receive a number of
+letters requesting information. One asks: "What is a true tortoiseshell
+like?" Another: "What is a tabby?" and yet another: "What is a blue
+tabby?" One writes of the "splendid disposition" of his cat, another
+asks how to cure a cat scratching the furniture, and so on.
+
+After much consideration, and also at the request of many, I have
+thought it best to publish my notes on cats, their ways, habits,
+instincts, peculiarities, usefulness, colours, markings, forms, and
+other qualities that are required as fitting subjects to exhibit at what
+is now one of the instituted exhibitions of "The land we live in," and
+also the Folk and other lore, both ancient and modern, respecting them.
+
+It is many years ago that, when thinking of the large number of cats
+kept in London alone, I conceived the idea that it would be well to
+hold "Cat Shows," so that the different breeds, colours, markings, etc.,
+might be more carefully attended to, and the domestic cat, sitting in
+front of the fire, would then possess a beauty and an attractiveness to
+its owner unobserved and unknown because uncultivated heretofore.
+Prepossessed with this view of the subject, I called on my friend Mr.
+Wilkinson, the then manager of the Crystal Palace. With his usual
+businesslike clear-headedness, he saw it was "a thing to be done." In a
+few days I presented my scheme in full working order: the schedule of
+prizes, the price of entry, the number of classes, and the points by
+which they would be judged, the number of prizes in each class, their
+amount, the different varieties of colour, form, size, and sex for which
+they were to be given; I also made a drawing of the head of a cat to be
+printed in black on yellow paper for a posting bill. Mr. F. Wilson, the
+Company's naturalist and show manager, then took the matter in charge,
+worked hard, got a goodly number of cats together, among which was my
+blue tabby, "The Old Lady," then about fourteen years old, yet the best
+in the show of its colour and never surpassed, though lately possibly
+equalled. To my watch-chain I have attached the silver bell she wore at
+her _d�but_.
+
+My brother, John Jenner Weir, the Rev. J. Macdona, and myself acted as
+judges, and the result was a success far beyond our most sanguine
+expectations--so much so that I having made it a labour of love of the
+feline race, and acting "without fee, gratuity, or reward," the Crystal
+Palace Company generously presented me with a large silver tankard in
+token of their high approval of my exertions on behalf of "the Company,"
+and--Cats. Now that a Cat Club is formed, shows are more numerous, and
+the entries increasing, there is every reason to expect a permanent
+benefit in every way to one of the most intelligent of (though often
+much abused) animals.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST CAT SHOW.
+
+
+On the day for judging, at Ludgate Hill I took a ticket and the train
+for the Crystal Palace. Sitting alone in the comfortable cushioned
+compartment of a "first class," I confess I felt somewhat more than
+anxious as to the issue of the experiment. Yes; what would it be like?
+Would there be many cats? How many? How would the animals comport
+themselves in their cages? Would they sulk or cry for liberty, refuse
+all food? or settle down and take the situation quietly and resignedly,
+or give way to terror? I could in no way picture to myself the scene; it
+was all so new. Presently, and while I was musing on the subject, the
+door was opened, and a friend got in. "Ah!" said he, "how are you?"
+"Tolerably well," said I; "I am on my way to the Cat Show." "What!"
+said my friend, "that surpasses everything! A show of cats! Why, I hate
+the things; I drive them off my premises when I see them. You'll have a
+fine bother with them in their cages! Or are they to be tied up? Anyhow,
+what a noise there will be, and how they will clutch at the bars and try
+and get out, or they will strangle themselves with their chains." "I am
+sorry, very sorry," said I, "that you do not like cats. For my part, I
+think them extremely beautiful, also very graceful in all their actions,
+and they are quite as domestic in their habits as the dog, if not more
+so. They are very useful in catching rats and mice; they are not
+deficient in sense; they will jump up at doors to push up latches with
+their paws. I have known them knock at a door by the knocker when
+wanting admittance. They know Sunday from the week-day, and do not go
+out to wait for the meat barrow on that day; they----" "Stop," said my
+friend, "I see you do like cats, and I do not, so let the matter drop."
+"No," said I, "not so. That is why I instituted this Cat Show; I wish
+every one to see how beautiful a well-cared-for cat is, and how docile,
+gentle, and--may I use the term?--cossetty. Why should not the cat that
+sits purring in front of us before the fire be an object of interest,
+and be selected for its colour, markings, and form? Now come with me, my
+dear old friend, and see the first Cat Show."
+
+Inside the Crystal Palace stood my friend and I. Instead of the noise
+and struggles to escape, there lay the cats in their different pens,
+reclining on crimson cushions, making no sound save now and then a
+homely purring, as from time to time they lapped the nice new milk
+provided for them. Yes, there they were, big cats, very big cats,
+middling-sized cats, and small cats, cats of all colours and markings,
+and beautiful pure white Persian cats; and as we passed down the front
+of the cages I saw that my friend became interested; presently he said:
+"What a beauty this is! and here's another!" "And no doubt," said I,
+"many of the cats you have seen before would be quite as beautiful if
+they were as well cared for, or at least cared for at all; generally
+they are driven about and ill-fed, and often ill-used, simply for the
+reason that they are cats, and for no other. Yet I feel a great pleasure
+in telling you the show would have been much larger were it not for the
+difficulty of inducing the owners to send their pets from home, though
+you see the great care that is taken of them." "Well, I had no idea
+there was such a variety of form, size, and colour," said my friend, and
+departed. A few months after, I called on him; he was at luncheon, with
+two cats on a chair beside him--pets I should say, from their
+appearance.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This is not a solitary instance of the good of the first Cat Show in
+leading up to the observation of, and kindly feeling for, the domestic
+cat. Since then, throughout the length and breadth of the land there
+have been Cat Shows, and much interest is taken in them by all classes
+of the community, so much so that large prices have been paid for
+handsome specimens. It is to be hoped that by these shows the too often
+despised cat will meet with the attention and kind treatment that every
+dumb animal should have and ought to receive at the hands of humanity.
+Even the few instances of the shows generating a love for cats that have
+come before my own notice are a sufficient pleasure to me not to regret
+having thought out and planned the first Cat Show at the Crystal
+Palace.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HABITS.
+
+
+Before attempting to describe the different varieties, I should like to
+make a few remarks as to the habits and ways of "the domestic cat."
+
+When judging, I have frequently found some of the exhibits of anything
+but a mild and placid disposition. Some have displayed a downright
+ferocity; others, on the contrary, have been excessively gentle, and
+very few but seemed to recognise their position, and submitted quietly
+to their confinement. This is easily accounted for when persons are
+accustomed to cats; they know what wonderful powers of observation the
+cat possesses, and how quickly they recognise the "why and the
+wherefore" of many things. Take for instance, how very _many_ cats will
+open a _latched_ door by springing up and holding on with one fore-leg
+while with the other they press down the latch catch, and so open the
+door; and yet even more observant are they than that, as I have shown by
+a case in my "Animal Stories, Old and New," in which a cat opened a
+door by pulling it _towards_ him, when he found _pushing_ it of no
+avail. The cat is more critical in noticing than the dog. I never knew
+but one dog that would open a door by moving the fastening without being
+shown or taught how to do it. Cats that have done so are numberless. I
+noticed one at the last Crystal Palace Show, a white cat: it looked up,
+it looked down, then to the right and then a little to the left, paused,
+seemed lost in thought, when, not seeing any one about, it crept up to
+the door, and with its paw tried to pull back the bolt or catch. On
+getting sight of me, it retired to a corner of the cage, shut its eyes,
+and pretended to sleep. I stood further away, and soon saw the paw
+coming through the bars again. This cat had noticed how the cage-door
+was fastened, and so knew how to open it.
+
+Many cats that are said to be spiteful are made so by ill-treatment,
+for, as a rule, I have found them to be most affectionate and gentle,
+and that to the last degree, attaching themselves to individuals,
+although such is stated not to be the case, yet of this I am certain.
+Having had several in my house at one time, I found that no two were the
+"followers" of the same member of my family. But it may be argued, and I
+think with some degree of justice, Why was this? Was it only that each
+cat had a separate liking? If so, why? Why should not three or four cats
+take a liking to the same individual? But they seldom or never do, and
+for that matter there seems somewhat the same feeling with dogs. This
+required some consideration, but that not of long duration. For I am
+sorry to say I rapidly came to the conclusion that it was jealousy. Yes,
+jealousy! There was no doubt of it. Zeno would be very cossetty, loving,
+lovable, and gentle, but when Lulu came in and was nursed he retired to
+a corner and seized the first opportunity of vanishing through the door.
+As soon as Zillah jumped on my knee and put her paws about my neck, Lulu
+looked at me, then at her, then at me, walked to the fire, sat down,
+looked round, got up, went to the door, cried to go out, the door was
+opened, and----she fled. I thought that Zillah seemed then more than
+ever--happy.
+
+Though jealousy is one of if not the ruling attributes of the cat, there
+are exceptions to such a rule. Sometimes it may be that two or more will
+take to the same person. As an instance of this I had two cats, one a
+red tabby, a great beauty; Lillah, a short-haired red-and-white cat; the
+latter and a white long-haired one, named "The Colonel," were great
+friends, and these associated with a tortoiseshell-and-white, Lizzie.
+None of these were absolutely house cats, but attended more to the
+poultry yards and runs, looking after the chicken, seeing that no rats
+were about or other "vermin," near the coops. Useful cats, very!
+
+Mine was then a very large garden, and generally of an evening, when at
+home, I used to walk about the numerous paths to admire the beauties of
+the different herbaceous plants, of which I had an interesting
+collection. Five was my time of starting on my ambulation, when, on
+going out of the door, I was sure to find the two first-named cats, and
+often the third, waiting for me, ready to go wherever I went, following
+like faithful dogs. These apparently never had any jealous feeling.
+
+Of all the cats Lillah was the most loving. If I stood still, she would
+look up, and watch the expression of my face. If she thought it was
+favourable to her, she would jump, and, clinging to my chest, put her
+fore-paws around my neck, and rub her head softly against my face,
+purring melodiously all the time, then move on to my shoulder, while
+"The Colonel" and his tortoiseshell friend Lizzie would press about my
+legs, uttering the same musical self-complacent sound. Here, there, and
+everywhere, even out into the road or into the wood, the pretty things
+would accompany me, seeming intensely happy. When I returned to the
+house, they would scamper off, bounding in the air, and playing with and
+tumbling over each other in the fullest and most frolicsome manner
+imaginable. No! I do not think that Lillah, The Colonel, or Lizzie ever
+knew the feeling of jealousy. But these, as I said before, were
+exceptions. They all had a sad ending, coming to an untimely death
+through being caught in wires set by poachers for rabbits. I have ever
+regretted the loss of the gentle Lillah. She was as beautiful as she was
+good, gentle, and loving, without a fault.
+
+It may have been noted in the foregoing I have said that my cats were
+always awaiting my coming. Just so. The cat seems to take note of time
+as well as place. At my town house I had a cat named Guadalquiver, which
+was fed on horseflesh brought to the door. Every day during the week he
+would go and sit ready for the coming of "the cat's-meat man," but he
+never did so on the Sunday. How it was he knew on that day that the man
+did not come I never could discover; still, the fact remains. How he, or
+whether he, counted the days until the sixth, and then rested the
+seventh from his watching, is a mystery. A similar case is related of an
+animal belonging to Mr. Tr�bner, the London publisher. The cat, a
+gigantic one, and a pet of his, used to go every evening to the end of
+the terrace, on which was the house where he resided, to escort Mr.
+Tr�bner back to dinner on his arrival from the City, but was never once
+known to make the mistake of going to meet him on Sundays. And again,
+how well a cat knows when it is luncheon-time! He or she may be
+apparently asleep on the tiles, or snugly lying under a bush basking in
+the sun's warm rays, when it will look up, yawn, stretch itself, get up,
+and move leisurely towards the house, and as the luncheon-bell rings, in
+walks the cat, as ready for food as any there.
+
+Most cats are of a gentle disposition, but resent ill-treatment in a
+most determined way, generally making use of their claws, at the same
+time giving vent to their feelings by a low growl and spitting
+furiously. Under such conditions it is best to leave off that which has
+appeared to irritate them. Dogs generally bite when they lose their
+temper, but a cat seldom. Should a cat dig her claws into your hand,
+never draw it backward, but push forward; you thus close the foot and
+render the claws harmless. If otherwise, you generally lose three to
+four pieces of skin from your hand; the cat knows he has done it, and
+feels revenged. Some cats do not like their ears touched, others their
+backs, others their tails. I have one now (Fritz); he has such a great
+dislike to having his tail touched that if we only point to it and say
+"Tail!" he growls, and if repeated he will get up and go out of the
+room, even though he was enjoying the comfort of his basket before a
+good fire. By avoiding anything that is known to tease an animal, no
+matter what, it will be found that is the true way, combined with gentle
+treatment and oft caressing, to tame and to make them love you, even
+those whose temper is none of the best. This is equally applicable to
+horses, cows, and dogs as to cats. Gentleness and kindness will work
+wonders with animals, and, I take it, is not lost on human beings.
+
+The distance cats will travel to find and regain the home they have been
+taken from is surprising. One my groom begged of me, as he said he had
+no cat at home, and he was fond of "the dear thing," but he really
+wanted to be rid of it, as I found afterwards. He took the poor animal
+away in a hamper, and after carrying it some three miles through London
+streets, threw it into the Surrey Canal. That cat was sitting wet and
+dirty outside the stable when he came in the morning, and went in
+joyfully on his opening the door, ran up to and climbed on to the back
+of its favourite, the horse, who neighed a "welcome home." The man left
+that week.
+
+Another instance, and I could give many more, but this will suffice. It
+is said that if you wish an old cat to stay you should have the mother
+with the kitten or kittens, but this sometimes fails to keep her. Having
+a fancy for a beautiful brown tabby, I purchased her and kitten from a
+cottager living two miles and a half away. The next day I let her out,
+keeping the kitten in a basket before the fire. In half an hour mother
+and child were gone, and though she had to carry her little one through
+woods, hedgerows, across grass and arable fields, she arrived home with
+her young charge quite safely the following day, though evidently very
+tired, wet, and hungry. After two days she was brought back, and being
+well fed and carefully tended, she roamed no more.
+
+The cat, like many other animals, will often form singular attachments.
+One would sit in my horse's manger and purr and rub against his nose,
+which undoubtedly the horse enjoyed, for he would frequently turn his
+head purposely to be so treated. One went as consort with a Dorking
+cock; another took a great liking to my collie, Rover; another loved
+Lina, the cow; while another would cosset up close to a sitting hen, and
+allowed the fresh-hatched chickens to seek warmth by creeping under her.
+Again, they will rear other animals such as rats, rabbits, squirrels,
+puppies, hedgehogs; and, when motherly inclined, will take to almost
+anything, even to a young pigeon.
+
+At the Brighton Show of 1886 there were two cats, both reared by dogs,
+the foster-mother and her bantling showing evident signs of sincere
+affection.
+
+There are both men and women who have a decided antipathy to
+cats--"Won't have one in the house on any account." They are called
+"deceitful," and some go as far as to say "treacherous," but how and in
+what way I cannot discover. Others, on the contrary, love cats beyond
+all other "things domestic." Of course cats, like other animals, or even
+human beings, are very dissimilar, no two being precisely alike in
+disposition, any more than are to be found two forms so closely
+resembling as not to be distinguished one from the other. To some a cat
+is a cat, and if all were black all would be alike. But this would not
+be so in reality, as those well know who are close observers of animal
+and bird life. Of course the gamekeeper has a dislike to cats, more
+especially when they "take to the woods," but so long as they are fed,
+and keep within bounds, they are "useful" in scaring away rats from the
+young broods of pheasants. What are termed "poaching cats" are clearly
+"outlaws," and must be treated as such.
+
+
+
+
+TRAINED CATS.
+
+
+That cats may be trained to respect the lives of other animals, and also
+birds on which they habitually feed, is a well-known fact. In proof of
+this I well recollect a story that my father used to tell of "a happy
+family" that was shown many years ago on the Surrey side of Waterloo
+Bridge. Their abode consisted of a large wire cage placed on wheels. In
+windy weather the "breezy side" was protected by green baize, so
+draughts were prevented, and a degree of comfort obtained. As there was
+no charge for "the show," a box was placed in front with an opening for
+the purpose of admitting any donations from those who felt inclined to
+give. On it was written "The Happy Family--their money-box." The family
+varied somewhat, as casualties occurred occasionally by death from
+natural causes or sales. Usually, there was a Monkey, an Owl, some
+Guinea-pigs, Squirrels, small birds, Starlings, a Magpie, Rats, Mice,
+and a Cat or two. But the story? Well, the story is this. One day, when
+my father was looking at "the happy family," a burly-looking man came
+up, and, after a while, said to the man who owned the show: "Ah! I don't
+see much in that. It is true the cat does not touch the small birds [one
+of which was sitting on the head of the cat at the time], nor the other
+things; but you could not manage to keep rats and mice in there as
+well." "Think not?" said the showman. "I think I could very easily."
+"Not you," said the burly one. "I will give you a month to do it in, if
+you like, and a shilling in the bargain if you succeed. I shall be this
+way again soon." "Thank you, sir," said the man. "Don't go yet," then,
+putting a stick through the bars of the cage he lifted up the cat, when
+from beneath her out ran a white rat and three white mice.
+"Won--der--ful!" slowly ejaculated he of the burly form; "Wonder--ful!"
+The money was paid.
+
+Cats, properly trained, will not touch anything, alive or dead, on the
+premises to which they are attached. I have known them to sport with
+tame rabbits, to romp and jump in frolicsome mood this way, then that,
+which both seemed greatly to enjoy, yet they would bring home wild
+rabbits they had killed, and not touch my little chickens or ducklings.
+
+[Illustration: "THE OLD LADY."]
+
+When I built a house in the country, fond as I am of cats, I determined
+_not_ to keep any there, because they would destroy the birds' nests and
+drive my feathered friends away, and I liked to watch and feed these
+from the windows. Things went pleasantly for awhile. The birds were fed,
+and paid for their keep with many and many a song. There were the old
+ones and there the young, and oft by the hour I watched them from the
+window; and they became so tame as scarcely caring to get out of my way
+when I went outside with more food. But--there is always a but--but one
+day, or rather evening, as I was "looking on," a rat came out from the
+rocks, and then another. Soon they began their repast on the remains of
+the birds' food. Then in the twilight came mice, the short-tailed and
+the long, scampering hither and thither. This, too, was amusing. In the
+autumn I bought some filberts, and put them into a closet upstairs, went
+to London, returned, and thought I would sleep in the room adjoining the
+closet. No such thing. As soon as the light was out there was a sound of
+gnawing--curb--curb--sweek!--squeak--a rushing of tiny feet here, there,
+and everywhere; thump, bump--scriggle, scraggle--squeak--overhead, above
+the ceiling, behind the skirting boards, under the floor, and--in the
+closet. I lighted a candle, opened the door, and looked into the
+repository for my filberts. What a hustling, what a scuffling, what a
+scrambling. There they were, mice in numbers; they "made for" some holes
+in the corners of the cupboard, got jammed, squeaked, struggled,
+squabbled, pushed, their tails making circles; push--push--squeak!--more
+jostling, another effort or two--squeak--squeak--gurgle--squeak--more
+struggling--and they were gone. Gone? Yes! but not for long. As soon as
+the light was out back they came. No! oh, dear no! sleep! no more sleep.
+Outside, I liked to watch the mice; but when they climbed the ivy and
+got inside, the pleasure entirely ceased. Nor was this all; they got
+into the vineries and spoilt the grapes, and the rats killed the young
+ducks and chickens, and undermined the building also, besides storing
+quantities of grain and other things under the floor. The result number
+one was, three cats coming on a visit. Farmyard cats--cats that knew the
+difference between chickens, ducklings, mice, and rats. Result number
+two, that after being away a couple of weeks, I went again to my
+cottage, and I slept undisturbed in the room late the play-ground of the
+mice. My chickens and ducklings were safe, and soon the cats allowed the
+birds to be fed in front of the window, though I could not break them of
+destroying many of the nests. I never NOTICED more fully the very great
+use the domestic cat is to man than on that occasion. All day my cats
+were indoors, dozy, sociable, and contented. At night they were on guard
+outside, and doubtless saved me the lives of dozens of my "young
+things." One afternoon I saw one of my cats coming towards me with
+apparent difficulty in walking. On its near approach I found it was
+carrying a large rat, which appeared dead. Coming nearer, the cat put
+down the rat. Presently I saw it move, then it suddenly got up and ran
+off. The cat caught it again. Again it feigned death, again got up and
+ran off, and was once more caught. It laid quite still, when, perceiving
+the cat had turned away, it got up, apparently quite uninjured, and ran
+in another direction, and I and the cat--lost it! I was not sorry. This
+rat deserved his liberty. Whether it was permanent I know not, as
+"Little-john," the cat, remained, and I left.
+
+The cat is not only a very useful animal about the house and premises,
+but is also ornamental. It is lithe and beautiful in form, and graceful
+in action. Of course there are cats that are ugly by comparison with
+others, both in form, colour, and markings; and as there are now cat
+shows, at which prizes are offered for varieties, I will endeavour to
+give, in succeeding chapters, the points of excellence as regards form,
+colour, and markings required and most esteemed for the different
+classes. I am the more induced to define these as clearly as possible,
+owing to the number of mistakes that often occur in the entries.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LONG-HAIRED CATS.
+
+
+These are very diversified, both in form, colour, and the quality of the
+hair, which in some is more woolly than in others; and they vary also in
+the shape and length of the tail, the ears, and size of eyes. There are
+several varieties--the Russian, the Angora, the Persian, and Indian.
+Forty or fifty years ago they used all to be called French cats, as they
+were mostly imported from Paris--more particularly the white, which were
+then the fashion, and, if I remember rightly, they, as a rule, were
+larger than those of the present day. Coloured long-haired cats were
+then rare, and but little cared for or appreciated. The pure white, with
+long silky hair, bedecked with blue or rose-colour ribbon, or a silver
+collar with its name inscribed thereon or one of scarlet leather studded
+with brass, might often be seen stretching its full lazy length on
+luxurious woollen rugs--the valued, pampered pets of "West End" life.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A curious fact relating to the white cat of not only the long but also
+the short-haired breed is their deafness. Should they have blue eyes,
+which is the fancy colour, these are nearly always deaf; although I have
+seen specimens whose hearing was as perfect as that of any other colour.
+Still deafness in white cats is not always confined to those with blue
+eyes, as I too well know from purchasing a very fine male at the Crystal
+Palace Show some few years since. The price was low and the cat "a
+beauty," both in form, coat, and tail, his eyes were yellow, and he had
+a nice, meek, mild, expressive face. I stopped and looked at him, as he
+much took my fancy. He stared at me wistfully, with something like
+melancholy in the gaze of his _amber_-coloured eyes. I put my hand
+through the bars of the cage. He purred, licked my hand, rubbed against
+the wires, put his tail up, as much as to say, "See, here is a beautiful
+tail; am I not a lovely cat?" "Yes," thought I, "a very nice cat." When
+I looked at my catalogue and saw the low price, "something is wrong
+here," said I, musingly. "Yes, there _must_ be something wrong. The
+price is misstated, or there is something not right about this cat." No!
+it was a beauty--so comely, so loving, so gentle--so very gentle.
+"Well," said I to myself, "if there is no misstatement of price, I will
+buy this cat," and, with a parting survey of its excellences, I went to
+the office of the show manager. He looked at the letter of entry. No;
+the price was quite right--"two guineas!" "I will buy it," said I. And
+so I did; but at two guineas I bought it dearly. Yes! very dearly, for
+when I got it home I found it was "stone" deaf. What an unhappy cat it
+was! If shut out of the dining-room you could hear its cry for admission
+all over the house; being so deaf the poor wretched creature never knew
+the noise it made. I often wish that it had so known--very, very often.
+I am satisfied that a tithe would have frightened it out of its life.
+And so loving, so affectionate. But, oh! horror, when it called out as
+it sat on my lap, its voice seemed to acquire at least _ten cat power_.
+And when, if it lost sight of me in the garden, its voice rose to the
+occasion, I feel confident it might have been heard miles off. Alas! he
+never knew what that agonised sound was like, but I did, and I have
+never forgotten it, and I never shall. I named him "The Colonel" on
+account of his commanding voice.
+
+One morning a friend came--blessed be that day--and after dinner he saw
+"the beauty." "What a lovely cat!" said he. "Yes," said I, "he is very
+beautiful, quite a picture." After a while he said, looking at "Pussy"
+warming himself before the fire, "I think I never saw one I liked more."
+"Indeed," said I, "if you really think so, I will give it to you; but he
+has a fault--he is 'stone' deaf." "Oh, I don't mind that," said he. He
+took him away--miles and miles away. I was glad it was so many miles
+away for two reasons. One was I feared he might come back, and the other
+that his voice might come resounding on the still night air. But he
+never came back nor a sound.--A few days after he left "to better
+himself," a letter came saying, would I wish to have him back? They
+liked it very much, all but its voice. "No," I wrote, "no, you are very
+kind, no, thank you; give him to any one you please--do what you will
+with 'the beauty,' but it must not return, never." When next I saw my
+friend, I asked him how "the beauty" was. "You dreadful man!" said he;
+"why, that cat nearly drove us all mad--I never heard anything like it."
+"Nor I," said I, sententiously. "Well," said my friend, "'all is well
+that ends well;' I have given it to a very deaf old lady, and so both
+are happy." "Very, I trust," said I.
+
+The foregoing is by way of advice; in buying a white cat--or, in fact,
+any other--ascertain for a _certainty_ that it is _not deaf_.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A short time since I saw a white Persian cat with deep blue eyes sitting
+at the door of a tobacconist's, at the corner of the Haymarket, London.
+On inquiry I found that the cat could hear perfectly, and was in no way
+deficient of health and strength; and this is by no means a solitary
+instance.
+
+
+[Illustration: MISS SAUNDERS' "TIGER."]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ANGORA.
+
+The Angora cat, as its name indicates, comes from Angora, in Western
+Asia, a province that is also celebrated for its goats with long hair,
+which is of extremely fine quality. It is said that this deteriorates
+when the animal leaves that locality. This may be so, but that I have no
+means of proving; yet, if so, do the Angora cats also deteriorate in the
+silky qualities of their fur? Or does it get shorter? Certain it is that
+many of the imported cats have finer and longer hair than those bred in
+this country; but when are the latter true bred? Even some a little
+cross-bred will often have long hair, but not of the texture as regards
+length and silkiness which is to be noted in the pure breed. The Angora
+cats, I am told, are great favourites with the Turks and Armenians, and
+the best are of high value, a pure white, with blue eyes, being thought
+the perfection of cats, all other points being good, and its hearing by
+no means defective. The points are a small head, with not too long a
+nose, large full eyes of a colour in harmony with that of its fur, ears
+rather large than small and pointed, with a tuft of hair at the apex,
+the size not showing, as they are deeply set in the long hair on the
+forehead, with a very full flowing mane about the head and neck; this
+latter should not be short, neither the body, which should be long,
+graceful, and elegant, and covered with long, silky hair, with a slight
+admixture of woolliness; in this it differs from the Persian, and the
+longer the better. In texture it should be as fine as possible, and also
+not so woolly as that of the Russian; still it is more inclined to be so
+than the Persian. The legs to be of moderate length, and in proportion
+to the body; the tail long, and slightly curving upward towards the end.
+The hair should be very long at the base, less so toward the tip. When
+perfect, it is an extremely beautiful and elegant object, and no wonder
+that it has become a pet among the Orientals. The colours are varied;
+but the black which should have orange eyes, as should also the slate
+colours, and blues, and the white are the most esteemed, though the soft
+slates, blues, and the light fawns, deep reds, and mottled grays are
+shades of colour that blend well with the Eastern furniture and other
+surroundings. There are also light grays, and what is termed smoke
+colour; a beauty was shown at Brighton which was white with black tips
+to the hair, the white being scarcely visible, unless the hair was
+parted; this tinting had a marvellous effect. I have never seen imported
+strong-coloured tabbies of this breed, nor do I believe such are true
+Angoras. Fine specimens are even now rare in this country, and are
+extremely valuable. In manners and temper they are quiet, sociable, and
+docile, though given to roaming, especially in the country, where I have
+seen them far from their homes, hunting the hedgerows more like dogs
+than cats; nor do they appear to possess the keen intelligence of the
+short-haired European cat. They are not new to us, being mentioned by
+writers nearly a hundred years ago, if not more. I well remember white
+specimens of uncommon size on sale in Leadenhall Market, more than forty
+years since; the price usually was five guineas, though some of rare
+excellence would realise double that sum.
+
+[Illustration: MISS MOORE'S "DINAH."]
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MISS SAUNDERS' "SYLVIE."]
+
+
+
+
+THE PERSIAN CAT.
+
+
+This differs somewhat from the Angora, the tail being generally longer,
+more like a table brush in point of form, and is generally slightly
+turned upwards, the hair being more full and coarser at the end, while
+at the base it is somewhat longer. The head is rather larger, with less
+pointed ears, although these should not be devoid of the tuft at the
+apex, and also well furnished with long hair within, and of moderate
+size. The eyes should be large, full, and round, with a soft expression;
+the hair on the forehead is generally rather short in comparison to the
+other parts of the body, which ought to be clothed with long silky hair,
+very long about the neck, giving the appearance of the mane of the lion.
+The legs, feet, and toes should be well clothed with long hair and have
+well-developed fringes on the toes, assuming the character of tufts
+between them. It is larger in body, and generally broader in the loins,
+and apparently stronger made, than the foregoing variety, though yet
+slender and elegant, with small bone, and exceedingly graceful in all
+its movements, there being a kind of languor observable in its walk,
+until roused, when it immediately assumes the quick motion of the
+ordinary short-haired cat, though not so alert. The colours vary very
+much, and comprise almost every tint obtainable in cats, though the
+tortoiseshell is not, nor is the dark marked tabby, in my opinion, a
+Persian cat colour, but has been got by crossing with the short-haired
+tortoiseshell, and also English tabby, and as generally shows pretty
+clearly unmistakable signs of such being the case. For a long time, if
+not now, the black was the most sought after and the most difficult to
+obtain. A good rich, deep black, with orange-coloured eyes and long
+flowing hair, grand in mane, large and with graceful carriage, with a
+mild expression, is truly a very beautiful object, and one very rare.
+The best I have hitherto seen was one that belonged to Mr. Edward Lloyd,
+the great authority on all matters relating to aquariums. It was called
+Mimie, and was a very fine specimen, usually carrying off the first
+prize wherever shown. It generally wore a handsome collar, on which was
+inscribed its name and victories. The collar, as Mr. Lloyd used jocosely
+to observe, really belonged to it, as it was bought out of its winnings;
+and, according to the accounts kept, was proved also to have paid for
+its food for some considerable period. It was, as its owner laughingly
+said, "his friend, and not his dependent," and generally used to sit on
+the table by his side while he was writing either his letters, articles,
+or planning those improvements regarding aquariums, for which he was so
+justly celebrated.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Next in value is the light slate or blue colour. This beautiful tint is
+very different in its shades. In some it verges towards a light purplish
+or lilac hue, and is very lovely; in others it tends to a much bluer
+tone, having a colder and harder appearance, still beautiful by way of
+contrast; in all the colour should be pure, even, and bright, not in any
+way mottled, which is a defect; and I may here remark that in these
+colours the hair is generally of a softer texture, as far as I have
+observed, than that of any other colour, not excepting the white, which
+is also in much request. Then follow the various shades of light
+tabbies, so light in the marking having scarcely a right to be called
+tabbies; in fact, tabby is not a Persian colour, nor have I ever seen an
+imported cat of that colour--I mean firmly, strongly marked with black
+on a brown-blue or gray ground, until they culminate in those of intense
+richness and density in the way of deep, harmonious browns and reds, yet
+still preserving throughout an extreme delicacy of line and tracery,
+never becoming harsh or hard in any of its arrangements or colour; not
+as the ordinary short-haired tabby. The eyes should be orange-yellow in
+the browns, reds, blues, grays, and blacks.
+
+[Illustration: MR. A. A. CLARKE'S "TIM."]
+
+As far as my experience extends, and I have had numerous opportunities
+of noticing, I find this variety less reliable as regards temper than
+the short-haired cats, less also in the keen sense of observing, as in
+the Angora, and also of turning such observations to account, either as
+regards their comfort, their endeavour to help themselves, or in their
+efforts to escape from confinement.
+
+In some few cases I have found them to be of almost a savage
+disposition, biting and snapping more like a dog than a cat, and using
+their claws less for protective purposes. Nor have I found them so
+"cossetty" in their ways as those of the "short-coats," though I have
+known exceptions in both.
+
+They are much given to roam, as indeed are the Russian and Angora,
+especially in the country, going considerable distances either for their
+own pleasure or in search of food, or when "on the hunt." After mature
+consideration, I have come to the conclusion that this breed, and
+slightly so the preceding, are decidedly different in their habits to
+the short-haired English domestic cat, as it is now generally called.
+
+It may be, however, only a very close observer would notice the several
+peculiarities which I consider certainly exist. These cats attach
+themselves to places more than persons, and are indifferent to those who
+feed and have the care of them. They are beautiful and useful objects
+about the house, and generally very pleasant companions, and when kept
+with the short-haired varieties form an exceedingly pretty and
+interesting contrast; but, as I have stated, they certainly require more
+attention to their training, and more caution in their handling, than
+the latter. I may here remark, that during the time I have acted as
+judge at cat shows, which is now over eighteen years, it has been seldom
+there has been any display of temper in the short-haired breeds in
+comparison with the long; though some of the former, in some instances,
+have not comported themselves with that sweetness and amiability of
+disposition that is their usual characteristic. My attendant has been
+frequently wounded in our endeavour to examine the fur, dentition, etc.,
+of the Angora, Persian, or Russian; and once severely by a "short-hair."
+Hitherto I have been so fortunate as to escape all injury, but this I
+attribute to my close observation of the _countenance_ and expression of
+the cat about to be handled, so as to be perfectly on my guard, and to
+the knowledge of how to put my hands out of harm's way. If a vicious cat
+is to be taken from one pen to another, it must be carried by the loose
+skin at the back of the neck and that of the back with both hands, and
+held well away from the person who is carrying it.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE RUSSIAN LONG-HAIRED CAT.
+
+
+The above is a portrait of a cat given me many years ago, whose parents
+came from Russia, but from what part I could never ascertain. It
+differed from the Angora and the Persian in many respects. It was larger
+in the body with shorter legs. The mane or frill was very large, long,
+and dense, and more of a woolly texture, with coarse hairs among it; the
+colour was of dark tabby, though the markings were not a decided black,
+nor clear and distinct; the ground colour was wanting in that depth and
+richness possessed by the Persian, having a somewhat dull appearance.
+The eyes were large and prominent, of a bright orange, slightly tinted
+with green, the ears large by comparison, with small tufts, full of
+long, woolly hair, the limbs stout and short, the tail being very
+dissimilar, as it was short, very woolly, and thickly covered with hair
+the same length from the base to the tip, and much resembled in form
+that of the English wild cat. Its motion was not so agile as other cats,
+nor did it apparently care for warmth, as it liked being outdoors in the
+coldest weather. Another peculiarity being that it seemed to care little
+in the way of watching birds for the purpose of food, neither were its
+habits like those of the short-haired cats that were its companions. It
+attached itself to no person, as was the case with some of the others,
+but curiously took a particular fancy to one of my short-haired,
+silver-gray tabbies; the two appeared always together. In front of the
+fire they sat side by side. If one left the room the other followed.
+Adown the garden paths there they were, still companions; and at night
+slept in the same box; they drank milk from the same saucer, and fed
+from the same plate, and, in fact, only seemed to exist for each other.
+In all my experience I never knew a more devoted couple. I bred but one
+kitten from the Russian, and this was the offspring of the short-haired
+silver tabby. It was black-and-white, and resembled the Russian in a
+large degree, having a woolly coat, somewhat of a mane, and a short,
+very bushy tail. This, like his father, seemed also to be fonder of
+animals for food than birds, and, although very small, would without any
+hesitation attack and kill a full-grown rat. I have seen several Russian
+cats, yet never but on this occasion had the opportunity of comparing
+their habits and mode of life with those of the other varieties; neither
+have I seen any but those of a tabby colour, and they mostly of a dark
+brown. I am fully aware that many cross-bred cats are sold as Russian,
+Angora, and Persian, either between these or the short-haired, and some
+of these, of course, retain in large degree the distinctive
+peculiarities of each breed. Yet to the practised eye there is
+generally--I do not say always--a difference of some sort by which the
+particular breed may be clearly defined. When the prizes are given, as
+is the case even at our largest cat shows, for the best long-haired cat,
+there, of course, exists in the eye of the judge no distinction as
+regards breed. He selects, as he is bound to do, that which is the best
+_long-haired_ cat in all points, the length of hair, colour, texture,
+and condition of the exhibit being that which commands his first
+attention. But if it were so put that the prize should be for the best
+Angora, Persian, Russian, etc., it would make the task rather more than
+difficult, for I have seen some "first-cross cats" that have possessed
+all, or nearly all, the points requisite for that of the Angora,
+Persian, or Russian, while others so bred have been very deficient,
+perhaps showing the Angora cross only by the tail and a slight and small
+frill. At the same time it must be noted, that, although from time to
+time some excellent specimens may be so bred, it is by no means
+desirable to buy and use such for stock purposes, for they will in all
+probability "throw back"--that is, after several generations, although
+allied with thoroughbred, they will possibly have a little family of
+quite "short-hairs." I have known this with rabbits, who, after breeding
+short-haired varieties for some time, suddenly reverted to a litter of
+"long-hairs"; but have not carried out the experiment with cats. At the
+same time I may state that I have little or no doubt that such would be
+the case; therefore I would urge on all those who are fond of cats--or,
+in fact, other animals--of any particular breed, to use when possible
+none but those of the purest pedigree, as this will tend to prevent much
+disappointment that might otherwise ensue. But I am digressing, and so
+back to my subject--the Russian long-haired cat. I advisedly say
+long-haired cat, for I shall hereafter have to treat of other cats
+coming from Russia that are short-haired, none which I have hitherto
+seen being tabbies, but whole colour. This is the more singular as all
+those of the long-hair have been brown tabbies, with only one or two
+exceptions, which were black. It is just possible these were the
+offspring of tabby or gray parents, as the wild rabbit has been known to
+have had black progeny. I have seen a black rabbit shot from amongst the
+gray on the South Downs.
+
+[Illustration: MISS MARY GRESHAM'S PERSIAN KITTEN, "LAMBKIN."]
+
+I do not remember having seen a white Russian "long-hair," and I should
+feel particularly obliged to any of my readers who could supply me with
+further information on this subject, or on any other relating to the
+various breeds of cats, cat-life and habits. I am fully aware that no
+two cats are exactly alike either in their form, colour, movements, or
+habits; but what I have given much study and attention to, and what I
+wish to arrive at is, the broad existing natural distinctions of the
+different varieties. In this way I shall feel grateful for any
+information.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The above engraving and description of a very peculiar animal is from
+Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813:
+
+"This Cat was the Property of Mrs. Finch, of Maldon, Essex. In the
+Account of this _Lusus Natur�_, for such it may be deemed, the _Mother_
+had no other Likeness to her Production, than her Colour, which is a
+_tawny Sandy_, in some parts lightly streaked with _black_; She had
+this, and another Kitten _like it_, about _two Years_ since. The fellow
+Kitten was killed, in consequence of being troublesome, to the Mistress
+of the House, where it was presented. _This_ is a _Male_, above the
+_usual_ Size, with a _shaggy_ Appearance round its Face, resembling that
+of the Lion's, in _Miniature_. The _Hair_ protruding from the _Ears_,
+formerly grew, like what are termed _Cork-screw Curls_, and which are
+frequently seen, among the _smart_ young _Watermen_, on the Thames; the
+Tail is perfectly distinct, from that of the Cat Species, and resembles
+the _Brush_ of a Fox. The Mother, has at this time (1813), three Young
+ones, but without the least Difference to _common_ Kittens, neither,
+indeed, has she ever had any _before_, or since, similar to _That_ here
+described. The Proprietor has been offered, and refused One Hundred
+Pounds for this Animal."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This was either a cross with the English wild cat, which sometimes has a
+mane, or it was an accidental variation of nature. I once bred a
+long-haired rabbit in a similar way, but at first I failed entirely to
+perpetuate the peculiarity. I think the above simply "a sport."
+
+[Illustration: MISS MARY GRESHAM'S PERSIAN KITTEN, "LAMBKIN NO. 2."]
+
+
+[Illustration: MISS MOORE'S "BOGEY."]
+
+I have now concluded my remarks on the long-haired varieties of cats
+that I am at present acquainted with. They are an exceedingly
+interesting section; their habits, manners, forms, and colours form a by
+no means unprofitable study for those fond of animal life, as they, in
+my opinion, differ in many ways from those of their "short-haired"
+brethren. I shall not cease, however, in my endeavours to find out if
+any other long-haired breeds exist, and I am, therefore, making
+inquiries in every direction in which I deem it likely I shall get an
+increase of information on the subject, but hitherto without any
+success. Therefore, I am led to suppose that the three I have
+enumerated are the only domesticated long-haired varieties. The nearest
+approach, I believe, to these in the wild state is that of the British
+wild cat, which has in some instances a mane and a bushy tail, slightly
+resembling that of the Russian long-hair, with much of the same facial
+expression, and rather pointed tufts at the apex of the ears. It is also
+large, like some of the "long-haired" cats that I have seen; in fact, it
+far more resembles these breeds than those of the short hair. I was much
+struck with the many points of similitude on seeing the British wild cat
+exhibited by the Duke of Sutherland at the first cat show at the Crystal
+Palace in July, 1871. I merely offer this as an idea for further
+consideration. At the same time, allow me to say that I have had no
+opportunity of studying the anatomy of the British wild cat, in
+contradistinction to that of the Russian, or others with long hair. I
+only wish to point out what I term a general resemblance, far in excess
+of those with short hair. I am fully aware how difficult it is to trace
+any origin of the domestic cat, or from what breeds; it is also said,
+that the British wild cat is not one of them, still I urge there exists
+the similarity I mention; whether it is so apparent to others I know
+not.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration: MR. SMITH'S PRIZE HE-CAT.]
+
+
+
+
+THE TORTOISESHELL CAT.
+
+
+I now come to the section of the short-haired domestic cat, a variety
+possessing sub-varieties. Whether these all came from the same origin is
+doubtful, although in breeding many of the different colours will breed
+back to the striped or tabby colour, and, _per contra_, white
+whole-coloured cats are often got from striped or spotted parents, and
+_vice vers�_. Those that have had any experience of breeding
+domesticated animals or birds, know perfectly well how difficult it is
+to keep certain peculiarities gained by years of perseverance of
+breeding for such points of variation, or what is termed excellence.
+Place a few fancy pigeons, for instance, in the country and let them
+match how they like, and one would be quite surprised, unless he were a
+naturalist, to note the great changes that occur in a few years, and the
+unmistakable signs of reversion towards their ancestral stock--that of
+the Rock pigeon. But with the cat this is somewhat different, as little
+or no attempts have been made, as far as I know of, until cat shows were
+instituted, to improve any particular breed either in form or colour.
+Nor has it even yet, with the exception of the long-haired cats. Why
+this is so I am at a loss to understand, but the fact remains. Good
+well-developed cats of certain colours fetch large prices, and are, if I
+may use the term, perpetual prize-winners. I will take as an instance
+the tortoiseshell tom, he, or male cat as one of the most scarce, and
+the red or yellow tabby she-cat as the next; and yet the possessor of
+either, with proper care and attention, I have little or no doubt, has
+it in his power to produce either variety _ad libitum_. It is now many
+years since I remember the first "tortoiseshell tom-cat;" nor can I now
+at this distance of time quite call to mind whether or not it was not a
+tortoiseshell-and-white, and not a tortoiseshell pure and simple. It was
+exhibited in Piccadilly. If I remember rightly, I made a drawing of it,
+but as it is about forty years ago, of this I am not certain, although I
+have lately been told that I did, and that the price asked for the cat
+was 100 guineas.
+
+[Illustration: EXAMPLE OF TORTOISESHELL CAT, VERY DARK VARIETY.]
+
+This supposed scarcity was rudely put aside by the appearance, at the
+Crystal Palace Show of 1871, of no less than one tortoiseshell he-cat
+(exhibited by Mr. Smith) and three tortoiseshell-and-white he-cats, but
+it will be observed there was really but only one tortoiseshell he-cat,
+the others having white. On referring to the catalogues of the
+succeeding shows, no other pure tortoiseshell has been exhibited, and he
+ceased to appear after 1873; but tortoiseshell-and-white have been shown
+from 1871, varying in number from five to three until 1885. One of
+these, a tortoiseshell-and-white belonging to Mr. Hurry, gained no fewer
+than nine first prizes at the Crystal Palace, besides several firsts at
+other shows; this maintains my statement, that a really good scarce
+variety of cats is a valuable investment, Mr. Hurry's cat Totty keeping
+up his price of �100 till the end.
+
+As may have been gathered from the foregoing remarks, the points of the
+tortoiseshell he-cat are, black-red and yellow in patches, but no
+_white_. The colouring should be in broad, well-defined blotches and
+solid in colour, not mealy or tabby-like in the marking, but clear,
+sharp, and distinct, and the richer and deeper the colours the better.
+When this is so the animal presents a very handsome appearance. The eyes
+should be orange, the tail long and thick towards the base, the form
+slim, graceful, and elegant, and not too short on the leg, to which this
+breed has a tendency. Coming then to the actual tortoiseshell he, or
+male cat without white, I have never seen but one at the Shows, and that
+was exhibited by Mr. Smith. It does not appear that Mr. Smith bred any
+from it, nor do I know whether he took any precautions to do so; but if
+not, I am still of the opinion that more might have been produced. In
+Cassell's "Natural History," it is stated that the tortoiseshell cat is
+quite common in Egypt and in the south of Europe. This I can readily
+believe, as I think that it comes from a different stock than the usual
+short-haired cat, the texture of the hair being different, the form of
+tail also. I should much like to know whether in that country, where the
+variety is so common, there exists any number of tortoiseshell he-cats.
+In England the he-kittens are almost invariably red-tabby or
+red-tabby-and-white; the red-tabby she-cats are almost as scarce as
+tortoiseshell-and-white he-cats. Yet if red-tabby she-cats can be
+produced, I am of opinion that tortoiseshell he-cats could also. I had
+one of the former, a great beauty, and hoped to perpetuate the breed,
+but it unfortunately fell a victim to wires set by poachers for game.
+Again returning to the tortoiseshell, I have noted that, in drawings
+made by the Japanese, the cats are always of this colour; that being so,
+it leads one to suppose that in that country tortoiseshell he-cats must
+be plentiful. Though the drawings are strong evidence, they are not
+absolute proof. I have asked several travelling friends questions as
+regards the Japanese cats, but in no case have I found them to have
+taken sufficient notice for their testimony to be anything else than
+worthless. I shall be very thankful for any information on this subject,
+for to myself, and doubtless also to many others, it is exceedingly
+interesting. Any one wishing to breed rich brown tabbies, should use a
+tortoiseshell she-cat with a very brown and black-banded he-cat. They
+are not so good from the spotted tabby, often producing merely
+tortoiseshell tabbies instead of brown tabbies, or true tortoiseshells.
+My remarks as to the colouring of the tortoiseshell he-cat are equally
+applicable to the she-cat, which should not have any white. Of the
+tortoiseshell-and-white hereafter.
+
+To breed tortoiseshell he-cats, I should use males of a whole colour,
+such as either white, black, or blue; and on no account any tabby, no
+matter the colour. What is wanted is patches of colour, not tiny streaks
+or spots; and I feel certain that, for those who persevere, there will
+be successful results.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE TORTOISESHELL-AND-WHITE CAT.
+
+
+This is a more common mixture of colouring than the tortoiseshell pure
+and simple without white, and seems to be widely spread over different
+parts of the world. It is the opinion of some that this colour and the
+pure tortoiseshell is the original domestic cat, and that the other
+varieties of marking and colours are but deviations produced by
+crossing with wild varieties. My brother, John Jenner Weir, F.L.S.,
+F.Z.S., holds somewhat to this opinion; but, to me, it is rather
+difficult to arrive at this conclusion. In fact, I can scarcely
+realise the ground on which the theory is based--at the same time, I
+do not mean to ignore it entirely. And yet, if this be so, from what
+starting-point was the original domestic cat derived, and by what
+means were the rich and varied markings obtained? I am fully aware
+that by selection cats with large patches of colour may be obtained;
+still, there remain the peculiar markings of the tortoiseshell. Nor is
+this by any means an uncommon colour, not only in this country, but in
+many others, and there also appears to be a peculiar fixedness of
+this, especially in the female, but why it is not so in the male I am
+at a loss to understand, the males almost invariably coming either
+red-tabby or red-tabby-and-white. One would suppose that black or
+white would be equally likely; but, as far as my observations take me,
+this is not so, though I have seen both pure white, yellow, red, and
+black in litters of kittens, but this might be different were the he
+parent tortoiseshell.
+
+Some years ago I was out with a shooting party not far from
+Snowdon, in Wales, when turning past a large rock I came on a
+sheltered nook, and there in a nest made of dry grasses laid six
+tortoiseshell-and-white kittens about eight to ten days old. I was
+much surprised at this, as I did not know of any house near,
+therefore these must have been the offspring of some cat or cats
+that were leading a roving or wild life, and yet it had no effect
+as to the deviation of the colour. I left them there, and without
+observing the sex. I was afterwards sorry, as it is just possible,
+though scarcely probable, that one or more of the six, being all
+of the same colour, might have proved to be a male. As I left the
+neighbourhood a few days after I saw no more of them, nor have I
+since heard of any being there; so conclude they in some way were
+destroyed.
+
+I have observed in the breed of tortoiseshell or
+tortoise-shell-and-white that the hair is of a coarser texture than
+the ordinary domestic cat, and that the tail is generally thicker,
+especially at the base, though some few are thin-tailed; yet I prefer
+the thick and tapering form. Some are very much so, and of a good
+length; the legs are generally somewhat short; I do not ever remember
+seeing a really long-legged tortoiseshell, though when this is so if
+not too long it adds much to its grace of action. I give a drawing of
+what I consider to be a GOOD tortoiseshell-and-white tom or he-cat. It
+will be observed that there is more white on the chest, belly, and
+hind legs than is allowable in the black-and-white cat. This I deem
+necessary for artistic beauty, when the colour is laid on in
+_patches_, although it should be even, clear, and distinct in its
+outline; the larger space of white adds brilliancy to the red, yellow,
+and black colouring. The face is one of the parts which should have
+some uniformity of colour, and yet not so, but a mere _balancing_ of
+colour; that is to say, that there should be a _relief_ in black, with
+the yellow and red on each side, and so in the body and tail. The nose
+should be white, the eyes orange, and the whole colouring rich and
+varied without the least _Tabbyness_, either brown or gray or an
+approach to it, such being highly detrimental to its beauty.
+
+I have received a welcome letter from Mr. Herbert Young, of James
+Street, Harrogate, informing me of the existence of what is said to be
+a tortoiseshell tom or he-cat somewhere in Yorkshire, and the price is
+fifty guineas; but he, unfortunately, has forgotten the exact address.
+He also kindly favours me with the further information of a
+tortoiseshell-and-white he-cat. He describes it as "splendid," and
+"extra good in colour," and it is at present in the vicinity of
+Harrogate. And still further, Mr. Herbert Young says, "I am breeding
+from a dark colour cat and two tortoiseshell females," and he hopes,
+by careful selection, to succeed in "breeding the other colour out."
+This, I deem, is by no means an unlikely thing to happen, and, by
+careful management, may not take very long to accomplish; but much
+depends on the ancestry, or rather the pedigree of both sides. I for
+one most heartily wish Mr. Herbert Young success, and it will be most
+gratifying should he arrive at the height of his expectations. Failing
+the producing of the desired colour in the he-cats by the legitimate
+method of tortoiseshell with tortoiseshell, I would advise the trial
+of some _whole_ colours, such as solid black and white. This _may_
+prove a better way than the other, as we pigeon fanciers go an
+apparently roundabout way often to obtain what we want to attain in
+colour, and yet there is almost a certainty in the method.
+
+As regards the tortoiseshell cat, there is a distinct variety known to
+us cat fanciers as the tortoiseshell-tabby. This must not be
+confounded with the true variety, as it consists only of a variegation
+in colour of the yellow, the red, and the dark tabby, and is more in
+lines than patches, or patches of lines or spots. These are by no
+means ugly, and a well-marked, richly-coloured specimen is really very
+handsome. They may also be intermixed with white, and should be marked
+the same as the true tortoiseshell; but in competition with the _real_
+tortoiseshell they would stand _no chance_ whatever, and ought in my
+opinion to be disqualified as being wrong class, and be put in that
+for "any other colour."
+
+[Illustration: MRS. VYVYAN'S ROYAL CAT OF SIAM.]
+
+
+[Illustration: BROWN TABBY--BARS THE RIGHT WIDTH.]
+
+
+
+
+THE BROWN TABBY CAT.
+
+
+The tabby cat is doubtless one of, if not the most common of colours,
+and numbers many almost endless varieties of both tint and markings. Of
+these those with very broad bands of black, or narrow bands of black, on
+nearly a black ground, are usually called black tabby, and if the bands
+are divided into spots instead of being in continuous lines, then it is
+a spotted black tabby; but I purpose in this paper to deal mostly with
+the brown tabby--that is to say, a tabby, whose ground colour is of a
+very rich, orangey, dark brown ground, without any white, and that is
+evenly, proportionably, and not too broadly but elegantly marked on the
+face, head, breast, sides, back, belly, legs, and tail with bands of
+solid, deep, shining black. The front part of the head or face and legs,
+breast, and belly should have a more rich red orange tint than the back,
+but which should be nearly if not equal in depth of colour, though
+somewhat browner; the markings should be graceful in curve, sharply,
+well, and clearly defined, with fine deep black edges, so that the brown
+and black are clear and distinct the one from the other, not blurred in
+any way. The banded tabby should not be spotted in any way, excepting
+those few that nearly always occur on the face and sometimes on the
+fore-legs. The clearer, redder, and brighter the brown the better. The
+nose should be deep red, bordered with black; the eyes an orange colour,
+slightly diffused with green; in form the head should not be large, nor
+too wide, being rather longer than broad, so as not to give too round or
+clumsy an appearance; ears not large nor small, but of moderate size,
+and of good form; legs medium length, rather long than short, so as not
+to lose grace of action; body long, narrow, and deep towards the fore
+part. Tail long, and gradually tapering towards the point; feet round,
+with black claws, and black pads; yellowish-white around the black lips
+and brown whiskers are allowable, but orange-tinted are far preferable,
+and pure white should disqualify. A cat of this description is now
+somewhat rare. What are generally shown as _brown_ tabbies are not
+sufficiently _orange-brown_, but mostly of a dark, brownish-gray. This
+is simply the ordinary tabby, and not the _brown_ tabby proper.
+
+[Illustration: BROWN TABBY--MARKINGS MUCH TOO WIDE.]
+
+As I stated in my notes on the Tortoiseshell cat, the best parents to
+obtain a good brown tabby from is to have a strongly marked, not too
+broad-banded tabby he-cat and a tortoiseshell she-cat with little black,
+or red tabby she-cat, the produce being, when tabby, generally of a rich
+brown, or sometimes what is termed black tabby, and also red tabby. The
+picture illustrating these notes is from one so bred, and is a
+particularly handsome specimen. There were two he-cats in the litter,
+one the dark-brown tabby just mentioned, which I named Aaron, and the
+other, a very fine red tabby, Moses. This last was even a finer animal
+than Aaron, being very beautiful in colour and very large in size; but
+he, alas! like many others, was caught in wires set by poachers, and was
+found dead. His handsome brother still survives, though no longer my
+property. The banded red tabby should be marked precisely the same as
+the brown tabby, only the bands should be of deep red on an orange
+ground, the deeper in colour the better; almost a chocolate on orange is
+very fine. The nose deep pink, as also the pads of the feet. The
+ordinary dark tabby the same way as the brown, and so also the blue or
+silver, only the ground colour should be of a pale, soft, _blue_
+colour--not the slightest tint of brown in it. The clearer, the
+_lighter_, and brighter the blue the better, bearing in mind always that
+the bands should be of a _jet black_, sharply and _very clearly
+defined_.
+
+[Illustration: WELL-MARKED PRIZE SILVER TABBY.]
+
+The word tabby was derived from a kind of taffeta, or ribbed silk, which
+when calendered or what is now termed "watered," is by that process
+covered with wavy lines. This stuff, in bygone times, was often called
+"tabby:" hence the cat with lines or markings on its fur was called a
+"tabby" cat. But it might also, one would suppose, with as much justice,
+be called a taffety cat, unless the calendering of "taffety" caused it
+to become "tabby." Certain it is that the word tabby only referred to
+the marking or stripes, not to the absolute colour, for in "Wit and
+Drollery" (1682), p. 343, is the following:--
+
+    "Her petticoat of satin,
+    Her gown of crimson tabby."
+
+Be that as it may, I think there is little doubt that the foregoing was
+the origin of the term. Yet it was also called the brinded cat, or the
+brindled cat, also tiger cat, with some the gray cat, graymalkin; but I
+was rather unprepared to learn that in Norfolk and Suffolk it is called
+a Cyprus cat. "Why Cyprus cat?" quoth I. "I do not know," said my
+informant. "All I know is, that such is the case."
+
+So I referred to my Bailey's Dictionary of 1730, and there, "sure
+enough," was the elucidation; for I found that Cyprus was a kind of
+cloth made of silk and hair, showing wavy lines on it, and coming from
+Cyprus; therefore this somewhat strengthens the argument in favour of
+"taffeta," or "tabby," but it is still curious that the Norfolk and
+Suffolk people should have adopted a kind of cloth as that representing
+the markings and colour of the cat, and that of a different name from
+that in use for the cat--one or more counties calling it a "tabby cat,"
+as regards colour, and the other naming the same as "Cyprus." I take
+this to be exceedingly interesting. How or when such naming took place
+I am at present unable to get the least clue, though I think from what I
+gather from one of the Crystal Palace Cat Show catalogues, that it must
+have been after 1597, as the excerpt shows that at that time the shape
+and colour was like a leopard's, which, of course, is spotted, and is
+always called the spotted leopard. (Since this I have learned that the
+domestic cat is said to have been brought from Cyprus by merchants, as
+also was the tortoiseshell. Cyprus is a colour, a sort of
+reddish-yellow, something like citron; so a Cyprus cat may mean a red or
+yellow tabby.)
+
+However, I find Holloway, in his "Dictionary of Provincialisms" (1839),
+gives the following:--
+
+"Calimanco Cat, s. (_calimanco_, a _glossy stuff_), a tortoiseshell cat,
+Norfolk."
+
+Salmon, in "The Compleat English Physician," 1693, p. 326, writing of
+the cat, says: "It is a neat and cleanly creature, often licking itself
+to keep it fair and clean, and washing its face with its fore feet; the
+best are such as of a fair and large kind and of an exquisite tabby
+color called _Cyprus_ cats."
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+[Illustration: SPOTTED TABBY CAT.]
+
+I have thought it best to give two illustrations of the peculiar
+markings of the _spotted_ tabby, or leopard cat of some, as showing its
+distinctness from the ordinary and banded Tabby, one of my reasons
+being that I have, when judging at cat shows, often found excellent
+specimens of both entered in the "wrong class," thereby losing all
+chance of a prize, though, if rightly entered, either might very
+possibly have taken honours. I therefore wish to direct particular
+attention to the _spotted_ character of the markings of the variety
+called the "spotted tabby." It will be observed that there are no lines,
+but what are lines in other tabbies are broken up into a number of
+spots, and the more these spots prevail, to the exclusion of _lines_ or
+_bands_, the better the specimen is considered to be. The varieties of
+the ground colour or tint on which these markings or spots are placed
+constitutes the name, such as black-spotted tabby, brown-spotted tabby,
+and so on, the red-spotted tabby or yellow-spotted tabby in _she_-cats
+being by far the most scarce. These should be marked with _spots_
+instead of _bands_, on the same ground colour as the red or
+yellow-banded tabby cat. In the former the ground colour should be a
+rich red, with spots of a deep, almost chocolate colour, while that of
+the yellow tabby may be a deep yellow cream, with yellowish-brown spots.
+Both are very scarce, and are extremely pretty. Any admixture of white
+is not allowable in the class for yellow or red tabbies; such exhibit
+must be put into the class (should there be one, which is usually the
+case at large shows) for red or yellow and _white_ tabbies. This
+exhibitors will do well to make a note of.
+
+There is a rich-coloured brown tabby hybrid to be seen at the Zoological
+Society Gardens in Regent's Park, between the wild cat of Bengal and a
+tabby she-cat. It is handsome, but very wild. These hybrids, I am told,
+will breed again with tame variety, or with others.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In the brown-spotted tabby, the dark gray-spotted tabby, the
+black-spotted tabby, the gray or the blue-spotted tabby, the eyes are
+best yellow or orange tinted, with the less of the green the better. The
+nose should be of a dark red, edged with black or dark brown, in the
+dark colours, or somewhat lighter colour in the gray or blue tabbies.
+The pads of the feet in all instances must be black. In the yellow and
+the red tabby the nose and the pads of the feet are to be pink. As
+regards the tail, that should have large spots on the upper and lower
+sides instead of being annulated, but this is difficult to obtain. It
+has always occurred to me that the spotted tabby is a much nearer
+approach to the wild English cat and some other wild cats in the way of
+colour than the ordinary broad-banded tabby. Those specimens of the
+crosses, said to be between the wild and domestic cat, that I have seen,
+have had a tendency to be spotted tabbies. And these crosses were not
+infrequent in bygone times when the wild cats were more numerous than
+at present, as is stated to be the case by that reliable authority,
+Thomas Bewick. In the year 1873, there was a specimen shown at the
+Crystal Palace Cat Show, and also the last year or two there has been
+exhibited at the same place a most beautiful hybrid between the East
+Indian wild cat and the domestic cat. It was shown in the spotted tabby
+class, and won the first prize. The ground colour was a deep
+blackish-brown, with well-defined black spots, black pads to the feet,
+rich in colour, and very strong and powerfully made, and not by any
+means a sweet temper. It was a he-cat, and though I have made inquiry, I
+have not been able to ascertain that any progeny has been reared from
+it, yet I have been informed that such hybrids between the Indian wild
+cat and the domestic cat breed freely.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ABYSSINIAN.
+
+
+I now come to the last variety of the tabby cat, and this can scarcely
+be called a tabby proper, as it is nearly destitute of markings,
+excepting sometimes on the legs and a broad black band along the back.
+It is mostly of a deep brown, ticked with black, somewhat resembling the
+back of a wild (only not so gray) rabbit. Along the centre of the back,
+from the nape of the neck to the tip of the tail, there is a band of
+black, very slightly interspersed with dark brown hairs. The inner sides
+of the legs and belly are more of a rufous-orange tint than the body,
+and are marked in some cases with a few dark patches; but they are best
+without these marks, and in the exhibition pens it is a point lost. The
+eyes are deep yellow, tinted with green; nose dark red, black-edged;
+ears rather small, dark brown, with black edges and tips; the pads of
+the feet are black. Altogether, it is a pretty and interesting variety.
+It has been shown under a variety of names, such as Russian, Spanish,
+Abyssinian, Hare cat, Rabbit cat, and some have gone so far as to
+maintain that it is a cross between the latter and a cat, proving very
+unmistakably there is nothing, however absurd or impossible, in animal
+or everyday life, that some people are not ready to credit and believe.
+A hybrid between the English wild cat and the domestic much resembles
+it; and I do not consider it different in any way, with the exception of
+its colour, from the ordinary tabby cat, from which I have seen kittens
+and adults bearing almost the same appearance. Some years ago when out
+rabbit-shooting on the South Downs, not far from Eastbourne, one of our
+party shot a cat of this colour in a copse not far from the village of
+Eastdean. He mistook it at first for a rabbit as it dashed into the
+underwood. It proved not to be wild, but belonged to one of the
+villagers, and was bred in the village. When the ground colour is light
+gray or blue, it is generally called chinchilla, to the fur of which
+animal the coat has a general resemblance. I have but little inclination
+to place it as a distinct, though often it is of foreign breed; such may
+be, though ours is merely a variety--and a very interesting one--of the
+ordinary tabby, with which its form, habits, temper, etc., seem fully to
+correspond; still several have been imported from Abyssinia all of which
+were precisely similar, and it is stated that this is the origin of the
+Egyptian cat that was worshipped so many centuries ago. The mummies of
+the cats I have seen in no case had any hair left, so that it was
+impossible to determine what colour they were. The imported cats are of
+stouter build than the English and less marked. These bred with an
+English tabby often give a result of nearly black, the back band
+extending very much down the sides, and the brown ticks almost
+disappearing, producing a rich and beautiful colouring.
+
+I find there is yet another tint or colour of the tabby proper which I
+have not mentioned, that is to say, a cat marked with light wavy lines,
+and an exceedingly pretty one it is. It is very rare; in fact, so much
+so that it has never had a class appropriated to it, and therefore is
+only admissible to or likely to win in the class "For Any Other Colour,"
+in which class usually a number of very beautiful varieties are to be
+found, some of which I shall have occasion to notice further on. The
+colour, however, that I now refer to is often called the silver tabby,
+for want of a better name. It is this. The whole of the ground colour is
+of a most delicate silver-gray, clear and firm in tone, slightly blue if
+anything apart from the gray, and the markings thereon are but a little
+darker, with a tinge of lilac in them making the fur to look like an
+evening sky, rayed with light clouds. The eyes are orange-yellow, and
+when large and full make a fine contrast to the colour of the fur. The
+nose is red, edged with a lilac tint, and the pads of the feet and
+claws are black, or nearly so. The hair is generally very fine, short,
+and soft. Altogether it is most lovely, and well worthy of attention,
+forming, as it does, a beautiful contrast to the red, the yellow, or
+even the brown tabby. A turquoise ribbon about its neck will show to
+great advantage the delicate lilac tints of its coat, or, if a contrast
+is preferred, a light orange scarlet, or what is often called geranium
+colour, will perhaps give a brighter and more pleasing effect.
+
+[Illustration: MRS. HERRING'S BLUE SMALL-BANDED TABBY.]
+
+This is by no means so uncommon a colour in the _long-haired_ cats,
+some of which are exquisite, and are certainly the acme of beauty in the
+way of cat colouring; but I must here remark that there is a vast
+difference in the way of disposition between these two light varieties,
+that of the former being far more gentle. In fact, I am of opinion that
+the short-haired cat in general is of a more genial temperament, more
+"cossetty," more observant, more quick in adapting itself to its
+surroundings and circumstances than its long-haired brother, and, as a
+rule, it is also more cleanly in its habits. Though at the same time I
+am willing to admit that some of these peculiarities being set aside,
+the long-haired cat is charmingly beautiful, and at the same time has a
+large degree of intelligence--in fact, much more than most animals that
+I know, not even setting aside the dog, and I have come to this
+conclusion after much long, careful, and mature consideration.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE SHORT-HAIRED WHITE CAT.
+
+
+This of all, as it depends entirely on its comeliness, should be
+graceful and elegant in the outline of its form and also action, the
+head small, not too round nor thick, for this gives a clumsy, heavy
+appearance, but broad on the forehead, and gently tapering towards the
+muzzle, the nose small, tip even and pink, the ears rather small than
+large, and not too pointed, the neck slender, shoulders narrow and
+sloping backwards, loin full and long, legs of moderate length, tail
+well set on, long, broad at the base, and gradually tapering towards the
+end; the white should be the yellow-white, that is, the white of the
+colours, such as tortoiseshell, red tabby or blues, not the gray-white
+bred from the black, as these are coarser in the quality of the furs.
+The eye should be large, round, full, and blue. I noted this peculiarity
+of white when breeding white Cochins many years ago; those chickens that
+were black when hatched were a colder and harder white than those which
+were hatched buff. This colouring of white should be fully borne in mind
+when crossing colours in breeding, as the results are widely different
+from the two varieties. The whole colour yellow-white will not do to
+match with blue or gray, as it will assuredly give the wrong tinge or
+colour.
+
+The eyes should be blue; green is a great defect; bright yellow is
+allowable, or what in horses is called "wall eyes." Orange gives a heavy
+appearance; but yellow will harmonise and look well with a gray-white.
+
+White cats with blue eyes are hardy. Mr. Timbs, in "Things Not Generally
+Known," relates that even they are not so likely to be deaf as is
+supposed, and mentions one of seventeen years old which retained its
+hearing faculties perfectly. Some specimens I have seen with one yellow
+eye and one blue; this is a most singular freak of nature, and to the
+best of my knowledge is not to be found among any of the other colours.
+
+It is stated that one of the white horses recently presented by the Shah
+of Persia to the Emperor of Russia has blue eyes. I can scarcely credit
+this, but think it must be a true albino, with the gray-pink coloured
+eyes they generally have, or possibly the blue eye is that peculiar to
+the _albino_ cat and horse, as I have never seen an albino horse or cat
+with pink eyes but a kind of opalesque colour, or what is termed "wall
+eye." No doubt many of my readers have observed the differences in the
+white of our horses, they mostly being the gray-white, with dark skin;
+but the purer white has a pink skin, and is much softer and elegant in
+appearance. It is the same with our white cats.
+
+
+
+
+THE BLACK CAT.
+
+
+It is often said "What's in a name?" the object, whatever it is, by any
+other would be the same, and yet there is much in a name; but this is
+not the question at issue, which is that of colour. Why should a _black_
+cat be thought so widely different from all others by the foolish,
+unthinking, and ignorant? Why, simply on account of its colour being
+black, should it have ascribed to it a numberless variety of bad omens,
+besides having certain necromantic power? In Germany, for instance,
+black cats are kept away from children as omens of evil, and if a black
+cat appeared in the room of one lying ill it was said to portend death.
+To meet a black cat in the twilight was held unlucky. In the "good old
+times" a black cat was generally the only colour that was favoured by
+men reported to be wizards, and also were said to be the constant
+companions of reputed witches, and in such horror and detestation were
+they then held that when the unfortunate creatures were ill-treated,
+drowned, or even burned, very frequently we are told that their cats
+suffered martyrdom at the same time. It is possible that one of the
+reasons for such wild, savage superstition may have arisen from the fact
+of the larger amount of electricity to be found by friction in the coat
+of the black cat to any other; experiments prove there is but very
+little either in that of the white or the red tabby cat. Be this as it
+may, still the fact remains that, for some reason or other, the black
+cat is held by the prejudiced ignorant as an animal most foul and
+detestable, and wonderful stories are related of their actions in the
+dead of the night during thunder-storms and windy nights. Yet, as far as
+I can discover, there appears little difference either of temper or
+habit in the black cat distinct from that of any other colour, though it
+is maintained by many even to this day that black cats are far more
+vicious and spiteful and of higher courage, and this last I admit.
+Still, when a black cat is enraged and its coat and tail are well "set
+up," its form swollen, its round, bright, orange-yellow eye distended
+and all aglow with anger, it certainly presents to even the most
+impartial observer, to say the least of it, a most "uncanny" appearance.
+But, for all this, their admirers are by no means few; and, to my
+thinking, a jet-black cat, fine and glossy in fur and elegantly formed,
+certainly has its attractions; but I will refer to the superstitions
+connected with the black cat further on.
+
+A black cat for show purposes should be of a uniform, intense black; a
+brown-black is richer than a blue-black. I mean by this that when the
+hair is parted it should show in the division a dark brown-black in
+preference to any tint of blue whatever. The coat or fur should be
+short, velvety, and very glossy. The eyes round and full, and of a deep
+orange colour; nose black, and also the pads of the feet; tail long,
+wide at the base, and tapering gradually towards the end. A long thin
+tail is a great fault, and detracts much from the merits it may
+otherwise possess. A good, deep, rich-coloured black cat is not so
+common as many may at first suppose, as often those that are said to be
+black show tabby markings under certain conditions of light; and, again,
+others want depth and richness of colour, some being only a very dark
+gray. In form it is the same as other short-haired cats, such as I have
+described in the white, and this brings me to the variety called
+"blue."
+
+[Illustration: ARCHANGEL BLUE CAT.]
+
+
+
+
+THE BLUE CAT.
+
+
+This is shown often under a number of names. It was at first shown as
+the Archangel cat, then Russian blue, Spanish blue, Chartreuse blue,
+and, lastly, and I know not why, the American blue. It is not, in my
+belief, a distinct breed, but merely a light-coloured form of the black
+cat. In fact, I have ascertained that one shown at the Crystal Palace,
+and which won many prizes on account of its beautiful blue colour
+slightly tinged with purple, was the offspring of a tabby and white
+she-cat and a black-and-white he-cat, and I have seen the same colour
+occur when bred from the cats usually kept about a farmhouse as a
+protection from rats and mice, though none of the parents had any blue
+colour.
+
+Being so beautiful, and as it is possible in some places abroad it may
+be bred in numbers, I deemed it advisable, when making out the prize
+schedule, to give special prizes for this colour; the fur being used for
+various purposes on account of its hue. A fine specimen should be even
+in colour, of a bluish-lilac tint, with no sootiness or black, and
+though light be firm and rich in tone, the nose and pads dark, and the
+eyes orange-yellow. If of a very light blue-gray, the nose and pads may
+be of a deep chocolate colour and the eyes deep yellow, not green. If it
+is a foreign variety, I can only say that I see no distinction in form,
+temper, or habit; and, as I have before mentioned, it is sometimes bred
+here in England from cats bearing no resemblance to the bluish-lilac
+colour, nor of foreign extraction or pedigree. I feel bound, however, to
+admit that those that came from Archangel were of a deeper, purer tint
+than the English cross-breeds; and on reference to my notes, I find they
+had larger ears and eyes, and were larger and longer in the head and
+legs, also the coat or fur was excessively short, rather inclined to
+woolliness, but bright and glossy, the hair inside the ears being
+shorter than is usual in the English cat.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE BLACK-AND-WHITE CAT.
+
+
+This is distinct from the _white-and-black_ cat, the ground colour being
+black, marked with white; while the other is white, marked with black.
+The chief points of excellence for show purposes are a dense bright
+brown-black, evenly marked with white. Of this I give an illustration,
+showing the most approved way in which the white should be distributed,
+coming to a point between the eyes. The feet should be white, and the
+chest, the nose, and the pads white. No black on the lips or nose,
+whiskers white, eyes of orange yellow. Any black on the white portions
+is highly detrimental to its beauty and its chance of a prize.
+
+The same markings are applicable to the brown tabby and white, the dark
+tabby and white, the red tabby and white, the yellow tabby and white,
+the blue or silver tabby and white, and the blue and white. One great
+point is to obtain a perfectly clear and distinct gracefully-curved
+outline of colour, and this to be maintained throughout; the blaze on
+the forehead to be central. It is stated that if a dog has white
+anywhere, he is sure to have a white tip to his tail, and I think, on
+observation, it will be found usually the case, although this is not so
+in the cat, for I cannot call to mind a single instance where a
+black-and-white had a white tip to its tail; but taking the various
+colours of the domestic cat into consideration I think it will be found
+that there is a larger number with some white about them than those of
+entirely one colour, without even a few white hairs, which if they
+appear at all are mostly to be found on the chest, though they often are
+exceedingly few in number.
+
+[Illustration: MRS. VYVYAN'S ROYAL CAT OF SIAM.]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+THE WHITE-AND-BLACK CAT.
+
+
+This differs entirely from the black-and-white cat, as just explained,
+and is the opposite as regards colour, the ground being white instead of
+black, and the markings black on white. For exhibition purposes and
+points of excellence, no particular rule exists beyond that the exhibit
+shall be evenly marked, with the colour distributed so as to balance,
+as, for example:--If a cat has a black patch just _under_ one eye with a
+_little above_, the balance of colour would be maintained if the other
+eye had a preponderance of colour _above_ instead of _below_, and so
+with the nose, shoulders, or back, but it would be far better if the
+patches of colour were the same size and shape, and equal in position.
+It might be that a cat evenly marked on the head had a mark on the left
+shoulder with more on the right, with a rather larger patch on the right
+side of the loin, or a black tail would help considerably to produce
+what is termed "_balance_," though a cat of this description would lose
+if competing against one of entirely uniform markings.
+
+I have seen several that have been marked in a very singular way. One
+was entirely white, with black ears. Another white, with a black tail
+only. This had orange eyes, and was very pretty. Another had a black
+blaze up the nose, the rest of the animal being white. This had blue
+eyes, and was deaf. Another had the two front feet black, all else being
+white; the eyes were yellow-tinted green. All these, it will be
+observed, were perfect in the way they were marked.
+
+I give an illustration of a cat belonging to Mr. S. Lyon, of Crewe. It
+is remarkable in more ways than one, and in all probability, had it been
+born in "the dark ages" a vast degree of importance would have been
+attached to it, not only on account of the peculiar distribution of the
+colour and its form, but also as to the singular coincidence of its
+birth. The head is white, with a black mark over the eyes and ears
+which, when looked at from above, presents the appearance of a
+_fleur-de-lis_. The body is white, with a distinct black cross on the
+right side, or, rather, more on the back than side. The cross resembles
+that known as Maltese in form, and is clearly defined. The tail is
+black, the legs and feet white. Nor does the cat's claim to notice
+entirely end here, for, marvellous to relate, it was born on Easter
+Sunday, A.D. 1886. Now, what would have been said of such a coincidence
+had this peculiar development of Nature occurred in bygone times? There
+is just the possibility that the credulous would have "flocked" to see
+the wondrous animal from far and near; and even now, in these
+enlightened times, I learn from Mr. Lyon that the cat is not by any
+means devoid of interest and attraction, for, as he tells me, a number
+of persons have been to see it, some of whom predict that "luck" will
+follow, and that he and his household will, in consequence, _doubtless_
+enjoy many blessings, and that all things will prosper with him
+accordingly.
+
+Although my remarks are directed to "the white-and-black" cat, the same
+will apply to the "white-and-red, white-and-yellow, white-and-tabby,
+white-and-blue, or dun colour;" all these, and the foregoing, will most
+probably have to be exhibited in the "Any Other Colour" class, as there
+is seldom one at even the largest shows for peculiar markings with white
+as the _ground_ or principal colour.
+
+[Illustration: WHITE CAT.]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+SIAMESE CAT.
+
+
+Among the beautiful varieties of the domestic cat brought into notice by
+the cat shows, none deserve more attention than "The Royal Cat of Siam."
+In form, colour, texture, and length, or rather shortness of its coat,
+it is widely different from other short-haired varieties; yet there is
+but little difference in its mode of life or habit. I have not had the
+pleasure of owning one of this breed, though when on a visit to Lady
+Dorothy Nevill, at Dangstein, near Petersfield, I had several
+opportunities for observation. I noticed in particular the intense
+liking of these cats for "the woods," not passing along the hedgerows
+like the ordinary cat, but quickly and quietly creeping from bush to
+bush, then away in the shaws; not that they displayed a wildness of
+nature, in being shy or distrustful, nor did they seem to care about
+getting wet like many cats do, though apparently they suffer much when
+it is cold and damp weather, as would be likely on account of the
+extreme shortness of their fur, which is of both a hairy and a woolly
+texture, and not so glossy as our ordinary common domestic cat, nor is
+the tail, which is thin. Lady Dorothy Nevill informed me that those
+which belonged to her were imported from Siam and presented by Sir R.
+Herbert of the Colonial Office; the late Duke of Wellington imported the
+breed, also Mr. Scott of Rotherfield. Lady Dorothy Nevill thought them
+exceedingly docile and domestic, but delicate in their constitution;
+although her ladyship kept one for two years, another over a year, but
+eventually all died of the same complaint, that of worms, which
+permeated every part of their body.
+
+Mr. Young, of Harrogate, possesses a chocolate variety of this Royal
+Siamese cat; it was sent from Singapore to Mr. Brennand, from whom he
+purchased it, and is described as "most loving and affectionate," which
+I believe is usually the case. Although this peculiar colour is very
+beautiful and scarce, I am of opinion that the light gray or fawn colour
+with black and well-marked muzzle, ears, and legs is the typical
+variety, the markings being the same as the Himalayan rabbits. There are
+cavies so marked; and many years ago I saw a mouse similarly coloured.
+Mr. Young informs me that the kittens he has bred from his dark variety
+have invariably come the usual gray or light dun colour with dark
+points. I therefore take that to be the correct form and colour, and the
+darker colour to be an accidental deviation. In pug-dogs such a depth of
+colour would be considered a blemish, however beautiful it might be;
+even black pugs do not obtain prizes in competition with a true-marked
+light dun; but whatever colour the body is it should be clear and firm,
+rich and not clouded in any way. But I give Mr. Young's own views:
+
+"The dun Siamese we have has won whenever shown; the body is of a dun
+colour, nose, part of the face, ears, feet, and tail of a very dark
+chocolate brown, nearly black, eyes of a beautiful blue by day, and of a
+red colour at night! My other prize cat is of a very rich chocolate or
+seal, with darker face, ears, and tail; the legs are a shade darker,
+which intensifies towards the feet. The eyes small, of a rich amber
+colour, the ears are bare of hair, and not so much hair between the eyes
+and the ears as the English cats have. The dun, unless under special
+judges, invariably beats the chocolate at the shows. The tail is shorter
+and finer than our English cats.
+
+"I may add that we lately have had four kittens from the chocolate cat
+by a pure dun Siamese he-cat. All the young are dun coloured, and when
+born were very light, nearly white, but are gradually getting the dark
+points of the parents; in fact, I expect that one will turn chocolate.
+The cats are very affectionate, and make charming ladies' pets, but are
+rather more delicate than our cats, but after they have once wintered in
+England they seem to get acclimatised.
+
+"Mr. Brennand, who brought the chocolate one and another, a male, from
+Singapore last year, informs me that there are two varieties, a large
+and small. Ours are the small; he also tells me the chocolate is the
+most rare.
+
+"I have heard a little more regarding the Siamese cats from Miss Walker,
+the daughter of General Walker, who brought over one male and three
+females. It seems the only pure breed is kept at the King of Siam's
+palace, and the cats are very difficult to procure, for in Siam it took
+three different gentlemen of great influence three months before they
+could get any.
+
+"Their food is fish and rice boiled together until quite soft, and Miss
+Walker finds the kittens bred have thriven on it.
+
+"It is my intention to try and breed from a white English female with
+blue eyes, and a Siamese male.
+
+"The Siamese cats are very prolific breeders, having generally five at
+each litter, and three litters a year.
+
+"We have never succeeded in breeding any like our chocolate cat; they
+all come fawn, with black or dark brown points; the last family are a
+little darker on their backs, which gives them a richer appearance than
+the pale fawn. Hitherto we have never had any half-bred Siamese; but
+there used to be a male Siamese at Hurworth-on-Tees, and there were many
+young bred from English cats. They invariably showed the Siamese cross
+in the ground colour."
+
+From the foregoing it will be seen how very difficult it is to obtain
+the pure breed, even in Siam, and on reference to the Crystal Palace
+catalogues from the year 1871 until 1887, I find that there were
+_fifteen_ females and only _four_ males, and some of these were not
+entire; and I have always understood that the latter were not allowed to
+be exported, and were only got by those so fortunate as a most
+extraordinary favour, as the King of Siam is most jealous of keeping the
+breed entirely in Siam as royal cats.
+
+The one exhibited by Lady Dorothy Nevill (Mrs. Poodle) had three kittens
+by an English cat; but none showed any trace of the Siamese, being all
+tabby.
+
+Although Mr. Herbert Young was informed by Mr. Brennand that there is
+another and a larger breed in Siam, it does not appear that any of these
+have been imported; nor have we any description of them, either as to
+colour, size, form, or quality of coat, or whether they resemble the
+lesser variety in this or any respect, yet it is to be hoped that, ere
+long, some specimens may be secured for this country.
+
+Besides Mr. Herbert Young, I am also much indebted to the courtesy of
+Mrs. Vyvyan, of Dover, who is a lover of this beautiful breed, and who
+kindly sends the following information:
+
+"The original pair were sent from Bangkok, and it is believed that they
+came from the King's Palace, where alone the breed are said to be kept
+pure. At any rate they were procured as a great favour, after much delay
+and great difficulty, and since that time no others have been attainable
+by the same person. We were in China when they reached us, and the
+following year, 1886, we brought the father, mother, and a pair of
+kittens to England.
+
+"Their habits are in general the same as the common cat, though it has
+been observed by strangers, 'there is a pleasant wild animal odour,'
+which is not apparent to us.
+
+"Most of the kittens have a kink in the tail; it varies in position,
+sometimes in the middle, close to the body, or at the extreme end like a
+hook."
+
+This tallies with the description given by Mr. Darwin of the Malayan and
+also the Siamese cats. See my notes on the Manx cat. Mr. Young had also
+noted this peculiarity in "the Royal cat of Siam."
+
+Mrs. Vyvyan further remarks:
+
+"They are very affectionate and personally attached to their human
+friends, not liking to be left alone, and following us from room to room
+more after the manner of dogs than cats.
+
+"They are devoted parents, the old father taking the greatest interest
+in the young ones.
+
+"They are friendly with the dogs of the house, occupying the same
+baskets; but the males are very strong, and fight with great persistency
+with strange dogs, and conquer all other tom-cats in their
+neighbourhood. We lost one, however, a very fine cat, in China in this
+way, as he returned to the house almost torn to pieces and in a dying
+condition, from an encounter with some animal which we think was one of
+the wild cats of the hills.
+
+"We feed them on fresh fish boiled with rice, until the two are nearly
+amalgamated; they also take bread and milk _warm_, the milk having been
+boiled, and this diet seems to suit them better than any other. They
+also like chicken and game. We have proved the fish diet is not
+essential, as two of our cats (in Cornwall) never get it.
+
+"Rather a free life seems necessary to their perfect acclimatisation,
+where they can go out and provide themselves with raw animal food,
+'feather and fur.'
+
+"We find these cats require a great deal of care, unless they live in
+the country, and become hardy through being constantly out of doors. The
+kittens are difficult to rear unless they are born late in the spring,
+thus having the warm weather before them. Most deaths occur before they
+are six months old.
+
+"We have lost several kittens from worms, which they endeavour to vomit;
+as relief we give them raw chicken heads, with _the feathers on_, with
+success. We also give cod-liver oil, if the appetite fails and weight
+diminishes.
+
+"When first born the colour is nearly pure white, the only trace of
+'points' being a fine line of dark gray at the edge of the ears; a
+gradual alteration takes place, the body becoming creamy, the ears,
+face, tail, and feet darkening, until, about a year old, they attain
+perfection, when the points should be the deepest brown, nearly black,
+and the body ash or fawn colour, eyes opal or blue, looking red in the
+dark. After maturity they are apt to darken considerably, though not in
+all specimens.
+
+"They are most interesting and delightful pets. But owing to their
+delicacy and the great care they require, no one, unless a real cat
+_lover_, should attempt to keep them; they cannot with safety to their
+health be treated as common cats.
+
+"During 'Susan's' (one of the cats) illness, the old he-cat came daily
+to condole with her, bringing delicate 'attentions' in the form of
+freshly-caught mice. 'Loquat' also provided this for a young family for
+whom she had no milk.
+
+"Another, 'Saiwan,' is very clever at undoing the latch of the window in
+order to let himself out; tying it up with string is of no use, and he
+has even managed to untwist wire that has been used to prevent his going
+out in the snow. We have at present two males, four adult females, and
+five kittens." One of our kittens sent to Scotland last August, has done
+well.
+
+Mrs. Lee, of Penshurst, also has some fine specimens of the breed, and
+of the same colours as described. I take it, therefore, that the true
+breed, by consensus of opinion, is that of the dun, fawn, or
+ash-coloured ground, with black points. Other colours should be shown in
+the variety classes.
+
+The head should be long from the ears to the eyes, and not over broad,
+and then rather sharply taper off towards the muzzle, the forehead flat,
+and receding, the eyes somewhat aslant downwards towards the nose, and
+the eyes of a pearly, yet bright blue colour, the ears usual size and
+black, with little or no hair on the inside, with black muzzle, and
+round the eyes black. The form should be slight, graceful, and
+delicately made, body long, tail rather short and thin, and the legs
+somewhat short, slender, and the feet oval, not so round as the ordinary
+English cat. The body should be one bright, uniform, even colour, not
+clouded, either rich fawn, dun, or ash. The legs, feet, and tail black.
+The back slightly darker is allowable, if of a rich colour, and the
+colour softened, _not clouded_.
+
+[Illustration: PROPERLY MARKED SIAMESE CAT.]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE MANX CAT.
+
+
+The Manx cat is well known, and is by no means uncommon. It differs
+chiefly from the ordinary domestic cat in being tailless, or nearly so,
+the best breeds not having any; the hind legs are thicker and rather
+longer, particularly in the thighs. It runs more like a hare than a cat,
+the action of the legs being awkward, nor does it seem to turn itself so
+readily, or with such rapidity and ease; the head is somewhat small for
+its size, yet thick and well set on a rather long neck; the eyes large,
+round, and full, ears medium, and rather rounded at the apex. In colour
+they vary, but I do not remember to have seen a white or many black,
+though one of the best that has come under my notice was the latter
+colour. I have examined a number of specimens sent for exhibition at the
+Crystal Palace and other cat shows, and found in some a very short,
+thin, twisted tail, in others a mere excrescence, and some with an
+appendage more like a knob. These I have taken as having been operated
+upon when young, the tail being removed, but this may not be the case,
+as Mr. St. George Mivart in his very valuable book on the cat, mentions
+a case where a female cat had her tail so injured by the passage of a
+cart-wheel over it, that her master judged it best to have it cut off
+near the base. Since then she has had two litters of kittens, and in
+each litter one or more of the kittens had a _stump of tail_, while
+their brothers and sisters had tails of the usual length. But were there
+no Manx cats in the neighbourhood, is a query. This case is analogous to
+the statement that the short-tailed sheep-dog was produced from parents
+that had had their tails amputated; and yet this is now an established
+breed. Also a small black breed of dogs from the Netherlands, which is
+now very fashionable. They are called "Chipperkes," and have no tails,
+at least when exhibited. Mr. St. George Mivart further states that Mr.
+Bartlett told him, as he has so stated to myself, that in the Isle of
+Man the cats have tails of different lengths, from nothing up to ten
+inches. I have also been informed on good authority that the Fox Terrier
+dogs, which invariably have (as a matter of fashion) their tails cut
+short, sometimes have puppies with much shorter tails than the original
+breed; but this does not appear to take effect on sheep, whose tails are
+generally cut off. I cannot, myself, come to the same conclusion as to
+the origin of the Manx cat. Be this as it may, one thing is certain:
+that cross-bred Manx with other cats often have young that are tailless.
+As a proof of this, Mr. Herbert Young, of Harrogate, has had in his
+possession a very fine red female long-haired tailless cat, that was
+bred between the Manx and a Persian. Another case showing the strong
+prepotency of the Manx cat. Mr. Hodgkin, of Eridge, some time ago had a
+female Manx cat sent to him. Not only does she produce tailless cats
+when crossed with the ordinary cat, but the progeny again crossed also
+frequently have some tailless kittens in each litter. I have also been
+told there is a breed of tailless cats in Cornwall. Mr. Darwin states in
+his book on "The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication,"
+vol. i. p. 47, that "throughout an immense area, namely, the Malayan
+Archipelago, Siam, Pequan, and Burmah, all the cats have truncated tails
+about half the proper length, often with a sort of knob at the end."
+This description tallies somewhat with the appearance of some of the
+Siamese cats that have been imported, several of which, though they have
+fairly long and thin tails, and though they are much pointed at the end,
+often have a break or kink. In a note Mr. Darwin says, "The Madagascar
+cat is said to have a twisted tail." (See Desmares, in Encyclop. Nat.
+Mamm., 1820, p. 233, for some other breeds.) Mr. St. George Mivart also
+corroborates the statement, so far as the Malay cat is concerned. He
+says the tail is only half the ordinary length, and often contorted into
+a sort of knot, so that it cannot be straightened. He further states,
+"Its contortion is due to deformity of the bones of the tail," and there
+is a tailless breed of cats in the Crimea. Some of the Manx cats I have
+examined have precisely the kind of tail here described--thin, very
+short, and twisted, that cannot be straightened. Is it possible that the
+Manx cat originated from the Malayan? Or rather is it a freak of nature
+perpetuated by selection? Be this as it may, we have the Manx cat now as
+a distinct breed, and, when crossed with others, will almost always
+produce some entirely tailless kittens, if not all. Many of the Siamese
+kittens bred here have kinks in their tails.
+
+The illustration I give is that of a prize winner at the Crystal Palace
+in 1880, 1881, 1882, and is the property of Mr. J. M. Thomas, of
+Parliament Street. In colour it is a brindled tortoiseshell. It is eight
+years old. At the end of this description I also give a portrait of one
+of its kittens, a tabby; both are true Manx, and neither have a particle
+of tail, only a very small tuft of hair which is boneless. The hind
+quarters are very square and deep, as contrasted with other cats, and
+the flank deeper, giving an appearance of great strength, the hind legs
+being longer, and thicker in proportion to the fore legs, which are much
+slighter and tapering; even the toes are smaller. The head is round for
+a she-cat, and the ears somewhat large and pointed, but thin and fine in
+the hair, the cavity of the ear has _less hair within it_ (also a trait
+of the Siamese) than some other short-haired cats, the neck is long and
+thin, as are the shoulders. Its habits are the same as those of most
+cats. I may add that Mr. Thomas, who is an old friend of mine, has had
+this breed many years, and kept it perfectly pure.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+VARIOUS COLOURS.
+
+
+Those who have had much to do with breeding, and crossing of animals,
+birds, or plants, well know that with time, leisure, and patience, how
+comparatively easy it is to improve, alter, enlarge, or diminish any of
+these, or any part of them; and looking at the cat from this standpoint,
+now that it is becoming "a fancy" animal, there is no prophesying what
+forms, colours, markings, or other variations will be made by those who
+understand what can be done by careful, well-considered matching, and
+skilful selection. We have now cats with no tails, short tails, and some
+of moderate length, long tails bushy and hairy; but should a very long
+tail be in request, I have no doubt whatever but that in a few years it
+would be produced; and now that there is a cat club constituted for the
+welfare and improvement of the condition, as well as the careful
+breeding of cats, curious and unforeseen results are most likely to be
+attained; but whether any will ever excel the many beautiful varieties
+we now have, is a problem that remains to be solved.
+
+This concludes the numerous varieties of _colours_ and the proper
+markings of the domestic cat, as regards beauty and the points of
+excellence to be observed for the purposes of exhibition. These are
+distinct, and as such, nearly all have classes for each individual
+colour and marking, and therefore it is imperative that the owner should
+note carefully the different properties and beauties of his or her
+particular specimen, and also as carefully read the schedule of prizes
+with such attention as to be enabled to enter his or her pet in the
+proper class; for, it is not only annoying to the exhibitor but to the
+judge to find an animal sometimes of extraordinary merit placed in the
+"wrong class" by _sheer inattention_ to the _printed rules_ and
+instructions prepared by the committee or promoters of the show. It is
+exceedingly distasteful, and I may say almost distressing, to a judge
+to find a splendid animal wrongly entered, and so to feel himself
+compelled to "pass it," and to affix the words fatal to all chance of
+winning--"Wrong class." Again let me impress on exhibitors to be
+careful--very careful--in this matter--this matter of entry--for I may
+say it is one of the reasons which has led to my placing these notes on
+paper, though I have done so with much pleasure, and with earnest hope
+that they will be found of some value and service to the "uninitiated."
+
+Of course there are, as there must be, a number of beautiful shades of
+colour, tints, and markings that are difficult to define or describe;
+colours and markings that are intermediate with those noticed; but
+though in themselves they are extremely interesting, and even very
+beautiful, they do not come within the range of the classes for certain
+definite forms of lines, spots, or colourings, as I have endeavoured to
+point out, and, indeed, it was almost impossible to make a sufficient
+number of classes to comprehend the whole. Therefore it has been
+considered wisest and even necessary as the most conducive to the best
+interests of the exhibitor and also to simplify the difficulties of
+judging, and for the maintenance of the various forms of beauty of the
+cat, to have classes wherein they are shown under rules of colour,
+points of beauty and excellence that are "hard and fast," and by this
+means all may not only know how and in what class to exhibit, but also
+what their chance is of "taking honours."
+
+As I have just stated, there are intermediate colours, markings, and
+forms, so extra classes have been provided for these, under the heading
+of "any other variety of colour," and "any other variety not before
+mentioned," and "any cats of peculiar structure." In this last case, the
+cats that have abnormal formations, such as seven toes, or even nine on
+their fore and hind legs, peculiar in other ways, such as three legs, or
+only two legs, as I have seen, may be exhibited. I regard these,
+however, as malformations, and not to be encouraged, being generally
+devoid of beauty, and lacking interest for the ordinary observer, and
+they also tend to create a morbid taste for the unnatural and ugly,
+instead of the beautiful; the beautiful, be it what it may, is always
+pleasant to behold; and there is but little, if any, doubt in my mind
+but that the constant companionship of even a beautiful cat must have a
+soothing effect. Therefore, not in cats only, but in all things have the
+finest and best. Surround yourself with the elegant, the graceful, the
+brilliant, the beautiful, the agile, and the gentle. Be it what it may,
+animal, bird, or flower, be careful to have the best. A man, it is said,
+is made more or less by his environments, and doubtless this is to a
+great extent, if not entirely, a fact; that being so, the contemplation
+of the beautiful must have its quieting, restful influences, and tend to
+a brighter and happier state of existence. I am fully aware there are
+many that may differ from me, though I feel sure I am not far wrong when
+I aver there are few animals really more beautiful than a cat. If it is
+a good, carefully selected specimen, well kept, well cared for, in high
+condition, in its prime of life, well-trained, graceful in every line,
+bright in colour, distinct in markings, supple and elegant in form,
+agile and gentle in its ways, it is beautiful to look at and must
+command admiration. Yes! the contemplation of the beautiful elevates the
+mind, if only in a cat; beauty of any kind, is beauty, and has its
+refining influences.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+USEFULNESS OF CATS.
+
+
+In our urban and suburban houses what should we do without cats? In our
+sitting or bedrooms, our libraries, in our kitchens and storerooms, our
+farms, barns, and rickyards, in our docks, our granaries, our ships, and
+our wharves, in our corn markets, meat markets, and other places too
+numerous to mention, how useful they are! In our ships, however, the
+rats oft set them at defiance; still they are of great service.
+
+How wonderfully patient is the cat when watching for rats or mice,
+awaiting their egress from their place of refuge or that which is their
+home! How well Shakespeare in _Pericles_, Act iii., describes this keen
+attention of the cat to its natural pursuit!
+
+    The cat, with eyne of burning coal,
+    Now crouches from (before) the mouse's hole.
+
+A slight rustle, and the fugitive comes forth; a quick, sharp, resolute
+motion, and the cat has proved its usefulness. Let any one have a plague
+of rats and mice, as I once had, and let them be delivered therefrom by
+cats, as I was, and they will have a lasting and kind regard for them.
+
+A friend not long since informed me that a cat at Stone's Distillery was
+seen to catch two rats at one time, a fore foot on each. All the cats
+kept at this establishment, and there are several, are of the red tabby
+colour, and therefore most likely all males.
+
+I am credibly informed of a still more extraordinary feat of a cat in
+catching mice, that of a red tabby cat which on being taken into a
+granary at Sevenoaks where there were a number of mice, dashed in among
+a retreating group, and secured four, one with each paw and two in her
+mouth.
+
+At the office of _The Morning Advertiser_, I am informed by my old
+friend Mr. Charles Williams, they boast of a race of cats bred there for
+nearly half a century. In colour these are mostly tortoiseshell, and
+some are very handsome.
+
+The Government, mindful also of their utility, pay certain sums, which
+are regularly passed through the accounts quarterly, for the purpose of
+providing and keeping cats in our public offices, dockyards, stores,
+shipping, etc., thereby proving, if proof were wanting, their
+acknowledged worth.
+
+In Vienna four cats are employed by the town magistrates to catch mice
+on the premises of the municipality. A regular allowance is voted for
+their keep, and, after a limited period of active service, they are
+placed on the "retired list," with a comfortable pension.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There are also a number of cats in the service of the United States Post
+Office. These cats are distributed over the different offices to protect
+the bags from being eaten by rats and mice, and the cost of providing
+for them is duly inscribed in the accounts. When a birth takes place,
+the local postmaster informs the district superintendent of the fact,
+and obtains an addition to his rations.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A short time ago, the budget of the Imperial Printing Office in France,
+amongst other items, contained one for cats, which caused some merriment
+in the legislative chamber during its discussion. According to the
+_Pays_ these cats are kept for the purpose of destroying the numerous
+rats and mice which infest the premises, and cause considerable damage
+to the large stock of paper which is always stored there. This feline
+staff is fed twice a day, and a man is employed to look after them; so
+that for cats' meat and the keeper's salary no little expense is
+annually incurred; sufficient, in fact, to form a special item in the
+national expenditure.
+
+Mr. W. M. Acworth, in his excellent book, "The Railways of England,"
+gives a very interesting account of the usefulness of the cat. He says,
+writing of the Midland Railway: "A few miles further off, however--at
+Trent--is a still more remarkable portion of the company's staff, eight
+cats, who are borne on the strength of the establishment, and for whom a
+sufficient allowance of milk and cats' meat is provided. And when we say
+that the cats have under their charge, according to the season of the
+year, from one to three or four hundred thousand empty corn sacks, it
+will be admitted that the company cannot have many servants who better
+earn their wages.
+
+"The holes in the sacks, which are eaten by the rats which are not
+killed by the cats, are darned by twelve women, who are employed by the
+company."
+
+Few people know, or wish to know, what a boon to mankind is "The
+Domestic Cat." Liked or disliked, there is the cat, in some cases
+unthought of or uncared for, but simply kept on account of the
+devastation that would otherwise take place were rats and mice allowed
+to have undivided possession. An uncle of mine had some hams sent from
+Yorkshire; during the transit by rail the whole of the interior of one
+of the largest was consumed by rats. More cats at the stations would
+possibly have prevented such irritating damage.
+
+And further, it is almost incredible, and likewise almost unknown, the
+great benefit the cat is to the farmer. All day they sleep in the barns,
+stables, or outhouses, among the hay or straw. At eve they are seen
+about the rick-yard, the corn-stack, the cow and bullock yards, the
+stables, the gardens, and the newly sown or mown fields, in quest of
+their natural prey, the rat and mouse. In the fields the mice eat and
+carry off the newly-sown peas or corn, so in the garden, or the ripened
+garnered corn in stacks; but when the cat is on guard much of this is
+prevented. Rats eat corn and carry off more, kill whole broods of
+ducklings and chickens in a night, undermine buildings, stop drains, and
+unwittingly do much other injury to the well-being of the farmers and
+others. What a ruinous thing it would be, and what a dreadfully horrible
+thing it is to be overrun with rats, to say nothing of mice. In this
+matter man's best friend is the cat. Silent, careful, cautious, and
+sure, it is at work, while the owner sleeps, with an industry, a will,
+and purpose that never rests nor tires from dewy eve till rosy morn,
+when it will glide through "the cat hole" into the barn for repose among
+the straw, and when night comes, forth again; its usefulness scarcely
+imagined, much less known and appreciated.
+
+They who remember old Fleet Prison, in Farringdon Street, will scarcely
+believe that the debtors there confined were at times so neglected as to
+be absolutely starving; so much so, that a Mr. Morgan, a surgeon of
+Liverpool, being put into that prison, was ultimately reduced so low by
+poverty, neglect, and hunger, as to catch mice by the means of a cat for
+his sustenance. This is stated to be the fact in a book written by Moses
+Pitt, "The Cries of the Oppressed," 1691.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
+
+FEEDING.
+
+
+Adult cats require less food in proportion than kittens, for two
+reasons. One is this: a kitten is growing, and therefore extra bone,
+flesh, skin, hair, and all else has to be provided for; while in the
+adults, these are more or less acquired, and also they procure for
+themselves, in various ways in country or suburban localities, much live
+and other food, and no animal is the better for over or excessive
+feeding, especially if confined, or its chances of exercise contracted.
+
+I have tried many ways or methods of feeding, biscuits of sorts, liver,
+lights, horseflesh, bread and milk, rice, fish, and cat mixtures, but
+have always attained the best results by giving new milk as drink, and
+raw shin of beef for food, with grass, boiled asparagus stems,
+cabbage-lettuce, or some other vegetable, either cooked or fresh. Good
+horseflesh is much liked by the cat, and it thrives well on it. I do not
+believe in either liver or lights as a flesh or bone maker. Besides the
+beef, there are the "tit-bits" that the household cat not only usually
+receives, but looks for or expects.
+
+My dear friend, Mr. John Timbs, in "Things not Generally Known," avers
+that cats are not so fond of fish as flesh, and that the statement that
+they are is a fallacy. He says, put both before them and they will take
+the flesh first, and this I have found to be correct. I should only give
+fresh fish, as a rule, to a cat when unwell, more as an alternative than
+food.
+
+As raw meat or other raw food is natural to the cat, it is far the best,
+with vegetables, for keeping the body, coat, and skin in good condition
+and health, and the securing of a rich, bright, high colour and quality.
+On no account try to improve these by either medicinal liquids, pills,
+or condiments; nothing can be much worse, as reflection will prove. If
+the cat is healthy, it is at its best, and will keep so by proper food;
+if unwell, then use such medicines as the disease or complaint it
+suffers from requires, _and not otherwise_. Many horses and other
+animals have their constitutions entirely ruined by what are called
+"coat tonics," which are useless, and only believed in and practised by
+the thoughtless, gullible, and foolish. Does any one, or will any one
+take pills, powders, or liquids, for promoting the colour or texture of
+their hair; would any one be so silly? And yet we are coolly told to
+give such things to our animals. Granted that in illness medicine is of
+much service, in health it is harmful, and tends to promote disease
+where none exists.
+
+
+SLEEPING PLACES.
+
+I much prefer a round basket filled with oat straw to anything else;
+some urge that a box is better; my cats have a basket. It is well to
+sprinkle the straw occasionally with Keating's Powder or flour of
+sulphur, which is a preventive of insect annoyances, and "Prevention is
+better than cure."
+
+Never shut cats up in close cupboards for the night, there being little
+or no ventilation; it is most injurious, pure air being as essential to
+a cat as to a human being.
+
+Always have a box with dry earth near the cat's sleeping place, unless
+there is an opening for egress near.
+
+Do not, as a rule, put either collar or ribbon on your cat; though they
+may thereby be improved in appearance, they are too apt to get entangled
+or caught by the collar, and often strangulation ensues; besides which,
+in long-haired cats, it spoils their mane or frill. Of course at shows
+it is allowable.
+
+All cats, as well as other animals, should have ready access to a pan of
+clear water, which should be changed every day, and the pan cleaned.
+
+Fresh air, sunlight, and warm sunshine are good, both for cats and their
+owners.
+
+It is related of Charles James Fox that, walking up St. James's Street
+from one of the club-houses with the Prince of Wales, he laid a wager
+that he would see more cats than the Prince in his walk, and that he
+might take which side of the street he liked. When they reached the top,
+it was found that Mr. Fox had seen thirteen cats, and the Prince not
+one. The Royal personage asked for an explanation of this apparent
+miracle. Mr. Fox said: "Your Royal Highness took, of course, the shady
+side of the way as most agreeable; I knew the sunny side would be left
+for me, and _cats always prefer the sunshine_."
+
+A most essential requisite for the health of the cat is cleanliness. In
+itself the animal is particularly so, as may be observed by its constant
+habit of washing, or cleaning its fur many times a day; therefore, a
+clean basket, clean straw, or clean flannel, to lie on--in fact,
+everything clean is not only necessary, but is a necessity for its
+absolute comfort.
+
+Mr. Timbs says: "It is equally erroneous that she is subject to fleas;
+the small insect, which infests the half-grown kitten, being a totally
+different animal, exceedingly swift in running, but not salient or
+leaping like a flea."
+
+In this Mr. Timbs slightly errs. Cats _do_ have fleas, but not often,
+and of a different kind to the ordinary flea; but I have certainly seen
+them jump.
+
+In dressing the coat of the cat no comb should be used, more especially
+with the long-haired varieties; but if so, which I do not recommend,
+great care should be used not to drag the hair so that it comes out, or
+breaks, otherwise a rough, uneven coat will and must be the result.
+
+Should the hair become clotted, matted, or felted, as is sometimes the
+case, it ought to be moistened, either with oil or soft-soap, a little
+water being added, and when the application has well soaked in, it will
+be found comparatively easy to separate the tangle with the fingers by
+gently pulling out from the mass a few hairs at a time, after which wash
+thoroughly, and use a soft, long-haired brush; but this must be done
+with discretion, so as not to spoil the natural waviness of the hair, or
+to make it lie in breadths instead of the natural, easy,
+carelessly-parted flaky appearance, which shows the white or blue cat
+off to such advantage.
+
+
+WASHING.
+
+Most cats have a dislike to water, and as a rule, and under ordinary
+conditions, generally keep themselves clean, more especially the
+short-haired breeds; but, as is well known, the Angora, Persian, and
+Russian, if not taken care of, are sure to require washing, the more so
+to prepare them for exhibition, as there is much gain in the condition
+in which a cat comes before the judge.
+
+There are many cases of cats taking to the water and swimming to certain
+points to catch fish, or for other food, on record; yet it is seldom
+that they take a pleasure in playing about in it. I therefore think it
+well to mention that I had a half-bred black and white Russian, that
+would frequently jump into the bath while it was being filled, and sit
+there until the water rose too high for its safety. Thus cats may be
+taught to like washing.
+
+If a cat is to be washed, treat it as kindly and gently as is possible,
+speaking in a soothing tone, and in no way be hasty or sudden in your
+movements, so as to raise distrust or fear. Let the water be warm but
+not hot, put the cat in slowly, and when its feet rest on the bottom of
+the tub, you may commence the washing.
+
+Mr. A. A. Clarke, the well-known cat fancier, says: "I seldom wash my
+cats, I rather prefer giving them a good clean straw-bed, and attending
+to their general health and condition, and they will then very seldom
+require washing. I find that much washing makes the coat harsh and poor,
+and I also know from experience that it is 'a work of art' to wash a
+cat properly, and requires an artist in that way to do it. My plan is to
+prepare some liquid soap, by cutting a piece into shreds, and putting it
+into cold water, and then boiling it for an hour. I then have two clean
+tubs got ready, one to wash, the other to rinse in. Have soft water
+about blood heat, with a very small piece of soda in the washing-tub,
+into which I place the cat, hind-quarters first, having some one that it
+knows perfectly well, to hold and talk to the cat while the washing is
+going on. I begin with the tail, and thoroughly rubbing in the soap with
+my hands, and getting by degrees over the body and shoulders up to the
+ears, leaving the head until the cat is rinsed in the other tub, which
+ought to be half filled with warm soft water, into which I place the
+cat, and thoroughly rinse out all the soap, when at the same time I wash
+the head, and I then sit in front of the fire and dry with warm towels;
+and if it is done well and thoroughly, it is a good three hours' hard
+work."
+
+I would add to the foregoing that I should use Naldire's dog soap, which
+I have found excellent in all ways, and it also destroys any insect life
+that may be present.
+
+Also in washing, be careful not to move the hands in circles, or the
+hair will become entangled and knotty, and very difficult to untwist or
+unravel. Take the hair in the hands, and press the softened soap through
+and through the interstices, and when rinsing do the same with the
+water, using a large sponge for the purpose. After drying I should put
+the cat in a box lightly, full of oat straw, and place it in front of,
+or near a fire, at such distance as not to become too warm, and only
+near enough to prevent a chill before the cat is thoroughly dry.
+
+
+MATING.
+
+    Yet nature is made better by no mean,
+    But nature makes that mean: so, o'er that art,
+    Which, you say, adds to nature, is an art
+    That nature makes.
+
+                                    _Coriolanus, Act II. Scene I._
+
+This requires much and careful consideration, and in this, as well as in
+many other things, experience and theory join hands, while the knowledge
+of the naturalist and fancier is of great and superlative value; yet,
+with all combined, anything like certainty can never be assured,
+although the possession of pedigree is added, and the different
+properties of food, health, quality, and breed understood and taken into
+account. Still, much may be gained by continued observation and close
+study of the peculiar properties of colour, besides that of form. If,
+for instance, a really, absolutely _blue_ cat, without a shade of any
+other colour, were obtainable, and likewise a pure, clear, canary
+yellow, there is little doubt that at a distant period, a green would be
+the ultimate goal of success. But the yellow tabby is not a yellow, nor
+the blue a blue. There being, then, only a certain variety of colours in
+cats, the tints to be gained are limited entirely to a certain set of
+such colours, and the numerous shades and half-shades of these mixed,
+broken, or not, into tints, markings light or dark, as desired. To all
+colour arrangements, if I may so call them, by the mind, intellect, or
+hand of man, there is a limit, beyond which none can go. It is thus far
+and no further.
+
+There is the black cat, and the white; and between these are intervening
+shades, from very light, or white-gray, to darker, blue, dark blue,
+blackish blue, gray and black. If a blue-black is used, the lighter
+colours are of one tint; if a brown-black, they are another.
+
+Then in what are termed the sandies and browns, it commences with the
+yellow-white tint scarcely visible apart from white to the uninitiated
+eye; then darker and darker, until it culminates in deep brown, with the
+intervening yellows, reds, chestnuts, mahoganys, and such colours, which
+generally are striped with a darker colour of nearly their own shade,
+until growing denser, it ends in brown-black.
+
+The gray tabby has a ground colour of gray. In this there are the
+various shades from little or no markings, leaving the colour a brown or
+gray, or the gray gradually disappearing before the advance of the black
+in broader and broader bands, until the first is excluded and black is
+the result.
+
+The tortoiseshell is a mixture of colours in patches, and is certainly
+an exhibition of what may be done by careful selection, mating, and
+crossing of an animal while under the control of man, in a state of
+thorough domestication. What the almond tumbler is to the pigeon
+fancier, so is the tortoiseshell cat to the cat fancier, or the bizarre
+tulip to the florist. As regards colour, it is a triumph of art over
+nature, by the means of skilful, careful mating, continued with
+unwearying patience. We get the same combination of colour in the
+guinea-pig, both male and female, and therefore this is in part a proof
+that by proper mating, eventually a tortoiseshell male cat should soon
+be by no means a rarity. There are rules, which, if strictly followed
+under favourable conditions, ought to produce certain properties, such
+properties that may be desired, either by foolish (which generally it
+is) fashion, or the production of absolute beauty of form, markings in
+colours, or other brilliant effects, and which the true fanciers
+endeavour to obtain. It is to this latter I shall address my remarks,
+rather than to the reproduction of the curious, the inelegant, or the
+deformed, such as an undesirable number of toes, which are impediments
+to utility.
+
+In the first place, the fancier must thoroughly make up his mind as to
+the variety of form, colour, association of colours or markings by
+which he wishes to produce, if possible, perfection; and, having done
+so, he must provide himself with such stock as, on being mated, are
+likely to bring such progeny as will enable him in due time to attain
+the end he has in view. This being gained, he must also prepare himself
+for many disappointments, which are the more likely to accrue from the
+reason that, in all probability, he starts without any knowledge of the
+ancestry or pedigree of the animals with which he begins his operations.
+Therefore, for this reason, he has to gain his knowledge of any aptitude
+for divergence from the ordinary or the common they may exhibit, or
+which his practical experience discovers, and thus, as it were, build up
+a family with certain points and qualities before he can actually embark
+in the real business of accurately matching and crossing so as to
+produce the results which, by a will, undeviating perseverance, and
+patience, he is hoping to gain eventually--the perfection he so long,
+ardently, and anxiously seeks to acquire; but he must bear in mind that
+that, on which he sets his mark, though high, must come within the
+limits and compass of that which _is_ attainable, for it is not the
+slightest use to attempt that which is not within the charmed circle of
+possibilities.
+
+
+TORTOISESHELLS.
+
+I place these first on the list because, being an old pigeon fancier and
+somewhat of a florist, I deem these to be the breed wherein there is the
+most art and skill required to produce properly all the varied mottled
+beauty of bright colours that a cat of this breed should possess; and
+those who have bred tortoiseshells well know how difficult a task it is.
+
+In breeding for this splendid, gorgeous, and diversified arrangement of
+colouring, a black, or even a blue, may be used with a yellow or red
+tabby female, or a white male, supposing either or both were the
+offspring of a tortoiseshell mother. The same males might be used with
+advantage with a tortoiseshell female. This is on the theory of whole
+colours, and patches or portions of whole colours, without bars or
+markings when possible. In the same way some of the best almond tumbler
+pigeons are bred from an almond cock mated to a yellow hen. The
+difficulty here, until lately, has been to breed hens of the varied
+mottling on almond colour, the hen almost invariably coming nearly, if
+not quite yellow--so much so that forty to fifty years ago a yellow hen
+was considered as a pair to an almond cock, in the same way as the red
+tabby male is now regarded in respect to the tortoiseshell female; and
+it was not until at Birmingham, many years ago, when acting as judge, I
+refused to award prizes to them as such, that the effort was made, and a
+successful one, to breed almond-coloured hens with the same plumage as
+the cock--that is, the three colours. With cats the matter is entirely
+different, it being the male at present that is the difficulty, if a
+real difficulty it may be called.
+
+Mr. Herbert Young, a most excellent cat fancier and authority on the
+subject, is of opinion that if a tortoiseshell male cat could be found,
+it would not prove fertile with a tortoiseshell female. But of this I am
+very doubtful, because, if the red and the yellow tabby is so, which is
+decidedly a weaker colour, I do not see how it can possess more vitality
+than a cat marked with the _three_ colours; in fact the latter ought, in
+reality, to be more prolific, having black as one of the colours, which
+is a strong colour, blue being only the weak substitute, or with white
+_combined_. A whole black is one of the strongest colours and most
+powerful of cats.
+
+Reverting once again to the pigeon fancier by way of analogy, take, as
+an instance, what is termed the silver-coloured pigeon, or the yellow.
+These two, and duns, are, by loss of certain pigments, differently
+coloured and constituted (like the tortoiseshell among cats) from other
+varieties of pigeons of harder colours, such as blues, and blacks, or
+even reds. For a long time silver turbit cock pigeons were so scarce
+that, until I bred some myself, I had never seen such a thing; yet hens
+were common enough, and got from silver and blues. In the nestling
+before the feathers come, the young of these colours are without down,
+and are thus thought to be, and doubtless are, a weakly breed; yet there
+is no absolute diminution of strength, beyond that of colour, when
+silver is matched to silver; but dun with dun, these last go lower in
+the scale, losing the black tint, and not unfrequently the colour is
+yellow; or, matched with black, breed true blacks. I am, therefore, of
+opinion that a tortoiseshell male and female would, and should, produce
+the best of tortoiseshells, both male and female.
+
+It not unfrequently happens that from a tortoiseshell mother, in the
+litter of kittens there are male blacks and clear whites, and I have
+known of one case when a good blue and one where the mixed colours were
+blue, light red, and light yellow were produced, while the sisters in
+the litter were of the usual pure tortoiseshell markings. In such cases,
+generally, the latter only are kept, unless it is the blue, the others
+being too often destroyed. My own plan would be to breed from such black
+or white males, and if not successful in the first attempt, to breed
+again in the same way with the young obtained with such cross; and I
+have but little doubt that, by so doing, the result so long sought after
+would be achieved. At least, I deem it far more likely to be so than the
+present plan of using the red tabby as the male, which are easily
+produced, though very few are of high excellence in richness of ground
+tints.
+
+
+TORTOISESHELL-AND-WHITE.
+
+If tortoiseshell-and-white are desired, then a black-and-white male may
+be selected, being bred in the same way as those recommended for the
+pure tortoiseshell, or one without white if the female has white; but on
+_no account_ should an ordinary tabby be tolerated, but a red tabby
+female of deep colour, or having white, may be held in request, though
+I would prefer patches of colour not in any way barred. The gray tabby
+will throw barred, spotted, or banded kittens, mixed with tortoiseshell,
+which is the very worst form of mottling, and is very difficult to
+eradicate. A gray "ticking" will most likely appear between the dark
+colour, as it does between the black bars of the tabby.
+
+
+BLACK.
+
+The best black, undoubtedly, are those bred from tortoiseshell mothers
+or females. The black is generally more dense, and less liable to show
+any signs of spots, bands, or bars, when the animal is in the sun or a
+bright light; when this is so, it is fatal to a black as regards its
+chance of a prize, or even notice, and it comes under the denomination
+of a black tabby.
+
+If a black and a white cat are mated, let the black be the male, blacks
+having more stamina, the issue will probably be either white or black;
+and also when you wish the black to be perpetuated, the black male must
+be younger. In 1884, a black female cat was exhibited with five white
+kittens. I have just seen a beautiful black Persian whose mother was a
+clear white; this, and the foregoing example, prove either colour
+represents the same for the purpose of breeding to colour.
+
+For breeding black with white, take care that the white is the
+gray-white, and not the yellow-white; the first generally has orange or
+yellow eyes, and this is one of the required qualities in the black cat.
+If a yellow-white with blue eyes, this type of eye would be detrimental,
+and most likely the eyes of the offspring would have a green stain, or
+possibly be of odd colours.
+
+It should be borne in mind, that black kittens are seldom or ever so
+rich in colour when newly born, as they afterwards become; therefore, if
+without spots or bars, and of a deep self brown-black, they will in all
+possibility be fine in colour when they gain their adult coat. This the
+experienced fancier well knows, though the tyro often destroys that
+which will ultimately prove of value, simply from ignorance. An instance
+of the brown-black kitten is before me as I write, in a beautiful
+Persian, which is now changing from the dull kitten self brown-black on
+to a brilliant glossy, jetty beauty.
+
+
+BLUES.
+
+Blue in cats is one of the most extraordinary colours of any, for the
+reason that it is the _mixture_ of black which is no colour, and white
+which is no colour, and this is the more curious because black mated
+with white generally produces either one colour or the other, or breaks
+black and white, or white and black. The blue being, as it were, a
+weakened black, or a withdrawal by white of some, if not all, of the
+brown or red, varying in tint according to the colour of the black from
+which it was bred, dark-gray, or from weakness in the stamina of the
+litter. In the human species an alliance of the Negro, or African race,
+and the European, produces the mulatto, and some other shades of
+coloured skin, though the hair generally retains the black hue; but
+seldom or ever are the colours broken up as in animal life, the only
+instance that has come to my knowledge, and I believe on record, being
+that of the spotted Negro boy, exhibited at fairs in England by
+Richardson, the famous showman; but in this case both the parents were
+black, and natives of South Africa. The boy arrived in England in
+September, 1809, and died February, 1813. His skin and hair were
+everywhere parti-coloured, transparent brown and white; on the crown of
+his head several triangles, one within the other, were formed by
+alternations of the colour of the hair.
+
+In other domestic animals blue colour is not uncommon. Blue-tinted dogs,
+rabbits, horses of a blue-gray, or spotted with blue on a pink flesh
+colour, as in the naked horse shown at the Crystal Palace some years
+ago, also pigs; and all these have likewise broken colours of blue, or
+black, and white. I do not remember having seen any blue cattle, nor any
+blue guinea-pigs, but no doubt these latter will soon exist. When once
+the colour or break from the black is acquired, it is then easy to go on
+multiplying the different shades and varieties of tint and tone, from
+the dark blue-black to the very light, almost white-gray. In some places
+in Russia, I am told, blue cats are exceedingly common; I have seen
+several shown under the names of Archangel, and others as Chartreuse and
+Maltese cats. Persians are imported sometimes of this colour, both dark
+and light. Next kin to it is the very light-gray tabby, with almost the
+same hue, if not quite so light-gray markings. Two such mated have been
+known to produce very light self grays, and of a lovely hue, a sort of
+"morning gray"; these matched with black should breed blues. Old male
+black, and young female white cats, have been known to produce kittens
+this colour. There is a colony of farm cats at Rodmell, Sussex, from
+which very fine blues are bred. Light silver tabby males, and white
+females, are also apt to have one or so in a litter of kittens; but
+these generally are not such good blues, the colour being a gray-white,
+or nearly so, should the hair or coat be parted or divided, the skin
+being light. The very dark, if from brown-black, are not so blue, but
+come under the denomination of "smokies," or blue "smokies," with
+scarcely a tint of blue in them; some "smokies" are white, or nearly so,
+with dark tips to the hair; these more often occur among Persian than
+English cats, though I once had a smoky tabby bred from a black and a
+silver tabby. Importations of some of the former are often extremely
+light, scarcely showing any markings. These, and such as these, are very
+valuable where a self blue is desired. If these light colours are
+females, a smoke-coloured male is an excellent cross, as it already
+shows a weakened colour. For a very light, tender, delicate, light-gray
+long-haired self, I should try a white male, and either a rich blue, or
+a soft gray, extremely lightly-marked tabby.
+
+As a rule, all broken whites, such as black and white, should be
+avoided; because, as I explained at the commencement of these notes on
+blues, the blue is black and white _amalgamated_, or the brown withdrawn
+from the colouring, or, if not, with the colours breaking, or becoming
+black and white. If whole coloured blues are in request, then
+parti-colours, such as white and black, or black and white, are best
+excluded. Blue and white are easily attainable by mating a blue male
+with a white and black female.
+
+The best and deepest coloured of the blue short-haired cats are from
+Archangel. Those I have seen were very fine in colour, the pelage being
+the same colour to the skin, which was also dark and of a uniform
+lilac-tinted blue. Some come by chance. I knew of a blue English cat,
+winner of several prizes, whose parents were a black and white male
+mated with a "light-gray tabby" and white; but this was an exception to
+the rule, for strongly-marked tabbies are not a good cross.
+
+
+BROWN TABBY.
+
+For the purpose of breeding rich brown black-striped tabbies, a male of
+a rich dark rufous or red tabby should be selected, the bands being
+regular and not too broad, the lighter or ground colour showing well
+between the lines; if the black lines are very broad, it is then a
+black, striped with brown, instead of a brown with black, which is
+wrong. With this match a female of a good brown ground colour, marked
+with dense, not broad, black bands, having clear, sharply defined edges.
+Note also that the centre line of the back is a distinct line, with the
+brown ground colour on which it is placed being in no way interspersed
+with black, and at least as broad as the black line; by this cross
+finely-marked kittens of a brilliant colour may be expected. But if the
+progeny are not so bright as required, and the ground colour not glowing
+enough, then, when the young arrive at maturity, mate with a dark-yellow
+red tabby either male or female.
+
+Very beautiful brown tabbies are also to be found among the litters of
+the female tortoiseshell, allied with a dark-brown tabby with narrow
+black bars. It is a cross that may be tried with advantage for both
+variety and richness of colour, among which it will not be found
+difficult to find something worthy of notice.
+
+
+WHITE.
+
+Of English, or short-haired cats, the best white are those from a
+tortoiseshell mother, and as often some of the best blacks. These whites
+are generally of soft yellow, or sandy tint of white. Although they have
+pink noses, as also are the cushions of their feet, they are not
+Albinos, not having the peculiar pink or red eyes, nor are they
+deficient in sight. I have seen and examined with much care some
+hundreds of white cats, but have never yet seen one with pink eyes,
+though it has been asserted that such exist, and there is no reason why
+they should not. Still, I am inclined to think they do not, and the pale
+blue eyes, or the red tinted blue, like those of the Siamese, take the
+place of it in the feline race; neither have I ever seen a white horse
+with pink eyes, but I find it mentioned in one of the daily papers that
+among other presents to the Emperor of Russia, the Bokhara Embassy took
+with them ten thoroughbred saddle-horses of different breeds, one of
+them being a magnificent animal--a pure white stallion with _blue eyes_.
+
+The cold gray-white is the opposite of the black, and this knowledge
+should not be lost sight of in mating. It generally has yellow or light
+orange eyes. This colour, in a male, may be crossed with the
+yellow-white with advantage, when more strength of constitution is
+required; but otherwise I deem the best matching is that of two
+yellow-white, both with blue eyes, for soft hair, elegance, and beauty;
+but even a black male and a white female produce whites, and sometimes
+blacks, but the former are generally of a coarse description, and harsh
+in coat by comparison. I think the blue-eyed white are a distinct breed
+from the common ordinary white cat, nor do I remember any such being
+bred from those with eyes of yellow colour.
+
+
+ABYSSINIAN.
+
+To breed these true, it is well to procure imported or pedigree stock,
+for many cats are bred in England from ordinary tabbies, that so nearly
+resemble Abyssinian in colour as scarcely to be distinguished from the
+much-prized foreigners. The males are generally of a darker colour than
+the females, and are mostly marked with dark-brown bands on the
+forehead, a black band along the back which ends at the tip of the tail,
+with which it is annulated. The ticking should be of the truest kind,
+each hair being of three distinct colours, blue, yellow, or red, and
+black at the points, the cushions of the feet black, and back of the
+hind-legs. Choose a female, with either more red or yellow, the markings
+being the same, and, with care in the selection, there will be some very
+brilliant specimens. Eyes bright orange-yellow.
+
+
+ABYSSINIAN CROSSES.
+
+Curiously coloured as the Abyssinian cat is, and being a true breed, no
+doubt of long far back ancestry, it is most useful in crossing with
+other varieties, even with the Persian, Russian, Angora, or the
+Archangel, the ticking hues being easy of transmission, and is then
+capable of charming and delightful tints, with breadths of beautiful
+mottled or grizzled colouring, if judiciously mated. The light tabby
+Persian, matched with a female Abyssinian, would give unexpected
+surprises, so with the dark blue Archangel; a well-ticked blue would not
+only be a novelty, but an elegant colour hitherto unseen. A deep red
+tabby might result in a whole colour, bright red, or a yellow tint. I
+have seen a cat nearly black ticked with white, which had yellow eyes.
+It was truly a splendid and very beautiful animal, of a most _recherch�_
+colour. Matched with a silver-gray tabby, a silver-gray tick is
+generally the sequence. A yellow-white will possibly prove excellent.
+Try it!
+
+
+WHITE AND BLACK.
+
+For white and black choose evenly marked animals, in which white
+predominates. I have seen three differently bred cats, white, with black
+ears and tails, all else being white, and been informed of others. I
+failed to notice the colour of the eyes which came under my own
+observation, for which I am sorry, for much depends on the colour of the
+eyes in selection; for though the parents are white and black, many gray
+and white, tabby and white, even yellow and white will appear among the
+kittens, gray being the original colour, and black the sport.
+
+
+BLACK AND WHITE.
+
+A deep brown, dense black ground, with a blaze up the face, white nose
+and lips, should be chosen--white chest and white feet. Get a female as
+nearly as possible so marked, and being a dense blue-black, both with
+orange eyes, when satisfactorily marked, and sable and white kittens may
+be expected.
+
+
+BLUE TABBY.
+
+A slate colour, or a blue male cat, mated with a strongly black-marked,
+though narrow-banded blue or gray tabby, is the best for dark blue
+tabbies, or a light-gray, evenly-marked female may be used. What a
+lovely thing a white cat, marked with black stripes, would be! It may be
+got.
+
+
+SPOTTED TABBY.
+
+For spotted tabby the best brown are those got by mating a spotted red
+tabby, the darker the better, and a brown and black spotted female.
+These should be carefully selected, not only for their ground colour,
+but also for the roundness, distinctness, blackness, and arrangements of
+their spots.
+
+For grays, blues, and light ash-coloured tabbies, the same care should
+be exercised, the only difference being the choice of ground colours.
+
+
+FANCY COLOURS.
+
+By other odd and fanciful combinations, many beautiful mottles and
+stripes may be secured, and strange, quaint, harmonious arrangements of
+lines and spots produced according to "fancy's dictates;" but the
+foregoing are the chief colours in request for exhibition purposes, and
+most of the colour marking. In any other colour classes, the beauties,
+whatever they may be, are chiefly the result of accident or sports,
+selected for such beauty, or in other ways equally interesting.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CAT AND KITTENS.
+
+
+Care and attention is necessary when the cat is likely to become a
+mother. A basket or box, half filled with sweet hay, or clean oat straw,
+with some flannel in the winter, is absolutely requisite, and a quiet
+nook or corner selected away from light, noise, and intrusion. Some
+prefer a box made like a rabbit-hutch, with sleeping place, and a barred
+door to one or both compartments which may be closed when thought
+necessary for comfort and quiet. The cat should be placed within, with
+food and new milk by or inside, and there be regularly fed for a few
+days, all pans and plates to be kept well washed, and only as much food
+given at a time as can be eaten at one meal, so that everything is clean
+and fresh. Cats, as I have before stated, delight in cleanliness,
+therefore this, nor any comfort, should not be forgotten or omitted, for
+so much depends on her health and the growth of her little family, with
+regard to their future well-being.
+
+The cat brings forth three times a year, and often more. The time of
+gestation is to sixty-three days, and the number of the kittens varies
+much. Some will have five to six at a birth, while others _never_ have
+more than two or three. I had a blue tabby, "The Old Lady," which never
+had more than _one_. The cat, however, is a very prolific animal, and,
+if of long life, produces a very numerous progeny. _The Derby Gazette_,
+December 10th, 1886, states:--"There is a cat at Cromford, the age of
+which is nineteen years. It belonged to the late Mr. Isaac Orme, who
+died a few months ago. The old man made an entry of all the kittens the
+cat had given birth to, which, up to the time of his death, numbered
+120. It has now just given birth to _one_ more. It will not leave the
+house where the old man died, except to visit a neighbouring house,
+where there is a harmonium; and when the instrument is being played, the
+cat will go and stand on its hind-legs beside the player."
+
+Cats live to various ages, the oldest I have seen being twenty-one
+years, and the foregoing is the greatest age at which I have known one
+to breed. But I am indebted to Mrs. Paterson, of Tunbridge Wells, for
+the information that Mr. Sandal had a cat that lived to the
+extraordinary age of twenty-four years. I have seen Mr. Sandal, and
+found that such was the case. It was a short-haired cat, and rather
+above the usual size, and tabby in colour.
+
+When littered, the kittens are weak, blind, deaf, helpless little
+things, and it appears almost impossible they can ever attain the supple
+grace and elegance of form and motion so much admired in the
+fully-developed cat.
+
+The state of visual darkness continues until the eighth or ninth day,
+during which the eyesight is gradually developing. After this they grow
+rapidly, and, at the age of a few weeks, the gamboling, frolicsome life
+of "kittenhood" begins, and they begin to feed, lap milk, if slightly
+warm, when placed in front of them.
+
+No animal is more fond and attentive than the cat; she is the most
+tender and gentle of nurses, watching closely every movement of her
+young. With the utmost solicitude she brings the choicest morsels of her
+own food, which she lays before them, softly purring, while with gentle
+and motherly ways she attracts them to the spot while she sits or
+stands, looking on with evident satisfaction, full of almost
+uncontrollable pleasure and delight, at their eager, but often futile
+attempts and endeavours to eat and enjoy the dainty morsel. Yet nothing
+is wasted, for after waiting what appears to her a reasonable time, and
+giving them every encouragement, and with the most exemplary patience,
+she teaches them what they should do, and how, by slowly making a meal
+of the residue herself, frequently stopping and fondling and licking
+them in the hope they will yet make another effort. What can be more
+sensitively touching than the following anecdote, sent to _The Animal
+World_ by C. E. N., in 1876? It is a little poem of everyday life, full
+of deep feeling and feline love.
+
+"I have a small tabby cat, very comely and graceful. Being very fond of
+her kitten, she is always uneasy if she loses sight of it if only for a
+short time. For the last six weeks, the mother, failing to recall the
+truant back by her voice, even returns to the kitchen for the lower
+portion of a rabbit's fore-leg, which has served as a plaything for some
+time. With this in her mouth, she proceeds to search for her lost one,
+crying all the time, and, putting it down at her feet, repeats her
+entreaties, to which the kitten, allured by the sight of its plaything,
+generally responds. Owing to its gambols in the open air during the
+inclement weather, the kitten was seized with an affliction of the
+throat; the mother, puzzled with the prostration of its offspring,
+brought down the rabbit's foot to attract attention. In vain; the kitten
+died. Even now the loving mother searches for the rabbit's foot, and
+brings it down."
+
+An instance of the peculiar foresight and instinct, so often observable
+in the cat, is related in _The Animal World_, October, 1882. Miss M.
+writes: "This house is very old, and big impudent rats often appear in
+the shop, so a cat is always kept on the premises. Pussy is about five
+years old, and is a handsome, light tortoiseshell, with a pretty face
+and coaxing ways. A month ago she had three kittens, one of which was
+kept; they were born in the drawing-room, by the side of the piano. When
+the two were taken away, pussy carried the one remaining to the
+fireplace, and made it a bed under the grate with shavings. When a
+fortnight old, both were removed downstairs to the room behind the shop.
+One day last week an enormous rat appeared; pussy spied him, and set up
+her back; but her motherly instinct prevailed. She looked round the
+shop, and, finding a drawer high up a little way open, she jumped with
+her kitten in her mouth, and dropped it into the drawer, after which she
+descended and fought a battle royal with the rat, which she soon
+despatched and carried to her mistress, then went back to the drawer and
+brought out her kitten."
+
+Here is another fact as regards the observation of cats, which possibly,
+in this respect, is not far different from some other domestic animals.
+"A gray and white cat, 'Jenny' (a house cat), had three kittens in the
+hollow stump of an old ash-tree, some distance from the house. There,
+from time to time, she took them food, and there nursed them. One day,
+looking from the window, I observed a very heavy storm was approaching,
+and also, what should I see but Mistress 'Jenny' running across the
+meadow as fast as she could, and, on her drawing nearer, I noticed that
+she had one of her kittens in her mouth. She ran past and put the kitten
+into a small outhouse, when she immediately hastened back, and returned
+bringing another of her kittens, which she put in the same place. Again
+she started for the wood, and shortly reappeared bringing her third and
+last kitten, though more slowly, seemingly very tired. I was just
+thinking of going to help her, when she suddenly quickened her pace and
+ran for the outhouse; just then a few drops of rain began to fall. In a
+few moments a deluge of water was falling, the lightning was flashing,
+the thunder crashed overhead and rumbled in the distance, but 'Jenny'
+did not mind, for she had her three kittens comfortably housed, and she
+and they were all nestled together in an apple basket, warm and dry.
+Surely she must have known, by instinct or observation, that the storm
+was coming."--From my Book of "_Animal Stories, Old and New_."
+
+Should it be deemed necessary to destroy some, if not all of the litter,
+which, unfortunately, is sometimes the case, it is not well to take away
+the whole at once; but it is advisable to let a day or two intervene
+between each removal; the mother will thus be relieved of much
+suffering, especially if one at least is left for her to rear, but two
+is preferable. Still, when the progeny are well-marked or otherwise
+valuable, and large specimens are required for show or other purposes,
+three kittens are enough to leave, though some advocate as many as five;
+but if this is done it is better to provide a foster-mother for two, for
+which even a dog will often prove a very good substitute for one of the
+feline race. In either case, slightly warm new milk should be given at
+least three times a day; the milk should not be heated, but some hot
+water put to it, and as soon as their teeth are sufficiently grown for
+them to be of use in mastication give some raw beef cut very small and
+fine. Some prefer chopped liver; I do not; but never give more than they
+can lap or eat at each meal. This liberal treatment will make a
+wonderful difference in their growth, and also their general health and
+strength; and being so fed makes them more docile. And it should be
+borne in mind that in a state of nature cats always bring raw food to
+their young as soon as they are able to eat; therefore raw meat is far
+the best to give them--their dentition proves this.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+KITTENS.
+
+
+Kittenhood, the baby time especially of country cats, is with most the
+brightest, sprightliest, and prettiest period of their existence, and
+perhaps the most happy. True, when first born and in the earliest era of
+their lives, they are blind, helpless little things, dull, weak, and
+staggering, scarcely able to stand, if at all, almost rolling over at
+every attempt, making querulous, fretful noises, if wakeful or cold, or
+for the time motherless. But 'tis not for long; awhile, and she, the
+fondest of mothers, is with them. They are nestled about her, or amid
+her soft, warm fluffy fur, cossetted with parental tenderness, caressed,
+nurtured, and, with low, sweet tones and fondlings, they are soothed
+again and again to sleep.--They sleep.--Noiseless, and with many a
+longing, lingering look, the careful, watchful, loving creature slowly
+and reluctantly steals away; soon to return, when she and her little
+ones are lost "in the land of dreams." And so from day to day, until
+bright, meek-eyed, innocent, inquiring little faces, with eager eyes,
+peep above the basket that is yet their home. One bolder than the others
+springs out, when, scared at its own audacity, as quickly, and oft
+clumsily, scrambles back, then out--in--and out, in happy, varied, wild,
+frolicsome, gambolsome play, they clutch, twist, turn, and wrestle in
+artless mimicry of desperate quarrelling;--the struggle over, in
+liveliest antics they chase and rechase in turn, or in fantastic mood
+play; 'tis but play, and such wondrous play--bright, joyous, and light;
+and so life glides on with them as kittens--frisky, skittish, playful
+kittens.
+
+A few more days, and their mother leads them forth, with many an anxious
+look and turn, softly calling in a subdued voice, they halting almost at
+every step; suddenly, oft at nothing, panic-stricken, quickly scamper
+back, not one yet daring to follow where all is so oddly strange and
+new, their natural shyness being stronger than the love of freedom.
+Again, with scared look and timid steps, they come, when again at
+nothing frightened, or with infantile pretence, they are off,
+"helter-skelter," without a pause or stay, one and all, they o'er and
+into their basket clamber, tumble in, turn about and stare with a more
+than half-bewildered, self-satisfied safety look about them. Gaining
+courage once more, they peer about, with dreamy, startled, anxious eyes,
+watching for dangers that never are, although expected. Noiseless comes
+their patient, loving mother; with what new delight they cling about
+her; how fondly and tenderly she tends them, lures, cossets, coaxes, and
+talks, as only a gentle mother-cat can--"There is no danger,
+no!--nothing to fear. Is she not with them; will she not guard, keep and
+defend them? There is a paradise out there; through this door; they must
+see it. Come, she will show them; come, have confidence! Now,
+then--come!" When followed by her three little ones, and they with much
+misgiving, she passes out--out into the garden, out among the lovely,
+blooming, fragrant roses, out among the sweet stocks and the
+damask-coloured gilly-flowers, the pink daisies, brown, red, and orange
+wallflowers, the spice-scented pinks, and other gay and modest floral
+beauties that make so sweet the soft and balmy breath of Spring. Out
+into the sunshine, almost dazed amid a flood of light, warmed by the
+glowing midday sun. Light above, light around and everywhere about;
+while the sweet-scented breezes come joy-laden with the happy wild
+birds' melodious songs; wearied with wonderment, under the
+flower-crowned lilacs they gather themselves to rest. How beautiful all
+is, how full of young delights; the odorous wind fans, soothes, and
+lulls them to rest, while rustling leaves softly whisper them to
+sleep--they and their loving mother slumber unconscious of all things,
+and with all things at peace. There, stretched in the warm sunshine
+asleep, possibly dreaming of their after-life when they are kittens no
+longer, they rest and--sleep.
+
+Their young, bright life has begun; how charming all is, how peaceful
+under the young, green leaves, bright as emeralds; about them
+flickering, chequering lights play with the never-wearying, restless
+shadows; they know of nothing but bliss, so happy, they enjoy
+all--sweet-faced, gentle-eyed and pretty. Happy, there is no other word.
+"Happy as a kitten." "Sprightly as a kitten." As they sleep they dream
+of delight, awake they more than realise their dreams.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+OF KITTENS IN GENERAL.
+
+
+Kittens usually shed their first teeth from five to seven months old,
+and seldom possess even part of a set of the small, sharp dentition
+after that time. When shown as kittens under six months old, and they
+have changed the _whole_ of their kittenhood teeth for those of the
+adult, it is generally considered a fairly _strong_ proof that their
+life is in excess of that age, and the judge is therefore certainly
+justified in disqualifying such exhibit, though sometimes, as in other
+domestic animals, there occurs premature change, as well as inexplicable
+delay.
+
+Kittens are not so cleanly in their habits as cats of a mature growth;
+this is more generally the case when they have been _separated from the
+mother-cat_, or when removed to some place that is strange to them, or
+when sufficient care is not taken, by letting them out of the house
+occasionally. When they cannot from various reasons be so turned out, a
+box should be provided, partly filled with dry earth, to which they may
+retire. This is always a requisite when cats or kittens are valuable,
+and therefore obliged to be kept within doors, especially in
+neighbourhoods where there is a chance of their being lost or stolen.
+
+It should also be borne in mind, that the present and future health of
+an animal, be it what it may, is subject to many incidences, and not the
+least of these is good and appropriate food, shelter, warmth, and
+cleanliness. It is best to feed at regular intervals. In confinement,
+Mr. Bartlett, the skilful and experienced manager of the Zoological
+Society's Gardens, at Regent's Park, finds that one meal a day is
+sufficient, and this is thought also to be the case with a full-grown
+cat, more especially when it has the opportunity of ranging and getting
+other food, such as mice, and "such small deer;" but with "young things"
+it is different, as it is deemed necessary to get as much strength and
+growth as possible. I therefore advocate several meals a day, at least
+three, with a variety of food, such as raw shin of beef, cut very small;
+bones to pick; fish of sorts, with all the bones taken out, or refuse
+parts; milk, with a little hot water; boiled rice or oatmeal, with milk
+or without it; and grass, if possible; if not, some boiled vegetables,
+stalks of asparagus, cabbage, or even carrots. Let the food be varied
+from time to time, but never omitting the finely-cut raw beef every day.
+I am not in favour of liver, or "lights," as it is called, either for
+cats or kittens. If horseflesh can be depended on, it is a very
+favourite and strengthening food, and may be given. The kitten should be
+kept warm and dry, and away from draughts.
+
+Also take especial care not in any way to frighten, tease, or worry a
+young animal, but do everything possible to give confidence and engender
+regard, fondness, or affection for its owner; always be gentle and yet
+firm in its training. Do not allow it to do one day uncorrected, that
+for which it is punished the next for the same kind of fault. If it is
+doing wrong remove it, speaking gently, _at the time_, and not _wait
+long after the fault is committed_, or they will not know what the
+punishment is for. Many animals' tempers are spoiled entirely by this
+mode of proceeding.
+
+Take care there is always a clean vessel, with pure clear water for them
+to drink when thirsty.
+
+[Illustration: MISS MOORE'S KITTEN, "CHLOE."]
+
+
+
+
+MANAGEMENT OF KITTENS AND CATS.
+
+These require quiet and kindly treatment. Do nothing quickly or
+suddenly, so as in any way to scare or frighten, but when speaking to
+them, let the voice be moderated, gentle, and soft in tone. Cats are not
+slow to understand kind treatment, and may often be seen to watch the
+countenance as though trying to fathom our thoughts. Some cats are of a
+very timorous nature, and are thus easily dismayed. Others again are
+more bold in their ways and habits, and are ever ready for cossetty
+attention; but treat both as you would be treated--kindly.
+
+As to food, as already noted, I have found raw beef the best, with milk
+mixed with a little hot water to drink--never boil it--and give plenty
+of grass, or some boiled vegetable, such as asparagus, sea-kale, or
+celery; they also are fond of certain weeds, such as cat-mint, and
+equisetum, or mares' or cats' tails, as it is sometimes called. If fish
+is given it is best mixed with either rice or oatmeal, and boiled,
+otherwise it is apt to produce diarrhoea.
+
+Horse-flesh may be given as a change, provided that it is not from a
+diseased animal; and should be boiled, and be fresh.
+
+Brown bread and milk is also good and healthy food; the bread should be
+cut in cubes of half an inch, and the warm milk and water poured on;
+only enough for one meal should be prepared at a time.
+
+Let the cat and kittens have as much fresh air as is possible; and if
+fed on some dainty last thing at night they will be sure to "come in,"
+and thus preserved from doing and receiving injury.
+
+If cats are in any way soiled in their coat, especially the long-haired
+varieties, and cannot cleanse themselves, they may be washed in warm,
+soapy water; but this is not advisable in kittens, unless great care is
+used to prevent their taking cold.
+
+Some cats like being brushed, and it is often an improvement to the
+pelage or fur if carefully done; but in all cases the brush should have
+soft, close hair, which should be rather long than otherwise.
+
+Do not let your cats or kittens wear collars or ribbons always,
+especially if they are ramblers, for the reason that they are liable to
+get caught on spikes of railings or twigs of bushes, and so starved to
+death, or strangled, unless discovered.
+
+For sending cats to an exhibition, a close-made basket is best, which
+will allow for ventilation, as fresh air is most essential; and have it
+sufficiently large to allow of the cat standing and turning about,
+especially if a long journey is before them. I have _seen_ cats sent to
+shows taken out of _small boxes_, _dead_, stifled to death--"poor
+things."
+
+Bear in mind that the higher and better condition your cat is in on its
+arrival at the show, the greater is the chance of winning.
+
+Do not put carpet or woollen fabrics in the basket, but plenty of good,
+sweet hay or oat-straw; this will answer all purposes, and does not get
+sodden.
+
+If you use a padlock for the fastening, _do not forget to send the key
+to the manager of the show_, as is sometimes the case.
+
+[Illustration: CAT CLUB CHALLENGE CUP.]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+POINTS BY WHICH CATS ARE JUDGED,
+
+AS SPECIFIED BY MYSELF.
+
+              _Revised and corrected to the present time._
+
+                           ... What you do,
+                           Still betters what is done.
+
+                                    _Winter's Tale, Act IV._
+
+
+THE TORTOISESHELL.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                15
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at
+     the base.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, and
+     lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              25
+
+     A mixture of three colours--black, red, and yellow--each to
+     be distinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not one
+     colour running into the other, but in small irregular
+     patches, of great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow to
+     preponderate over the black. If the colours are deep and
+     rich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is very
+     fine. White is a disqualification.
+
+FORM                                                                15
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and well-marked with
+     alternate patches of black, red, and yellow.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  15
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at
+     the base.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, and
+     lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              25
+
+     A mixture of three--black, red, and yellow--each to be
+     distinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not one
+     colour running into the other, but in small irregular patches
+     of great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow to
+     preponderate over the black. If the colours are deep and
+     rich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is very
+     fine.
+
+WHITE MARKING                                                       15
+
+     The fore-legs, breast, throat, lips and a circle round them,
+     with a blaze up the forehead, white; lower half of the
+     hind-legs white, nose and cushions of the feet white.
+
+FORM                                                                10
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and well-marked with
+     alternate patches of black, red, and yellow.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+WHITE. SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                15
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at apex, broad at the
+     base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Blue--a soft, turquoise blue--but yellow is permissible as
+     five points only, green a defect; large, round, and full.
+
+FUR                                                                 15
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              15
+
+     Yellow-white; gray-white, five points less.
+
+FORM                                                                15
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  15
+
+     Large, lithe, and elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening good health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+SELF-COLOUR, BLACK, BLUE, GRAY, OR RED SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                15
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow, rounded at apex, broad at the
+     base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange for black, orange-yellow for blue, deep yellow for
+     gray, and gold tinged with green for red. Large, round, and
+     full; very bright.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+FORM                                                                15
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line; neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+COLOUR                                                              25
+
+     Black, a jet, dense, brown-black, with purple gloss; blue, a
+     bright, rich, even, dark colour, or lighter, but even in
+     tint; gray, a bright, light, even colour; red, a brilliant
+     sandy or yellowish-red colour.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  15
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, lying close to the body, all
+     betokening good health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+BROWN AND ORDINARY TABBY, STRIPED, SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at apex, broad at the
+     base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange-yellow, slightly tinted with green, large, full,
+     round, and very lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     Deep, very rich reddish-brown, more rufous inside the legs
+     and belly; ears and nose a still deeper red-brown, the latter
+     at the tip edged with black. Ordinary tabby, dark gray, and
+     ticked.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            20
+
+     Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as the
+     ground colour shown between, so as to give a light and
+     brilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than the
+     colour space, it is a defect, being then black marked with
+     colour, instead of colour marked with black. The lines must
+     be clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct,
+     having no mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs marked
+     regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no way
+     blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,
+     cushions of feet, and backs of hind-legs, and the ear-points,
+     black.
+
+FORM                                                                10
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with black
+     rings.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+CHOCOLATE, CHESTNUT, RED, OR YELLOW TABBY, STRIPED, SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at apex, broad at the
+     base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange, gold, or yellow, in the order of the above names,
+     large, round, full, and very lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     Deep, rich, reddish-brown, bright red, or yellow, in the
+     order as above, brighter inside the legs and belly; ears and
+     nose deeper colour, the latter at the tip red, edged with
+     chocolate.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            20
+
+     Dark, rich brown or chocolate, lines not too broad, scarcely
+     so wide as the ground colour shown between, so as to give a
+     light and brilliant effect; when the lines are broader than
+     the colour space it is a defect, being then light colour
+     markings on dark brown or chocolate, red or dark yellow,
+     instead of colour marked with deeper colour. Head and legs
+     marked regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in
+     no way blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and
+     continuous; lips, cushions of feet, and the back of
+     hind-legs, and the ear-points, dark. Yellow tabby, the
+     cushions of feet red, or light red.
+
+FORM                                                                10
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender,
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped, and deep, legs medium
+     length, not thick nor clumsy, feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with dark rings.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+ TOTAL                                                             100
+
+
+BLUE, SILVER, LIGHT GRAY, AND WHITE TABBY, STRIPED, SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips; nose rather long than short;
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at
+     the base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange-yellow for blue tabby; deep, bright yellow for silver
+     or gray; large, full, round, and very lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     If blue, a rich, deep, yet bright colour; silver, a lighter,
+     yet bright tint; gray, very light; if a white tabby, ground
+     to be colourless; ears and nose a deep gray, the tip red,
+     edged with black.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            20
+
+     Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as the
+     ground colour shown between, so as to give a light and
+     brilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than the
+     colour space, it is a defect, being then black marked with
+     colour, instead of colour with black. The lines must be
+     clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct, having
+     no mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs marked
+     regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no way
+     blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,
+     cushions of feet, and the backs of hind-legs, and the
+     ear-points, black.
+
+FORM                                                                10
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped, and deep; legs medium
+     length, not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with black
+     rings.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+Total                                                              100
+
+
+[Illustration: MR. BABB'S SPOTTED SILVER TABBY.]
+
+
+SHORT-HAIRED, SPOTTED TABBIES OF ANY COLOUR.
+
+These to be the same in all points of head, eyes, fur, form, colours,
+tail, size and condition as those laid down for the judging of
+short-haired tabby cats in general, with the exception, in whatever
+colour the markings are, or on whatever ground, they, instead of being
+in lines or bands, are to be broken up into clear, well-defined and
+well-formed spots, each spot to be separate, and distinct, and good,
+firm and dark in colour; these then count as many points as a
+finely-striped cat in its class.
+
+[Illustration: PROPERLY MARKED BLACK AND WHITE.]
+
+
+BLACK AND WHITE, GRAY-WHITE, RED AND WHITE, AND OTHER COLOURS AND WHITE.
+
+The self colour to count the same number of points as the ground colour
+in tabby, namely, twenty points, and the white _markings_ the same as
+the tabby markings, that is, twenty points. The other points also the
+same.
+
+The markings to be: lips, mouth and part of the cheek, including the
+whiskers, with a blaze up the nose, coming to a point between the eyes,
+white; throat and chest white, and pear-shaped in outline of colour; all
+four feet white.
+
+
+WHITE AND BLACK, WHITE AND GRAY, WHITE AND RED, WHITE AND ANY OTHER
+COLOUR.
+
+The colours and markings to count the same as the above. The ground
+colour being white, and markings the dark colour instead of white. In
+the markings they should be even or well-balanced, such as two black
+ears, the rest white; or two black ears, with black tail, and the rest
+white; or all white, with dark tail only. These are not very uncommon
+markings, but if so marked, they may also have a spot or two on the back
+or sides provided they balance in size of colour. But the simplicity of
+the former is the best.
+
+All other fancy colours and markings must be judged according to taste,
+and entered in the any other variety of colours for short-haired cats,
+such as strawberry colour, smokies, chinchillas, ticked, black tabbies
+and such fancy colours.
+
+
+ABYSSINIAN.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across the eyes, rather long than short, nose
+     medium length, all well-formed.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange-yellow, slightly tinged with green, large, round,
+     full, and bright.
+
+NOSE AND FEET                                                       10
+
+     Nose dark red, edged with black; tips and cushions of feet
+     black, also the back of the hind-legs.
+
+FUR                                                                 15
+
+     Soft, rather woolly hair, yet soft, silky, lustrous, and
+     glossy, short, smooth, even, and dense.
+
+EARS                                                                10
+
+     The usual size of the ordinary English cat, but a little more
+     rounded, with not much hair in the interior, black at the
+     apex.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     A rich, dun brown, ticked with black and orange, or darker on
+     lighter colours, having a dark or black line along the back
+     extending to the end of the tail, and slightly annulated with
+     black or dark colour. As few other marks as possible. Inside
+     of fore-legs and belly to be orange-brown. No white.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large; coat glossy and smooth, fitting close to the body;
+     eyes bright and clear.
+
+CARRIAGE AND APPEARANCE                                             10
+
+     Graceful, lithe, elegant, alert and quick in all its
+     movements, head carried up, tail trailing, in walk
+     undulating.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+N.B.--The Abyssinian Silver Gray, or Chinchilla, is the same in all
+points, with the exception of the ground colour being silver instead of
+brown. This is a new and beautiful variety.
+
+
+ROYAL CAT OF SIAM.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, tapering upwards
+     and somewhat narrow between the ears: forehead flat and
+     receding, nose long, and somewhat broad, cheeks narrowing
+     towards the mouth, lips full and rounded, ears rather large
+     and wide at base, with very little hair inside.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Very short, and somewhat woolly, yet soft and silky to the
+     touch, and glossy, with much lustre on the face, legs, and
+     tail.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     The ground or body colour to be of an even tint, slightly
+     darker on the back, but not in any way clouded or patched
+     with any darker colour; light rich dun is the preferable
+     colour, but a light fawn, light silver-gray, or light orange
+     is allowable; deeper and richer browns, almost chocolate, are
+     admissible if even and not clouded, but the first is the true
+     type, the last merely a variety of much beauty and
+     excellence; but the dun and light tints take precedence.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            20
+
+     Ears black, the colour not extending beyond them, but ending
+     in a clear and well-defined outline; around the eyes, and all
+     the lower part of the head, black; legs and tail black, the
+     colour not extending into or staining the body, but having a
+     clear line of demarkation.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Rather of almond shape, slanting towards the nose, full and
+     of a very beautiful blue opalesque colour, luminous and of a
+     reddish tint in the dusk of evening or by artificial light.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Short by comparison with the English cat, thin throughout, a
+     little thicker towards the base, without any break or kink.
+
+SIZE AND FORM                                                       10
+
+     Rather small, lithe, elegant in outline, and graceful, narrow
+     and somewhat long; legs thin and a little short than
+     otherwise; feet long, not so round as the ordinary cat; neck
+     long and small.
+
+CONDITION                                                           10
+
+     In full health, not too fat, hair smooth, clear, bright, full
+     of lustre, lying close to the body, which should be hard and
+     firm in the muscles.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+MANX, OR SHORT-TAILED CAT.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, round, but tapering towards the lips, rather broad
+     across the eyes, nose medium length, ears rather small, broad
+     at base and sloping upwards to a point.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     According to colour, as shown in other varieties.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              15
+
+     To range the same as other short-haired cats, if self same as
+     self, if marked same as the marked varieties, with less
+     points, allowing for the tail points in this variety.
+
+FORM                                                                15
+
+     Narrow, long, neck long and thin, all to be graceful in line;
+     shoulders narrow, well-sloped; fore-legs medium length and
+     thin; hind-legs long in proportion and stouter built; feet
+     round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                25
+
+     To have no tail whatever, not even a stump, but some true
+     bred have a very short, thin, twisted tail, that cannot be
+     straightened, this allowable, and is true bred; but thick
+     stumps, knobs, or short, thick tails _disqualify_.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  15
+
+     Large, elegant in all its movements, hair smooth, clean,
+     bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body, all
+     betokening good health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+[Illustration: MR. CLARKE'S "MISS WHITEY."]
+
+
+
+
+WHITE, LONG-HAIRED CAT.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Round and broad across and between the eyes, of medium size;
+     nose rather short, pink at the tip; ears ordinary size, but
+     looking small, being surrounded with long hair, which should
+     also be long on the forehead and lips.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Large, full, round or almond-shape, lustrous, and of a
+     beautiful azure blue. Yellow admissible as five points only.
+     Green a defect.
+
+RUFF OR FRILL                                                       15
+
+     Large, very long, flowing, and lion-like, extending over the
+     shoulders, and covering the neck and chest thickly.
+
+FUR                                                                 15
+
+     Very long everywhere, mostly along the back, sides, legs, and
+     feet, making tufts between the toes, and points at the apex
+     of the ears.
+
+QUALITY OF FUR                                                      10
+
+     Fine, silky, and very soft in the Persian, with a slightly
+     woolly texture in the Angora, and still more so in the
+     Russian.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     In the Persian the hair long and silky throughout, but
+     somewhat longer at the base. Angora more like the brush of a
+     fox, but much longer in the hair. Russian equally long in
+     hair, but full tail, shorter and more blunt, like a tassel.
+
+SIZE, SHAPE, AND CONDITION                                          15
+
+     Large, small in bone, looking larger than it really is on
+     account of the length of hair. Body long, legs short, tail
+     carried low--not over the back, which is a fault. Fur clean,
+     bright and glossy, even and smooth, and flakey, which gives
+     an appearance of quality.
+
+COLOUR                                                              10
+
+     White, with a tender, very slightly yellow tint; cushions of
+     feet and tip of nose pink.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+
+
+BLACK, BLUE, GRAY, RED, OR ANY SELF COLOUR LONG-HAIRED CATS.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Round, and broad across and between the eyes, of medium size;
+     nose rather short and dark at tip, excepting in the red, when
+     it should be pink; ears ordinary size, but looking small,
+     being surrounded with long hair, which should also be long on
+     the forehead and lips.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     For black, orange; orange-yellow for blue; deep yellow for
+     gray; and gold, tinged with green, for red; large, round, or
+     almond-shaped, full and very bright.
+
+RUFF OR FRILL                                                       15
+
+     Large, very long, flowing, and lion-like, extending over the
+     shoulders, and covering the neck and chest thickly.
+
+FUR                                                                 15
+
+     Very long everywhere; mostly so along the back, sides, legs,
+     and feet, making tufts between the toes, and points at the
+     apex of the ears.
+
+QUALITY OF FUR                                                      10
+
+     Fine, silky, and very soft in the Persian, with slightly
+     woolly texture in the Angora, and still more so in the
+     Russian.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     In the Persian the hair long and silky throughout, but
+     somewhat longer at the base; Angora like the brush of a fox,
+     but longer in the hair; Russian equally long in hair but more
+     full at the end, tail shorter, rather blunt, like a tassel.
+
+SIZE, SHAPE, AND CONDITION                                          10
+
+     Large, small in bone, looking larger than it really is on
+     account of the length of the hair; body long, legs short;
+     tail carried low, not over the back, which is a fault; fur
+     clean and glossy, even, smooth, and flakey, which gives an
+     appearance of quality.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     Black, dense, bright brown-black, with purple gloss; blue, a
+     bright, rich, even dark colour, or lighter, but even in tint;
+     gray, a bright, light, even colour; red, a brilliant, sandy,
+     or yellowish-red colour.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+BROWN, BLUE, SILVER, LIGHT GRAY, AND WHITE TABBY LONG-HAIRED CATS.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Round and broad across and between the eyes, of medium size;
+     nose rather short; ears ordinary size, but looking small,
+     being surrounded with long hair, which should also be long on
+     the forehead and lips.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     Orange-yellow for brown and blue tabby, very slightly tinted
+     with green; deep, bright yellow for silver; gray, and golden
+     yellow for white tabby; large, full, round, or almond-shaped,
+     and very lustrous.
+
+RUFF OR FRILL                                                       10
+
+     Large, very long, flowing, and lion-like, extending over the
+     shoulders, and covering the neck and chest thickly.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Very long everywhere, mostly so along the back, sides, legs,
+     and feet, making tufts between the toes, and points at the
+     apex of the ears.
+
+QUALITY OF FUR                                                      10
+
+     Fine, silky, and very soft in the Persian, with slightly
+     woolly texture in the Angora, and still more so in the
+     Russian.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     In the Persian the hair long and silky throughout, but
+     somewhat longer at the base; Angora like the brush of a fox,
+     but longer in the hair; Russian equally long in the hair, but
+     more full at the end; tail shorter, rather blunt, like a
+     tassel.
+
+SIZE, SHAPE, AND CONDITION                                          10
+
+     Large, small in bone, looking larger than it really is on
+     account of the length of the hair; body long; legs short;
+     tail carried low, not over the back, which is a fault; fur
+     clean and glossy, even, smooth, and flakey, which gives an
+     appearance of quality.
+
+COLOUR                                                              15
+
+     Ground colour, deep, rich reddish-brown, more rufous on the
+     nose, ears, mane, and inside the legs and belly; tip of nose
+     red, edged with black; blue, bright, deep, rich, even, dark
+     colour; silver, lighter and equally even tint; and so light
+     gray; and white ground, pure white.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            15
+
+     Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as the
+     ground colour seen between, so as to give a light and
+     brilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than the
+     colour space, it is a defect, being then black marked with
+     colour, instead of colour marked with black. The lines must
+     be clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct,
+     having no mixture of the ground colour. Head, legs, and tail
+     regularly marked, the latter with rings, the lines on the
+     throat and chest being in no way blurred or broken, but
+     clear, graceful, and continuous; lips, cushions of feet, the
+     backs of the hind-legs and the ear-points black.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+In chocolate, mahogany, red, or yellow long-haired tabbies, the markings
+and colours to be the same as in the short-haired cats; but in points to
+count the same as the last in all qualities.
+
+Spotted tabbies to count the same in all points, the only difference
+being that instead of stripes, the cats are marked with clear,
+well-defined spots.
+
+All fancy colours to be shown in the "any other variety of _colour_"
+class, and judged according to quality of coat, beauty, and rarity of
+colouring or marking. The small, thin, broken-banded tabby should go in
+this class, as also those with thin, light, wavy lines.
+
+All foreign, wild, or other cats of peculiar form to go into the class
+for "any other variety or species."
+
+[Illustration: "SYLVIE."]
+
+
+
+
+DISEASES OF CATS.
+
+
+Cats, like many other animals, both wild and domestic, are subject to
+diseases, several being fatal, others yielding to known curatives; many
+are of a very exhaustive character, some are epidemic, others are
+undoubtedly contagious--the two worst of these are what is known as the
+distemper and the mange. Through the kindness of friends I am enabled to
+give recipes for medicines considered as useful, or, at any rate,
+tending to abate the severity of the attack in the one, and utterly
+eradicate the other. Care should always be taken on the first symptoms
+of illness to remove the animal at once from contact with others. My
+kind friend, Dr. George Fleming, C.B., principal veterinary surgeon of
+the army, has courteously sent me a copy of a remedy for cat distemper
+from his very excellent work, "Animal Plagues: their History, Nature,
+and Prevention," which I give in full.
+
+
+CATARRHAL FEVERS.
+
+"Cats are, like some other of the domesticated animals, liable to be
+attacked by two kinds of Catarrhal Fever, one of which is undoubtedly
+very infectious--like distemper in dogs--and the other may be looked
+upon as the result of a simple cold, and therefore not transmissible.
+The first is, of course, the most severe and fatal, and often prevails
+most extensively, affecting cats generally over wide areas, sometimes
+entire continents being invaded by it. From A.D. 1414 up to 1832 no
+fewer than nineteen widespread outbreaks of this kind have been
+recorded. The most notable of these was in 1796, when the cats in
+England and Holland were generally attacked by the disease, and in the
+following year when it had spread over Europe and extended to America;
+in 1803, it again appeared in this country and over a large part of the
+European continent.
+
+"The symptoms are intense fever, prostration, vomiting, diarrhoea,
+sneezing, cough, and profuse discharge from the nose and eyes. Sometimes
+the parotid glands are swollen, as in human mumps. Dr. Darwin, of Derby,
+uncle to Charles Darwin, thought it was a kind of mumps, and therefore
+designated it _Parotitis felina_.
+
+"The treatment consists in careful nursing and cleanliness, keeping the
+animal moderately warm and comfortable. The disease rapidly produces
+intense debility, and therefore the strength should be maintained from
+the very commencement by frequent small doses of strong beef-tea, into
+which one grain of quinine has been introduced twice a day, a small
+quantity of port wine (from half to one teaspoonful) according to the
+size of the cat, and the state of debility. If there is no diarrhoea,
+but constipation, a small dose of castor oil or syrup of buckthorn
+should be given. Solid food should not be allowed until convalescence
+has set in. Isolation, with regard to other cats, and disinfection,
+should be attended to.
+
+"Simple Catarrh demands similar treatment. Warmth, cleanliness, broth,
+and beef-tea, are the chief items of treatment, with a dose of castor
+oil if constipation is present. If the discharge obstructs the nostrils
+it should be removed with a sponge, and these and the eyes may be bathed
+with a weak lotion of vinegar and water."
+
+"As regards inoculation for distemper," Dr. Fleming says, "it has been
+tried, but the remedy is often worse than the disease, at least as bad
+as the natural disease. _Vaccination_ has also been tried, but it is
+_valueless_. Probably inoculation with cultivated or modified virus
+would be found a good and safe preventative."
+
+I was anxious to know about this, as inoculation used to be the practice
+with packs of hounds.
+
+It will be observed that Dr. Fleming treats the distemper as a kind of
+influenza, and considers one of the most important things is to keep up
+the strength of the suffering animal. Other members of the R.C.V.S.,
+whom I have consulted, have all given the same kind of advice, not only
+prescribing for the sick animal wine, but brandy, as a last resource, to
+arouse sinking vitality. Mr. George Cheverton, of High Street, Tunbridge
+Wells, who is very successful with animals and their diseases, thinks it
+best to treat them homoeopathically. The following is what he
+prescribes as efficacious for some of the most dire complaints with
+which cats are apt to be afflicted.
+
+
+WORMS.
+
+For a full-grown cat give 3 grains of santonine every night for a week
+or 10 days; it might be administered in milk, or given in a small piece
+of beef or meat of any kind. After the course give an aperient powder.
+
+
+MANGE.
+
+The best possible remedies for this disease are arsenicum, 2^{�}
+trituration, and sulphur, 2^{�} trituration, given on alternate days, as
+much as will lie on a threepenny piece, night and morning, administered
+as above.
+
+A most useful lotion is acid sulphurous, 1 oz. to 5 oz. of water, adding
+about a teaspoonful of glycerine, and sponging the affected parts twice
+or thrice daily.
+
+
+COLDS.
+
+The symptoms are twofold, usually there is constant sneezing and
+discharge from the nose. Aconite, 1^{�} tincture, 1 drop given every 3
+hours in alternation with arsenicum, 3^{�} trituration, will speedily
+remove the disease. Should there be stuffing of the nose, and difficult
+breathing, give mercurius biniod., 3^{�} trituration, a dose every 3 or
+4 hours.
+
+
+COUGHS.
+
+The short, hard, dry cough will always give way to treatment with
+belladonna, 3^{�} trituration, 3 grains every 3 or 4 hours.
+
+For the difficult breathing, with rattling in the chest and bronchial
+tubes, with distressing cough, antimonium tartaric., 2^{�}, grains iij
+every 2, 3 or 4 hours, according to the severity of the symptoms.
+
+
+DISTEMPER.
+
+Early symptoms should be noted and receive prompt attention; this will
+often cut short the duration of the malady. The first indications
+usually are a disinclination to rest in the usual place, seeking a dark
+corner beneath a sofa, etc. The eyes flow freely, the nose after
+becoming hard and dry becomes stopped with fluid, the tongue parched,
+and total aversion to food follows. The breathing becomes short and
+laboured, the discharges are offensive, and the animal creeps away into
+some quiet corner to die--if before this its life has not been
+mercifully ended.
+
+On discovery of _first_ symptoms, give 2 drops aconite and arsenicum in
+alternation every 3 hours. When the nose becomes dry, and the eye
+restless and glaring, give belladonna.
+
+
+CANKER OF EAR.
+
+When internal, drop into the affected ear, night and morning, 3 or 5
+drops of the following mixture:
+
+Tincture of Hydrastis Canadensis        2 drachms.
+Carbolic Acid (pure)                    �    "
+Glycerine, to make up to                2 oz.
+
+If external, paint with the mixture the affected parts.
+
+
+APERIENT.
+
+Get a chemist to rub down a medium-size croton bean with about 40 grains
+of sugar of milk, and divide into four powders. One of these powders
+given in milk usually suffices. Large cats often require two powders.
+The dose might be repeated if necessary.
+
+     Dose, when drops are ordered, 2 drops.
+       "    "   trituration is ordered, 2 to 3 grains.
+
+
+REMEDIES AND STRENGTHENING MEDICINES.
+
+     Aconite, 1^{�} tincture. Arsenicum, 2^{�} trituration.
+     Antimonium tartaricum, 2^{�} trituration. Belladonna, 3^{�}
+     trituration. Mercurius biniodatus, 3^{�} trituration.
+     Hydrastis canadensis, [Greek: phi] tincture. Sulphur, 2^{�}
+     trituration. Santonine.
+
+Mr. Frank Upjohn, of Castelnau, Barnes, has also kindly forwarded me his
+treatment of some few of the cat ailments. Mindful of the old proverb
+that "In a multitude of counsellors there is wisdom," I place all before
+my friends, and those of the cat, that they may select which remedy they
+deem best:
+
+
+DISTEMPER.
+
+Take yellow basilicon, 1 oz.; flowers of sulphur, � oz.; oil of juniper,
+3 drachms. Mix for ointment. Then give sulphide of mercury, 3 grains,
+two or three times on alternate nights.
+
+
+PURGATIVE.
+
+Nothing like castor oil for purgation; half the quantity of syrup of
+buckthorn, if necessary, may be added.
+
+
+WORMS.
+
+Two or three grains of santonine in a teaspoonful of castor oil, for two
+or three days.
+
+
+CATARRH.
+
+Cold in the eyes and sneezing may be relieved by sweet spirits of nitre,
+1 drachm; minocrerus spirit, 3 drachms; antimony wine, 1 drachm; water
+to 1� oz. Mix. Give 1 teaspoonful every two or three hours.
+
+
+FLEAS, AND IRRITATION OF SKIN.
+
+Two drachms pure carbolic acid to 6 oz. of water well mixed for a
+lotion, and apply night and morning.
+
+
+EYE OINTMENT.
+
+Red oxide of mercury, 12 grains; spermaceti ointment, 1 oz. Mix.
+
+The above prescription was given to me many years ago by the late Dr.
+Walsh (Stonehenge), and I have found it of great service, both for my
+own eyes, also those of animals and birds. Wash the eyes carefully with
+warm water, dry off with a soft silk handkerchief, and apply a little of
+the ointment. Dr. Walsh informed me that he deemed it excellent for
+canker in the ear, but of that I have had no experience.
+
+
+FOR MANGE.
+
+In the early stages of mange, flowers of sulphur mixed in vaseline, and
+rubbed in the coat of the cat, is efficacious, giving sulphur in the
+milk, the water, and on the food of the patient; also give vegetable
+diet.
+
+Another remedy: give a teaspoonful of castor oil; next day give raw
+meat, dusted over with flowers of sulphur. Also give sulphur in milk.
+If there are any sore places, bathe with lotion made from camphorated
+oil in which some sulphur is mixed. Oil, 2 oz.; camphor, � oz.; sulphur,
+a teaspoonful.
+
+As a rule, when the animal is of value, either intrinsically or as a
+pet, the best plan is to consult a practitioner, well versed in the
+veterinary science and art, especially when the cat appears to suffer
+from some obscure disease, many of which it is very difficult to detect,
+unless by the trained and practised eye. Of all the ailments, both of
+dogs and cats, distemper is the worst to combat, and is so virulent and
+contagious that I have thought it well to offer remedies that are at
+least worthy of a trial, though when the complaint has firm hold, and
+the attack very severe, the case is generally almost hopeless,
+especially with high-bred animals.
+
+
+POISON.
+
+It is not generally known that the much-admired laburnum contains a
+strong poison, and is therefore an exceedingly dangerous plant. All its
+parts--blossoms, leaves, seeds, even the bark and the roots--are charged
+with a poison named _cytisin_, which was discovered by Husemann and
+Marms in 1864.
+
+A small dose of juice infused under the skin is quite sufficient to kill
+a cat or a dog. Children have died from eating the seeds, of which ten
+or twelve were sufficient to cause death. The worst of it is that there
+is _no remedy_, no antidote against this poison. How many cases have
+happened before the danger was discovered is of course only a matter of
+conjecture, as few would suspect the cause to come from the lovely plant
+that so delights the eye.
+
+It has, however, long been known to gamekeepers and others, and used by
+them to destroy "vermin." When quite a boy I remember an old uncle of
+mine telling me to beware of it even in gathering the blossom.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WILD CAT OF BRITAIN.
+
+
+The wild cat is said to be now extinct in England, and only found in
+some of the northern parts of Scotland, or the rocky parts of the
+mountains of the south, where I am informed it may yet occasionally be
+seen. The drawing I give above was made from one sent to the first
+Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871, by the Duke of Sutherland, from
+Sutherlandshire. It was caught in a trap by the fore-leg, which was much
+injured, but not so as to prevent its moving with great alacrity, even
+with agility, endeavouring frequently to use the claws of both fore-feet
+with a desperate determination and amazing vigour. It was a very
+powerful animal, possessing great strength, taking size into
+consideration, and of extraordinary fierceness.
+
+Mr. Wilson, the manager of the show, though an excellent naturalist,
+tried to get it out of the thick-barred, heavy-made travelling box in
+which it arrived, into one of the ordinary wire show-cages, thinking it
+would appear to better advantage; but in this endeavour he was
+unsuccessful, the animal resisting all attempts to expel it from the one
+into the other, making such frantic and determined opposition that the
+idea was abandoned. This was most fortunate, for the wire cages then in
+use were afterwards found unequal to confining even the ordinary
+domestic cat, which, in more than one instance, forced the bars apart
+sufficiently to allow of escape. As it was, the wild cat maintained its
+position, sullenly retiring to one corner of the box, where it scowled,
+growled, and fought in a most fearful and courageous manner during the
+time of its exhibition, never once relaxing its savage watchfulness or
+attempts to injure even those who fed it. I never saw anything more
+unremittingly ferocious, nor apparently more untamable.
+
+It was a grand animal, however, and most interesting to the naturalist,
+being, even then, scarcely ever seen; if so, only in districts far away
+and remote from the dwellings of civilisation. Yet I believe I saw one
+among the rocks of Bodsbeck, in Dumfriesshire, many years ago, though of
+this I am not certain, as it was too far away for accurate observation
+before it turned and stood at bay, and on my advancing it disappeared.
+The animal shown at the Crystal Palace was very much lighter in colour,
+and with less markings than those in the British Museum, the tail
+shorter, and the dark rings fewer, the lines on the body not much deeper
+in tint than the ground colour, excepting on the forehead and the inside
+of the fore-legs, which were darker, rather a light red round the mouth,
+and almost white on the chest--which appears to be usual with the wild
+cat; the eyes were yellow-tinted green, the tips of the ears, the lips,
+cushions of the feet, and a portion of the back part of the hind-legs,
+black; the markings were, in short, irregular thin lines, and in no way
+resembled those of the ordinary black-marked domestic tabby cat,
+possessing little elegance of line--in character it was bolder, having
+a rugged sturdiness, being stronger and broader built, the fore-arms
+thick, massive, and endowed with great power, with long, curved claws,
+the feet were stout, sinewy, and strong; altogether it was a very
+peculiar, interesting, and extraordinary animal. What became of it I
+never learned.
+
+In 1871 and 1872, a wild cat was exhibited at the Crystal Palace Cat
+Show, by the Earl of Hopetoun, aged three years, also some hybrid
+kittens, the father of which was a long-haired cat, the mother a sandy,
+by a wild cat out of a long-haired tabby, which proves, if proof were
+wanting, that such hybrids breed freely either with hybrids, the
+domestic, or the wild cat.
+
+Mr. Frank Buckland also exhibited a hybrid between the wild and tame
+cat.
+
+The Zoological Society, a pair of wild cats which did not appear to be
+British.
+
+In 1873, Mr. A. H. Senger sent a fine specimen of hybrid, between the
+domestic cat and Scotch wild cat.
+
+An early description of the wild cat in England is to be found in an old
+book on Natural History, and copied into a work on "Menageries,"
+"Bartholomoeus de Proprietatibus Rerum," which was translated into
+English by Thomas Berthlet, and printed by Wynkyn de Worde as early as
+1498. There is a very interesting description of the cat, which gives
+nearly all the properties of the wild animal in an odd and very amusing
+way. It states: "He is most like to the leopard, and hath a great
+mouthe, and saw teeth and sharp, and long tongue, and pliant, thin, and
+subtle; and lappeth therewith when he drinketh, as other beasts do, that
+have the nether lip shorter than the over; for, by cause of unevenness
+of lips, such beasts suck not in drinking, but lap and lick, as
+Aristotle saith and Plinius also. And he is a full lecherous beast in
+youth, swift, pliant, and merry, and leapeth, and riseth on all things
+that is tofore him; and is led by a straw, and playeth therewith, and is
+a right heavy beast in age, and full sleepy, and lieth slyly in wait for
+mice; and is ware where they bene more by smell than by sight, and
+hunteth and riseth on them in privy places; and when he taketh a mouse,
+he playeth therewith, and eateth him after the play; and is a cruel
+beast when he is wild, and dwelleth in woods, and hunteth there small
+wild beasts as conies and hares."
+
+The next appears in John Bossewell's "Workes of Armorie," folio, A.D.
+1597:
+
+     "This beaste is called a Musion, for that he is enimie to Myse
+     and Rattes. He is slye and wittie, and seeth so sharpely that he
+     overcommeth darknes of the nighte by the shyninge lyghte of his
+     eyne. In shape of body he is like unto a Leoparde, and hathe a
+     great mouth. He dothe delight that he enioyeth his libertye; and
+     in his youthe he is swifte, plyante, and merye. He maketh a
+     rufull noyse and a gastefull when he profereth to fighte with an
+     other. He is a cruell beaste when he is wilde, and falleth on his
+     owne feete from most high places: and vneth is hurt therewith.
+
+     "When he hath a fayre skinne, he is, as it were, prowde thereof,
+     and then he goeth faste aboute to be seene...."
+
+     Those who have seen the wild cat of Britain, especially in
+     confinement, will doubtless be ready to endorse this description
+     as being "true to the life," even to the "rufull noyse," or his
+     industry in the way of fighting. Yet even this old chronicler
+     mentions the fact of his being "wilde," clearly indicating a
+     similar animal in a state of domestication. Later on we find
+     Maister Salmon giving an account of the cat in his
+     strangely-curious book, "Salmon's Compleat English Physician; or,
+     the Druggist's Shop Opened," A.D. 1693, in which he relates that
+     marvellous properties exist in the brain, bones, etc., of the
+     cat, giving recipes mostly cruel and incredible. He describes
+     "Catus the Cat" in such terms as these:
+
+     "_The Cat of Mountain_, all which are of one nature, and agree
+     much in one shape, save as to their magnitude, the _wild Cat_
+     being larger than the _Tame_ and the _Cat of Mountain_ much
+     larger than the _wild Cat_. It has a broad Face, almost like a
+     Lyon, short Ears, large Whiskers, shining Eyes, short, smooth
+     Hair, long Tail, rough Tongue, and armed on its Feet, with
+     Claws, being a crafty, subtle, watchful Creature, very loving and
+     familiar with Man-kind, the mortal enemy to the Rat, Mouse, and
+     all sorts of Birds, which it seizes on as its prey. As to its
+     Eyes, Authors say that they shine in the Night, and see better at
+     the full, and more dimly at the change of the moon; as also that
+     the Cat doth vary his Eyes with the Sun, the Apple of its Eye
+     being long at Sun rise, round towards Noon, and not to be seen at
+     all at night, but the whole Eye shining in the night. These
+     appearances of the Cats' Eyes I am sure are true, but whether
+     they answer to the times of the day, I never observed." "Its
+     flesh is not usually eaten, yet in some countries it is accounted
+     an excellent dish."
+
+Mr. Blaine, in his excellent and useful work, the "Encyclop�dia of Rural
+Sports"--a book no sportsman should be without--thus discusses the
+origin of the domestic cat compared with the British wild cat:
+
+     "We have yet, however, to satisfy ourselves with regard to the
+     origin of the true wild cat (_Felis catus_, Linn.), which,
+     following the analogies of the _Felin�_ generally, are almost
+     exclusively native to countries warmer than our own. It is true
+     that occasionally varieties of the _Felin�_ do breed in our
+     caravans and menageries, where artificial warmth is kept up to
+     represent something like a tropical temperature; but the
+     circumstance is too rare to ground any opinion on of their ever
+     having been indigenous here--at least, since our part of the
+     globe has cooled down to its present temperature. It is,
+     therefore, more than probable that both the wild and the tame cat
+     have been derived from some other extra-European source or
+     sources. We say source or sources, for such admission begets
+     another difficulty not easily got over, which is this, that if
+     both of these grimalkins own one common root, in which variety
+     was it that the very marked differences between them have taken
+     place? Most sportsmen, we believe, suspect that they own one
+     common origin, and some naturalists also do the same, contending
+     that the differences observable between them are attributable
+     solely to the long-continued action of external agencies, which
+     had modified the various organs to meet the varied necessities of
+     the animals. The wild cat, according to this theory, having to
+     contend with powerful enemies, expanded in general dimensions;
+     its limbs, particularly, became massive; and its long and strong
+     claws, with the powerful muscular mechanism which operated on
+     them, fitted it for a life of predacity. Thus its increased size
+     enabled it to stand some time before any other dogs than
+     high-bred foxhounds, and even before them also, in any place but
+     the direct open ground. There exist, however, in direct
+     contradiction to this opinion, certain specialities proper to the
+     wild, and certain other to the domestic cat, besides the simple
+     expansion of bulk, which sufficiently disprove their identity. It
+     will be seen that a remarkable difference exists between the
+     tails of the two animals; that of the domestic being, as is well
+     known, long, and tapering elegantly to a point, whereas that of
+     the wild cat is seen to be broad, and to terminate abruptly in a
+     blunt or rounded extremity. Linn�us and Buffon having both of
+     them confounded these two species into one, have contributed much
+     to propagate this error, which affords us another opportunity of
+     adding to the many we have taken of remarking on the vast
+     importance of comparative anatomy, which enables us to draw just
+     distinctions between animals that might otherwise erroneously be
+     adjudged to be dependent on external agencies, etc. Nor need we
+     rest here, for what doubt can be entertained on the subject when
+     we point at the remarkable difference between the intestines of
+     the two? _Those of the domestic are nine times the length of its
+     body_, whereas, in the _wild cat_, they are little more than
+     _three times as long as the body_."
+
+The food of the wild cat is said to consist of animals, and in the
+opinion of some, fish should be added. Why not also birds' eggs? Cats
+are particularly fond of the latter. In the event of their finding and
+destroying a nest, they invariably eat the eggs, and generally the
+shells.
+
+Much has been written as to the aptitude of the domestic cat at catching
+fish. If this be so, are fish necessarily a part of the food of the
+native wild cat? Numerous instances are adduced of our "household cat"
+plunging into water in pursuit of and capture of fish. Although I have
+spent much time in watching cats that were roaming beside streams and
+about ponds, there has never been even an attempt at "fishing." Frogs
+they will take and kill, often greedily devouring the small ones. Yet
+doubtless they will hunt, catch, and eat fish, for the fact has become
+proverbial.
+
+[Illustration: WILD CAT, BRITISH MUSEUM.]
+
+A writer in "Menageries" states: "There is no doubt that wild cats will
+seize on fish, and the passionate longing of the domestic cat after this
+food is an evidence of the natural desire. We have seen a cat overcome
+her natural reluctance to wet her feet, and take an eel out of a pail of
+water." Dr. Darwin alludes to this propensity: "Mr. Leonard, a very
+intelligent friend of mine, saw a cat catch a trout by darting on it in
+deep, clear water, at the Mill, Wexford, near Lichfield. The cat
+belonged to Mr. Stanley, who had often seen it catch fish."
+
+Cases have also been known of cats catching fish in shallow water,
+springing on them from the banks of streams and ponds; but I take this
+as not _the habit_ of the domestic cat, though it is not unusual.
+
+Gray, in a poem, tells of a cat's death through drowning, while
+attempting to take gold-fish from a vase filled with water.
+
+Of Dr. Samuel Johnson it is related, that his cat having fallen sick and
+refused all food, he became aware that cats are fond of fish. With this
+knowledge before him he went to the fishmonger's and bought an oyster
+for the sick creature, wrapped it in paper and brought the appetising
+morsel home. The cat relished the dainty food, and the Doctor was seen
+going on the same kindly errand every day until his suffering feline
+friend was restored to health.
+
+Still this is no proof that the _wild_ cat, in a pure state of nature,
+feeds on fish. Again, it is nothing unusual for domestic cats to catch
+and eat cockroaches, crickets, cockchafers, also large and small moths,
+but not so all. In domesticity some are almost omnivorous. But is the
+wild cat? Taking its anatomical structure into consideration, there is
+doubtless a wide distinction, both as regards food and habit.
+
+In Daniel's "Rural Sports," A.D. 1813, the wild cat is stated to be "now
+scarce in England, inhabiting the mountainous and woody parts. Mr.
+Pennant describes it as _four_ times the size of the house cat, but the
+head larger, that it multiplies as fast, and may be called the British
+_tiger_, being the fiercest and most destructive beast we have. When
+only wounded with shot they will attack the person who injured them, and
+often have strength enough to be no despicable enemy."
+
+Through the kind courtesy of that painstaking, excellent, observant, and
+eminent naturalist, Mr. J. E. Harting, I am enabled to reprint a portion
+of his lecture on the origin of the domestic cat, and which afterwards
+appeared in _The Field_. Although many of the statements are known to
+naturalists, still I prefer giving them in the order in which they are
+so skilfully arranged, presenting, as they do, a very garland of facts
+connected with the British wild cat (_Felis catus_) up to the present,
+and which I deem valuable from many points of view, but the more
+particularly as a record of an animal once abundant in England, where it
+has now apparently almost, if not quite, ceased to exist.
+
+
+"In England in former days, the wild cat was included amongst the beasts
+of chase, and is often mentioned in royal grants giving liberty to
+inclose forest land and licence to hunt there (extracts from several
+such grants will be found in the _Zoologist_ for 1878, p. 251, and 1880,
+p. 251). Nor was it for diversion alone that the wild cat was hunted.
+Its fur was much used as trimming for dresses, and in this way was worn
+even by nuns at one time. Thus, in Archbishop Corboyle's 'Canons,' anno
+1127, it is ordained 'that no abbess or nun use more costly apparel than
+such as is made of lambs' or _cats'_ skins,' and as no other part of the
+animal but the skin was of any use here, it grew into a proverb that
+'You can have nothing of a cat but her skin.'
+
+"The wild cat is believed to be now extinct, not only in England and
+Wales, but in a great part of the south of Scotland. About five years
+ago a Scottish naturalist resident in Stirlingshire (Mr. J. A. Harvie
+Brown) took a great deal of trouble, by means of printed circulars
+addressed to the principal landowners throughout Scotland and the Isles,
+to ascertain the existing haunts of the wild cat in that part of the
+United Kingdom. The result of his inquiries, embodying some very
+interesting information, was published in the _Zoologist_ for January,
+1881. The replies which he received indicated pretty clearly, although
+perhaps unexpectedly, that there are now no wild cats in Scotland south
+of a line drawn from Oban on the west coast up the Brander Pass to
+Dalmally, and thence following the borders of Perthshire to the junction
+of the three counties of Perth, Forfar and Aberdeen, northward to
+Tomintoul, and so to the city of Inverness. We are assured that it is
+only to the northward and westward of this line that the animal still
+keeps a footing in suitable localities, finding its principal shelter
+in the great deer forests. Thus we see that the wild cat is being
+gradually driven northward before advancing civilisation and the
+increased supervision of moors and forests. Just as the reindeer in the
+twelfth century was driven northward from England and found its last
+home in Caithness, and as the wolf followed it a few centuries later, so
+we may expect one day that the wild cat will come to be numbered amongst
+the 'extinct British animals.'
+
+"A recent writer in the new edition of the 'Encyclop�dia Britannica'
+(art. _Cat_) expresses the opinion that the wild cat still exists in
+Wales and in the north of England, but gives no proof of its recent
+occurrence there. From time to time we see reports in the newspapers to
+the effect that a wild cat has been shot or trapped in some
+out-of-the-way part of the country; but it usually turns out to be a
+large example of the domestic cat, coloured like the wild form. It is
+remarkable that when cats in England are allowed to return to a feral
+state, their offspring, in the course of generations, show a tendency to
+revert to the wild type of the country; partly, no doubt, in consequence
+of former interbreeding with the wild species when the latter was common
+throughout all the wooded portions of the country, and partly because
+the light-coloured varieties of escaped cats, being more readily seen
+and destroyed, are gradually eliminated, while the darker wild type is
+perpetuated. The great increase in size observable in the offspring of
+escaped domestic cats is no doubt due to continuous living on
+freshly-killed, warm-blooded animals, and to the greater use of the
+muscles which their new mode of life requires. In this way I think we
+may account for the size and appearance of the so-called 'wild cats'
+which are from time to time reported south of the Tweed.
+
+"Perhaps the last genuine wild cat seen in England was the one shot by
+Lord Ravensworth at Eslington, Northumberland, in 1853;[A] although so
+recently as March, 1883, a cat was shot in Bullington Wood,
+Lincolnshire, which in point of size, colour, and markings was said to
+be quite indistinguishable from the wild _Felis catus_. Bullington Wood
+is one of an almost continuous chain of great woodlands, extending from
+Mid-Lincolnshire to near Peterborough. Much of the district has never
+been preserved for game, and keepers are few and far between; hence the
+wild animals have enjoyed an almost complete immunity from persecution.
+Cats are known to have bred in these woods in a wild state for
+generations, and there is no improbability that the cat in question may
+have descended directly from the old British wild cat. Under all the
+circumstances, however, it seems more likely to be a case of reversion
+under favourable conditions from the domestic to the wild type.
+
+[A] "Trans. Tyneside Nat. Field Club," 1864, vol. vi. p. 123.
+
+"In Ireland, strange to say, notwithstanding reports to the contrary,
+all endeavours to find a genuine wild cat have failed, the so-called
+'wild cat' of the natives proving to be the 'marten cat,' a very
+different animal.
+
+"We thus come back to the question with which we started, namely, the
+question of origin of the domestic cat; and the conclusion, I think, at
+which we must arrive is, that although _Felis catus_ has contributed to
+the formation of the existing race of domestic cats, it is not the sole
+ancestor. Several wild species of Egyptian and Indian origin having been
+ages ago reclaimed, the interbreeding of their offspring and crossing
+with other wild species in the countries to which they have been at
+various times exported, has resulted in the gradual production of the
+many varieties, so different in shape and colour, with which we are now
+familiar."
+
+Before quitting the subject, I would point to the fact that when the
+domestic cat takes to the woods and becomes wild, it becomes much
+larger, stronger, and changes in colour; and there can be little doubt
+that during the centuries of the existence of the cat in England there
+must have been numberless crosses and intercrosses, both with regard to
+the _males_ of the domestic cat as with wild _females_, and _vice
+vers�_; yet the curious fact remains that the wild cat still retains its
+peculiar colouring and form, as is shown by the skins preserved in the
+British Museum and elsewhere.
+
+Mr. Darwin, in his "Voyage of the Beagle," 1845 (p. 120), in his notes
+of the first colonists of La Plata, A.D. 1535, says, among other animals
+that he saw was "the common cat altered into a _large_ and _fierce_
+animal, inhabiting the rocky hills," etc.
+
+Another point on which I wish to give my impressions is the act of the
+cat in what is termed "sharpening its claws." Mr. Darwin notes certain
+trees where the jaguars "_sharpen their claws_," and mentions the scars
+were of different ages; he also thought they did this "_to tear off the
+horny points_." This, I believe, is the received opinion among
+naturalists; but I differ _entirely_ from this view of the practice. It
+is a fact, however, and worthy of notice, that all cats do so, even the
+domestic cat. I had _one_ of the legs of a kitchen table entirely torn
+to pieces by my cats; and after much observation I came to the
+conclusion that it has nothing whatever to do with _sharpening_ the
+claws, but is done to stretch the muscles and tendons of the feet so
+that they work readily and strongly, as the retraction of the claws for
+lengthened periods must tend to contract the tendons used for the
+purpose of extending or retracting; therefore the cats fix the points of
+their claws in something soft, and bear downwards with the whole weight
+of the body, simply to stretch and, by use, to strengthen the ligatures
+that pull the claws forward. It is also to be noted that even the
+domestic cat goes to one particular place or tree to insert the claws
+and drag forward the muscles--perhaps even in the leather of an
+arm-chair, a costly practice. Why one object is always selected is that
+they may not betray their presence by numerous marks in the
+neighbourhood, if wild, to other animals or their enemies. I have
+mentioned this to my brother, John Jenner Weir, F.L.S., and he concurs
+with me throughout.
+
+I find in Strutt's "Sports and Pastimes" that of the names applied to
+companies of animals in the Middle Ages, several are still in use,
+though many have become obsolete; and also a few of the beasts have
+ceased to exist in a wild state. Some were very curious, such as a
+_skulk_ of foxes, a _cete_ of badgers, a _huske_ or _down_ of hares, a
+_nest_ of rabbits, and a _clowder of cats_, and a _kindle of young
+cats_. Now cats are said to _kitten_, and rabbits _kindle_.
+
+The following shows the value of the cat nearly a thousand years ago; it
+is to be found in Bewick's "Quadrupeds": "In the time of Hoel the Good,
+King of Wales, who died in the year 948, laws were made as well to
+preserve as to fix the different prices of animals; among which the cat
+is included, as being at that period of great importance, on account of
+its scarcity and utility.
+
+"The price of a kitten, before it could see, was fixed at one penny;
+till proof could be given of its having caught a mouse, twopence; after
+which it was rated at fourpence, which was a great sum in those days,
+when the value of specie was extremely high. It was likewise required
+that it should be perfect in its sense of hearing and seeing, should be
+a good mouser, have its claws whole, and, if a female, be a careful
+nurse. If it failed in any of these good qualities, the seller was to
+forfeit to the buyer a third part of its value. If any one should steal
+or kill a cat that guarded the Prince's granary, he was either to
+forfeit a milch ewe, her fleece and lamb, or as much wheat as when
+poured on the cat suspended by its feet (its head touching the floor),
+would form a heap high enough to cover the tip of the former." Bewick
+remarks: "Hence we may conclude that cats were not originally natives of
+these islands, and from the great care taken to improve the breed of
+this prolific creature, we may suppose were but little known at that
+period."
+
+I scarcely think this the right conclusion, the English wild cat being
+anatomically different. In Hone's popular works it is stated that "Cats
+are supposed to have been brought into England from the island of Cyprus
+by some foreign merchants, who came hither for tin." Mr. Hone further
+says: "Wild cats were kept by our ancient kings for hunting. The
+officers who had charge of these cats seem to have had appointments of
+equal consequence with the masters of the king's hounds; they were
+called _Catatores_."
+
+Beaumont and Fletcher in _The Scornful Lady_ allude to the hunting of
+cats in the line,
+
+    "Bring out the _cat-hounds_, I'll make you take a tree."
+
+But although large and ferocious, the wild cat was not considered a
+match for some of the lesser animals, for in Salmon's "English
+Physician," 1693, we read that "The weasel is an enemy to ravens, crows,
+and _cats_, and although cats may sometimes set upon them, yet they can
+scarcely overcome them."
+
+Nevertheless, we find in Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813, that "_Wild
+cats_ formerly were an object of _sport_ to huntsmen. Thus, Gerard
+Camvile, 6 John, had special licence to hunt the hare, fox, and wild
+cat, throughout all the King's _forests_; and 23 Henry III., Earl
+Warren, by giving Simon de Pierpont a _goshawk_, obtained leave to hunt
+the buck, doe, hart, hind, hare, fox, goat, _cat_, or any other wild
+beast, in certain lands of Simon's. But it was not for diversion alone
+that this animal was pursued; for the _skin_ was much used by the nuns
+in their habits, as a _fur_."
+
+Still it appears from Mr. Charles Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle," that
+tastes vary. "Doctor Shaw was laughed at for stating the flesh of the
+lion is in great esteem, having no small affinity with veal, both in the
+colour, taste, and flavour. Such certainly is the case with the puma.
+The Guachos differ in their opinion whether the jaguar is good eating;
+but were unanimous in saying the _cat_ is _excellent_."
+
+It is also stated that the Chinese fatten and eat cats with considerable
+relish; but of this I can obtain no reliable information, some of my
+friends from China not having heard of the custom, if such it is.
+
+Again referring to the skin of the cat, _vide_ Strutt: "In the
+thirty-seventh year of the reign of Edward III., it was decreed, after
+enumerating the various kinds of cloth that were to be worn by the
+nobles, knights, dames, and others, that (Article 2) tradesmen,
+artificers, and men in office, called yeomen, their wives and children,
+shall wear no kind of furs excepting those of lambs, of rabbits, of
+_cats_, and of foxes." Further: "No man, unless he be possessed of the
+yearly value of forty shillings, shall wear any furs but black and white
+lambs' skins." Lambs' and cats' skins were equivalent in value and
+order.
+
+In the twenty-second year of this monarch's reign, all the former
+statutes "against excess in apparel" were repealed.
+
+My old friend Fairholt, in his useful work on costume, says of the
+Middle Ages: "The peasants wore cat skins, badger skins, etc."
+
+One of the reasons why the skin of cats was used on cloaks and other
+garments for trimming, being that it showed humility in dress, and not
+by way of affectation or vanity, but for warmth and comfort, it being of
+the lowest value of any, with the exception of lambs' skin and badgers';
+and adopted by some priests as well as nuns, when wishing to impress
+others with their deep sense of humility in all things, even to their
+wearing-apparel. The proof of which Strutt's "Habits of the
+Anglo-Normans," _circ�_ twelfth century, fully illustrates:
+
+"William of Malmesbury, speaking of Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester,
+assures us that he avoided all appearance of pride and ostentation in
+his dress, and though he was very wealthy, he never used any furs finer
+than lambs' skin for the lining of his garments. Being blamed for such
+needless humility by Geoffrey, Bishop of Constans, who told him that 'He
+not only could afford, but even ought to wear those of sables, of
+beavers, or of foxes,' he replied: 'It may indeed be proper for you
+politicians, skilful in the affairs of the world, to adorn yourselves in
+the skins of such cunning animals; but for me, who am a plain man, and
+not subject to change my opinion, the skins of lambs are quite
+sufficient.' 'If,' returned his opponent, 'the finer furs are
+unpleasant, you might at least make use of those of the cat.' 'Believe
+me,' answered the facetious prelate, 'the lamb of God is much oftener
+sung in the Church than the cat of God.' This witty retort put Geoffrey
+to the blush, and threw the whole company into a violent fit of
+laughter."
+
+Of a very different character was the usage of the cat at clerical
+festivals. In Mill's "History of the Crusades," one reads with some
+degree of horror that "In the Middle Ages the cat was a very important
+personage in religious festivals. At Aix, in Provence, on the festival
+of the Corpus Christi, the finest he-cat of the country, wrapped like a
+child in swaddling clothes, was exhibited in a magnificent shrine to
+public admiration. Every knee was bent, every hand strewed flowers or
+poured incense; and pussy was treated in all respects as the god of the
+day. On the festival, however, of St. John (June 24), the poor cat's
+fate was reversed. A number of cats were put in a wicker basket, and
+thrown alive into the midst of a large fire, kindled in the public
+square by the bishop and his clergy. Hymns and anthems were sung, and
+processions were made by the priests and people in honour of the
+sacrifice."
+
+While the foregoing was about being printed, Mr. Edward Hamilton, M.D.,
+writing to _The Field_, May 11th, 1889, gives information of a wild cat
+being shot in Inverness-shire. I therefore insert the paragraph, as
+every record of so scarce an animal is of importance and value,
+especially when it is descriptive. He states: "A fine specimen of the
+wild cat (_Felis sylvestris_) was sent to me on May 3rd, trapped in
+Inverness-shire on the Ben Nevis range. It was too much decomposed to
+exhibit. Its dimensions were: from nose to base of tail, 1 foot 11
+inches; length of tail, 1 foot; height at shoulder, 1 foot 2 inches; the
+length of small intestine, 1 foot 8� inches; and the large intestine, 1
+foot 1 inch." It will be seen by these measurements that the animal was
+not so large as some that have been taken, though excelling in size many
+of the domestic varieties.
+
+
+
+
+CONCERNING CATS.
+
+
+CAT.--Irish, _Cat_; French, _Chat_; Dutch, _Kat_; Danish, _Kat_;
+Swedish, _Katt_; German, _Katti_ or _Katze_; Latin, _Catus_; Italian,
+_Gatto_; Portuguese and Spanish, _Gato_; Polish, _Kot_; Russian, _Kots_;
+Turkish, _Keti_; Welsh, _Cath_; Cornish, _Kath_; Basque, _Catua_;
+Armenian, _Gaz_ or _Katz_. In Armenic, _Kitta_, or _Kaita_, is a male
+cat.
+
+_Abram cat._--This I first thought simply meant a male cat; but I find
+in Nares, "Abram" is the corruption of "auburn," so, no doubt, a red or
+sandy tabby cat is intended.
+
+_A Wheen cat, a Queen cat (Catus femina)._--"Queen" was used by the
+Saxons to signify the female sex, in that "queen fugol" was used for
+"hen fowl." Farmers in Kent and Sussex used also to call heifers "little
+queens."
+
+_Carl cat._--A boar or he-cat, from the old Saxon carle or karle, a
+male, and cat.
+
+_Cat._--It was used to denote "Liberty." No animal is more impatient of
+restriction or confinement, nor yet _seeming_ to bear it with more
+resignation. The Romans made their goddess of Liberty holding a cup in
+one hand and a broken sceptre in the other, with a cat lying at her
+feet. Among the goddesses, Diana is said to have assumed the form of a
+cat. The Egyptians worshipped the cat as an emblem of the moon, not only
+because it was more active after sunset, but from the dilation and
+contraction of its orb, symbolical of the waxing and waning of the night
+goddess. But Bailey, in his dictionary, says cats see best as the sun
+approaches, and that their eyesight decays as it goes down in the
+evening. Yet, "on this account," says Mr. Thiselton Dyer, in his
+"English Folk-lore," "it was so highly esteemed as to receive
+sacrifices, and even to have stately temples erected to its honour.
+Whenever a cat died, Brand tells us, all the family shaved their
+eyebrows; and Diodorus Siculus relates that a Roman happening
+accidentally to kill a cat, the mob immediately gathered round the house
+where he was, and neither the entreaties of some principal men by the
+king, nor the fear of the Romans, with whom the Egyptians were then
+negotiating a peace, could save the man's life. In so much esteem also
+was it held, that on the death of its owner the favourite cat, or even
+kitten, was sacrificed, embalmed, and placed in the same sarcophagus."
+
+Some few years ago, Mr. E. Long, R.A., exhibited at the Royal Academy a
+very fine picture of Egyptians idol-making, idol worshippers and
+sellers; the lines from Juvenal being descriptive:
+
+    "All know what monsters Egypt venerates;
+    It worships crocodiles, or it adores
+    The snake-gorged ibis; and sacred ape
+    Graven in gold is seen ...Whole cities pray
+    To _cats_ and fishes, or the dog invoke."
+
+_Cat._--A metal tripod for holding a plate or Dutch oven before the
+fire. So called because, in whatever position it is placed, it is
+supported by the spokes; as it is said a cat will always light on its
+feet, so the plate-holder will stand firmly in any position. These old
+brass appliances have now gone out of use and are seldom seen, the new
+mode of "handing round" not requiring them. Another reason, doubtless,
+is the lowness of the fire compared with the stove of former years,
+which was high up in the bygone "parlour grate."
+
+_Cat._--A cross old woman was called "a cat"; or to a shrewish, the
+epithet was applied tauntingly.
+
+    "But will you woo this wild cat?"
+
+                      _Taming of the Shrew_, Act I., Scene 2.
+
+CAT.--A ship formed on the Norwegian model, having a narrow stern,
+projecting quarters, and a deep waist. It is strongly built, from four
+to six hundred tons' burden, and employed in the coal trade.
+
+_Cat._--A strong tackle, or combination of pulleys, to hook and draw in
+the anchor perpendicularly up to the cat-head of the ship.
+
+_Cat._--A small kind of anchor is sometimes called a cat or ketch; by
+the Dutch, "Kat."
+
+_Cat._--"At the edge of the moat, opposite the wooden tower, a strong
+penthouse, which they called a 'cat,' might be seen stealing towards the
+curtain, and gradually filling up the moat with facines and
+rubbish."--Read _Cloister and Hearth_, chap, xliii. (Davis' "Glossary.")
+
+_Catacide._--A cat-killer (BAILEY, 1726).
+
+_Catamount._--Cat of the mountain, the ordinary wild cat, when found on
+the mountains, among the rocks or woods.
+
+_Cat and trap._--A game or play (AINSWORTH). This is probably that known
+as "trap, bat, and ball," as on striking the trap, after the ball is
+placed on the lever, it is propelled upwards, and then struck by the
+batsman.
+
+_Catapult._--A military engine for battering or attacking purposes. A
+modern toy, by which much mischief and evil is done by unthinking boys.
+
+_Cat-bird._--An American bird, whose cry resembles that of a cat, the
+_Turdus felivox._
+
+_Cat-block._--A two or threefold block with an iron strap and large
+hook, used to draw up an anchor to the cat-head.
+
+_Cat-call._--"A tin whistle. The ancients divided their dramas into four
+parts: _pro'tasis_ (introduction), _epit'asis_ (continuation),
+_catas'tasis_ (climax), and _catas'troph�_ (conclusion or _d�nouement_).
+The cat-call is the call for the cat or _catastrophe._"--BREWER'S
+_Dictionary of Phrase and Fable._
+
+    "Sound, sound, ye viols; be the cat-call dumb."
+                                    DUNCIADE, I. 303.
+
+The modern imitation of "cat-calls" is caused by whistling with two
+fingers in the mouth, and so making an intensely shrill noise, with
+waulings imitating "catterwaulings." Also a shrill tin whistle, round
+and flat, set against the teeth.
+
+_Cat-eaten Street._--In London; properly "Catte Street" (STOW).
+
+_Caterpillar._--"_Catyrpelwyrm_ among fruit" is corrupted from old
+French _Chatte peleuse_ (PALSGRAVE, 1530). "Hairy cat;" the last part of
+the word was probably assimilated to _piller_, a robber or despoiler
+(PALMER'S _Folk Etymology_).
+
+_Caterwauling._--The wrawl of cats in rutting times; any hideous noise.
+Topsel gives _catwralling_, to "wrall;" "wrawl," to rail or quarrel with
+a loud voice; hence the Yorkshire expression, "raising a wrow," meaning
+a row or quarrel. There is also the archaic adjective _wraw_ (angry).
+Caterwaul, therefore, is the wawl or wrawl of cats; the _er_ being
+either a plural, similar to "childer" (children), or a corrupted
+genitive.--BREWER'S _Dictionary of Phrase and Fable._
+
+    "What a caterwawling do you keep here!"
+                       SHAKESPEARE, _Twelfth Night_, Act II., Scene 3.
+
+"To yawl.--To squall or scream harshly like an enraged cat."--HOLLOWAY
+(Norfolk).
+
+    "Thou must be patient; we came crying hither;
+    Thou knowest the first time that we smell air,
+    We _waul_ and cry."
+                                        _King John_, Act IV.
+
+_Cat-eyed._--Sly, gray eyes, or with large pupils, watchful.
+
+_Cat-fall._--A rope used in ships for hoisting the anchor to the
+cat-head.
+
+_Catfish._--A species of the squalus, or shark (_Felis marinus_). The
+catfish of North America is a species of _cottus_, or bull-head.
+
+_Catgut._--A corruption of "gut-cord." The intestines of a sheep,
+twisted and dried; not that of a cat, as generally supposed. Also, it is
+stated by some, the finer strings for viols were made from the cat. Mr.
+Timbs says the original reading in Shakespeare was "_calves'_-gut." "A
+sort of linen or canvas with wide interstices."--WEBSTER.
+
+_Cat-hamed._, or _hammed._--Awkward; sometimes applied to a horse with
+weak hind-legs, and which drops suddenly behind on its haunches, as a
+cat is said to do.
+
+_Cat-handed._--A Devonshire term for awkward.
+
+_Cat-harpings._--"Rope sewing to brace in the shrouds of the lower masts
+behind their respective yards, to tighten the shrouds and give more room
+to draw in the yards when the ship is close hauled."--_Marine
+Dictionary._
+
+_Cat-harping fashion._--Drinking crossways, and not as usual, over the
+left thumb. Sea term.--GROSE.
+
+_Cat-head._--"A strong beam, projecting horizontally over the ship's
+bows, carrying two or three sheaves, above which a rope, called the
+cat-fall, passes, and communicates with the cat-block."--_Marine
+Dictionary._
+
+_Cathood._--The time when a kitten is full grown, it is then a cat and
+has attained maturity, that is, cathood.
+
+_Cat-hook._--A strong hook fitted to the cat-block.
+
+_Cat-lap._--Weak tea, only fit for the cat to lap, or thin milk and
+water. In Kent and Sussex it is also often applied to small, _very_
+small beer; even thin gruel is called "cat-lap." Weak tea is also called
+"scandal-broth."
+
+_Cat-like._--Stealthy, slow, yet appertaining more to appearance.
+
+_Catlings._--Down, or moss, growing about walnut-trees, resembling the
+hair of a cat.
+
+_Cat o' Nine Tails._--So called from being nine pieces of cord put
+together, in each cord nine knots; and this, when used vigorously, makes
+several long marks not unlike the clawing or scratching of a cat,
+producing crossing and re-crossing wounds; a fearful and severe
+punishment, formerly too often exercised for trivial offences.
+
+_Cat_ or _dog wool._--"Of which cotte or coarse blankets were formerly
+made" (BAILEY). "Cot gase" (refuse wool). "Cat" no doubt was a
+corruption of "cot."
+
+_Cat-pear._--A pear, shaped like a hen's egg, that ripens in October.
+
+_Cat pellet._--The pop-gun of boys, one pellet of paper driving out the
+other. Davis in his "Glossary" thinks it means "tip-cat." Probably it
+may be the sharpened piece of wood, not the game, that is different
+altogether, he quotes.
+
+    "Who beats the boys from cat pellet, and stool ball."
+                                        _British Bellman_, 1648.
+
+_Cat-salt._--A salt obtained from butter.
+
+_Cat-salt._--"A sort of salt beautifully granulated, formed out of the
+bittern or leach brine, used for making hard soap."--_Encyclop�dia._
+
+_Cat's-eye._--A precious stone, resembling, when polished, the eye of a
+cat. It has lately become fashionable.
+
+A large collection of Burmese, Indian, and Japanese curiosities was
+lately sold by auction. The great attraction of the sale was "The Hindoo
+Lingam God," consisting of a chrysoberyl _cat's-eye_ fixed in a topaz,
+and mounted in a pyramidal base studded with diamonds and precious
+stones. This curious relic stood 2� inches in height. It was preserved
+for more than a thousand years in an ancient temple at Delhi, where acts
+of devotion were paid before it by women anxious to have children. The
+base is of solid gold, and around it are set nine gems or charms, a
+diamond, ruby, sapphire, _chrysoberyl cat's-eye_, coral, pearl,
+hyacinthine garnet, yellow sapphire, and emerald. Round the apex of this
+gold pyramid is a plinth set with diamonds. On the apex is a topaz 1
+10-16ths inch in length, and 9-16ths of an inch in depth, shaped like a
+horseshoe; in the centre of the horseshoe the _great chrysoberyl
+cat's-eye_ stands upright. This is 15-16ths of an inch in height, and
+dark brown in colour, and shaped like a pear. An extremely mobile
+opalescent light crosses the length of the stone in an oblique
+direction. When Bad Shah Bahadoor Shah, the last King of Delhi, was
+captured and exiled to the Andaman Isles, his Queen secreted this gem,
+and it was never seen again until, being distressed during the Mutiny,
+she sold it to the present owner. The gem was finally knocked down at
+�2,450 to Mr. S. J. Phillips, jeweller, New Bond Street.
+
+_Cat's-foot._--To live under the cat's foot, to be under the dominion of
+a wife, hen-pecked.
+
+_Cat's-foot._--A plant of the genus _Glechoma pes felinus_, ground ivy
+or gill.
+
+_Cat's-head apple._--A large culinary apple, considered by some in form
+to bear a resemblance to a cat's head. Philips in his poem "Cyder" thus
+describes it:
+
+    " ...The cat's head's weighty orb,
+    Enormous in growth, for various use."
+
+_Cat-silver._--An old popular name for mica or talc.
+
+_Cat-sleep._--A light doze, a watchful sleep, like that of a hare or of
+a cat who sits in front of a mouse-hole, a dozy or a sleeping
+wakefulness.
+
+_Cat's-paw._--Any one used by another for getting them out of a
+difficulty, and for no other reason, is made a cat's-paw of. The simile
+is from the fable of the monkey using the cat's paw to take his
+chestnuts out of the fire. A light breeze just ruffling the water in a
+calm is called a cat's-paw. Also a particular kind of turn in the bight
+of a rope made to hook tackle on.
+
+_Cat's-tail._ (_Typha latifolia_).--A kind of reed which bears a spike
+like the tail of a cat, which some call reed mace; its long, flat leaves
+are much used for the bottoms of chairs.
+
+_Cats'-tails._--Mares' tails (_equisetum_).
+
+_Cat-stane._--"Battle-stone. A monolith in Scotland (sometimes falsely
+called a Druidical stone). The Norwegian term, banta stein, means the
+same thing. Celtic--_cath_ (battle)."--BREWER'S _Dictionary of Phrase
+and Fable._
+
+_Cat-sticks._--Thin legs; compared to the thin sticks with which boys
+play at cat (Grose).
+
+_Catsup_ or _ketchup._--A corruption of the Eastern name of "Kitjap." Is
+then the syllable "cat" a pun on "kit" or "kitten" (a young cat)? Surely
+not.
+
+_Cattaria._--_Nepeta Cattaria._ _Mentha felina_, the herb cat-mint.
+
+_Cattery._--A place where cats are kept, the ordinary name when a person
+keeps a collection of cats.
+
+_Cattish._--Having stealthy ways, slow and cautious in movements,
+watchful.
+
+_Catwater._ (Plymouth).--"This is a remarkable instance of
+mistranslation. The castle at the mouth of the Plym used to be called
+the Ch�teau; but some one, thinking it would be better to Anglicise the
+French, divided the word into two parts: _chat_ (cat), _eau_
+(water)."--BREWER'S _Dictionary of Phrase and Fable._
+
+_Catwhin._--_Rosa spinosissima._ Burnet Rose is the name of the _plant_.
+
+_Cat with two tails._--The earwig. _Northumberland_; Holloway.
+
+_Gil cat._--A male cat; some say an old male. Nares says, an expression
+exactly analogous to "Jack ass;" the one being formerly called "Gil" or
+"Gilbert," as commonly as the other "Jack." "Tom cat" is now the usual
+term, and for a similar reason. "Tibert" is said to be the old French
+for "Gilbert." From "Tibert," "Tib," "Tibby," also was a common name for
+a cat. Wilkins, in his "Index to Philosophical Language," has "Gil"
+(male) cat in the same way as a male cat is called a "Tom" cat. In some
+counties the cock fowl is called a "Tom." It is unknown whence the
+origin of the latter term.
+
+_Grimalkin._--Poetical name for a cat (Bailey). "Mawkin" signifies a
+hare in Scotland (Grose). In Sussex a hare is often called "puss" or
+"pussy." "Puss" is also a common name for a cat.
+
+_Grinagog, the cat's uncle._--A foolish, grinning fellow. One who grins
+without reason (Grose). In Norfolk, if one say "she," the reply is,
+"Who's 'she'? The cat's aunt?"
+
+_Hang me in a bottle like a cat._--"BENEDICT. If I do, hang me in a
+bottle like a cat, and shoot at me, and he that hits me, let him be
+clapt on the shoulder and called Adam" (meaning Adam Bell, the famous
+archer).--_Much Ado About Nothing_, Act I.
+
+A note in the "Percy Reliques," vol. i., 1812, states: "Bottles were
+formerly of leather, though perhaps a wooden bottle might be here meant.
+It is still a diversion in Scotland (1812) to hang up a cat in a small
+cask or firkin, half filled with soot, and then a parcel of clowns on
+horseback try to beat out the ends of it, in order to show their
+dexterity in escaping before the contents fall on them."
+
+     From "Demandes Joyeuses" (amusing questions), 1511:
+
+     "_Q._ What is that that never was and never will be?
+
+     "_A._ A mouse nest in a cat's ear.
+
+     "_Q._ Why does a cat cross the road?
+
+     "_A._ Because it wants to get to the other side."
+
+_Mrs. Evans._--"A local name for a she-cat, owing, it is said, to a
+witch of the name of Evans, who assumed the appearance of a
+cat."--GROSE.
+
+_Nine lives like a cat._--"Cats, from their great suppleness and
+aptitude to fall on their feet, are commonly said to have nine lives;
+hence Ben Jonson, in 'Every Man in His Humour,' says: ''Tis a pity you
+had not ten lives--a cat's and your own.'"--THISELTON DYER'S _English
+Folk-lore._
+
+     "TYB. What wouldst thou have with me?
+
+     MER. Good king of cats, nothing but one of your nine lives."
+                                   _Romeo and Juliet_, III. I.
+
+Middleton says in "Blurt Master Constable," 1602:
+
+     "They have nine lives apiece, like a woman."
+
+_Pussy cats._--Male blossom of the willow.
+
+_Salt-cat_, or _salt-cate._--A mixture of salt, gravel, clay, old
+mortar, cumin seed, ginger, and other ingredients, in a pan, which is
+placed in pigeon lofts.
+
+_Sick as a Cat._--Cats are subject to sickness or vomiting for the
+purpose of throwing up indigestible matter, such as the fur of mice,
+feathers of birds, which would otherwise collect and form balls
+internally. For this reason they eat grass, which produces the desired
+effect; hence arises the phrase "as sick as a cat."
+
+_Tabby._--"An old maid; either from Tabitha, a formal antiquated name,
+or else from a tabby cat; old maids, by the rude, weak-minded, and
+vulgar, being often compared to cats. 'To drive tab,' to go out on a
+party of pleasure with wife and family."--GROSE'S _Glossary._
+
+    "The neighbour's old cat often
+        Came to pay us a visit;
+    We made her a bow and courtesy,
+        Each with a compliment in it.
+
+    After her health we asked,
+        Our care and regard to evince;
+    (We have made the very same speeches
+        To many an old cat since)."
+
+                 MRS. B. BROWNING (translation of "Heine").
+
+_Tip-cat._--A pleasant game for those engaged in it; not so, too often,
+for others, medical reports of late tending to show that many cases of
+the loss of sight have occurred.
+
+_To turn Cat in Pan._--This phrase has been a source of much contention,
+and many different derivations have been given; but all tend to show
+that it means a complete _turn over_, that is, to quit one side and go
+to the other, to turn traitor, to turncoat. "To turn cat in pan:
+_Pr�varicor_" (Ainsworth). Bacon, in his Essays "On Cunning," p. 81,
+says: "There is a cunning which we in England call 'the turning of the
+cat in the pan,' which is when that a man says to another, 'he lays it
+as if another had said it to him.'" This is somewhat obscure in
+definition. Toone says: "The proverbial expression, 'to turn a cat in a
+pan,' denotes a sudden change in one's party, or politics, or religion,
+for the sake of being in the ascendant, as a cat always comes down on
+its legs, however thrown." The Vicar of Bray is quoted as simply a
+"turncoat," but this does _not_ affect the argument. I quite think, and
+in this others agree with me, that it has nothing to do with the _cat_,
+but was originally cate. In olden times, and until lately, it was the
+custom _to toss_ pancakes (to turn them over). It was no easy matter;
+frequently the _cake_ or _cate_ went in the fire or lodged in the
+chimney. To turn the cat or cate in the pan was to toss and _turn it
+completely over_, that is, from one side to the other. The meaning given
+to the phrase _helps to prove_ this view. I merely introduce this
+because so many have asked for an explanation as regards "the _cat_ in
+pan." I consider the "far-fetched" origins of the term are complete
+errors. It was a custom to toss pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, and it
+required great skill to do it well, cleanly, and completely. Some cooks
+were noted for it, and thought clever if it was done without injury to
+themselves or clothes.
+
+It appears from "The Westmoreland Dialect," by A. Walker (1790), that
+cock-fighting and "casting" of pancakes were then common in that county,
+thus: "Whaar ther wor tae be cock-feightin', for it war pankeak
+Tuesday," and "we met sum lads an' lasses gangin' to kest (cast) their
+pankeaks."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_To whip the cat._--"To practise the most pinching parsimony, grudging
+even the scraps and orts, or remnants of food given to the
+cat."--HOLLOWAY (_Norfolk_).
+
+A phrase applied to the village tailor going round from house to house
+for work.
+
+"To be drunk."--HEYWOOD'S _Philoconothista_, 1635, p. 60.
+
+An itinerant parson is said to "whip the cat."
+
+"A trick practised on ignorant country fellows, vain of their strength,
+by laying a wager with them that they may be pulled through a pond by a
+cat. The bet being made, a rope is fixed round the waist of the party to
+be catted, and the end thrown across the pond, to which the cat is also
+fastened by a pack-thread, and three or four sturdy fellows are
+appointed to lead and 'whip the cat.' These, on a signal being given,
+seize the end of the cord, and, pretending to whip the cat, haul the
+astonished booby through the water."--GROSE, 1785.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following are culled from the well-known and useful book, Jamieson's
+"Scottish Dictionary":
+
+_Cat._--A small bit of rag, rolled up and put between the handle of a
+pot and the hook which suspends it over the fire, to raise it a
+little.--_Roxb._
+
+_Cat._--A handful of straw, with or without corn upon it, or of reaped
+grain, laid on the ground by the reaper without being put into a sheaf
+(_Roxb., Dumfr._). Perhaps from the Belg. word _katt-en_, to throw, the
+handful of corn being cast on the ground; whence _kat_, a small anchor.
+
+_Cat._--The name given to a bit of wood, a horn, or anything which is
+struck in place of a ball in certain games.
+
+_To Cat a Chimney._--To enclose a vent by the process called _Cat and
+Clay_ (_Teviotd._).
+
+_Cat and Clay._--The materials of which a mud wall is constructed in
+many parts of S. Straw and clay are well wrought together, and being
+formed into pretty large rolls, are laid between the different wooden
+posts by means of which the wall is formed, and carefully pressed down
+so as to incorporate with each other, or with the twigs that are
+sometimes plaited from one post to another (_S._).
+
+_Cat and Dog._--The name of an ancient sport (_S._). It seems to be an
+early form of _Cricket._ (Query, is this the same as Cat and Trap?)
+
+_Catband._--1. The name given to the strong hook used on the inside of a
+door or gate, which, being fixed to the wall, keeps it shut. 2. A chain
+drawn across a street for defence in time of war. Germ., _kette_, a
+chain, and _band_.
+
+_Cat-fish, Sea-cat._--The sea-wolf (_S._). _Anarhicas lupus_ (LINN.)
+Sw., _haf-cat_--_i.e._ sea-cat.--SIBBALD.
+
+_Cat-gut._--Thread fucus, or sea laces. _Fucus filum_ (LINN.), _Orkney_,
+"Neill's Tour."
+
+_Cat-Harrow._--"_They draw the Cat-Harrow_"--that is, they thwart one
+another.--_Loth. Ang._, LYNDSEY.
+
+_Cat-heather._--A finer species of heath, low and slender, growing more
+in separate, upright stalks than the common heath, and flowering only at
+the top (_Aberd._).
+
+_Cat-hole._--1. The name given to the loop-holes or narrow openings in
+the wall of a barn (_S._). 2. A sort of niche in the wall of a barn, in
+which keys and other necessaries are deposited in the inside, where it
+is not perforated.
+
+_Cat-hud._--The name given to a large stone, which serves as a back to a
+fire on the hearth in the house of a cottager (_Dumfr._). Sw. G.,
+_kaette_, denotes a small cell or apartment, which corresponds to the
+form of the country fireside; also a bed; a pen. _Hud_ might seem allied
+to Teut. _huyd-en_, _conservare_, as the stone is meant to guard this
+enclosure from the effects of the fire.
+
+_Catling._--Small catgut strings for musical instruments, also a kind of
+knife used in surgery.
+
+_Cat-loup._--1. A very short distance as to space (_S._); q. as far as a
+cat may leap (HOGG). 2. A moment; as, "I'se be wi' ye in a
+_catloup_"--_i.e._, instantly. "I will be with you as quickly as a cat
+can leap."
+
+_Catmaw._--"To tumble the _catmaw_," to go topsy-turvy, to tumble (_S.
+B._).
+
+_Catmint._--An herbaceous plant (_Mentha felina_), that cats delight to
+roll on.
+
+_Cat's Carriage._--The same play that is otherwise called the "King's
+Cushion," q.v. (_Loth._).
+
+_Cat's Cradle._--A plaything for children, made of pack-thread on the
+fingers of one person, and transferred from them to those of another
+(_S._).
+
+_Cat's Crammocks._--Clouds like hairs streaming from an animal's tail
+(_Shetland_).
+
+_Cat's Hair._--1. The down that covers unfledged birds (_Fife_); synon.
+_Paddockhair_. 2. The down on the face of boys before the beard grows
+(_S._). 3. Applied also to the thin hair that often grows on the bodies
+of persons in bad health (_S._).
+
+_Cat-siller._.--The mica of mineralogists (_S._); the _katzen silber_ of
+the vulgar in Germany. Teut., _katten silver_, _amiantus_, _mica_,
+_vulgo argentum felium_; Kilian.
+
+_Cat's Lug._--The name given to the _Auricula ursi._--LINN.
+(_Roxburgh._).
+
+_Cat's Stairs._--A plaything for children, made of thread, small cord,
+or tape, which is so disposed by the hands as to fall down like steps of
+a stair (_Dumfr._, _Gall._).
+
+_Catstone._--One of the upright stones which support a grate, there
+being one on each side (_Roxb._). Since the introduction of Carron
+grates these _stones_ are found in kitchens only. The term is said to
+originate from this being the favourite seat of the _cat._ _See_
+Catstone (English).
+
+_Catstone-head._--The flat top of the Catstone (_ibid._).
+
+_Catsteps._--The projections of the stones in the slanting part of a
+gable (_Roxb._). _Corbie-steps_, synon.
+
+_Cat's-Tails._--Hare's Tail Rush (_Eriophorum vaginatum_). LINN.
+_Mearns_; also called _Canna-down_, Cat Tails (_Galloway_).
+
+_Catten-Clover._, _Cat-in-Clover._--The Lotus (_South of S._). Sw.,
+_Katt-klor_ (Cat's Claws).
+
+_Catter._--1. Catarrh (BELLENDEN). 2. A supposed disease of the fingers
+from handling cats.
+
+_Catterbatch._--A broil, a quarrel (_Fife_). Teut., _kater_, a he-cat,
+and _boetse_, rendered _cavillatio, q._, "a cat's quarrel."
+
+_Catwittit._--Harebrained, unsettled; _q._, having the _wits_ of a _cat_
+(_S._).
+
+_Kittie._--A North-country name for a cat, male or female.
+
+_Kitling._--Sharp; kitten-like.
+
+    "His _kitling_ eyes begin to run
+    Quite through the table where he spies
+    The horns of paperie butterflys."
+
+                         HERRICK, _Hesperides_.
+
+_Kittenhood._--State of being a kitten.
+
+    "For thou art as beautiful as ever a cat
+    That wantoned in the joy of kittenhood."
+
+                                     SOUTHEY.
+
+_Kittenish_, kitten-like.
+
+"Such a kittenish disposition in her, I called it; ...the love of
+playfulness."--RICHARDSON.
+
+_Kit_, or _kitten._--A young cat. A young cat is a kitten until it is
+full-grown, then kittenhood ceases.
+
+A school-boy being asked to describe a _kitten_, replied: "A _kitten_ is
+chiefly remarkable for rushing like mad at nothing whatever, and
+generally stopping before it gets there."
+
+_Puss gentleman._--An effeminate man.--DAVIS, _Glossary._
+
+    "I cannot talk with civet in th' room,
+    A fine puss gentleman that's all perfume."
+
+                     COWPER'S _Conversations._
+
+
+
+
+CAT
+
+PROVERBS.
+
+
+_A BLATE cat makes a proud mouse_ (Scotch). An idle, or stupid, or timid
+foe is never feared.
+
+_A cat has nine lives, a woman has nine lives._ In Middleton's _Blurt
+Master Constable_, 1602, we have: "They have nine lives apiece, like a
+woman."
+
+_A cat may look at a king._ In Cornwall they say a cat may look at a
+king if he carries his eyes about him.
+
+"A Cat may Look at a King," is the title of a book on history, published
+in the early part of the last century. On the frontispiece is the
+picture of a cat, over it the inscription, "A cat may look at a king,"
+and a king's head and shoulders on the title-page, with the same
+inscription above.
+
+_A cat's walk_, a little way and back (Cornwall). No place like home.
+Idling about.
+
+_A dead cat feels no cold._ No life, no pain, nor reproach.
+
+_A dog hath a day._--HEYWOOD. In Essex folks add: _And a cat has two
+Sundays._ Why?
+
+The shape of a good greyhound:
+
+     A head like a snake, a neck like a drake, A back like a beam,
+     sided like a bream, A _foot like a cat_, a tail like a rat.
+
+_Ale that would make a cat talk._ Strong enough to make even the dumb
+speak.
+
+    "A spicy pot,
+      Then do's us reason,
+    Would make a cat
+      To talk high treason."--D'URFEY.
+
+_A half-penny cat may look at a king_ (Scotch). A jeering saying of
+offence--"One is as good as another," and as a Scotchman once said, "and
+better."
+
+_A muffled cat is no good mouser._--CLARKE, 1639. No good workman wears
+gloves. By some is said "muzzled."
+
+_A piece of a kid is worth two of a cat._ A little of good is better
+than much that is bad.
+
+_A scalded cat fears cold water._ Once bit always shy. What was may be
+again.
+
+_As cat or cap case_.
+
+    "Bouser I am not, but mild sober Tuesday,
+    _As catte in cap case_, if I like not St. Hewsday."
+
+                                _The Christmas Prince_, 1607.
+
+_As gray as Grannum's cat._--HAZLITT. So old as to be likely to be
+doubly gray.
+
+_As melancholy as a cat._--WALKER. The voice of the cat is melancholy.
+
+_As melancholy as a gib-cat_ (Scotch). As an old, worn-out
+cat.--JOHNSTON.
+
+    "I am as melancholy as a gib-cat or a lugged bear."[B]
+                                               SHAKESPEARE.
+
+[B] A lugged bear is a bear with its ears cut off, so that when used for
+baiting there is less hold for the dogs.
+
+Gib-cat; an old, lonely, melancholy cat.
+
+_Before the cat can lick her ear._ "Nay, you were not quite out of
+hearing ere the cat could lick her ear."--_Oviddius Exultans_, 1673, p.
+50. That is never.
+
+Dun, besides being the name of one who arrested for debt in Henry VII.'s
+time, was also the name of the hangman before "Jack Ketch."--GROSE.
+
+    "And presently a halter got,
+    Made of the best strong teer,
+    And ere a cat could lick her ear,
+    Had tied it up with so much art."
+
+             1664, COTTON'S _Virgile_, Book 4.
+
+_By biting and scratching dogs and cats come together._--HEYWOOD.
+Quarrelling oft makes friends.
+
+_Care clammed a cat._--SIR G. C. LEWIS'S "Herefordshire Glossary."
+Clammed means starvation; that is, care killed the cat; for want of food
+the entrails get "clammed."
+
+_Care killed the cat, but ye canna live without it._ To all some
+trouble, though not all take heed. None know another's burden.
+
+_Care will kill a cat._
+
+    "Then hang care and sorrow,
+    'Tis able to kill a cat."--D'URFEY.
+
+Alluding to its tenacity of life and the carking wear of care.
+
+_Cats after kind good mouse hunt._--HEYWOOD. Letter by F. A. touching
+the quarrel between Arthur Hall and Melch Mallorie, in 1575-6, repr. of
+ed. 1580, in "Misc^{y}. Antiq. Anglic." 1816, p. 93. "For never yet was
+good cat out of kinde."--_English Proverbs_, HAZLITT.
+
+_Cats and Carlins sit in the sun._ When work is done then warmth and
+rest.
+
+_Cats eat what hussies spare._ Nothing is lost. Also refers to giving
+away, and saying "the cat took it."
+
+_Cats hide their claws._ All is not fair that seems so. Trust not to
+appearances.
+
+_Cry you mercy, killed my cat._--CLARKE, 1639. Better away, than stay
+and ask pardon.
+
+_Every day's no yule; cast the cat a castock._ The stump of a cabbage,
+and the proverb means much the same thing as "Spare no expense, bring
+another bottle of _small beer_."--DENHAM'S _Popular Sayings_, 1846.
+
+
+OF FALSE PERSONS.
+
+_He bydes as fast as a cat bound with a sacer._ He does as he likes;
+nothing holds him.
+
+
+OF WITTIE PERSONS.
+
+_He can hold the cat to the sun._ Bold and foolish enough for anything.
+
+
+INCONSTANT PERSONS.
+
+_He is like a dog or a cat._ Not reliable.
+
+_He looks like a wild cat out of a bush._ Fiercely afraid.
+
+_He's like a cat; fling him which way you will, he'll not hurt._ Some
+are always superior to misfortune, or fortune favours many.
+
+_He's like a singed cat, better than he's likely._ He's better than he
+looks or seems.
+
+_He stands in great need that borrows the cat's dish._--CLARKE, 1639.
+The starving are not particular. The hungry cannot choose.
+
+_He lives at the sign of the cat's foot._ He is hen-pecked, his wife
+scratches him.--RAY.
+
+_He wald gar a man trow that the moon is made of green cheis, or the cat
+took the heron._ Never believe all that is laid to another.
+
+_Honest as the cat when the meat is out of reach._ Some are honest, but
+others not by choice.
+
+_How can the cat help it when the maid is a fool?_ Often things lost,
+given, or stolen, are laid to the cat.
+
+_If thou 'scap'st, thou hast cat's luck_, in Fletcher's _Knight of
+Malta_, alluding to the activity and caution of the cat, which generally
+stands it in good stead.
+
+_I'll not buy a cat in a poke._ F., _Chat en Poche_. See what you buy;
+bargain not on another's word.
+
+_Just as quick as a cat up a walnut-tree._--D'URFEY. To climb well and
+easily. To be alert and sudden.
+
+_Let the cat wink, and let the mouse run._ For want of watching and care
+much is lost.--HAZLITT'S "Dodsley," i. 265. The first portion is in the
+interlude of "The World and the Child," 1522.
+
+_Like a cat he'll fall on his legs._ To succeed, never to fail, always
+right.
+
+_Like a cat round hot milk._ Wait and have; all things come to those who
+wait.
+
+_Little and little the cat eateth the stickle._--HEYWOOD. Constant
+dropping weareth a stone.
+
+_Long and slender like a cat's elbow._--HAZLITT. A sneer at the
+ill-favoured.
+
+_Love me, love my cat._--This refers to one marrying; in taking a wife
+he must take her belongings. Or, where you like, you must avoid
+contention.
+
+_Never was cat or dog drowned that could see the shore._ To know the way
+often brings a right ending.
+
+_None but cats and dogs are allowed to quarrel here._ All else agree.
+
+_No playing with a straw before an old cat._--HEYWOOD, 1562. Every
+trifling toy age cannot laugh at.--"Youth and Folly, Age and Wisdom."
+
+_Rats walk at their ease if cats do not them meese._--WODROEPHE, 1623.
+Rogues abound where laws are weak.
+
+_Send not a cat for lard._--GEORGE HERBERT. Put not any to temptation.
+
+_So as cat is after kind._ Near friends are dearest. Birds of a feather
+flock together.
+
+_Take the chestnuts out of the fire with the cat's paw._ Making use of
+others to save oneself.
+
+_That comes of a cat will catch mice._ What is bred in the bone comes
+out in the flesh. Like father, like son.
+
+_The cat and dog may kiss, but are none the better friends._ Policy is
+one thing, friendship another.
+
+_The cat invites the mouse to her feast._ It is difficult for the weak
+to refuse the strong.
+
+_The cat is in the cream-pot._ Any one's fault but hers. A row in the
+house (Northern).
+
+_The cat is hungry when a crust contents her._ Hunger is a good sauce.
+
+_The cat is out of kind that sweet milk will not lap._ One is wrong who
+forsakes custom.--"History of Jacob and Esau," 1568.
+
+_The cat, the rat, and Lovel the dog, rule England under one hog._--"A
+Myrrour for Magistrates," edition 1563, fol. 143. This couplet is a
+satire on Richard III. (who carried a boar on his escutcheon) and his
+myrmidons, _Cat_esby, _Rat_cliffe, and Lovell.
+
+_The cat would eat fish, and would not wet her feet._--HEYWOOD, 1562.
+
+    "Fain would the cat fish eat,
+    But she is loth to wet her feet."
+    "What cat's averse to fish?"--GRAY.
+
+Dr. Trench has pointed out the allusion to this saying in _Macbeth_,
+when Lady Macbeth speaks of her husband as a man,
+
+    "Letting I dare not, wait upon I would,
+    Like the poor cat i' the adage."
+
+_The cat sees not the mouse ever._--HEYWOOD. Those that should hide, see
+more than they who seek. The fearful eye sees far.
+
+_The liquorish cat gets many a rap._ The wrong-doer escapes not.
+
+_The more you rub a cat on the back, the higher she sets her tail._
+Praise the vain and they are more than pleased. Flattery and vanity are
+near akin.
+
+_The mouse lords it where the cat is not._--MS., 15th century. The
+little rule, where there are no great.
+
+_The old cat laps as much as the young._--CLARKE. One evil is much like
+another.
+
+_They agree like two cats in gutter._--HEYWOOD. To be less than friends.
+
+_They argue like cats and dogs._ That is to quarrel.
+
+_Thou'lt strip it, as Stack stripped the cat when he pulled her out of
+the churn._ To take away everything.
+
+_Though the cat winks awhile, yet sure he is not blind._ To know all and
+pretend ignorance.
+
+_To grin like a Cheshire cat._ Said to be like a cheese cat, often made
+in Cheshire; but this is not very clear, and the meaning doubtful.
+
+_To go like a cat on a hot bake-stone._ To lose no time. To be swift and
+stay not.
+
+_To keep a cat from the tongs._ To stop at home in idleness. It is said
+of a youth who stays at home with his family, when others go to the wars
+abroad, in "A Health to the Gentlemanly Profession of Serving Men,"
+1598.
+
+_Too late repents the rat when caught by the cat._ Shun danger, nor dare
+too long.
+
+_To love it as a cat loves mustard._ Not at all. To abhor.
+
+_Two cats and a mouse, two wives in one house, two dogs and one bone,
+never agree._ No peace when all want to be masters, or to possess one
+object.
+
+_Well might the cat wink when both her eyes were out._
+
+    "Sumwhat it was sayeth the proverbe old,
+    That the cat winked when here iye was out."
+
+                       _Jack Juggler_, edit. 1848, p. 46.
+
+Those bribed are worse than blind.
+
+"_Well wots the cat whose beard she licketh._"--SKELTON'S _Garlande of
+Laurel_, 1523.
+
+"Wel wot nure cat whas berd he lickat."--WRIGHT'S _Essays_, vol. i. p.
+149.
+
+"The cat knoweth whose lips she licketh."--HEYWOOD, 1562.
+
+The first appears the most correct.
+
+_What the good wife spares the cat eats._ Favourites are well cared for.
+
+_When candles are out all cats are gray._ In the dark all are alike.
+This is said of beauty in general.
+
+_When the cat is away the mice will play._--"The Bachelor's Banquet,"
+1603. Heywood's "Woman Killed with Kindness," 1607. When danger is past,
+it is time to rejoice.
+
+_When the weasel and the cat make a marriage, it is very ill presage._
+When enemies counsel together, take heed; when rogues agree, let the
+honest folk beware.
+
+_When the maid leaves the door open, the cat's in fault._ It is always
+well to have another to bear the blame. The way to do ill deeds oft
+makes ill deeds done.
+
+_Who shall hang the bell about the cat's neck?_--HEYWOOD, 1562.
+
+    "Who shall ty the bell about the cat's necke low?
+    Not I (quoth the mouse), for a thing that I know."
+
+The mice at a consultation held how to secure themselves from the cat,
+resolved upon hanging a bell about her neck, to give warning when she
+was near; but when this was resolved, they were as far to seek; for who
+would do it?--R. Who will court danger to benefit others?
+
+A Douglas in the olden time, at a meeting of conspirators, said he would
+"bell the cat." Afterwards the enemy was taken by him, he retaining the
+cognomen of "Archibald Bell-the-cat."
+
+_You can have no more of a cat than its skin._ You can have no more of a
+man but what he can do or what he has, or no more from a jug than what
+it contains.
+
+
+
+
+THE CAT OF SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+Shakespeare mentions the cat forty-four times, and in this, like nearly
+all else of which he wrote, displayed both wonderful and accurate
+knowledge, not only of the form, nature, habits, and food of the animal,
+but also the inner life, the disposition, what it was, of what capable,
+and what it resembled. How truly he saw either from study, observation,
+or intuitively knew, not only the outward contour of "men and things,"
+but could see within the casket which held the life and being, noting
+clearly thoughts, feelings, aspirations, intents, and purposes, not of
+the one only, but that also of the brute creation.
+
+How truthfully he alludes to the peculiar eyes of the cat, the fine mark
+that the pupil dwindles to when the sun rides high in the heavens! Hear
+Grumio in _The Taming of the Shrew:_
+
+     And so disfigure her with it, that she shall have no more
+     eyes to see withal than a cat.
+
+As to the food of the cat, he well informs us that at this distant
+period domestic cats were fed and cared for to a certain extent, for
+besides much else, he points to the fact of its love of milk in _The
+Tempest_, Antonio's reply to Sebastian in Act II., Scene 1:
+
+                              For all the rest,
+    They'll take suggestion as a cat laps milk.
+
+And in _King Henry the Fourth_, Act IV., Scene 2, of its pilfering ways,
+Falstaff cries out:
+
+    I am as vigilant as a cat to steal cream.
+
+While Lady Macbeth points to the uncertain, timid, cautious habits of
+the cat, amounting almost to cowardice:
+
+    Letting I dare not wait upon I would,
+    Like the poor cat i' the adage.
+
+and in the same play the strange superstitious fear attached to the
+voice and presence of the cat at certain times and seasons:
+
+    Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed.
+
+The line almost carries a kind of awe with it, a sort of feeling of
+"what next will happen?" He noted, also, as he did most things, its
+marvellous powers of observation, for in _Coriolanus_, Act IV., Scene 2,
+occurs the following:
+
+    Cats, that can judge as fitly.
+
+and of the forlorn loneliness of the age-stricken male cat in _King
+Henry the Fourth_, Falstaff, murmuring, says:
+
+    I am as melancholy as a gib cat.
+
+He marks, too, the difference of action in the lion and cat, in a state
+of nature:
+
+    A crouching lion and a ramping cat.
+
+Of the night-time food-seeking cat, in _The Merchant of Venice_, old
+Shylock talks of the
+
+    ...Slow in profit, and he sleeps by day
+    More than the wild cat.
+
+In the same play Shylock discourses of those that have a natural horror
+of certain animals, which holds good till this day:
+
+    Some men there are love not a gaping pig,
+    Some, that are mad if they behold a cat.
+
+and further on:
+
+    As there is no firm reason to be rendered
+    Why he cannot abide a gaping pig,
+    Why he, a harmless necessary cat.
+
+Note the distinction he makes between the wild and the domestic cat; the
+one, evidently, he knew the value and use of, and the other, its
+peculiar stealthy ways and of nature dread. In _All's Well that Ends
+Well_, he gives vent to his dislike; Bertram rages forth:
+
+    I could endure anything before but a cat,
+    And now he's cat to me.
+
+The feud with the wild cat intensifies in _Midsummer Night's Dream_;
+'tis Lysander speaks:
+
+    Hang off, thou cat, thou burr, thou vile thing.
+
+And Gremio tells of the untamableness of the wild cat, which he deems
+apparently impossible:
+
+    But will you woo this wild cat?
+
+Romeo, in _Romeo and Juliet_, looks with much disfavour, not only on
+cats but also dogs; in fact, the dog was held in as high disdain as the
+cat:
+
+    And every cat and dog,
+    And every little mouse, and every unworthy thing.
+
+Here is Hamlet's opinion:
+
+    The cat will mew, the dog will have his day.
+
+In _Cymbeline_ there is:
+
+    In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs.
+
+The foregoing is enough to show the great poet's opinion of the cat.
+
+
+
+
+SUPERSTITION AND WITCHCRAFT.
+
+
+A very remarkable peculiarity of the domestic cat, and possibly one that
+has had much to do with the ill favour with which it has been regarded,
+especially in the Middle Ages, is the extraordinary property which its
+fur possesses of yielding electric sparks when hand-rubbed or by other
+friction, the black in a larger degree than any other colour, even the
+rapid motion of a fast retreating cat through rough, tangled underwood
+having been known to produce a luminous effect. In frosty weather it is
+the more noticeable, the coldness of the weather apparently giving
+intensity and brilliancy, which to the ignorant would certainly be
+attributed to the interference of the spiritual or superhuman. To
+sensitive natures and nervous temperaments the very contact with the fur
+of the black cat will often produce a startling thrill or absolutely an
+electric shock. That carefully observant naturalist, Gilbert White,
+speaking of the frost of 1785, notes: "During those two Siberian days my
+parlour cat was so electric, that had a person stroked her, and been
+properly insulated, the shock might have been given to a whole circle of
+people."
+
+Possibly from this lively fiery sparkling tendency, combined with its
+noiseless motion and stealthy habits, our ancestors were led in the
+happily bygone superstitious days to regard the unconscious animal as a
+"familiar" of Satan or some other evil spirit, which generally appeared
+in the form of a black cat; hence witches were said to have a black cat
+as their "familiar," or could at will change themselves into the form of
+a black cat with eyes of fire. Shakespeare says, "the cat with eyne of
+burning coal," and in Middleton's _Witch_, Act III., Hecate says:
+
+    I will but 'noint, and then I'll mount.
+(_A Spirit like a cat descends. Voice above._)
+    There's one come down to fetch his dues.
+(_Later on the Voice calls._) Hark! hark! the cat sings a brave treble in
+        her own language.
+(_Then_ HECATE.) Now I go, now I fly,
+    Malkin, my sweet spirit, and I, etc.
+
+NOTE.--Almost the same words are sung in the music to _Macbeth_.
+
+"One of the frauds of witchcraft," says Timbs, "is the witch pretending
+to transform herself into a certain animal, the favourite and most usual
+transformation being a _cat_; hence cats were tormented by the ignorant
+vulgar."
+
+"_Rutterkin_ was a famous cat, a cat who was 'cater'-cousin to the
+great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandmother of
+Grimalkin, and first cat in the caterie of an old woman who was tried
+for bewitching a daughter of the Countess of Rutland in the beginning of
+the sixteenth century. The monodis connects him with cats of great
+renown in the annals of witchcraft, a science whereto they have been
+allied as poor old women, one of whom, it appears, on the authority of
+an old pamphlet entitled 'Newes from Scotland,' etc., printed in the
+year 1591, 'confessed that she took a cat and christened it, etc., and
+that in the night following, the said cat was conveyed into the middest
+of the sea by all these witches sayling in their Riddles, or Cives, and
+so left the said cat right before the towne of Leith in Scotland. This
+done, there did arise such a tempest at sea as a greater hath not been
+seen, etc. Againe it is confessed that the said christened cat was the
+cause of the kinges majestie's shippe, at his coming forthe of Denmarke,
+had a contrarie winde to the rest of the shippes then being in his
+companie, which thing was most straunge and true, as the kinges majestie
+acknowledgeth, for when the rest of the shippes had a fair and good
+winde, then was the winde contrairie, and altogether against his
+majestie,' etc."[C]
+
+[C] Hone's "Every-day Book," vol. i.
+
+"In some parts black cats are said to bring good luck, and in
+Scarborough (Henderson's 'Folk-lore of the Northern Counties'). A few
+years ago, sailors' wives were in the habit of keeping one, thinking
+thereby to ensure the safety of their husbands at sea. This,
+consequently, gave black cats such a value that no one else could keep
+them, as they were nearly always stolen. There are various proverbs
+which attach equal importance to this lucky animal, as, for example:
+
+    Whenever the cat o' the house is black,
+    The lasses o' lovers will have no lack.
+
+"And again:
+
+    Kiss the black cat,
+    An' 'twill make ye fat;
+    Kiss the white ane,
+    'Twill make ye lean.
+
+"In Scotland there is a children's rhyme upon the purring of the cat:
+
+    Dirdum drum,
+    Three threads and a thrum;
+    Thrum gray, thrum gray!
+
+"In Devonshire and Wiltshire it is believed that a May cat--or, in other
+words, a cat born in the month of May--will never catch any rats or
+mice, but, contrary to the wont of cats, will bring into the house
+snakes, and slow-worms, and other disagreeable reptiles. In
+Huntingdonshire it is a common saying that 'a May kitten makes a dirty
+cat.' If a cat should leap over a corpse, it is said to portend
+misfortune. Gough, in his 'Sepulchral Monuments,' says that in Orkney,
+during the time the corpse remains in the house, all the cats are locked
+up, and the looking-glasses covered over. In Devonshire a superstition
+prevails that a cat will not remain in a house with an unburied corpse;
+and stories are often told how, on the death of one of the inmates of a
+house, the cat has suddenly made its disappearance, and not returned
+again until after the funeral. The sneezing of the cat, says Brand
+('Popular Antiquities,' 1849, vol. iii., p. 187), appears to have been
+considered as a lucky omen to a bride who was to be married on the
+succeeding day.
+
+"'In Cornwall,' says Hunt, 'those little gatherings which come on
+children's eyelids, locally called "whilks," and also "warts," are cured
+by passing the tail of a black cat nine times over the place. If a ram
+cat, the cure is more certain. In Ireland it is considered highly
+unlucky.'"[D]
+
+[D] Mr. T. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore."
+
+Sailors are very superstitious as regards cats. If a black cat comes on
+board, it is a presage of disaster; if the ship's cat is more lively
+than ordinary, it is a sign of wind; but if the cat is accidentally
+drowned, then there is consternation, which does not wear off until the
+vessel is safe in harbour.
+
+Lady Wilde, in her "Irish Legends," gives a cat story quite of the fairy
+type, and well in keeping with many of witchcraft and sorcery. "One
+dark, cold night, as an old woman was spinning, there came three taps at
+her door, and not until after the last did she open it, when a pleading
+voice said: 'Let me in, let me in,' and a handsome black cat, with a
+white breast, and two white kittens, entered. The old woman spun on, and
+the cats purred loudly, till the mother puss warned her that it was very
+late, that they wanted some milk, and that the fairies wanted her room
+that night to dance and sup in. The milk was given, the cats thanked
+her, and said they would not forget her kindness; but, ere they vanished
+up the chimney, they left her a great silver coin, and the fairies had
+their ball untroubled by the old woman's presence, for the pussy's
+warning was a gentle hint."
+
+If a kitten comes to a house in the morning, it is lucky; if in the
+evening, it portends evil of some kind, unless it stays to prevent it.
+
+A cat's hair is said to be indigestible, and if one is swallowed death
+will ensue (Northern).
+
+Milton, in his "Astrologaster," p. 48, tells us: "That when the cat
+washes her face over her eares we shall have great store of raine."
+
+Lord Westmoreland, in a poem "To a cat bore me company in confinement,"
+says:
+
+       ----Scratch but thine ear,
+    Then boldly tell what weather's drawing near.
+
+The cat sneezing appears to be a lucky omen to a bride.
+
+It was a vulgar notion that cats, when hungry, would eat coals; and even
+to this day, in some parts there is a doubt about it. In "The Tamer
+Tamed, or, Woman's Pride," Izamo says to Moroso, "I'd learn to eat coals
+with a hungry cat"; and in "Boduca," the first daughter says, "They are
+cowards; eat coals like compelled cats."
+
+"The crying of cats, ospreys, ravens, or other birds upon the tops of
+houses in the night time are observed by the vulgar to presignify death
+to the sick."--Brand.
+
+There is also a superstition that cats will suck the breath of infants.
+Nothing could be more ridiculous. The formation of the cat's mouth is
+not well adapted for such action, the under jaw being shorter than the
+upper, which is one reason why it _laps_ fluids instead of drinking.
+Cats will creep into cradles, but for no other purpose than that of
+sleep, the bed and clothes being warm and soft, and of course
+comfortable; yet instead of doing harm, they help to keep the child's
+temperature more even in cold weather. Of course, if they lie on the
+infant, it is a different matter.
+
+
+
+
+WEATHER NOTIONS.
+
+
+"Signs of Foul Weather," by Dr. Erasmus Darwin. In a poem, the
+well-known relative of the eminent Charles Darwin describes the various
+natural indications of coming storms. Among the animals and birds he
+notes the cat:
+
+    Low o'er the grass the swallow wings;
+    The cricket, too, how sharp he sings;
+    Puss on the hearth, with velvet paws,
+    Sits wiping o'er his whiskered jaws.
+
+"In England," says Mr. T. F. Thiselton Dyer, "the superstitious still
+hold the cat in high esteem, and oftentimes, when observing the weather,
+attribute much importance to its various movements. Thus, according to
+some, when they sneeze it is a sign of rain; and Herrick, in his
+'Hesperides,' tells us how:
+
+    True calendars as pusses eare,
+    Wash't o're to tell what change is neare.
+
+"It is a common notion that when a cat scratches the legs of a table, it
+is a prognostic of change of weather. John Swan, in his 'Speculum Mundi'
+(Cambridge, 1643), writing of the cat, says: 'She useth therefore to
+wash her face with her feet, which she licketh and moisteneth with her
+tongue; and it is observed by some that if she put her feet beyond the
+crown of her head in this kind of washing, it is a signe of rain.'
+Indeed, in the eyes of the superstitious, there is scarcely a movement
+of the cat which is not supposed to have some significance.
+
+"Cats are exceedingly fond of valerian (_V. officinalis_), and in
+Topsell's 'Four-footed Beasts' (1658, p. 81), we find the following
+curious remarks: 'The root of the herb valerian (called _Phu_), is very
+like to the eye of a cat, and wheresoever it groweth, if cats come
+thereunto, they instantly dig it up for the love thereof, as I myself
+have seen in mine own garden, for it smelleth moreover like a cat.'
+There is also an English rhyme on the plant _marum_ to the following
+effect:
+
+    If you see it,
+      The cats will eat it;
+    If you sow it,
+      The cats will know it.
+
+"In Suffolk, cats' eyes are supposed to dilate and contract with the
+flow and ebb of the tide. In Lancashire the common people have an idea
+that those who play much with cats never have good health."[E]
+
+[E] Mr. T. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore."
+
+If tincture of valerian is sprinkled on a plant or bush the neighbouring
+cats roll and rub themselves on or against it, often biting and
+scratching the plant to pieces.--H. W.
+
+In Lancashire it is regarded as unlucky to allow a cat to die in a
+house. Hence,[F] when they are ill they are usually drowned.
+
+[F] Harland and Wilkinson, "Lancashire Folk-lore," p. 141.
+
+At Christ Church, Spitalfields, there is a benefaction for the widows of
+weavers under certain restrictions, called "cat and dog money." There is
+a tradition in the parish that money was given in the first instance to
+cats and dogs.[G]
+
+[G] Edwards's "Old English Customs," p. 54.
+
+If a cat tears at the cushions, carpet, and other articles of furniture
+with its claws, it is considered a sign of wind. Hence the saying, "the
+cat is raising the wind."
+
+Mr. Park's note in his copy of Bourn and Brand's "Popular Antiquities,"
+p. 92, says: "Cats sitting with their tails to the fire, or washing with
+their paws behind their ears, are said to foretell a change of weather."
+
+In Pules' play of "The Novice" is the line:
+
+    Ere Gil, our cat, can lick her ear.
+
+This is from Brand, and I do not think it refers to the weather, but to
+an impossibility.
+
+
+
+
+A CAT-CLOCK.
+
+
+The following curious incident is to be found in Huc's "Chinese Empire":
+
+     "One day, when we went to pay a visit to some families of Chinese
+     Christian peasants, we met, near a farm, a young lad, who was
+     taking a buffalo to graze along our path. We asked him carelessly
+     as we passed whether it was yet noon. The child raised his head
+     to look at the sun, but it was hidden behind thick clouds, and he
+     could read no answer there. 'The sky is so cloudy,' said he; 'but
+     wait a moment;' and with these words he ran towards the farm, and
+     came back a few minutes afterwards with a cat in his arms. 'Look
+     here,' said he, 'it is not noon yet;' and he showed us the cat's
+     eyes by pushing up the lids with his hands. We looked at the
+     child with surprise; but he was evidently in earnest, and the
+     cat, though astonished, and not much pleased at the experiment
+     made on her eyes, behaved with most exemplary complaisance. 'Very
+     well,' said we, 'thank you;' and he then let go the cat, who made
+     her escape pretty quickly, and we continued our route. To say the
+     truth, we had not at all understood the proceeding, but did not
+     wish to question the little pagan, lest he should find out that
+     we were Europeans by our ignorance. As soon as we reached the
+     farm, however, we made haste to ask our Christians whether they
+     could tell the clock by looking into the cat's eyes. They seemed
+     surprised at the question, but as there was no danger in
+     confessing to them our ignorance of the properties of the cat's
+     eyes, we related what had just taken place. That was all that was
+     necessary; our complaisant neophytes immediately gave chase to
+     all the cats in the neighbourhood. They brought us three or four,
+     and explained in what manner they might be made use of for
+     watches. They pointed out that the pupils of their eyes went on
+     constantly growing narrower until twelve o'clock, when they
+     became like a fine line, as thin as a hair, drawn perpendicularly
+     across the eye, and that after twelve the dilatation
+     recommenced."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Archbishop Whately once declared that there was only one noun in
+English which had a real vocative case. It was 'cat,' vocative 'puss.' I
+wonder if this derivation is true (I take it from a New York journal):
+When the Egyptians of old worshipped the cat they settled it that she
+was like the moon, because she was more bright at night, and because her
+eyes changed just as the moon changes--from new, to crescent, and to
+full. So they made an idol of the cat's head, and named it _pasht_,
+which meant the face of the moon. _Pasht_ became pas, pus,
+puss."--_Church Times_, March 8th, 1888.
+
+
+
+
+"PUSS IN BOOTS" (_Le Chat Bott�_)
+
+
+Is from the "Eleventh Night" of Straparola's Italian fairy tales, where
+Constantine's cat procures his master a fine castle and the king's
+heiress, first translated into French in 1585. Our version is taken from
+that of Charles Perrault. There is a similar one in the Scandinavian
+nursery tales. This clever cat secures a fortune and a royal partner for
+his master, who passes off as the Marquis of Carabas, but is in reality
+a young miller, without a penny in the world.
+
+The above is from Dr. Brewer's "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," and
+goes far to prove the antiquity of what is generally believed to be a
+modern story, many believing it to be one of the numberless pleasant,
+amusing, and in a sense instructive nursery or children's stories of the
+present time.
+
+
+
+
+SIGNS.
+
+
+D'Urfey, in his poem on Knole, speaks of "The Cats" at Sevenoaks.
+
+"The Cat" or "Cats" is by no means a common sign. The subject is well
+alluded to in "The Cat, Past and Present," from the French of M.
+Champfleury, translated by Mrs. Cashel Hoey, at page 33. A sign is
+pictured from the Lombards' quarter, Paris. It is there over a
+confectioner's shop, and is a cat seated, or rather two, a sign being
+placed on either side of the corner. Underneath one is "Au Chat," the
+other, "Noir." I may add the work is a most excellent and amusing
+collection of much appertaining to cats, and is well worthy of a place
+in the cat-lover's library.
+
+In Larwood and Hotten's "History of Sign-boards," a work of much
+research and merit, occurs the following: "As I was going through a
+street of London where I had never been till then, I felt a general damp
+and faintness all over me which I could not tell how to account for,
+till I chanced to cast my eyes upwards, and found I was passing under a
+sign-post on which the picture of a _cat_ was hung." This little
+incident of the cat-hater, told in No. 538 of _The Spectator_, is a
+proof of the presence of cats on the sign-board, where, indeed, they are
+still to be met with, but very rarely. There is a sign of "The Cat" at
+Egremont, in Cumberland, a "Black Cat" at St. Leonard's Gate, Lancaster,
+and a "Red Cat" at Birkenhead; and a "Red Cat" in the Hague, Holland, to
+which is attached an amusing story worthy of perusal.
+
+"The Cat and Parrot" and "The Cat and Lion" apparently have no direct
+meaning, unless by the former may be inferred that if you lap like a cat
+of the liquids sold at the hostelry, you will talk like a parrot; yet,
+according to Larwood and Hotten, it was a bookseller's sign.
+
+"The Cat and Cage" and "The Cat in Basket" were signs much in vogue
+during the frost fair on the Thames in 1739-40, a live cat being hung
+outside some of the booths, which afterwards was not infrequent at other
+festive meetings. What the exact origin was is not quite apparent.
+
+"'Cat and Fiddle,' a public-house sign, is a corruption either of the
+French _Catherine la fid�le_, wife of Czar Peter the Great of Russia, or
+of _Caton le fid�le_, meaning Caton, governor of Calais."--DR. BREWER'S
+_Dictionary of Phrase and Fable_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Cat and Fiddle._--"While on the subject of sign-boards," says a writer
+in Cassell's "Old and New London," vol. i., p. 507, "we may state that
+Piccadilly was the place in which 'The Cat and Fiddle' first appeared as
+a public-house sign. The story is that a Frenchwoman, a small shopkeeper
+at the eastern end soon after it was built, had a very faithful and
+favourite cat, and that in the lack of any other sign she put over her
+door the words, 'Voici un Chat fid�le.' From some cause or other the
+'Chat fid�le' soon became a popular sign in France, and was speedily
+Anglicised into 'The Cat and Fiddle,' because the words form part of one
+of our most popular nursery rhymes. We do not pledge ourselves as to the
+accuracy of this definition."
+
+"In Farringdon (Devon) is the sign of 'La Chatte Fid�le,' in
+commemoration of a faithful cat. Without scanning the phrase too nicely,
+it may simply indicate that the game of _cat_ (trap-ball) and a _fiddle_
+for dancing are provided for customers."
+
+Yet, according to Larwood and Hotten's "History of Sign-boards," there
+is yet another version, and another, of the matter, for it is stated, "a
+little hidden meaning is there in the 'Cat and Fiddle,' still a great
+favourite in Hampshire, the only connection between the animal and the
+instrument being that the strings are made from cats' entrails (_sic_),
+and that a small fiddle is called a _kit_, and a small cat a _kitten_;
+besides, they have been united from time immemorial in the nursery
+rhyme:
+
+    Heigh diddle diddle,
+    The Cat and the fiddle."
+
+Amongst the other explanations offered is the one that it may have
+originated with the sign of a certain _Caton Fid�le_, a staunch
+Protestant in the reign of Queen Mary, and only have been changed into
+the cat and fiddle by corruption; but if so it must have lost its
+original appellation very soon, for as early as 1589 we find "Henry
+Carr, signe of the _Catte and Fidle_ in the olde Chaunge." Formerly
+there was a "_Cat and Fiddle_ at Norwich, the Cat being represented
+playing on a fiddle, and a number of mice dancing round her."
+
+_Cat and Bagpipes._--Was not uncommon in Ireland, this instrument being
+the national one in place of the fiddle.
+
+When doctors disagree, who shall decide? Thus I leave it.
+
+_Cat and Mutton_, from Cassell's "Old and New London," vol. iv., p. 223:
+
+"Near the Imperial Gas Works, Haggerston, is Goldsmith's row; this was
+formerly known as Mutton Lane, a name still given to that part of the
+thoroughfare bordering on the southern extremity of London Fields, where
+stands a noted public-house rejoicing in the sign of the 'Cat and
+Mutton' affixed to the house, and _two_ sign-boards, which are rather
+curious. They have upon them the following doggerel lines:
+
+    Pray Puss do not tare,
+    Because the Mutton is so rare.
+
+    Pray Puss do not claw,
+    Because the Mutton is so raw.
+
+_Cat and Wheel._--Most likely to be a corruption of Catherine Wheel;
+there was a sign of this name in the Borough, Southwark.
+
+In France some signs are still more peculiar, as a "Cat Playing at
+Raquet" (_Chatte qui pelote_), "Fishing Cat" (_La Chatte qui p�che_),
+"The Dancing Cat," and the well-known "Puss in Boots."
+
+"Whittington and his Cat" is by no means uncommon, and was not unknown
+in the early part of the seventeenth century. Somewhere I remember
+having seen "Whittington's Cat" without the master, which, I suppose,
+arose from the painter not knowing how to portray "Sir Richard."
+
+"_Cat and Kittens._--A public-house sign, alluding to the pewter pots so
+called. Stealing these pots is termed 'Cat and kitten sneaking.' We
+still call a large kettle a _kitchen_, and speak of a soldier's _kit_
+(Saxon, _cytel_, a pot, pan, or vessel generally)."--BREWER'S
+_Dictionary of Phrase and Fable_.
+
+May not this sign be intended to mean merely what is shown, "The Cat and
+Kittens," indicative of comfort and rest? Or may it have been "Cat and
+_Chitterlings_," in allusion to the source from which fiddlestrings were
+said to be derived?
+
+_Cat and Tortoise._--This seems to have no meaning other than at a
+tavern extremes meet, the fast and the slow, the lively and the stolid;
+or it is possibly a corruption of something widely different.
+
+
+
+
+THE LAW ON CAT KILLING.
+
+
+An "Articled Clerk," writing to _The Standard_ with regard to the
+illegality of killing cats, states: "It is clearly laid down in 'Addison
+on Torts,' that a person is not justified in killing his neighbour's
+cat, or dog, which he finds on his land, unless the animal is in the act
+of doing some injurious act which can only be prevented by its
+slaughter.
+
+"And it has been decided by the case of 'Townsend v. Watken' 9 last 277,
+that if a person sets on his lands a trap for foxes, and baits it with
+such strong-smelling meat as to attract his neighbour's dog or cat on to
+his land, to the trap, and such animal is thereby killed or injured, he
+is liable for the act, though he had no intention of doing it, and
+though the animal ought not to have been on his land."
+
+
+
+
+DEAD CATS.
+
+
+Lifeless cats have been from time immemorial suggestive of foolish
+hoaxing, a parcel being made up, or a basket with the legs of a hare
+projecting, directed to some one at a distance, and on which the charge
+for carriage comes to a considerable sum, the _fortunate_ recipient
+ultimately, to his great annoyance, finding "his present" was nothing
+else but "a dead cat." Dead cats, which not infrequently were cast into
+the streets, or accidentally killed there, were sometimes used as
+objects of sport by the silly, low-minded, and vulgar, and it was
+thought a "clever thing" if they could deposit such in a drawing-room
+through an open window, or pitch the unfortunate animal, often crushed
+and dirty, into a passing carriage; but "the time of times" when it was
+considered to be a legitimate object to use was that of either a borough
+or county election, cats and rotten eggs forming the material with which
+the assault was conducted in the event of an unpopular candidate for
+honours attempting to give his political views to a depreciatory mob
+surrounding the hustings. An anecdote is recorded in Grose's "Olio" of
+Mr. Fox, who, in 1784, was a candidate for Westminster, which goes far
+to show what dirty, degrading, disgusting indignities the would-be
+"_people's_ representative" had to endure at that period, and with what
+good humour such favours of popular appreciation, or otherwise, were
+received:
+
+"During the poll, a dead cat being thrown on the hustings, one of Sir
+Cecil Wray's party observed it stunk worse than _a fox_; to which Mr.
+Fox replied there was nothing extraordinary in that, considering it was
+a 'poll cat.'"
+
+This is by no means the only ready and witty answer that has been
+attributed to Mr. Fox, though not bearing on the present subject.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE CAT AS A TORMENTOR.
+
+
+Shakespeare, in "Lucrece," says:
+
+    "Yet foul night-waking cat, he doth but dally,
+    While in his holdfast foot the weak mouse panteth."
+
+In an essay on "The Art of Ingeniously Tormenting" (1753), the cat is
+alluded to in the frontispiece--a cat at play with a mouse, below which
+is the couplet:
+
+    The cat doth play,
+    And after slay.
+
+           _Child's Guide_.
+
+Giovanni Batista Casti, in his book, "Tre Giuli" (1762), likens the cat
+to one who lends money, and suddenly pounces on the debtor:
+
+    Thus sometimes with a mouse, ere nip,
+    The cat will on her hapless victim smile,
+    Until at length she gives the fatal grip.
+
+Again, John Philips, in the latter part of the seventeenth century, in
+his poem of "The Splendid Shilling," referring to debtors, writes:
+
+    Grimalkin to Domestick Vermin sworn
+    An everlasting Foe, with watchful Eye
+    Lies nightly brooding o'er a chinky Gap
+    Protending her fell Claws, to thoughtless Mice
+    Sure Ruin.
+
+
+
+
+HERALDRY, ETC.
+
+
+A cat (hieroglyphically) represents false friendship, or a deceitful,
+flattering friend.
+
+The cat (in heraldry) is an emblem of liberty, because it naturally
+dislikes to be shut up, and therefore the Burgundians, etc., bore a cat
+on their banners to intimate they could not endure servitude.
+
+"It is a bold and daring creature and also cruel to its enemy, and never
+gives over till it has destroyed it, if possible. It is also watchful,
+dexterous, swift, pliable, and has good nerves--thus, if it falls from a
+place never so high, it still alights on its feet; and therefore may
+denote those who have much forethought, that whatsoever befalls them
+they are still on their guard."
+
+"In coat armour they must always be represented as full-faced, and not
+showing one side of it, but both their eyes and both their ears.
+_Argent_ three cats in pale _sable_ is the coat of the family of Keat of
+Devonshire."
+
+Many families have adopted the cat as their emblem. In "Cats, Past and
+Present," several are noted. In Scotland, the Clan Chattan bore as their
+chief cognizance the wild cat, and called their chief "Mohr au Chat,"
+the great wild cat. Nor is the name uncommon as an English surname,
+frequently appearing as Cat, Catt, Catte; but the most strange
+association of the name with the calling was one I knew in my old
+sporting days of a _gamekeeper_ whose name was Cat.
+
+
+
+
+PERFORMING CATS.
+
+
+Cats, unlike dogs, are not amused by, nor do they in any way take an
+interest in what are termed "tricks." Performing dogs will sit about
+their master watching anxiously for their turn, and they have been known
+on more than one occasion to slip before the dog that has next jump
+through the hoop or over a stick, barking merrily, exulting in having
+excelled the other; generally they await with intense eagerness the
+agility of the others and strenuously try to surpass them. Possibly this
+is so from the long time the dog has been under the dominion of man, and
+_taught_ by him how to be of service, either in _hunting_, _sporting_,
+_shepherding_, _watching_; in a sense his friend, though more his bond
+or slave, even to dragging carts, waggons, and sleighs, to fetch and
+carry, even to smuggle. _Long teaching_, _persistent teaching from time
+immemorial_ has undoubtedly had its due effect, and in some instances,
+if not all, has been _transmitted_, such as in the pointer and setter,
+which particular sections have been known to require little or no
+present training, taking to their duties naturally, receiving but little
+guidance as to how much, when, and where such instinctive qualities are
+required.
+
+With the cat it is widely different. Beyond being the "necessary" cat,
+the pet cat or kitten, it never has been an object of interest, beyond
+that of keeping from increase those veritable plagues, rats and mice;
+the enormous use it has thus been to man has had but scant
+acknowledgment, never thoroughly appreciated, vastly underrated, with
+but little attention not only to its beauty, nor in modifying its nature
+to the actual _requirements_ of civilisation. The cat through long ages
+has had, as it were, to shift for itself; with the _few_ approved, with
+the _many_ not only neglected, but in bygone days, and with some even in
+the present, it has been, and is looked on as a thing that is not to be
+cared for, or domesticated, but often absolutely ill-treated, not
+because there has been wrong done, but because it is _a cat_. I heard a
+man of "gentle blood" once say that there was no good in a cat, and the
+only use they were, as far as _he_ could see, was as an animal to try
+the courage of his terriers upon.
+
+Happily all are not alike, and so the cat survives, and by the present
+generation is petted and noticed with a growing interest. Though long
+closely connected with man in many ways, still, as I have before said,
+it has been left to itself to a certain degree. In no way, or but
+slightly, has it been guided; and thus, as a domestic animal, it has
+become what it is--one repelling most attempts to make it of the same
+kind of value as the dog; its great powers of observation, coupled with
+timidity, make a barrier to its being trained into that which its nature
+dislikes; and its natural and acquired repugnance to confinement and
+tuition prevent it--at least at present--from being "the humble
+servant," as the dog, "past and present," has been and is.
+
+Studying closely the habits of the cat for years, as I have, I believe
+there is a natural sullen antipathy to being taught or restrained, or
+_made_ to do anything to which its nature or feelings are averse; and
+this arises from long-continued persecution and no training. Try, for
+instance, to make a cat lie still if it wants to go out. You may hold it
+at first, then gently relinquish your grasp, stroke it, talk to it,
+fondle it, until it purrs, and purrs with seeming pleasure, but it
+_never once forgets it is restrained_, and _the first_ opportunity it
+will make a sudden dash, and is--gone.
+
+However, all animals, more or less, may be trained, and the cat, of
+course, is among them, and a notable one. By bringing them up among
+birds, such as canaries, pigeons, chickens, and ducklings, it will
+respect and not touch them, while those wild will be immediately
+sacrificed.
+
+One of the best instances of this was a small collection of animals and
+birds in a large cage that used to be shown by a man by the name of
+Austin, and to which I have already referred. This man was a lover and
+trainer of animal life, and an adept. His "Happy Family" generally
+consisted of a cat or two, some kittens, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea
+pigs, an owl, a kestrel falcon, starlings, goldfinches, canaries,
+etc.--a most incongruous assembly. Yet among them all there was a
+_freedom of action_, a self-reliance, and an air of happiness that I
+have never seen in "performing cats." Mr. Austin informed me that he had
+been a number of years studying their different natures, but that he
+found the cats the most difficult to deal with, only the most gentle
+treatment accomplishing the object he had in view. Any fresh
+introduction had to be done by degrees, and shown outside first for some
+time. It was quite apparent, however, that the cats were _quite at their
+ease_, and I have seen a canary sitting on the head of the cat, while a
+starling was resting on the back. But all are gone--Austin and his
+pets--and no other reigns in his stead.
+
+Occasionally one sees, at the corners of some of the London streets, a
+man who professes to have _trained_ cats and birds; the latter,
+certainly, are clever, but the former have a frightened, scared look,
+and seem by no means comfortable. I should say the tuition was on
+different lines to that of Austin. The man takes a canary, opens a cat's
+mouth, puts it in, takes it out, _makes_ the cat, or cats, go up a short
+ladder and down another; then they are _told_ to fight, and placed in
+front of each other; but fight they will not with their fore-paws, so
+the _master_ moves their paws for them, _each looking away_ from the
+other. There is no training in this but _fear_. There is an innate
+timidity, the offspring of long persecution, in the cat that prevents,
+as a rule, its performing in public. Not so the dog; time and place
+matter not to him; from generation to generation he _has been used to
+it_.
+
+In "Cats Past and Present," by Champfleury, there are descriptions of
+performing cats, and one Valmont de Bomare mentions that in a booth at
+the fair of St. Germain's, during the eighteenth century, there was a
+cat concert, the word "Miaulique," in huge letters, being on the
+outside. In 1789 there is an account of a Venetian giving cat concerts,
+and the facsimile of a print of the seventeenth century picturing a cat
+showman.
+
+"In 1758, or the following year, Bisset, the famous animal trainer,
+hired a room near the Haymarket, at which he announced a public
+performance of a 'CATS' OPERA,' supplemented by tricks of a horse, a
+dog, and some monkeys, etc. The 'Cats' Opera' was attended by crowded
+houses, and Bisset cleared a thousand pounds in a few days. After a
+successful season in London, he sold some of the animals, and made a
+provincial tour with the rest, rapidly accumulating a considerable
+fortune."--MR. FROST'S _Old Showman_.
+
+"Many years ago a concert was given at Paris, wherein cats were the
+performers. They were placed in rows, and a monkey beat time to them.
+According as he beat the time so the cats mewed; and the historian of
+the FACT relates that the diversity of the tones which they emitted
+produced a very ludicrous effect. This exhibition was announced to the
+Parisian public by the title of _Concert Miaulant."--Zoological
+Anecdotes._
+
+Another specimen of _discipline_ is to be found in "Menageries." The
+writer says: "Cats may be taught to perform tricks, such as leaping over
+a stick, but they always do such feats unwillingly. There is at present
+an exhibition of cats in Regent Street, who, at the bidding of their
+master, an Italian, turn a wheel and draw up water in a bucket, ring a
+bell; and in doing these things begin, continue, and stop as they are
+commanded. But the _commencez_, _continuez_, _arr�tez_ of their keeper
+is always enforced with a threatening eye, and often with a severe blow;
+and the poor creatures exhibit the greatest reluctance to proceed with
+their unnatural employments. They have a subdued and piteous look; but
+the scratches upon their master's arms show that _his_ task is not
+always an easy one."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Of performing cats on the stage, there have been several "companies" of
+late in London, one of which I went to see at the royal Aquarium,
+Westminster; and I am bound to say that the relations between master and
+cats were on a better footing than any that have hitherto come under my
+notice. On each side of the stage there were cat kennels, from which the
+cats made their appearance on a given signal, ran across, on or over
+whatever was placed between, and disappeared quickly into the opposite
+kennels. But about it all there was a decided air of _timidity_, and an
+eagerness to _get the performance over_, and _done with it_. When the
+cats came out they were caressed and encouraged, which seemed to have a
+soothing effect, and I have a strong apprehension that they received
+some dainty morsel when they reached their destination. One ran up a
+pole at command, over which there was a cap at the top, into which it
+disappeared for a few seconds, evidently for some reason, food
+_perhaps_. It then descended. But before this supreme act several cats
+had crossed a bridge of chairs, stepping only on the backs, until they
+reached the opposite house or box into which to retire. The process was
+repeated, and the performance varied by two cats crossing the bridge
+together, one passing over and the other under the horizontal rung
+between the seat and the top of the chair. A long plank was next
+produced, upon which was placed a row of wine-bottles at intervals; and
+the cats ran along the plank, winding in and out between the bottles,
+first to the right, then to the left, without making a mistake. This
+part of the performance was varied by placing on the top of each bottle
+a flat disc of thick wood; one of the cats strode then from disc to
+disc, without displacing or upsetting a bottle, while the other animal
+repeated its serpentine walk on the plank below. The plank being
+removed, a number of trestles were brought in, and placed at intervals
+in a row between the two sets of houses, when the cats, on being called,
+jumped from trestle to trestle, varying the feat by leaping through a
+hoop, which was held up by the trainer between the trestles. To this
+succeeded a performance on the tight rope, which was not the least
+curious part of the exhibition. A rope being stretched across the arena
+from house to house, the cats walked across in turn, without making a
+mistake. Some white rats were then brought and placed at intervals along
+the rope, when the cats, re-crossing from one end to the other, strode
+over the rats without injuring them. A repetition of this feat was
+rendered a little more difficult by substituting for rats, which sat
+pretty quietly in one place, several white mice and small birds, which
+were more restless, and kept changing their positions. The cats
+re-crossed the rope, and passed over all these obstacles without even
+noticing the impediments placed in their way, with one or two
+exceptions, when they stopped, and cosseted one or more of the white
+rats, two of which rode triumphantly on the back of a large black cat.
+
+Perhaps the most odd performance was that of "Cat Harris," an imitator
+of the voice of cats in 1747.
+
+"When Foote first opened the Haymarket Theatre, amongst other projects
+he proposed to entertain the public with imitation of cat-music. For
+this purpose he engaged a man famous for his skill in mimicking the
+mewing of the cat. This person was called 'Cat Harris.' As he did not
+attend the rehearsal of this odd concert, Foote desired Shuter would
+endeavour to find him out and bring him with him. Shuter was directed
+to some court in the Minories, where this extraordinary musician lived;
+but, not being able to find the house, Shuter began a cat solo; upon
+this the other looked out of the window, and answered him with a cantata
+of the same sort. 'Come along,' said Shuter; 'I want no better
+information that you are the man. Foote stays for us; we cannot begin
+the cat-opera without you.'"--CASSELL'S _Old and New London_, vol. iv.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CAT-RACING IN BELGIUM.
+
+
+"On festival days, parties of young men assemble in various places to
+shoot with cross-bows and muskets, and prizes of considerable value are
+often distributed to the winners. Then there are pigeon-clubs and
+canary-clubs, for granting rewards to the trainers of the fleetest
+carrier-pigeons and best warbling canaries. Of these clubs many
+individuals of high rank are the honorary presidents, and even royal
+princes deign to present them banners, without which no Belgian club can
+lay claim to any degree of importance." But the most curious thing is
+cat-racing, which takes place, according to an engraving, in the public
+thoroughfare, the cats being turned loose at a given time. It is thus
+described: "Cat-racing is a sport which stands high in popular favour.
+In one of the suburbs of Li�ge it is an affair of annual observance
+during carnival time. Numerous individuals of the feline tribe are
+collected, each having round his neck a collar with a seal attached to
+it, precisely like those of the carrier-pigeons. The cats are tied up in
+sacks, and as soon as the clock strikes the solemn hour of midnight the
+sacks are unfastened, the cats let loose, and the race begins. The
+winner is the cat which first reaches home, and the prize awarded to its
+owner is sometimes a ham, sometimes a silver spoon. On the occasion of
+the last competition the prize was won by a blind cat."--_Pictorial
+Times_, June 16th, 1860.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CAT IMAGES.
+
+
+Those with long memories will not have forgotten the Italian with a
+board on his head, on which were tied a number of plaster casts, and
+possibly still seem to hear, in the far away time, the unforgotten cry
+of "Yah im-a-gees." Notably, among these works of art, were models of
+cats--such cats, such expressive faces; and what forms! How droll, too,
+were those with a moving head, wagging and nodding, as it were, with a
+grave and thoughtful, semi-reproachful, vacant gaze! "Yah im-a-gees" has
+passed on, and the country pedlar, with his "crockery" cats, mostly red
+and white. "Sure such cats alive were never seen?" but in burnt clay
+they existed, and often _adorned_ the mantel-shelves of the poor. What
+must the live cat sitting before the fire have thought--if cats
+think--when it looked up at the stolid, staring, stiff and stark
+new-comer? One never sees these things now; nor the cats made of
+paste-board covered with black velvet, and two large brass spangles for
+eyes. These were put into dark corners with an idea of deception, with
+the imbecile hope that visitors would take them to be real flesh and
+bone everyday black cats. But was any one ever taken in but--the maker?
+Then there were cats, and cats and kittens, made of silk, for selling at
+fancy fairs, not much like cats, but for the _purposes_ good. Cats
+sitting on pen-wipers; clay cats of burnt brick-earth. These were
+generally something to remember rather than possess. Wax cats also, with
+a cotton wick coming out at the top of the head. It was a saddening
+sight to see these _beauties_ burning slowly away. Was this a "remnant"
+of the burning of the live cats in the "good old times?" And cats made
+of rabbits' skins were not uncommon, and far better to give children to
+play with than the tiny, lovable, patient, live kitten, which, if it
+submit to be tortured, it is well, but if it resent pain and suffering,
+then it is beaten. There is more ill done "from want of thought than
+want of heart."
+
+But kittens have fallen upon evil times, ay, even in these days of
+education and enlightenment. As long as the world lasts probably there
+will be the foolish, the gay, unthinking, and, in tastes, the
+ridiculous. But then there are, and there ever will be, those that are
+always craving, thirsting, longing, shall I say _mad_?--for something
+_new_. Light-headed, with softened intellects who must--_they_ say _they
+must_--have some excitement or some novelty, no matter what, to talk of
+or possess, though all this is ephemeral, and the silliness only lasts a
+few hours. Long or short, they are never conscious of these absurdities,
+and look forward with all the eagerness of doll-pleased infancy for
+another--craze. The world is being denuded of some of its brightest
+ornaments and its heaven-taught music, in the slaughter of birds, to
+gratify for scarcely a few hours the insane vanity, that is now rife in
+the ball-room--fashion.
+
+What has all this to do with cats? Why, this class of people are not
+content, they never are so; but are adding to the evil by piling up a
+fresh one. It is the kitten now, the small, about two or three weeks old
+kitten that is the "fashion." Not long ago they were killed and stuffed
+for children to play with--better so than alive, perhaps; but now they
+are to please children of a larger _growth_, their tightly filled
+skins, adorned with glass eyes, being put in sportive attitudes about
+portrait frames, and such like uses. It is comical, and were it not for
+the stupid bad taste and absurdity of the thing, one would feel inclined
+to laugh at _clambering_ kitten skins about, and supposed to be peeping
+into the face of a languor-struck "beauty." Who buys such? Does any one?
+If so, where do they go? Over thirty kittens in one shop window. What
+next, and--next? Truly frivolity is not dead!
+
+From these, and such as these, turn to the models fair and proper; the
+china, the porcelain, the terra cotta, the bronze, and the silver, both
+English, French, German, and Japanese; some exquisite, with all the
+character, elegance, and grace of the living animals. In these there has
+been a great advance of late years, Miss A. Chaplin taking the lead.
+Then in bold point tracery on pottery Miss Barlow tells of the animal's
+flowing lines and non-angular posing. Art--true art--all of it; and art
+to be coveted by the lover of cats, or for art alone.
+
+But I have almost forgotten the old-time custom of, when the young
+ladies came from school, bringing home a "sampler," in the days before
+linen stamping was known or thought of. On these in needlework were
+alphabets, numbers, trees (such trees), dogs, and cats. Then, too, there
+were cats of silk and satin, in needlework, and cats in various
+materials; but the most curious among the young people's accomplishments
+was the making of tortoiseshell cats from a snail-shell, with a smaller
+one for a head, with either wax or bread ears, fore-legs and tail, and
+yellow or green beads for eyes. Droll-looking things--very. I give a
+drawing of one. And last, not least often, the edible cats--cats made of
+cheese, cats of sweet sponge-cake, cats of sugar, and once I saw a cat
+of jelly. In the old times of country pleasure fairs, when every one
+brought home gingerbread nuts and cakes as "a fairing," the gingerbread
+"cat in boots" was not forgotten nor left unappreciated; generally
+fairly good in form, and gilt over with Dutch metal, it occupied a place
+of honour in many a country cottage home, and, for the matter of that,
+also in the busy town. If good gingerbread, it was saved for many a
+day, or until the holiday time was ended and feasting over, and the next
+fair talked of.
+
+But, after all "said and done," what a little respect, regard, and
+reverence is there in our mode to that of the Egyptians! They had three
+varieties of cats, but they were all the same to them; as their pets, as
+useful, beautiful, and typical, they were individually and nationally
+regarded, their bodies embalmed, and verses chaunted in their praise;
+and the image of the cat then--a thousand years ago--was a deity. What
+do they think of the cat now, these same though modern Egyptians?
+Scarcely anything. And we, who in bygone ages persecuted it, to-day give
+it a growing recognition as an animal both useful, beautiful, and worthy
+of culture.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LOVERS OF CATS.
+
+
+"The Turks greatly admire Cats; to them, their alluring Figure appears
+preferable to the Docility, Instinct, and Fidelity of the Dog. Mahomet
+was very partial to Cats. It is related, that being called up on some
+urgent Business, he preferred _cutting off_ the Sleeve of his Robe, to
+_waking_ the Cat, that lay upon it _asleep_. Nothing more was necessary,
+to bring these Animals into high Request. A Cat may even enter a Mosque;
+it is caressed there, as the Favourite Animal of the Prophet; while the
+Dog, that should dare appear in the Temples, would _pollute_ them with
+his Presence, and would be punished with instant _Death_."[H]
+
+[H] Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813.
+
+I am indebted to the Rev. T. G. Gardner, of St. Paul's Cray, for the
+following from the French:
+
+"A recluse, in the time of Gregory the Great, had it revealed to him in
+a vision that in the world to come he should have equal share of
+beatitude with that Pontiff; but this scarcely contented him, and he
+thought some compensation was his due, inasmuch as the Pope enjoyed
+immense wealth in this present life, and he himself had nothing he could
+call his own save one pet cat. But in another vision he was censured;
+his worldly detachment was not so entire as he imagined, and that
+Gregory would with far greater equanimity part with his vast treasures
+than he could part with his beloved puss."
+
+CATS ENDOWED BY LA BELLE STEWART.--One of the chief ornaments of the
+Court of St. James', in the reign of Charles II., was "La Belle
+Stewart," afterwards the Duchess of Richmond, to whom Pope alluded as
+the "Duchess of R." in the well-known line:
+
+    Die and endow a college or a cat.
+
+The endowment satirised by Pope has been favourably explained by Warton.
+She left annuities to several female friends, with the burden of
+maintaining some of her cats--a delicate way of providing for poor and
+probably proud gentlewomen, without making them feel that they owed
+their livelihood to her mere liberality. But possibly there may have
+been a kindliness of thought for both, deeming that those who were dear
+friends would be most likely to attend to her wishes.
+
+Mr. Samuel Pepys had at least a gentle nature as regards animals, if he
+was not a lover of cats, for in his Diary occurs this note as to the
+Fire of London, 1666:
+
+     "_September 5th._--Thence homeward having passed through
+     Cheapside and Newgate Market, all burned; and seen Antony Joyce's
+     house on fire. And took up (which I keep by me) a piece of glass
+     of Mercer's chapel in the street, where much more was, so melted
+     and buckled with the heat of the fire like parchment. I did also
+     see a poor cat taken out of a hole in a chimney, joining the wall
+     of the Exchange, with the hair all burned off its body and yet
+     alive."
+
+Dr. Jortin wrote a Latin epitaph on a favourite cat:[I]
+
+[I] Hone's "Every-day Book," vol. i.
+
+
+                         IMITATED IN ENGLISH.
+
+     "Worn out with age and dire disease, a cat, Friendly to all,
+     save wicked mouse and rat, I'm sent at last to ford the
+     Stygian lake, And to the infernal coast a voyage make. Me
+     _Proserpine_ receiv'd, and smiling said, 'Be bless'd within
+     these mansions of the dead. Enjoy among thy velvet-footed
+     loves, Elysian's sunny banks and shady groves.' 'But if I've
+     well deserv'd (O gracious queen), If patient under sufferings
+     I have been, Grant me at least one night to visit home again,
+     Once more to see my home and mistress dear, And purr these
+     grateful accents in her ear: "Thy faithful cat, thy poor
+     departed slave, Still loves her mistress, e'en beyond the
+     grave."'"
+
+"Dr. Barker kept a Seraglio and Colony of Cats. It happened, that at the
+Coronation of George I. the Chair of State fell to his Share of the
+Spoil (as Prebendary of Westminster) which he sold to some Foreigner;
+when they packed it up, one of his favourite Cats was inclosed along
+with it; but the Doctor pursued his treasure in a boat to Gravesend and
+recovered her safe. When the Doctor was disgusted with the _Ministry_,
+he gave his _Female_ Cats, the Names of the _Chief Ladies_ about the
+Court; and the _Male-ones_, those of the _Men in Power_, adorning them
+with the Blue, Red, or Green Insignia of Ribbons, which the Persons they
+represented, wore."[J]
+
+[J] Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813.
+
+Daniel, in his "Rural Sports," 1813, mentions the fact that, "In one of
+the Ships of the Fleet, that sailed lately from Falmouth, for the West
+Indies, went as Passengers a Lady and her _seven Lap-dogs_, for the
+Passage of _each_ of which, she paid _Thirty Pounds_, on the express
+Condition, that they were to _dine_ at the Cabin-table, and lap their
+_Wine_ afterwards. Yet these happy dogs do not engross the _whole_ of
+their good Lady's Affection; she has also, in Jamaica, FORTY CATS, and a
+Husband."
+
+"The Partiality to the _domestic_ Cat, has been thus established. Some
+Years since, a Lady of the name of Greggs, died at an advanced Age, in
+Southampton Row, London. Her fortune was _Thirty Thousand Pounds_, at
+the Time of her Decease. _Credite Posteri!_ her _Executors_ found in her
+House _Eighty-six living_, and _Twenty-eight dead Cats_. Her Mode of
+Interring them, was, as they died, to place them in different Boxes,
+which were heaped on one another in Closets, as the _Dead_ are described
+by Pennant, to be in the Church of St. Giles. She had a black Female
+Servant--to Her she left One hundred and fifty pounds _per annum_ to
+keep the _Favourites_, whom she left _alive_."[K]
+
+[K] Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813.
+
+The Chantrel family of Rottingdean seem also to be possessed with a
+similar kind of feeling towards cats, exhibiting no fewer than
+twenty-one specimens at one Cat Show, which at the time were said to
+represent only a small portion of their stock; these ultimately became
+almost too numerous, getting beyond control.
+
+_Signor Foli_ is a lover of cats, and has exhibited at the Crystal
+Palace Cat Show.
+
+_Petrarch_ loved his cat almost as much as he loved Laura, and when it
+died he had it embalmed.
+
+_Tasso_ addressed one of his best sonnets to his female cat.
+
+_Cardinal Wolsey_ had his cat placed near him on a chair while acting in
+his judicial capacity.
+
+_Sir I. Newton_ was also a lover of cats, and there is a good story told
+of the philosopher having two holes made in a door for his cat and her
+kitten to enter by--a _large_ one for the cat, and a _small_ one for the
+kitten.
+
+_Peg Woffington_ came to London at twenty-two years of age. After
+calling many times unsuccessfully at the house of John Rich, the manager
+of Covent Garden, she at last sent up her name. She was admitted, and
+found him lolling on a sofa, surrounded by twenty-seven cats of all
+ages.
+
+The following is from the _Echo_, respecting a lady well known in her
+profession: "Miss Ellen Terry has a passionate fondness for cats. She
+will frolic for hours with her feline pets, never tiring of studying
+their graceful gambols. An author friend of mine told me of once reading
+a play to her. During the reading she posed on an immense tiger-skin,
+surrounded by a small army of cats. At first the playful capers of the
+mistress and her pets were toned down to suit the quiet situations of
+the play; but as the reading progressed, and the plot approached a
+climax, the antics of the group became so vigorous and drolly excited
+that my poor friend closed the MS. in despair, and abandoned himself to
+the unrestrained expression of his mirth, declaring that if he could
+write a play to equal the fun of Miss Terry and her cats, his fortune
+would be made."
+
+_Cowper_ loved his pet hares, spaniel, and cat, and wrote the well-known
+"Cat retired from business."
+
+_Gray_ wrote a poem on a cat drowned in a vase which contained
+gold-fish.
+
+_Cardinal Richelieu_ was a lover of the cat.
+
+_Montaigne_ had a favourite cat.
+
+Among painters, Gottfried Mind was not only fond of cats, but was one
+of, if not the best at portraying them in action; and in England no one
+has surpassed Couldery in delineation, nor Miss Chaplin in perfection of
+modelling. I am the fortunate possessor of several of her models in
+terra cotta, which, though small, are beautiful in finish. Of one, Miss
+Chaplin informed me, the details were scratched in with a pin, for want
+of better and proper tools.
+
+
+
+
+GAMES.
+
+
+CAT'S CRADLE OR CATCH CRADLE.
+
+Dr. Brewer, in his "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," thinks this "the
+corrupt for cratch cradle or manger cradle, in which the infant Saviour
+was laid. Cratch is the French _cr�che_ (a rack or manger), and to the
+present hour the racks which stand in the fields for cattle to eat from
+are called _cratches_." Of this, however, I am doubtful, though there is
+much reason in his suggestion. In Sussex and Kent, when I was a boy, it
+was commonly played among children, but always called cat's, _catch_, or
+scratch cradle, and consisted generally of two or more players. A piece
+of string, being tied at the ends, was placed on the fingers, and
+crossed and re-crossed to make a sort of cradle; the next player
+inserted his or her fingers, quickly taking it off; then the first
+catching it back, then the second again, then the first, as fast as
+possible, _catching_ and taking off the string. Sometimes the sides were
+caught by the teeth of the players, one on each side, and as the hands
+were relaxed the faces were apart, then when drawn out it brought the
+faces together; the string being let go or not, and caught again as it
+receded, was according to the will of the players, the catching and
+letting go affording much merriment. When four or five played, the
+string rapidly passed from hand to hand until, in the rapidity of the
+motion, one missed, who then stood out, and so on until only one was
+left, winning the game of cat's, _catch_, or scratch cradle. It was
+varied also to single and double cradle, according to the number of
+crossings of the string. Catch is easily converted into _cat's_, or it
+might be so called from the _catching_ or clawing at, to get and to
+hold, the entanglement.
+
+
+CAT-TRAP, BAT, AND BALL.[L]
+
+With the form of the trap our readers are, doubtless, acquainted; it
+will only be necessary for us to give the laws of the game. Two
+boundaries are equally placed at some distance from the trap, between
+which it is necessary for the ball to pass when struck by the batsman;
+if it fall outside either of them he loses his innings. Innings are
+drawn for, and the player who wins places the ball in the spoon of the
+trap, touches the trigger with the bat, and, as the ball ascends from
+the trap, strikes it as far as he can. One of the other players (who may
+be from two to half-a-dozen) endeavours to catch it. If he do so before
+it reaches the ground, or hops more than once, or if the striker miss
+the ball when he aims at it, or hits the trigger more than once without
+striking the ball, he loses his innings, and the next in order, which
+must previously be agreed on, takes his place. Should the ball be fairly
+struck, and not caught, as we have stated, the out-player, into whose
+hand it comes, bowls it from the place where he picks it up, at the
+trap, which if he hit, the striker is out; if he miss it the striker
+counts one towards the game, which may be any number decided on. There
+is also a practice in some places, when the bowler has sent in the ball,
+of the striker's guessing the number of bats' lengths it is from the
+trap; if he guess within the real number he reckons that number toward
+his game, but if he guess more than there really are he loses his
+innings. It is not necessary to make the game in one innings.
+
+
+PUSS IN THE CORNER.[L]
+
+[L] The Boy's Own Book.
+
+This is a very simple, but, at the same time, a very lively and amusing
+game. It is played by five only; and the place chosen for the sport
+should be a square court or yard with four corners, or any place where
+there are four trees or posts, about equidistant from each other, and
+forming the four points of a square. Each of these points or corners is
+occupied by a player; the fifth, who is called Puss, stands in the
+centre. The game now commences; the players exchange corners in all
+directions; it is the object of the one who stands out to occupy any of
+the corners which may remain vacant for an instant during the exchanges.
+When he succeeds in so doing, that player who is left without a corner
+becomes the puss. It is to be observed, that if A and B attempt to
+exchange corners, and A gets to B's corner, but B fails to reach A's
+before the player who stands out gets there, it is B and not A who
+becomes Puss.
+
+
+CAT AND MOUSE.
+
+This is a French sport. The toys with which it is played consist of two
+flat bits of hard wood, the edges of one of which are notched. The game
+is played by two only; they are both blindfolded and tied to the ends of
+a long string, which is fastened in the centre to a post, by a loose
+knot, so as to play easily in the evolutions made by the players. The
+party who plays the mouse occasionally scrapes the toys together, and
+the other, who plays the cat, attracted by the sound, endeavours to
+catch him.
+
+
+CAT AND MOUSE-HUNTING.
+
+The game of "Hunt the Slipper" used frequently to be called "Cat and
+Mouse-hunting." It is generally played with a slipper, shoe, or even a
+piece of wood, which was called the mouse, the centre player being the
+cat, and trying to catch or find the mouse. The "Boy's Own Book" thus
+describes the game, but _not_ as Cat and Mouse: "Several young persons
+sit on the ground in a circle, a slipper is given them, and one--who
+generally volunteers to accept the office in order to begin the
+game--stands in the centre, and whose business it is to 'chase the
+slipper by its sound.' The parties who are seated pass it round so as to
+prevent, if possible, its being found in the possession of any
+individual. In order that the player in the centre may know where the
+slipper is, it is occasionally tapped on the ground and then suddenly
+handed on to right or left. When the slipper is found in the possession
+of any one in the circle, by the player who is hunting it, the party on
+whom it is found takes the latter player's place."
+
+
+TIP-CAT.
+
+Is a game played with sticks of a certain length and a piece of wood
+sharpened off at each end, which is called the "cat." A ring is made on
+the ground with chalk, or the pointed part of the cat, which is then
+placed in the centre. One end being smartly struck by the player, it
+springs spinning upwards; as it rises it is again struck, and thus
+knocked to a considerable distance. It is played in two ways, one being
+for the antagonist to guess _how many sticks length_ it is off the ring,
+which is measured, and if right he goes in; or he may elect to pitch the
+cat, if possible, into the ring, which if he succeeds in doing, he then
+has the pleasure of knocking the wood called the cat recklessly, he
+knows not whither, until it alights somewhere, on something or some one.
+
+
+CAT I' THE HOLE.[M]
+
+[M] Jamieson's "Scottish Dictionary."
+
+The name of a game well known in Fife, and perhaps in other counties. If
+seven boys are to play, six holes are made at certain distances. Each of
+the six stands at a hole, with a short stick in his hand; the seventh
+stands at a certain distance, holding a ball. When he gives the word, or
+makes the sign agreed upon, all the six must change holes, each running
+to his neighbour's hole, and putting his stick in the hole which he has
+newly seized. In making this change, the boy who has the ball tries to
+put it into the empty hole. If he succeeds in this, the boy who had not
+his stick (for the stick is the _cat_) in the hole for which he had run
+is put out, and must take the ball. When the _Cat_ is _in the Hole_, it
+is against the laws of the game to put the ball into it.
+
+
+
+
+NURSERY RHYMES AND STORIES.
+
+
+These are as plentiful as blackberries, and are far too numerous to be
+treated of here. Some are very old, such as "Puss in Boots,"
+"Whittington and his Cat," "Hey, diddle, diddle!" etc. Some have a
+political meaning, others satirical, others amusing, funny, or
+instructive, while a few are unmeaning jangles. "Dame Trot and her
+Wonderful Cat," "The Cat and the Mouse," and, later, "The White Cat,"
+"The Adventures of Miss Minette Cattina," are familiar to many of the
+present time. Of the older stories and rhymes there are enough to fill a
+book; not of or about the cat in particular, possibly; but even
+that--the old combined with those of modern date--might be done; and for
+such information and perusal the "Popular Rhymes," by J. O. Halliwell,
+will be found very interesting, space preventing the subject being
+amplified here. Nor do they come within the scope and intention for
+which I have written respecting the cat.
+
+
+
+
+FISHING CATS.
+
+
+Having just come across a communication made to _The Kelso Mail_, in
+1880, by a correspondent giving the signature of "March Brown," bearing
+on the subject to which I have already alluded ("Fishing Cats"), I deem
+it worthy of notice, corroborating, as it does, the statement so often
+made, and almost as often denied, that cats are adept fishers, not only
+for food, but likewise for the sport and pleasure they so derive. The
+writer says that "for several years it has been my happy fortune to fish
+the lovely Tweed for salmon and trout. From Tweed Well to Coldstream is
+a long stretch, but I have fished it all, and believe that though other
+rivers have their special advantages, there is not one in Britain which
+offers such varied and successful angling as the grand Border stream.
+Many have been the boatmen whom I have employed whilst fishing for
+salmon, and all were fairly honest, except in the matter of a little
+poaching. Some had the complaint more fiercely than others, and some so
+bad as to be incurable. One of the afflicted (Donald by name) was an
+excellent boatman by day; as to his nocturnal doings I deemed it best
+not to inquire, except on those occasions when he needed a holiday to
+attend a summons with which the police had favoured him. Now any one who
+has studied the proclivities of poachers, knows that they have wonderful
+powers over all animals who depend upon them, such as dogs, cats,
+ferrets, tame badgers, otters, etc., etc. Donald's special favourite was
+a lady-cat, which followed him in his frequent fishings, and took deep
+interest in the sport. Near to his cottage on the river-bank was a dam
+or weir, over which the water trickled here and there a few inches deep.
+In the evenings of spring and summer Donald was generally to be found
+fishing upon this favourite stretch with artificial fly for trout, and,
+being an adept in the art, he seldom fished in vain. Pretty puss always
+kept close behind him, watching the trail of the mimic flies till a fish
+was hooked, and then her eagerness and love of sport could not be
+controlled, and so soon as the captive was in shoal water, in sprang
+puss up to the shoulders, and, fixing her claws firmly in the fish,
+brought it to the bank, when, with a caress from Donald, she again took
+her place behind him till another trout was on the line, and the sport
+was repeated. In this way did puss and her master pass the evenings,
+each proud of the other's doings, and happy in their companionship. Such
+was the affection of the cat for her master, that she could not even
+bear to be separated from him by day. Donald had charge of a ferry
+across the river, and no sooner did a bell at the opposite side of the
+stream give notice that a passenger was ready to voyage across, than
+down scampered puss to the boat, and, leaping in, she journeyed with her
+master to the further side, and again returned, gravely watching each
+stroke of the oar. Many a voyage did she thus daily make, and I
+question, with these luxurious boatings and the exciting fishing in the
+evenings, if ever cat was more truly happy. The love of fishing once
+developed itself to the disturbance of my own sport. With careful
+prevision, my boatman had, in the floods of November and December,
+secured a plentiful supply of minnows, to be held in readiness till
+wanted in my fishings for salmon in the ensuing February and March. The
+minnows were placed in a well two or three feet deep, and the cold
+spring water rendered them as tough as angler could desire. All went
+well for the first few days of the salmon fishing; the minnows were
+deemed admirable for the purpose, and the supply ample for our needs;
+but this good fortune was not to last. One morning the boatman reported
+a serious diminution of stock in the well, and on the following day
+things were still worse. Suspicion fell on more than one honest person,
+and we determined to watch late and early till the real thief was
+discovered. When the guidwife and bairns were abed, the boatman kept
+watch from the cottage window, and by the aid of a bright moon the
+mystery was soon solved. At the well-side stood puss, the favourite of
+the household; with arched back and extended paw she took her prey. When
+an unfortunate minnow approached the surface, sharp was the dash made by
+puss, arm and shoulder were boldly immersed, and straightway the victim
+lay gasping on the bank. Fishing in this manner, she soon captured
+half-a-dozen, and was then driven away. From that evening the well was
+always covered with a net, which scared puss into enforced honesty. By
+nature cats love dry warmth and sunshine, whilst they hate water and
+cold. Who has not seen the misery of a cat when compelled to step into a
+shallow pool, and how she examines her wet paw with anxiety, holding it
+up as something to be pitied? And yet the passion of destructiveness is
+so strong within them as to overcome even their aversion to water."
+
+The following still more extraordinary circumstance of a cat fishing in
+the sea, appeared in _The Plymouth Journal_, June, 1828: "There is now
+at the battery on the Devil's Point, a cat, which is an expert catcher
+of the finny tribe, being in the constant habit of diving into the sea,
+and bringing up the fish alive in her mouth, and depositing them in the
+guard-room for the use of the soldiers. She is now seven years old, and
+has long been a useful caterer. It is supposed that her pursuits of the
+water-rats first taught her to venture into the water, to which it is
+well known puss has a natural aversion. She is as fond of the water as a
+Newfoundland dog, and takes her regular peregrinations along the rocks
+at its edge, looking out for her prey, ready to dive for them at a
+moment's notice."--ED.
+
+
+
+
+CATS AND HORSES.
+
+
+From time immemorial cats have been kept in stables, and when this is
+the case there is generally a friendly feeling between one or other of
+the horses and the cat or cats. Such I have known with the heavy,
+ponderous cart-horse and his feline companion; such was the case in my
+stable, and so in many others. Cats are as a rule fond of horses, and
+the feeling is generally reciprocated. Several of our "race winners"
+have had their favourites at home, among others the well-known
+"Foxhall." "Many famous horses have had their stable cats, and the
+great, amiable Foxhall has adopted a couple of kittens, if it would not
+be more correct to say that they have adopted him. A pretty little white
+and a tabby, own brothers, live in Foxhall's box, and when Hatcher, his
+attendant, has rubbed him over, and put on his clothing, he takes up the
+kittens from the corner of the box where they have been waiting, and
+gently throws them on Foxhall's back. They are quite accustomed to the
+process, and, catching hold, soon settle down and curl themselves up
+into little fluffy balls, much to their own satisfaction and to the good
+horse's likewise, to judge from the way in which he turns and watches
+the operation."
+
+In Lawrence's "History of the Horse," it is stated that the celebrated
+Arabian stallion, Godolphin, and a black cat were for many years the
+warmest friends. When the horse died, in 1753, the cat sat upon his
+carcase till it was put under ground, and then, crawling slowly and
+reluctantly away, was never seen again till her dead body was found in a
+hay-loft. Stubbs painted the portraits of the Arabian and the cat. There
+was a hunter in the King's stables at Windsor, to which a cat was so
+attached, that whenever he was in the stable the creature would never
+leave her usual seat on the horse's back, and the horse was so well
+pleased with the attention that, to accommodate his friend, he slept, as
+horses will sometimes do, standing.
+
+
+
+
+"GRAMMER'S CAT AND OURS."
+
+BY JOHN TABOIS TREGELLAS.
+
+
+John Tabois Tregellas (1792-1865), born at St. Agnes. The greatest
+master of the niceties of the Cornish dialect, in which he wrote
+largely, both in prose and verse. The piece quoted from is included in a
+volume of miscellanies published by Mr. Netherton, Truro, and happily
+indicates the marked difference between the modern dialect of Cornwall
+and that of Devon, illustrated in "Girt Ofvenders an' Zmal." The hero of
+"Grammer's Cat" was a miner named Jim Chegwidden.
+
+    To wash his hands and save the floshing,
+    Outside the door Jim did his washing,
+    But soon returned in haste and fright--
+    "Mother, aw come! and see the sight;
+    Up on our house there's such a row,
+    Millions of cats es up there now!"
+    Jim's mother stared, and well she might;
+    She knew that Jim had not said right.
+    "'Millions of cats,' you said; now worn't it so?"
+    "Why, iss," said Jim, "and I beleeve ut too;
+    Not millions p'rhaps, but thousands must be theere,
+    And fiercer cats than they you'll never hear;
+    They're spitting, yowling, and the fur is flying,
+    Some of 'em's dead, I s'pose, and some is dying;
+    Such dismal groans I'm sure you never heard,
+    Aw, mother! ef you ded, you'd be affeered."
+    "Not I," said Jinny; "no, not I, indeed;
+    A hundred cats out theere, thee'st never seed."
+    Said Jim, "I doan't knaw 'zackly to a cat,
+    They must be laarge wauns, then, to do like that;
+    They maake such dismal noises when they're fighting,
+    Such scrowling, and such tearing, and such biting."
+    "Count ev'ry cat," says Jinny, "'round and 'round;
+    Iss, rams and yaws, theer caan't be twenty found."
+    "We'll caall 'em twenty, mother, ef 'twill do;
+    Shut all the cats, say I; let's have my stew."
+    "No, Jimmy, no!--no stew to-night,
+    'Tell all the cats es counted right."
+    "Heere goes," said Jim; "lev Grammer's cat go fust
+    (Of all the thievish cats, he es the wust).
+    You knaw Mal Digry's cat, he's nither black nor blue,
+    But howsomever, he's a cat, and that maakes two;
+    Theer's that theer short-tailed cat, and she's a he,
+    Short tail or long now, mother, that maakes three;
+    Theer's that theer grayish cat what stawl the flour,
+    Hee's theere, I s'pose, and that, you knaw, maakes fower;
+    Trevenen's black es theere, ef he's alive,
+    Now, mother, doan't 'ee see, why, that maakes five;
+    That no-tailed cat, that wance was uncle Dick's,
+    He's sure theere to-night, and that maakes six;
+    That tabby cat you gove to Georgey Bevan,
+    I knaw _his_ yowl--he's theere, and that maakes seven;
+    That sickly cat we had, cud ait no mait,
+    She's up theere too to-night, and she maakes 'ight;
+    That genteel cat, you knaw, weth fur so fine,
+    She's surely theere, I s'pose, and that maakes nine;
+    Tom Avery's cat es theere, they caall un Ben,
+    A reg'lar fighter he, and he maakes ten;
+    The ould maid's cat, Miss Jinkin broft from Devon,
+    I s'pose she's theere, and that, you knaw, maakes 'leven;
+    Theere's Grace Penrose's cat, got chets, 'tes awnly two,
+    And they're too young to fight as yet; so they waan't do.
+    Iss, 'leven's all that I can mind,
+    Not more than 'leven you waan't find;
+    So lev me have my supper, mother,
+    And let the cats ait one another."
+       "No, Jimmy, no!
+        It shaan't be so;
+    No supper shu'st thou have this night
+    Until the cats thee'st counted right;
+    Go taake the lantern from the shelf,
+    And go and count the cats thyself."
+        See hungry Jimmy with his light,
+    Turned out to count the cats aright;
+    And he who had Hugh Tonkin blamed
+    Did soon return, and, much ashamed,
+    Confessed the number was but two,
+    And both were cats that well he knew.
+        Jim scratched his head,
+        And then he said--
+    "Theere's Grammer's cat and ours out theere,
+    And they two cats made all that rout theere;
+    But ef two cats made such a row,
+    'Tes like a thousand, anyhow."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LOST.
+
+
+How beautiful she was in her superb calmness, so graceful, so mild, and
+yet so majestic! Ah! I was a younger man then, of course, than I am now,
+and possibly more impressionable; but I thought her then the most
+perfect creature I had ever beheld. And even now, looking back through
+the gathering mists of time and the chilling frosts of advancing age,
+and recalling what she was, I endorse that earlier sentiment--she lives
+in my memory now, as she lived in my presence then, as the most perfect
+creature I ever beheld.
+
+I had gone the round of all the best boarding-houses in town, when, at
+last, I went to Mrs. Honeywold's, and there, in her small, unpretending
+establishment, I, General Leslie Auchester, having been subdued, I
+trust, to a proper and humble state of mind by my past experiences,
+agreed to take up my abode.
+
+And it was there I first met her! Hers was the early maturity of
+loveliness, perfect in repose, with mild, thoughtful eyes, intelligent
+and tender, a trifle sad at times, but lighting up with quick brilliancy
+as some new object met her view, or some vivid thought darted its
+lightning flash through her brain--for she was wonderfully quick of
+perception--with an exquisite figure, splendidly symmetrical, yet
+swaying and supple as a young willow, and with unstudied grace in every
+quick, sinewy motion.
+
+She spent little upon dress (I was sure she was not wealthy); but though
+there was little variety, her dress was always exquisitely neat and in
+perfect good taste, of some soft glossy fabric, smooth as silk and
+lustrous as satin, and of the softest shade of silver-gray, that colour
+so beautiful in itself, and so becoming to beautiful wearers; simply
+made, but fitting with a nicety more like the work of nature than of art
+to every curve and outline of that full and stately figure, and finished
+off round her white throat with something scarcely whiter.
+
+She never wore ornaments of any kind, no chain, no brooch, no ring or
+pin. She had twins--two beautiful little blue-eyed things, wonderfully
+like herself--little shy, graceful creatures, always together, always
+playful. She never spoke of her own affairs, and affable as she was, and
+gentle in manner, there was something about her which repelled
+intrusion.
+
+When, after some weeks' residence there, I had gained the good-will of
+my simple-minded but kindly little landlady, I cautiously ventured to
+ask her to gratify my not, I think, unnatural curiosity; but I found, to
+my surprise, she knew but little more than I did myself.
+
+"She came to me," she said, "just at the edge of the evening, one cold
+rainy night, and I could not refuse to give her shelter, at least for
+the night, or till she could do better. I did not think of her
+remaining; but she is so pretty and gentle, and innocent-looking, I
+could not turn her out of my house--could I, now? I know I am silly in
+such ways; but what could I do?"
+
+"But is it possible," I said, "that she has remained here ever since,
+and you know nothing more about her?"
+
+"No more than you do yourself, general," said Mrs. Honeywold. "I do not
+even know where she lived before she came here. I cannot question her,
+and now, indeed, I have become so fond of her, I should not be willing
+to part with her; and I would not turn her and her little ones out of my
+house for the world!"
+
+Further conversation elicited the fact that she was not a boarder, but
+that she and her little ones were the dependents upon Mrs. Honeywold's
+charity.
+
+One fine summer day I had made an appointment with a friend to drive out
+to his place in the suburbs and dine with him, returning in the evening.
+When I came down in the afternoon, dressed for my excursion, I went into
+the dining-room to tell Mrs. Honeywold she need not wait for me. As I
+came back through the parlour, _she_ was there alone. She was sitting on
+the sofa. A book lay near her, but I do not think she had been reading.
+She was sitting perfectly still, as if lost in reverie, and her eyes
+looked heavy with sleep or thought. But as I passed out of the room I
+looked back. I saw she had risen to her feet, and standing with her
+graceful figure drawn up to its full height, she was looking after me,
+with a look which I flattered myself was a look of interest. Ah, how
+well I remember that look!
+
+The day had been a beautiful one, though sultry; but in the early
+evening we had a heavy thunder-shower, the violence of the summer rain
+delaying my return to town for an hour or two; and when the rain ceased,
+the evening was still starless, cloudy, and damp; and as I drove back to
+town I remember that the night air, although somewhat freshened by the
+rain, was warm, and heavy with the scent of unseen flowers.
+
+It was late when I reached the quiet street where I had taken up my
+abode, and as I mounted the steps I involuntarily felt for my latch-key,
+but to my surprise I found the hall-door not only unfastened, but a
+little way opened.
+
+"Why, how is this, Mrs. Honeywold?" I said, as my landlady met me in the
+hall. "Do you know that your street-door was left open?"
+
+"Yes," she said, quietly, "I know it."
+
+"But is it safe?" I asked, as I turned to lock the door; "and so late,
+too."
+
+"I do not think there is any danger," she said. "I was on the watch; I
+was in the hall myself, waiting."
+
+"Not waiting for me, I hope?" said I; "that was surely unnecessary."
+
+"No, not for you," she answered. "I presume you can take care of
+yourself; but," she added, in a low voice, "she is out, and I was
+waiting to let her in."
+
+"Out at this time of night!--that seems strange. Where has she gone?"
+
+"I do not know."
+
+"And how long has she been gone?" I asked, as I hung up my hat.
+
+"I cannot tell just what time she went out," she said; "I know she was
+in the garden with the little ones, and came in just before tea. After
+they had had their suppers and gone to bed I saw her in the parlour
+alone, and when I came into the room again she was gone, and she has not
+returned, and I----"
+
+"Oh, then she went out before the rain, did she?"
+
+"Yes, sir; some time before the rain."
+
+"Oh, then that explains it; she was probably caught out by the rain, and
+took shelter somewhere, and has been persuaded to stay. There is nothing
+to be alarmed at; you had better not wait up another moment."
+
+"But I don't like to shut her out, general; I should not sleep a wink."
+
+"Nonsense, nonsense!" I said. "Go to bed, you silly woman; you will hear
+her when she comes, of course, and can come down and let her in." And so
+saying, I retired to my own room.
+
+The next morning at breakfast, I noticed that my landlady was looking
+pale and troubled, and I felt sure she had spent a sleepless night.
+
+"Well, Mrs. Honeywold," I said, with assumed cheerfulness, as she handed
+my coffee to me, "how long did you have to sit up? What time did she
+come in?"
+
+"She did not come in all night, general," said my landlady, in a
+troubled voice. "She has not come home yet, and I am very anxious about
+it."
+
+"No need of that, I trust," I said, reassuringly; "she will come this
+morning, no doubt."
+
+"I don't know. I wish I was sure of that. I don't know what to make of
+it. I don't understand it. She never did so before. How she could have
+stayed out, and left those two blessed little things all night--and she
+always seemed such a tender, loving mother, too--I don't understand it."
+
+When I returned at dinner-time I found matters still worse. She had not
+returned. My poor landlady was almost in hysterics, though she tried
+hard to control herself.
+
+To satisfy her I set off to consult the police. My mission was not
+encouraging. They promised to do their best, but gave slight hopes of a
+successful result.
+
+So sad, weary, and discouraged, I returned home, only to learn there
+were no tidings of the missing one.
+
+"I give her up now," said my weeping landlady; "I shall never see her
+again. She is lost for ever; and those two poor pretty little
+creatures----"
+
+"By the way," I said, "I wanted to speak to you about them. If she never
+does return, what do you purpose to do with them?"
+
+"Keep them!" said the generous and impulsive little woman.
+
+"I wanted to say, if she does not return, I will, if you like, relieve
+you of one of them. My sister, who lives with me, and keeps my house, is
+a very kind, tender-hearted woman. There are no children in the house,
+and she would, I am sure, be very kind to the poor little thing. What do
+you say?"
+
+"No, no!" sobbed the poor woman; "I cannot part with them. I am a poor
+woman, it is true, but not too poor to give them a home; and while I
+have a bit and a sup for myself they shall have one too. Their poor
+mother left them here, and if she ever does return she shall find them
+here. And if she never returns, then----"
+
+_And she never did return_, and no tidings of her fate ever reached us.
+If she was enticed away by artful blandishments, or kidnapped by cruel
+violence, we knew not. But I honestly believe the latter. Either way, it
+was her fatal beauty that led her to destruction; for, as I have said
+before, she was the most perfect creature, the most beautiful Maltese
+cat, that I ever beheld in my life! I am sure she never deserted her two
+pretty little kittens of her own accord. And if--poor dumb thing--she
+was stolen and killed for her beautiful fur, still I say, as I said at
+first, she was "more sinned against than sinning."--C. H. GRATTAN, in
+_Tit-Bits_.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+                                                        PAGE
+
+Abyssinian cats,                                          58
+
+Angora cats,                                              21
+
+Antipathy to cats,                                        11
+
+Aperient,                                                151
+
+Archangel blue cat,                                       66
+
+
+
+"Bartholomoeus de Proprietatibus Rerum,"
+  Extract from,                                          156
+
+Bewick's "Quadrupeds," Extract from,                     166
+
+Black-and-white cats,                                     68
+
+Black cats,                                               64
+
+Blue cats,                                                66
+
+Blue small-banded tabby,                                  60
+
+"Boduca," Extract from,                                  199
+
+"Bogey",                                                  37
+
+British wild cat,                                         38
+
+Brown tabby cats,                                         48
+
+
+Canker of ear,                                           150
+
+Cat and kittens,                                         109
+
+Catarrh,                                            148, 152
+
+Catarrhal fevers,                                        147
+
+Cat as a tormentor, The,                                 209
+
+Cat-clock, A,                                            202
+
+"Cat Harris",                                            216
+
+Cat images,                                              219
+
+Cat of Shakespeare, The,                                 193
+
+Cat-racing in Belgium,                                   218
+
+Cats and fish,                                           159
+
+Cats and horses,                                         236
+
+Cats at The Morning Advertiser Office,                    88
+
+Cats in Vienna,                                           88
+
+Cats reared by dogs,                                      11
+
+Cats take note of time,                                    9
+
+"Chipperkes",                                             81
+
+"Chloe",                                                 119
+
+Chocolate Siamese,                                        74
+
+Cleanliness,                                             119
+
+Colds,                                                   149
+
+Concerning cats,                                         170
+
+Coughs,                                                  150
+
+Curious long-haired cat,                                  34
+
+Cytisin,                                                 153
+
+
+Daniel's "Rural Sports," Extracts from,        161, 167, 225
+
+Darwin's, Mr. Charles, "Voyage of the Beagle,"
+  Extract from,                                          167
+
+Dead cats,                                               208
+
+Deaf cat, A,                                              17
+
+"Dinah",                                                  23
+
+Diseases of cats,                                        147
+
+Distance cats will travel,                                10
+
+Distemper,                                          150, 151
+
+Distemper, Inoculation for,                              148
+
+
+Electricity in cats' fur,                                195
+
+"Encyclop�dia of Rural Sports," Extract from,            158
+
+"English Folk-lore," Extracts from,                 197, 200
+
+Eye ointment,                                            152
+
+
+Feeding cats,                                             91
+
+First Cat Show, The,                                       3
+
+Fishing cats,                                            233
+
+Fleas,                                                   152
+
+Fleet Prison, Debtors in,                                 90
+
+Fox, Charles James, Anecdote of,                          93
+
+
+Games,                                                   228
+
+General management,                                       91
+
+Gentleness and kindness,                                  10
+
+Glossary,                                         170 to 184
+
+Government cats,                                          88
+
+"Grammer's Cat and Ours",                                237
+
+
+Habits,                                                    6
+
+Hamilton, Mr. E., Letter to The Field,                   169
+
+"Happy Family," The,                                 12, 213
+
+Harting, Mr. J. E., on the origin of the domestic cat,   162
+
+Heraldry, etc.,                                          210
+
+Hone's "Every-day Book," Extract from,                   196
+
+Horses fond of cats,                                     236
+
+Hybrid cats,                                              55
+
+
+Imperial Printing Office, France, Cats in,                88
+
+Inoculation for distemper,                               148
+
+Irritation,                                              152
+
+
+Jamieson's "Scottish Dictionary," Extracts from,         181
+
+Jealousy of cats,                                          8
+
+Johnson, Dr. Samuel, and his cat,                        161
+
+
+Killing cats, The law on,                                207
+
+Kindness and gentleness,                                  10
+
+Kittens,                                                 114
+
+
+"Lambkin",                                                33
+
+"Lambkin No. 2",                                          36
+
+Law on cat-killing, The,                                 207
+
+Long-haired cats,                                         16
+
+Lost,                                                    240
+
+Lovers of cats,                                          223
+
+
+Management,                                              120
+
+Mange,                                              149, 152
+
+Manx cats,                                                80
+
+Mating,                                                   96
+
+Midland Railway, Cats on the staff of the,                89
+
+Mill's "History of the Crusades," Extract from           169
+
+"Mimie"                                                   25
+
+
+Nevill, Lady Dorothy                                      74
+
+Nursery rhymes and stories                               232
+
+
+Observation of cats                                        7
+
+Origin of the domestic cat                               162
+
+
+Performing cats                                          211
+
+Persian cats                                              24
+
+Plague of mice                                            14
+
+Points of Excellence:
+  Abyssinian                                             135
+  Black-and-white, gray-white, red-and-white,
+    and other colours and white                          134
+  Black, blue, gray, red, or any
+    self-colour long-haired                              142
+  Blue, silver, light gray, and
+    white tabby, striped, short-hair                     131
+  Brown and ordinary tabby,
+    striped, short-hair                                  128
+  Brown, blue, silver, light gray,
+    and white tabby long-haired                          144
+  Chinchilla  136
+  Chocolate, chestnut, red, or
+    yellow tabby, striped, short-hair                    130
+  Chocolate, mahogany, red,
+    and yellow long-haired                               145
+  Manx, or short-tailed                                  138
+  Royal Cat of Siam                                      137
+  Self-colour, black, blue, gray,
+    or red short-hair                                    127
+  Short-haired, spotted tabbies
+  of any colour                                          133
+  Siamese                                                137
+  Tortoiseshell                                          123
+  Tortoiseshell-and-white                                125
+    White-and-black, white-and-gray,
+    white-and-red, white
+    and any other colour                                 135
+  White, long-haired                                     140
+  White, short-hair                                      126
+
+Poison                                                   153
+
+Proverbs                                                 185
+
+Purgative                                                151
+
+"Puss in Boots"                                          203
+
+
+Rats, mice, and cats                                      15
+
+Remedies                                          147 to 153
+
+Royal cat of Siam, The                                    73
+
+Russian cats                                              30
+
+
+Salmon's "Compleat English Physician,"  Extract from     157
+
+Sharpening claws                                         165
+
+Short-haired white cats                                   62
+
+Siamese cats                                              73
+
+Signs                                                    204
+
+"Signs of Foul Weather," Extract from                    200
+
+Singular attachments                                      11
+
+Skin, Irritation of the                                  152
+
+Sleeping-places                                           92
+
+Smith's, Mr., prize he-cat                                39
+
+Spotted silver tabby                                     133
+
+Spotted tabbies                                           54
+
+Strengthening medicines                                  151
+
+Strutt's "Habits of the Anglo-Normans,"
+   Extracts from                                    167, 168
+
+Superstition,                                            195
+
+"Sylvie",                                                 24
+
+
+Tabby, derivation of the word,                            52
+
+"The Old Lady",                                           13
+
+"The Tamer Tamed," Extract from,                         199
+
+"Tiger",                                                  20
+
+"Tim",                                                    27
+
+Tormentor, The cat as a,                                 209
+
+Tortoiseshell-and-white cats,                             44
+
+Tortoiseshell cats,                                       39
+
+Trained cats,                                             12
+
+
+United States Post Office, Cats in the,                   88
+
+Usefulness of cats,                                       87
+
+
+Various colours,                                          84
+
+Vyvyan, Mrs., on Siamese cats,                            76
+
+
+Washing cats,                                             94
+
+Weather notions,                                         200
+
+Well-trained cats,                                        13
+
+White-and-black cats,                                     70
+
+White cats,                                               62
+
+Wild cat of Britain,                                 38, 154
+
+Witchcraft,                                              195
+
+"Works of Armorie," Extracts from,                       157
+
+Worms,                                              149, 152
+
+
+"You dreadful man!",                                      19
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS, CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS.
+
+
+  +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+  |                                                              |
+  | Transcriber's note:-                                         |
+  |                                                              |
+  | The symbols ^{x} represent the superscript x.                |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page 235 has been corrected to 239 in the Illustration index.|
+  |                                                              |
+  | Punctuation errors were corrected.                           |
+  |                                                              |
+  | The following printer's suspected spelling                   |
+  | errors have been addressed.                                  |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page 91 alterative changed to alternative                    |
+  | as an alternative than food                                  |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page 111 ancedote changed to anecdote                        |
+  | than the following anecdote                                  |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page 129 narrrowing changed to narrowing                     |
+  | and narrowing towards the end                                |
+  |                                                              |
+  +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Our Cats and All About Them, by Harrison Weir
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Cats and All About Them, by Harrison Weir
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Our Cats and All About Them
+       Their Varieties, Habits, and Management; and for Show, the
+              Standard of Excellence and Beauty; Described and Pictured
+
+Author: Harrison Weir
+
+Release Date: March 2, 2011 [EBook #35450]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR CATS AND ALL ABOUT THEM ***
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+
+Produced by David Edwards, woodie4 and the Online
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+</pre>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 382px;">
+<img src="images/z001.jpg" width="382" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter border" style="width: 410px;">
+<img src="images/z006.jpg" width="410" height="600" alt="The Author" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 410px;">
+<img src="images/z007.jpg" width="410" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<h4>
+TO MY DEAR WIFE,<br /></h4>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 138px;">
+<img src="images/004.png" width="138" height="33" alt="" title="" />
+<br /></div>
+
+<h4>I DEDICATE THIS BOOK,<br />
+<br />
+IN TOKEN OF MY APPRECIATION OF HER GENTLE AND TENDER<br />
+<br />
+KINDNESS TOWARDS ALL ANIMAL LIFE,<br />
+<br />
+MORE PARTICULARLY<br />
+<br />
+"THE CAT."<br /></h4>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 25%;"><i>"Iddesleigh," Sevenoaks.</i></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+<h4>"What is aught, but as 'tis valued?"</h4>
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"><i>Troilus and Cressida</i>, Act II.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>The following notes and illustrations of and respecting the Cat are the
+outcome of over fifty years' careful, thoughtful, heedful observation,
+much research, and not unprofitable attention to the facts and fancies
+of others. From a tiny child to the present, the love of Nature has been
+my chief delight; animals and birds have not only been objects of study,
+but of deep and absorbing interest. I have noted their habits, watched
+their ways, and found lasting pleasure in their companionship. This love
+of animal life and Nature, with all its moods and phases, has grown with
+me from childhood to manhood, and is not the least enjoyable part of my
+old age.</p>
+
+<p>Among animals possibly the most perfect, and certainly the most
+domestic, is the Cat. I did not think so always, having had a bias
+against it, and was some time coming to this belief; nevertheless, such
+is the fact. It is a veritable part of our household, and is both
+useful, quiet, affectionate, and ornamental. The small or large dog may
+be regarded and petted, but is generally <i>useless</i>; the Cat, a pet or
+not, <i>is of service</i>. Were it not for our Cats, rats and mice would
+overrun our house, buildings, cultivated and other lands. If there were
+not <i>millions</i> of Cats, there would be <i>billions</i> of vermin.</p>
+
+<p>Long ages of neglect, ill-treatment, and absolute cruelty, with little
+or no gentleness, kindness, or training, have made the Cat
+self-reliant; and from this emanates the marvellous powers of
+observation, the concentration of which has produced a state analogous
+to reasoning, not unmixed with timidity, caution, wildness, and a
+retaliative nature.</p>
+
+<p>But should a new order of things arise, and it is nurtured, petted,
+cosseted, talked to, noticed, and <i>trained</i>, with mellowed firmness and
+tender gentleness, then in but a few generations much evil that bygone
+cruelty has stamped into its often wretched existence will disappear,
+and it will be more than ever not only a useful, serviceable helpmate,
+but an object of increasing interest, admiration, and cultured beauty,
+and, thus being of value, profitable.</p>
+
+<p>Having said this much, I turn to the pleasurable duty of recording my
+deep sense of the kindness of those warm-hearted friends who have
+assisted me in "my labour of love," not the least among these being
+those publishers, who, with a generous and prompt alacrity, gave me
+permission to make extracts, excerpts, notes, and quotations from the
+following high-class works, their property. My best thanks are due to
+Messrs. Longmans &amp; Co., Blaine's "Encyclop�dia of British Sports;" Allen
+&amp; Co., Rev. J. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore;" Cassell &amp;
+Company (Limited), Dr. Brewer's "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," and
+"Old and New London;" Messrs. Chatto &amp; Windus, "History of Sign-boards;"
+Mr. J. Murray, Jamieson's "Scottish Dictionary," and others. I am also
+indebted to Messrs. Walker &amp; Boutal, and The Phototype Company, for the
+able manner in which they have rendered my drawings; and for the careful
+printing, to my good friends Messrs. Charles Dickens &amp; Evans.</p>
+
+<p class="citation">HARRISON WEIR.<br /></p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Iddesleigh," Sevenoaks</span>,</p>
+<p style="margin-left: 5%;"><i>May</i> 5<i>th</i>, 1889.<br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>PREFACE TO NEW EDITION.</h2>
+
+
+<h4>"'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful."</h4>
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"><i>Othello.</i></p>
+
+
+<p>Some time has passed since I published my book, "Our Cats and all about
+them," in 1889, and much has taken place regarding these household pets.
+All know as well as myself that each and everything about us changes,
+nothing stands still; that which is of to-day is past, and that which
+was hidden often revealed, sometimes by mere accident, at others by
+scientific research; but one was scarcely prepared in any way for so
+wonderful "a find" as that of the large number of "mummy" Cats at Beni
+Hassan, Central Egypt. They were discovered by an Egyptian fellah,
+employed in husbandry, who tumbled into a pit which, on further
+examination, proved to be a large subterranean cave completely filled
+with mummy Cats, every one of which had been separately embalmed and
+wrapped in cloth, after the manner of the Egyptian human mummies, all
+being laid out carefully in rows; and here they had lain probably about
+three or four thousand years. The "totem" of a section of the ancients,
+as is well known, was the Cat; hence when a Cat died it was buried with
+due honours, being embalmed, and often decorated in various ways, and,
+in short, had as much attention paid to it as a human being. It had long
+been believed that a Cat cemetery existed on the east bank of the Nile,
+and in the autumn of 1889 the lucky Egyptian, about 100 miles from
+Cairo, came unexpectedly upon it.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately on "the find" becoming known, "specimen" mummy Cats were
+written for to agents in Egypt, one friend of mine sending for four, and
+it appeared for a while that much money would be realised by the owner
+of the cave or land in this way; but the number was too great, and the
+prices and the interest gave way, and, sad to relate, these former
+"Deities" were dug out of their resting-place by hundreds of thousands,
+and quickly sold to local farmers, being used for enriching the land.
+Other lots found their way to an Alexandrian merchant, and were by him
+sent to Liverpool on board the steamer <i>Pharos and Thebes</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The consignment consisted of 19� tons, and were sold by auction, mostly
+being bought by a local "fertiliser" merchant. The auction was only
+known to the trade, and the lots were "knocked down" at the "giving
+away" sums of �3 13<i>s.</i> 9<i>d.</i>, �3 17<i>s.</i>, to �4 5<i>s.</i> <i>per ton</i>, the big
+and the perfect ones being picked out for the museum and private
+collections. The broker who sold used a head of one of these Cats in
+lieu of an auctioneer's hammer. And now these tons of "deified" Cats are
+used for manure, and in our English soil plants grow into them, and on
+them, and of them; and, if it be true, as chemists assert, these plants
+take into their system that on which they feed, and so, if so, possibly
+in our very bread that we have eaten, we have swallowed "<i>a little</i> at a
+time part of if not the whole of a deified cat."</p>
+
+<p>I made several endeavours to find out from those on the spot at
+Liverpool whether there was any hair of colours in existence among the
+mass of bodies; but in no case could I succeed in getting any, as I had
+hoped by this means to possibly come to some conclusion as to the kind
+or breed. Of course, it is well known from mummies long in this country
+what form, size, and general appearance the Egyptian possessed; but as
+yet, as far as I can learn, no one has found so much, if any, of the fur
+as to be able to determine the colour.</p>
+
+<p>Apropos with the above, as applying the bodies of the mummy Cats for
+manure, comes the modern idea of keeping Cats for their fur. It is
+stated that a company has been formed in America for that purpose in
+Washington, and an island of some size has been bought or leased for
+the purpose. The intention is to raise entirely black Cats; and as their
+place of abode will be surrounded by water, it is conjectured that after
+the first importation they will go on propagating and producing only
+Cats of that beautiful though sombre dark hue. The Cats with which the
+island is to be stocked are to be procured from Holland, where already
+the "industry" is "at work." So much so that a friend of mine, an
+elderly gentleman, sending to a furrier in Holland to know what kind of
+fur he would recommend as the best for warmth, received the reply that
+Cats' skins "were the most useful and warmest." A few days ago he called
+on me wrapped in a cloth coat, with fur collar and cuffs, and <i>lining
+throughout of black Cats' skins</i>, and I am bound to say that the general
+appearance was much in its favour; he also stated that he was in every
+way perfectly satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>By-the-bye, the Cat Company intend to feed their Cats on fish, which
+abound about the shores of their island, and so they affirm the food
+will cost nothing, and their profits consequently be very large. But in
+this I hope they have been well informed as to the adaptability of the
+Cat to feed <i>entirely</i> on fish, for of this I have my doubts; certainly
+those I have had did not appear to thrive if they had fish too often.</p>
+
+<p>Again, as the Cats are to roam the island at their "own sweet will," I
+take it there will be at times some "damaging of fur" by the playful way
+in which they so often engage, when jealousy incites them to mortal
+combat. But possibly this has been considered and duly entered in the
+"profit and loss" account.</p>
+
+<p>While writing that portion of my book in which I referred to the
+superstitions connected with the domestic Cat, and the amazing stories
+told of the witches' Cats, I felt convinced that in those darkened and
+foolish times that the very fact of the wonderful faculty the Cat
+possesses of applying what it observes to its own purposes was in some
+way the cause of the ignorant and superstitious considering that it was
+"possessed" of an evil spirit. I therefore searched for proofs among the
+evidence given at the trial of witches, and was, as I expected, rewarded
+for my trouble. What a Cat would do now would not unreasonably be
+thought clever and showing much sagacity, if not attributes of a deeper
+kind.</p>
+
+<p>Yet I find that at a trial for witchcraft, the following questions were
+put to a man: "Well! and what did you see?" "Well! I saw her Cat walk up
+and try to open the door by the latch." "What did you do?" "I
+immediately killed it." This, which is now regarded as an everyday
+example of the intelligence of the Cat, bore hardly in the evidence
+against the witch. Sir Walter Scott, in his letter on "Demonology and
+Witchcraft," tells of "a poor old woman condemned, as usual, on her own
+confession, and on the testimony of a neighbour, who deposed that he saw
+a Cat jump in the accused person's cottage through the window at
+twilight, one evening, and that he verily believed the Cat to be the
+devil, on which precious testimony the poor wretch was hanged." One more
+note and I leave the subject. A certain carpenter, named William
+Montgomery, was so infested with Cats, which, as his servant-maid
+reported, "spoke among themselves," that he fell in a rage upon a party
+of these animals, which had assembled in his house at irregular hours,
+and betwixt his Highland arms of knife, dirk, and broadsword, and his
+professional weapon of an axe, he made such a dispersion that they were
+quiet for the night. In consequence of his blows <i>two witches</i> are said
+to have died.</p>
+
+<p>Since writing of the English wild Cat, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.
+Francis Darwin (brother of Mr. Charles Darwin) on board the steamboat
+going to St. Servan, when, in the course of conversation, he informed me
+that a wild Cat was killed at Bramhope Moor Plantation, in 1841, a
+keeper having caught it in <i>two</i> traps.</p>
+
+<p>In February of this year, 1891, my kind friend, Mr. Dresser, of
+Orpington, the well-known naturalist, wrote to me to know whether I
+would like to have a kitten half-bred between the British Wild Cat and a
+domestic she Cat, which I was unfortunately obliged to decline, fearing
+it would "make matters unpleasant" with what I had. He very kindly
+supplied me with the following particulars forwarded to him by O. H.
+Mactheyer, Esq.: "Mr. Harrison Weir can see the papa of the kitten at
+the Zoo.</p>
+
+<p>"He is a young Cat (under a year old, we thought, by the teeth). He was
+seen one moonlight night in company with my 'stalker's' small lean black
+Cat, right away in my deer forest. We caught the papa in a trap after he
+had killed a number of grouse, and not being badly hurt, I sent him to
+Bartlett at the Zoo. We are thoroughly up to real wild Cats here. I have
+caught them forty-three inches from nose to tail-end; tails as thick at
+the point as at the root; the ears are also differently set on. Martin
+Cats, Polecats, and Badgers are all extinct here, and it is ten years
+since we got the last wild Cat, but three have been killed in this
+district this winter."</p>
+
+<p>I insert the foregoing as being of much interest, it having been
+frequently stated that the wild Cat will not mate with the domestic Cat.
+The kitten offered to me is now at Fawley Court, Bucks.</p>
+
+<p>Among the numerous letters I have received from America is one from Mrs.
+Mary A. C. Livermore, of Cambridge, Mass., U.S.A., who writes: "I have
+just come possessed of a black long-haired Cat from Maine. It is neither
+Persian, Angora, nor Indian. They are called here 'Coon' Cats, and it is
+vulgarly supposed to be a cross between a common Cat and a 'Coon.' Mine
+is a rusty bear-brown colour, but his relatives have been black and
+white, blue and white, and fawn and white, the latter the gentlest,
+prettiest Cat I know. His tail is very bushy and a fine ruff adorns his
+neck. A friend of mine has a pair of these Cats, all black, and the
+female consorts with no one but her mate. Yet often she has in her
+litter a common short-haired kitten."</p>
+
+<p>Since the above reached me, I have received from another correspondent
+in the United States a very beautiful photograph of what is termed a
+"Coon" Cat. It certainly differs much from the ordinary long-haired Cat
+in appearance; but as to its being a cross with the Racoon, such a
+supposition is totally out of the question, and the idea cannot be
+entertained. The photographs sent to me show that the ears are unusually
+large, the head long, the length being in excess from the eyes to the
+tip of the nose, the legs and feet are large and evenly covered with
+long, somewhat coarse hair, the latter being devoid of tufts between and
+at the extremity of the toes; there are no long hairs of any consequence
+either within the ears or at their apex. The frill or mane is
+considerable, as is the length of the hair covering the body; the tail
+is rather short and somewhat thick, well covered with hair of equal
+length, and in shape like a fox's brush. The eyes are large, round, and
+full, with a wild staring expression. Certainly, the breed, however it
+may be obtained, is most interesting to the Cat naturalist, and the
+colour, as before stated, being peculiar, must of course attract his
+attention independently of its general appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Since the above was written, I have received the following from Mr.
+Henry Brooker, The Elms, West Midford, Massachusetts, United States of
+America. After asking for information respecting Cats of certain breeds,
+he says: "I have had for a number of years a peculiar strain of
+long-haired Cats; they come from the islands off the coast of Maine, and
+are known in this country as 'Coon' Cats. The belief is that they have
+been crossed with the 'Coon.' This, of course, is untrue. The
+inhabitants of these islands are seafaring people, and many years ago
+some one on his vessel had a pair of long-haired Cats from which the
+strain has sprung. There are few short-haired cats on the island as
+there is no communication with the mainland except by boat. I want to
+improve my strain and get finer hair than the Cats now have. Yellow Cats
+are the most popular kind here, and I have succeeded in producing Cats
+of a rich mahogany colour with brushes like a fox. They hunt in the
+fields with me, and my Scotch terriers and they are on the most friendly
+terms." This, as a corroboration of the foregoing letters and the
+photographs, is, I take it, eminently satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p>I have been shown a Siberian Cat, by Mr. Castang, of Leadenhall Market;
+the breed is entirely new to me. It is a small female Cat of a
+slaty-blue colour, rather short in body and legs; the head is small and
+much rounded, while the ears are of medium size. The iris of the eyes is
+a deep golden colour, which, in contrast to the bluish colour of the
+fur, makes them to appear still more brilliant; the tail is short and
+thick, very much so at the base, and suddenly pointed at the tip. It is
+particularly timid and wild in its nature, and is difficult to approach;
+but, as Mr. Castang observed, this timidity may be "because it does not
+understand our language and does not know when it is called or spoken
+to." I think it would make a valuable Cat to cross with some English
+varieties.</p>
+
+<p>A correspondent writes: "In your book on Cats you do not mention
+Norwegian Cats. I was in Norway last year, and was struck by the Cats
+being different to any I had ever seen, being much stouter built, with
+thick close fur, mostly sandy, with stripes of dark yellow." I suppose I
+am to infer that both the sexes are of sandy yellow colour. If so, I
+should say it is more a matter of selection than a new colour. I find
+generally in the colder countries the fur is short, dense, and somewhat
+woolly, and as a rule, judging from the information that I am
+continually receiving, whole or entire colours predominate.</p>
+
+<p>Large Cats are by some sought after. This, I take it, is a great
+mistake, the fairly medium-sized Cat being much the handsomer of the
+two, and they are generally also devoid of that coarseness that is found
+apparent in the former; while small Cats are extremely pretty, and I
+understand are not only likely to be "in vogue," but are actually now
+being bred for their extreme <i>prettiness</i>. I have heard of some of these
+"Bantam" Cats being produced by that true and most excellent fancier,
+Mr. Herbert Young, who not only has produced a Tortoiseshell Tom Cat on
+lines laid down by myself, but is also engaged in breeding more, and I
+have not the least doubt he will be most successful, he having so been
+in producing new colours and some of the finest silver tabby
+short-haired Cats as yet seen; these short-haired Cats, in my opinion,
+far surpassing for beauty any long-hair ever exhibited, and are
+certainly of a "sweeter disposition."</p>
+
+<p>In my former edition of "Our Cats," I wrote hopefully and expectantly of
+much good to be derived from the institution of the so-called National
+Cat Club, and of which I was then President; but I am sorry to say that
+none of those hopes or expectations have been realised, and I now feel
+the <i>deepest regret</i> that I was ever induced to be in any way associated
+with it. I do not care to go into particulars further than to say I
+found the principal idea of many of its members consisted not so much in
+promoting the welfare of the Cat as of winning prizes, and more
+particularly their own Cat Club medals, for which, though offered at
+public shows, the public were not allowed to compete, and when won by
+the members, in many cases the public were thoughtlessly misled by
+believing it was an open competition. I therefore felt it my duty to
+leave the club for that and other reasons. I have also left off judging
+of the Cats, even at my old much-loved show at the Crystal Palace,
+because I no longer cared to come into contact with <i>such</i> "Lovers of
+Cats."</p>
+
+<p>I am very much in favour of the Cats' Homes. The one at Dublin, in which
+Miss Swift takes so much interest; the one in London, with Miss Mayhew
+working for it with the zeal of a true "Cat lover"; and that where Mr.
+Colam is the manager, all deserve and <i>have</i> my <i>sincerest</i> and
+<i>warmest</i> approbation, sympathy, and support, standing out as they do in
+such bright contrast to those self-styled "Cat lovers," the National Cat
+Club.</p>
+
+<p class="citation">HARRISON WEIR, F.R.H.S.<br /></p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Iddesleigh," Sevenoaks</span>,</p>
+<p style="margin-left: 5%;"><i>March</i> 12<i>th</i>, 1892.<br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">PAGE</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Reduction of Cat's Head drawn for Posting Bill, Crystal Palace Cat Show, 1871</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Silver Tankard presented by the Crystal Palace Company to the Author</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat at Show</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss Saunders' White Persian, "Muff"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"The Old Lady." Silver Tabby, good in colour and marking, the property of<br />
+the Author, shown at the first Crystal Palace Cat Show, not for competition</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss Saunders' Long-haired Cat, "Tiger"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"The Colonel." Deaf White Persian, the property of the Author</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss F. Moore's Persian Cat, "Fez"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss Saunders' Long-haired Cat, "Tiger"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Specimen of a good White Angora</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss F. Moore's Long-haired Kitten, "Dinah." This and "Chloe," as Kittens,<br />
+won first prize and medal at the Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Bexley Cat<br />
+Shows, 1887</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss Saunders' very Light Blue Tabby, "Sylvie." A great beauty, and winner<br />
+of first prize, silver medal, and silver sugar basin, at the Crystal Palace,<br />
+1886, as the best long-haired cat in the show; then the property of Mrs.<br />
+Christopher</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mr. Lloyd's Black Persian, "Minnie." Winner of a large number of prizes at<br />
+the Crystal Palace, etc.</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mr. A. A. Clarke's White Persian, "Tim." First prize and silver medal at the<br />
+Crystal Palace, 1885, and winner of other prizes</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mrs. C. Herring's young Persian Kitten</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Russian Long-haired Brown Tabby Cat, the property of the Author</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss Mary Gresham's Persian Kitten, "Lambkin." (Also see reference, p. 36)</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Long-haired Cat, from Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Tail of the same</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss Mary Gresham's "Lambkin No. 2." This, with "Lambkin" at p. 33,<br />
+won first and special and silver medal at the Crystal Palace Show. These<br />
+were of fine quality, and were said to be the best pair of long-haired kittens<br />
+ever seen</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss Moore's Long-haired Persian, "Bogey." First and medal at Albert Palace<br />
+Show, 1885; second at Brighton Show</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss Saunders' White Persian, "Fluffie"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mr. Smith's Tortoiseshell He-Cat. The only tortoiseshell he-cat of entire<br />
+colouring ever shown at the Crystal Palace, and winner of numerous first<br />
+prizes</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Example of Tortoiseshell Cat, very dark variety, purposely showing too much<br />
+black, which is a defect</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Light White and Sandy She-Cat and Kittens</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Tortoiseshell-and-white Cat, finely marked, and prize-winner</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Head of Mrs. Vyvyan's Royal Cat of Siam. Winner of prizes</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Example of a properly-marked Brown Tabby, showing the width of the black<br />
+bars and spaces between. A fine specimen</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Example of a Brown Tabby, "Aaron," with the black bars far too wide, only<br />
+showing the brown as streaks. This is a defect. Property of the Author</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Well-marked Silver Black-banded Tabby. First prize in its class and special<br />
+prize, Crystal Palace Show, 1886</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">White Cat at the Show. First prize, blue eyes and deep.</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Example of a finely-marked Spotted Tabby He-Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Spotted Tabby Half-bred Indian Wild Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Head of a well-marked Striped Brown Tabby</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mrs. Herring's Dark Blue, Small-banded Tabby, "Chin." A very fine specimen,<br />
+and winner of a large number of prizes, and in champion classes</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Group of Kittens at the Crystal Palace Cat Show</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">White Cat. Prize-winner in 1879</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Archangel Blue Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Group of Kittens in Box</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Example of a properly-marked Black-and-White Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mrs. Vyvyan's Royal Cat of Siam. Prize-winner</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mr. Lyon's curiously-marked White-and-Black Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">White Cat. Winner of many prizes</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mrs. Lee's Royal Cat of Siam. Winner of many prizes</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Head of properly-marked Siamese Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mr. Thomas's Tortoiseshell Manx She-Cat.<br />
+Winner of many prizes at the Crystal Palace</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mr. Thomas's Brown Tabby Manx Kitten</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Kittens at the Show</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Kittens after the Show</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The Game of Ball</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat and Kittens. "Happy"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">What is it?</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Tired of Play</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Miss Moore's Long-haired Kitten, "Chloe." (See description of "Dinah"<br />
+for p. 23.) Chloe has been several times shown alone, and never without<br />
+winning</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The Cat Club Challenge Vase, presented by Mr. A. A. Clarke, to be won three<br />
+times by the same exhibitor before it is his actual property</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Example of a finely-marked Tortoiseshell Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mr. Babb's beautiful properly-marked Light Silver Tabby She-Cat. First prize<br />
+in her class, silver medal and plate as being the best short-haired cat in the<br />
+Crystal Palace Show, 1888; also winner of many prizes at other shows</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Example of a well-marked Black-and-White He-Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_134">134</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mr. A. A. Clarke's extremely beautiful White Persian She-Cat, "Miss Whitey."<br />
+At the Crystal Palace Show in 1888, first in her class, taking the Crystal<br />
+Palace silver medal for the best female cat in the section, the silver-mounted<br />
+Doulton ware five o'clock tea-set for the best long-haired cat in the exhibition,<br />
+the gold medal given by the National Cat Club for the best long-haired<br />
+cat belonging to a member, the National Cat Club Challenge Cup, and also<br />
+winner of numerous first prizes elsewhere</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"In full play"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Head of Miss Saunders' "Sylvie." (See other description)</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Wild Cat shown at the Crystal Palace Cat Show, 1871, by the Duke of Sutherland;<br />
+caught in Sutherlandshire</td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">English Wild Cat, from the British Museum</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Heading to "Cat Proverbs"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_185">185</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat watching Mouse-hole</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat on Tight-rope with White Mice</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat made of Snail Shells and Wax</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_219">219</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Blue Long-haired Persian Cat. Prize-winner</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Head of Wild Cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_239">239</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;">
+<img src="images/z021.jpg" width="150" height="146" alt="A reduction of the large black Cat&#39;s Head, drawn for the Posting Bill
+giving notice of the first Cat Show at the Crystal Palace, July 16,
+1871." title="" /></div>
+
+<h4>A reduction of the large black Cat&#39;s Head, drawn for the Posting Bill
+giving notice<br /> of the first Cat Show at the Crystal Palace, July 16,
+1871.</h4>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<h2>OUR CATS</h2>
+
+<h3>AND ALL ABOUT THEM.</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<h2>INTRODUCTORY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>After a Cat Show at the Crystal Palace, I usually receive a number of
+letters requesting information. One asks: "What is a true tortoiseshell
+like?" Another: "What is a tabby?" and yet another: "What is a blue
+tabby?" One writes of the "splendid disposition" of his cat, another
+asks how to cure a cat scratching the furniture, and so on.</p>
+
+<p>After much consideration, and also at the request of many, I have
+thought it best to publish my notes on cats, their ways, habits,
+instincts, peculiarities, usefulness, colours, markings, forms, and
+other qualities that are required as fitting subjects to exhibit at what
+is now one of the instituted exhibitions of "The land we live in," and
+also the Folk and other lore, both ancient and modern, respecting them.</p>
+
+<p>It is many years ago that, when thinking of the large number of cats
+kept in London alone, I conceived the idea<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span> that it would be well to
+hold "Cat Shows," so that the different breeds, colours, markings, etc.,
+might be more carefully attended to, and the domestic cat, sitting in
+front of the fire, would then possess a beauty and an attractiveness to
+its owner unobserved and unknown because uncultivated heretofore.
+Prepossessed with this view of the subject, I called on my friend Mr.
+Wilkinson, the then manager of the Crystal Palace. With his usual
+businesslike clear-headedness, he saw it was "a thing to be done." In a
+few days I presented my scheme in full working order: the schedule of
+prizes, the price of entry, the number of classes, and the points by
+which they would be judged, the number of prizes in each class, their
+amount, the different varieties of colour, form, size, and sex for which
+they were to be given; I also made a drawing of the head of a cat to be
+printed in black on yellow paper for a posting bill. Mr. F. Wilson, the
+Company's naturalist and show manager, then took the matter in charge,
+worked hard, got a goodly number of cats together, among which was my
+blue tabby, "The Old Lady," then about fourteen years old, yet the best
+in the show of its colour and never surpassed, though lately possibly
+equalled. To my watch-chain I have attached the silver bell she wore at
+her <i>d�but</i>.</p>
+
+<p>My brother, John Jenner Weir, the Rev. J. Macdona, and myself acted as
+judges, and the result was a success far beyond our most sanguine
+expectations&mdash;so much so that I having made it a labour of love of the
+feline race, and acting "without fee, gratuity, or reward," the Crystal
+Palace Company generously presented me with a large silver tankard in
+token of their high approval of my exertions on behalf of "the Company,"
+and&mdash;Cats. Now that a Cat Club is formed, shows are more numerous, and
+the entries increasing, there is every reason to expect a permanent
+benefit in every way to one of the most intelligent of (though often
+much abused) animals.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 671px;">
+<img src="images/z023.jpg" width="671" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE FIRST CAT SHOW.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On the day for judging, at Ludgate Hill I took a ticket and the train
+for the Crystal Palace. Sitting alone in the comfortable cushioned
+compartment of a "first class," I confess I felt somewhat more than
+anxious as to the issue of the experiment. Yes; what would it be like?
+Would there be many cats? How many? How would the animals comport
+themselves in their cages? Would they sulk or cry for liberty, refuse
+all food? or settle down and take the situation quietly and resignedly,
+or give way to terror? I could in no way picture to myself the scene; it
+was all so new. Presently, and while I was musing on the subject, the
+door was opened, and a friend got in. "Ah!" said he, "how are you?"
+"Tolerably well," said I; "I am on my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> way to the Cat Show." "What!"
+said my friend, "that surpasses everything! A show of cats! Why, I hate
+the things; I drive them off my premises when I see them. You'll have a
+fine bother with them in their cages! Or are they to be tied up? Anyhow,
+what a noise there will be, and how they will clutch at the bars and try
+and get out, or they will strangle themselves with their chains." "I am
+sorry, very sorry," said I, "that you do not like cats. For my part, I
+think them extremely beautiful, also very graceful in all their actions,
+and they are quite as domestic in their habits as the dog, if not more
+so. They are very useful in catching rats and mice; they are not
+deficient in sense; they will jump up at doors to push up latches with
+their paws. I have known them knock at a door by the knocker when
+wanting admittance. They know Sunday from the week-day, and do not go
+out to wait for the meat barrow on that day; they&mdash;&mdash;" "Stop," said my
+friend, "I see you do like cats, and I do not, so let the matter drop."
+"No," said I, "not so. That is why I instituted this Cat Show; I wish
+every one to see how beautiful a well-cared-for cat is, and how docile,
+gentle, and&mdash;may I use the term?&mdash;cossetty. Why should not the cat that
+sits purring in front of us before the fire be an object of interest,
+and be selected for its colour, markings, and form? Now come with me, my
+dear old friend, and see the first Cat Show."</p>
+
+<p>Inside the Crystal Palace stood my friend and I. Instead of the noise
+and struggles to escape, there lay the cats in their different pens,
+reclining on crimson cushions, making no sound save now and then a
+homely purring, as from time to time they lapped the nice new milk
+provided for them. Yes, there they were, big cats, very big cats,
+middling-sized cats, and small cats, cats of all colours and markings,
+and beautiful pure white Persian cats; and as we passed down the front
+of the cages I saw that my friend became interested; presently he said:
+"What a beauty this is! and here's another!" "And no doubt," said I,
+"many of the cats you have seen before would be quite as beautiful if
+they were as well cared for, or at least cared for at all;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> generally
+they are driven about and ill-fed, and often ill-used, simply for the
+reason that they are cats, and for no other. Yet I feel a great pleasure
+in telling you the show would have been much larger were it not for the
+difficulty of inducing the owners to send their pets from home, though
+you see the great care that is taken of them." "Well, I had no idea
+there was such a variety of form, size, and colour," said my friend, and
+departed. A few months after, I called on him; he was at luncheon, with
+two cats on a chair beside him&mdash;pets I should say, from their
+appearance.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 388px;">
+<img src="images/z025.png" width="388" height="336" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>This is not a solitary instance of the good of the first Cat Show in
+leading up to the observation of, and kindly feeling for, the domestic
+cat. Since then, throughout the length and breadth of the land there
+have been Cat Shows, and much interest is taken in them by all classes
+of the community, so much so that large prices have been paid for
+handsome specimens. It is to be hoped that by these shows the too often
+despised cat will meet with the attention and kind treatment that every
+dumb animal should have and ought to receive at the hands of humanity.
+Even the few instances of the shows generating a love for cats that have
+come before my own notice are a sufficient pleasure to me not to regret
+having thought out and planned the first Cat Show at the Crystal
+Palace.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 468px;">
+<img src="images/z026.png" width="468" height="447" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<h2>HABITS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Before attempting to describe the different varieties, I should like to
+make a few remarks as to the habits and ways of "the domestic cat."</p>
+
+<p>When judging, I have frequently found some of the exhibits of anything
+but a mild and placid disposition. Some have displayed a downright
+ferocity; others, on the contrary, have been excessively gentle, and
+very few but seemed to recognise their position, and submitted quietly
+to their confinement. This is easily accounted for when persons are
+accustomed to cats; they know what wonderful powers of observation the
+cat possesses, and how quickly they recognise the "why and the
+wherefore" of many things. Take for instance, how very <i>many</i> cats will
+open a <i>latched</i> door by springing up and holding on with one fore-leg
+while with the other they press down the latch catch, and so open the
+door; and yet even more observant are they than that, as I have shown by
+a case in my "Animal Stories, Old and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> New," in which a cat opened a
+door by pulling it <i>towards</i> him, when he found <i>pushing</i> it of no
+avail. The cat is more critical in noticing than the dog. I never knew
+but one dog that would open a door by moving the fastening without being
+shown or taught how to do it. Cats that have done so are numberless. I
+noticed one at the last Crystal Palace Show, a white cat: it looked up,
+it looked down, then to the right and then a little to the left, paused,
+seemed lost in thought, when, not seeing any one about, it crept up to
+the door, and with its paw tried to pull back the bolt or catch. On
+getting sight of me, it retired to a corner of the cage, shut its eyes,
+and pretended to sleep. I stood further away, and soon saw the paw
+coming through the bars again. This cat had noticed how the cage-door
+was fastened, and so knew how to open it.</p>
+
+<p>Many cats that are said to be spiteful are made so by ill-treatment,
+for, as a rule, I have found them to be most affectionate and gentle,
+and that to the last degree, attaching themselves to individuals,
+although such is stated not to be the case, yet of this I am certain.
+Having had several in my house at one time, I found that no two were the
+"followers" of the same member of my family. But it may be argued, and I
+think with some degree of justice, Why was this? Was it only that each
+cat had a separate liking? If so, why? Why should not three or four cats
+take a liking to the same individual? But they seldom or never do, and
+for that matter there seems somewhat the same feeling with dogs. This
+required some consideration, but that not of long duration. For I am
+sorry to say I rapidly came to the conclusion that it was jealousy. Yes,
+jealousy! There was no doubt of it. Zeno would be very cossetty, loving,
+lovable, and gentle, but when Lulu came in and was nursed he retired to
+a corner and seized the first opportunity of vanishing through the door.
+As soon as Zillah jumped on my knee and put her paws about my neck, Lulu
+looked at me, then at her, then at me, walked to the fire, sat down,
+looked round, got up, went to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>the door, cried to go out, the door was
+opened, and&mdash;&mdash;she fled. I thought that Zillah seemed then more than
+ever&mdash;happy.</p>
+
+<p>Though jealousy is one of if not the ruling attributes of the cat, there
+are exceptions to such a rule. Sometimes it may be that two or more will
+take to the same person. As an instance of this I had two cats, one a
+red tabby, a great beauty; Lillah, a short-haired red-and-white cat; the
+latter and a white long-haired one, named "The Colonel," were great
+friends, and these associated with a tortoiseshell-and-white, Lizzie.
+None of these were absolutely house cats, but attended more to the
+poultry yards and runs, looking after the chicken, seeing that no rats
+were about or other "vermin," near the coops. Useful cats, very!</p>
+
+<p>Mine was then a very large garden, and generally of an evening, when at
+home, I used to walk about the numerous paths to admire the beauties of
+the different herbaceous plants, of which I had an interesting
+collection. Five was my time of starting on my ambulation, when, on
+going out of the door, I was sure to find the two first-named cats, and
+often the third, waiting for me, ready to go wherever I went, following
+like faithful dogs. These apparently never had any jealous feeling.</p>
+
+<p>Of all the cats Lillah was the most loving. If I stood still, she would
+look up, and watch the expression of my face. If she thought it was
+favourable to her, she would jump, and, clinging to my chest, put her
+fore-paws around my neck, and rub her head softly against my face,
+purring melodiously all the time, then move on to my shoulder, while
+"The Colonel" and his tortoiseshell friend Lizzie would press about my
+legs, uttering the same musical self-complacent sound. Here, there, and
+everywhere, even out into the road or into the wood, the pretty things
+would accompany me, seeming intensely happy. When I returned to the
+house, they would scamper off, bounding in the air, and playing with and
+tumbling over each other in the fullest and most frolicsome manner
+imaginable. No! I do not think that Lillah, The Colonel, or Lizzie ever
+knew the feeling of jealousy. But these, as I said before, were
+exceptions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> They all had a sad ending, coming to an untimely death
+through being caught in wires set by poachers for rabbits. I have ever
+regretted the loss of the gentle Lillah. She was as beautiful as she was
+good, gentle, and loving, without a fault.</p>
+
+<p>It may have been noted in the foregoing I have said that my cats were
+always awaiting my coming. Just so. The cat seems to take note of time
+as well as place. At my town house I had a cat named Guadalquiver, which
+was fed on horseflesh brought to the door. Every day during the week he
+would go and sit ready for the coming of "the cat's-meat man," but he
+never did so on the Sunday. How it was he knew on that day that the man
+did not come I never could discover; still, the fact remains. How he, or
+whether he, counted the days until the sixth, and then rested the
+seventh from his watching, is a mystery. A similar case is related of an
+animal belonging to Mr. Tr�bner, the London publisher. The cat, a
+gigantic one, and a pet of his, used to go every evening to the end of
+the terrace, on which was the house where he resided, to escort Mr.
+Tr�bner back to dinner on his arrival from the City, but was never once
+known to make the mistake of going to meet him on Sundays. And again,
+how well a cat knows when it is luncheon-time! He or she may be
+apparently asleep on the tiles, or snugly lying under a bush basking in
+the sun's warm rays, when it will look up, yawn, stretch itself, get up,
+and move leisurely towards the house, and as the luncheon-bell rings, in
+walks the cat, as ready for food as any there.</p>
+
+<p>Most cats are of a gentle disposition, but resent ill-treatment in a
+most determined way, generally making use of their claws, at the same
+time giving vent to their feelings by a low growl and spitting
+furiously. Under such conditions it is best to leave off that which has
+appeared to irritate them. Dogs generally bite when they lose their
+temper, but a cat seldom. Should a cat dig her claws into your hand,
+never draw it backward, but push forward; you thus close the foot and
+render the claws harmless. If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> otherwise, you generally lose three to
+four pieces of skin from your hand; the cat knows he has done it, and
+feels revenged. Some cats do not like their ears touched, others their
+backs, others their tails. I have one now (Fritz); he has such a great
+dislike to having his tail touched that if we only point to it and say
+"Tail!" he growls, and if repeated he will get up and go out of the
+room, even though he was enjoying the comfort of his basket before a
+good fire. By avoiding anything that is known to tease an animal, no
+matter what, it will be found that is the true way, combined with gentle
+treatment and oft caressing, to tame and to make them love you, even
+those whose temper is none of the best. This is equally applicable to
+horses, cows, and dogs as to cats. Gentleness and kindness will work
+wonders with animals, and, I take it, is not lost on human beings.</p>
+
+<p>The distance cats will travel to find and regain the home they have been
+taken from is surprising. One my groom begged of me, as he said he had
+no cat at home, and he was fond of "the dear thing," but he really
+wanted to be rid of it, as I found afterwards. He took the poor animal
+away in a hamper, and after carrying it some three miles through London
+streets, threw it into the Surrey Canal. That cat was sitting wet and
+dirty outside the stable when he came in the morning, and went in
+joyfully on his opening the door, ran up to and climbed on to the back
+of its favourite, the horse, who neighed a "welcome home." The man left
+that week.</p>
+
+<p>Another instance, and I could give many more, but this will suffice. It
+is said that if you wish an old cat to stay you should have the mother
+with the kitten or kittens, but this sometimes fails to keep her. Having
+a fancy for a beautiful brown tabby, I purchased her and kitten from a
+cottager living two miles and a half away. The next day I let her out,
+keeping the kitten in a basket before the fire. In half an hour mother
+and child were gone, and though she had to carry her little one through
+woods, hedgerows, across grass and arable fields, she arrived home with
+her young charge quite safely the following day, though evidently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> very
+tired, wet, and hungry. After two days she was brought back, and being
+well fed and carefully tended, she roamed no more.</p>
+
+<p>The cat, like many other animals, will often form singular attachments.
+One would sit in my horse's manger and purr and rub against his nose,
+which undoubtedly the horse enjoyed, for he would frequently turn his
+head purposely to be so treated. One went as consort with a Dorking
+cock; another took a great liking to my collie, Rover; another loved
+Lina, the cow; while another would cosset up close to a sitting hen, and
+allowed the fresh-hatched chickens to seek warmth by creeping under her.
+Again, they will rear other animals such as rats, rabbits, squirrels,
+puppies, hedgehogs; and, when motherly inclined, will take to almost
+anything, even to a young pigeon.</p>
+
+<p>At the Brighton Show of 1886 there were two cats, both reared by dogs,
+the foster-mother and her bantling showing evident signs of sincere
+affection.</p>
+
+<p>There are both men and women who have a decided antipathy to
+cats&mdash;"Won't have one in the house on any account." They are called
+"deceitful," and some go as far as to say "treacherous," but how and in
+what way I cannot discover. Others, on the contrary, love cats beyond
+all other "things domestic." Of course cats, like other animals, or even
+human beings, are very dissimilar, no two being precisely alike in
+disposition, any more than are to be found two forms so closely
+resembling as not to be distinguished one from the other. To some a cat
+is a cat, and if all were black all would be alike. But this would not
+be so in reality, as those well know who are close observers of animal
+and bird life. Of course the gamekeeper has a dislike to cats, more
+especially when they "take to the woods," but so long as they are fed,
+and keep within bounds, they are "useful" in scaring away rats from the
+young broods of pheasants. What are termed "poaching cats" are clearly
+"outlaws," and must be treated as such.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>TRAINED CATS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>That cats may be trained to respect the lives of other animals, and also
+birds on which they habitually feed, is a well-known fact. In proof of
+this I well recollect a story that my father used to tell of "a happy
+family" that was shown many years ago on the Surrey side of Waterloo
+Bridge. Their abode consisted of a large wire cage placed on wheels. In
+windy weather the "breezy side" was protected by green baize, so
+draughts were prevented, and a degree of comfort obtained. As there was
+no charge for "the show," a box was placed in front with an opening for
+the purpose of admitting any donations from those who felt inclined to
+give. On it was written "The Happy Family&mdash;their money-box." The family
+varied somewhat, as casualties occurred occasionally by death from
+natural causes or sales. Usually, there was a Monkey, an Owl, some
+Guinea-pigs, Squirrels, small birds, Starlings, a Magpie, Rats, Mice,
+and a Cat or two. But the story? Well, the story is this. One day, when
+my father was looking at "the happy family," a burly-looking man came
+up, and, after a while, said to the man who owned the show: "Ah! I don't
+see much in that. It is true the cat does not touch the small birds [one
+of which was sitting on the head of the cat at the time], nor the other
+things; but you could not manage to keep rats and mice in there as
+well." "Think not?" said the showman. "I think I could very easily."
+"Not you," said the burly one. "I will give you a month to do it in, if
+you like, and a shilling in the bargain if you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> succeed. I shall be this
+way again soon." "Thank you, sir," said the man. "Don't go yet," then,
+putting a stick through the bars of the cage he lifted up the cat, when
+from beneath her out ran a white rat and three white mice.
+"Won&mdash;der&mdash;ful!" slowly ejaculated he of the burly form; "Wonder&mdash;ful!"
+The money was paid.</p>
+
+<p>Cats, properly trained, will not touch anything, alive or dead, on the
+premises to which they are attached. I have known them to sport with
+tame rabbits, to romp and jump in frolicsome mood this way, then that,
+which both seemed greatly to enjoy, yet they would bring home wild
+rabbits they had killed, and not touch my little chickens or ducklings.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 726px;">
+<img src="images/z033.png" width="726" height="531" alt="&quot;The Old Lady&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">&quot;The Old Lady&quot;<br /><br /></span></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When I built a house in the country, fond as I am of cats, I determined
+<i>not</i> to keep any there, because they would destroy the birds' nests and
+drive my feathered friends away, and I liked to watch and feed these
+from the windows. Things went pleasantly for awhile. The birds were fed,
+and paid for their keep with many and many a song. There were the old
+ones and there the young, and oft by the hour I watched them from the
+window; and they became so tame as scarcely caring to get out of my way
+when I went outside with more food. But&mdash;there is always a but&mdash;but one
+day, or rather evening, as I was "looking on," a rat came out from the
+rocks, and then another. Soon they began their repast on the remains of
+the birds' food. Then in the twilight came mice, the short-tailed and
+the long, scampering hither and thither. This, too, was amusing. In the
+autumn I bought some filberts, and put them into a closet upstairs, went
+to London, returned, and thought I would sleep in the room adjoining the
+closet. No such thing. As soon as the light was out there was a sound of
+gnawing&mdash;curb&mdash;curb&mdash;sweek!&mdash;squeak&mdash;a rushing of tiny feet here, there,
+and everywhere; thump, bump&mdash;scriggle, scraggle&mdash;squeak&mdash;overhead, above
+the ceiling, behind the skirting boards, under the floor, and&mdash;in the
+closet. I lighted a candle, opened the door, and looked into the
+repository for my filberts. What a hustling, what a scuffling, what a
+scrambling. There they were, mice in numbers; they "made for" some holes
+in the corners of the cupboard, got jammed, squeaked, struggled,
+squabbled, pushed, their tails making circles; push&mdash;push&mdash;squeak!&mdash;more
+jostling, another effort or two&mdash;squeak&mdash;squeak&mdash;gurgle&mdash;squeak&mdash;more
+struggling&mdash;and they were gone. Gone? Yes! but not for long. As soon as
+the light was out back they came. No! oh, dear no! sleep! no more sleep.
+Outside, I liked to watch the mice; but when they climbed the ivy and
+got inside, the pleasure entirely ceased. Nor was this all; they got
+into the vineries and spoilt the grapes, and the rats killed the young
+ducks and chickens, and undermined the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> building also, besides storing
+quantities of grain and other things under the floor. The result number
+one was, three cats coming on a visit. Farmyard cats&mdash;cats that knew the
+difference between chickens, ducklings, mice, and rats. Result number
+two, that after being away a couple of weeks, I went again to my
+cottage, and I slept undisturbed in the room late the play-ground of the
+mice. My chickens and ducklings were safe, and soon the cats allowed the
+birds to be fed in front of the window, though I could not break them of
+destroying many of the nests. I never <span class="smcap">noticed</span> more fully the very great
+use the domestic cat is to man than on that occasion. All day my cats
+were indoors, dozy, sociable, and contented. At night they were on guard
+outside, and doubtless saved me the lives of dozens of my "young
+things." One afternoon I saw one of my cats coming towards me with
+apparent difficulty in walking. On its near approach I found it was
+carrying a large rat, which appeared dead. Coming nearer, the cat put
+down the rat. Presently I saw it move, then it suddenly got up and ran
+off. The cat caught it again. Again it feigned death, again got up and
+ran off, and was once more caught. It laid quite still, when, perceiving
+the cat had turned away, it got up, apparently quite uninjured, and ran
+in another direction, and I and the cat&mdash;lost it! I was not sorry. This
+rat deserved his liberty. Whether it was permanent I know not, as
+"Little-john," the cat, remained, and I left.</p>
+
+<p>The cat is not only a very useful animal about the house and premises,
+but is also ornamental. It is lithe and beautiful in form, and graceful
+in action. Of course there are cats that are ugly by comparison with
+others, both in form, colour, and markings; and as there are now cat
+shows, at which prizes are offered for varieties, I will endeavour to
+give, in succeeding chapters, the points of excellence as regards form,
+colour, and markings required and most esteemed for the different
+classes. I am the more induced to define these as clearly as possible,
+owing to the number of mistakes that often occur in the entries.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 479px;">
+<img src="images/z036.png" width="479" height="383" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>LONG-HAIRED CATS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>These are very diversified, both in form, colour, and the quality of the
+hair, which in some is more woolly than in others; and they vary also in
+the shape and length of the tail, the ears, and size of eyes. There are
+several varieties&mdash;the Russian, the Angora, the Persian, and Indian.
+Forty or fifty years ago they used all to be called French cats, as they
+were mostly imported from Paris&mdash;more particularly the white, which were
+then the fashion, and, if I remember rightly, they, as a rule, were
+larger than those of the present day. Coloured long-haired cats were
+then rare, and but little cared for or appreciated. The pure white, with
+long silky hair, bedecked with blue or rose-colour ribbon, or a silver
+collar with its name inscribed thereon or one of scarlet leather studded
+with brass, might often be seen stretching its full lazy length on
+luxurious woollen rugs&mdash;the valued, pampered pets of "West End" life.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 635px;">
+<img src="images/z037.jpg" width="635" height="700" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>A curious fact relating to the white cat of not only the long but also
+the short-haired breed is their deafness. Should they have blue eyes,
+which is the fancy colour, these are nearly always deaf; although I have
+seen specimens whose hearing was as perfect as that of any other colour.
+Still deafness in white cats is not always confined to those with blue
+eyes, as I too well know from purchasing a very fine male at the Crystal
+Palace Show some few years since. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> price was low and the cat "a
+beauty," both in form, coat, and tail, his eyes were yellow, and he had
+a nice, meek, mild, expressive face. I stopped and looked at him, as he
+much took my fancy. He stared at me wistfully, with something like
+melancholy in the gaze of his <i>amber</i>-coloured eyes. I put my hand
+through the bars of the cage. He purred, licked my hand, rubbed against
+the wires, put his tail up, as much as to say, "See, here is a beautiful
+tail; am I not a lovely cat?" "Yes," thought I, "a very nice cat." When
+I looked at my catalogue and saw the low price, "something is wrong
+here," said I, musingly. "Yes, there <i>must</i> be something wrong. The
+price is misstated, or there is something not right about this cat." No!
+it was a beauty&mdash;so comely, so loving, so gentle&mdash;so very gentle.
+"Well," said I to myself, "if there is no misstatement of price, I will
+buy this cat," and, with a parting survey of its excellences, I went to
+the office of the show manager. He looked at the letter of entry. No;
+the price was quite right&mdash;"two guineas!" "I will buy it," said I. And
+so I did; but at two guineas I bought it dearly. Yes! very dearly, for
+when I got it home I found it was "stone" deaf. What an unhappy cat it
+was! If shut out of the dining-room you could hear its cry for admission
+all over the house; being so deaf the poor wretched creature never knew
+the noise it made. I often wish that it had so known&mdash;very, very often.
+I am satisfied that a tithe would have frightened it out of its life.
+And so loving, so affectionate. But, oh! horror, when it called out as
+it sat on my lap, its voice seemed to acquire at least <i>ten cat power</i>.
+And when, if it lost sight of me in the garden, its voice rose to the
+occasion, I feel confident it might have been heard miles off. Alas! he
+never knew what that agonised sound was like, but I did, and I have
+never forgotten it, and I never shall. I named him "The Colonel" on
+account of his commanding voice.</p>
+
+<p>One morning a friend came&mdash;blessed be that day&mdash;and after dinner he saw
+"the beauty." "What a lovely cat!" said he. "Yes," said I, "he is very
+beautiful, quite a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> picture." After a while he said, looking at "Pussy"
+warming himself before the fire, "I think I never saw one I liked more."
+"Indeed," said I, "if you really think so, I will give it to you; but he
+has a fault&mdash;he is 'stone' deaf." "Oh, I don't mind that," said he. He
+took him away&mdash;miles and miles away. I was glad it was so many miles
+away for two reasons. One was I feared he might come back, and the other
+that his voice might come resounding on the still night air. But he
+never came back nor a sound.&mdash;A few days after he left "to better
+himself," a letter came saying, would I wish to have him back? They
+liked it very much, all but its voice. "No," I wrote, "no, you are very
+kind, no, thank you; give him to any one you please&mdash;do what you will
+with 'the beauty,' but it must not return, never." When next I saw my
+friend, I asked him how "the beauty" was. "You dreadful man!" said he;
+"why, that cat nearly drove us all mad&mdash;I never heard anything like it."
+"Nor I," said I, sententiously. "Well," said my friend, "'all is well
+that ends well;' I have given it to a very deaf old lady, and so both
+are happy." "Very, I trust," said I.</p>
+
+<p>The foregoing is by way of advice; in buying a white cat&mdash;or, in fact,
+any other&mdash;ascertain for a <i>certainty</i> that it is <i>not deaf</i>.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 439px;">
+<img src="images/z039.png" width="439" height="305" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A short time since I saw a white Persian cat with deep blue eyes sitting
+at the door of a tobacconist's, at the corner of the Haymarket, London.
+On inquiry I found that the cat could hear perfectly, and was in no way
+deficient of health and strength; and this is by no means a solitary
+instance.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 555px;">
+<img src="images/z040.png" width="555" height="411" alt="MISS SAUNDERS&#39; &quot;TIGER.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MISS SAUNDERS&#39; &quot;TIGER.&quot;<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 693px;">
+<img src="images/z041.jpg" width="693" height="539" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE ANGORA.</h2>
+
+<p>The Angora cat, as its name indicates, comes from Angora, in Western
+Asia, a province that is also celebrated for its goats with long hair,
+which is of extremely fine quality. It is said that this deteriorates
+when the animal leaves that locality. This may be so, but that I have no
+means of proving; yet, if so, do the Angora cats also deteriorate in the
+silky qualities of their fur? Or does it get shorter? Certain it is that
+many of the imported cats have finer and longer hair than those bred in
+this country; but when are the latter true bred? Even some a little
+cross-bred will often have long hair, but not of the texture as regards
+length and silkiness which is to be noted in the pure breed. The Angora
+cats, I am told, are great favourites with the Turks and Armenians, and
+the best are of high value, a pure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> white, with blue eyes, being thought
+the perfection of cats, all other points being good, and its hearing by
+no means defective. The points are a small head, with not too long a
+nose, large full eyes of a colour in harmony with that of its fur, ears
+rather large than small and pointed, with a tuft of hair at the apex,
+the size not showing, as they are deeply set in the long hair on the
+forehead, with a very full flowing mane about the head and neck; this
+latter should not be short, neither the body, which should be long,
+graceful, and elegant, and covered with long, silky hair, with a slight
+admixture of woolliness; in this it differs from the Persian, and the
+longer the better. In texture it should be as fine as possible, and also
+not so woolly as that of the Russian; still it is more inclined to be so
+than the Persian. The legs to be of moderate length, and in proportion
+to the body; the tail long, and slightly curving upward towards the end.
+The hair should be very long at the base, less so toward the tip. When
+perfect, it is an extremely beautiful and elegant object, and no wonder
+that it has become a pet among the Orientals. The colours are varied;
+but the black which should have orange eyes, as should also the slate
+colours, and blues, and the white are the most esteemed, though the soft
+slates, blues, and the light fawns, deep reds, and mottled grays are
+shades of colour that blend well with the Eastern furniture and other
+surroundings. There are also light grays, and what is termed smoke
+colour; a beauty was shown at Brighton which was white with black tips
+to the hair, the white being scarcely visible, unless the hair was
+parted; this tinting had a marvellous effect. I have never seen imported
+strong-coloured tabbies of this breed, nor do I believe such are true
+Angoras. Fine specimens are even now rare in this country, and are
+extremely valuable. In manners and temper they are quiet, sociable, and
+docile, though given to roaming, especially in the country, where I have
+seen them far from their homes, hunting the hedgerows more like dogs
+than cats; nor do they appear to possess the keen intelligence of the
+short-haired European cat. They are not new to us, being mentioned by
+writers nearly a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> hundred years ago, if not more. I well remember white
+specimens of uncommon size on sale in Leadenhall Market, more than forty
+years since; the price usually was five guineas, though some of rare
+excellence would realise double that sum.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 523px;">
+<img src="images/z043.jpg" width="523" height="600" alt="MISS MOORE&#39;S &quot;DINAH.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MISS MOORE&#39;S &quot;DINAH.&quot;</span>
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;">
+<img src="images/z044.jpg" width="700" height="565" alt="MISS SAUNDERS&#39; &quot;SYLVIE.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MISS SAUNDERS&#39; &quot;SYLVIE.&quot;</span>
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE PERSIAN CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>This differs somewhat from the Angora, the tail being generally longer,
+more like a table brush in point of form, and is generally slightly
+turned upwards, the hair being more full and coarser at the end, while
+at the base it is somewhat longer. The head is rather larger, with less
+pointed ears, although these should not be devoid of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> the tuft at the
+apex, and also well furnished with long hair within, and of moderate
+size. The eyes should be large, full, and round, with a soft expression;
+the hair on the forehead is generally rather short in comparison to the
+other parts of the body, which ought to be clothed with long silky hair,
+very long about the neck, giving the appearance of the mane of the lion.
+The legs, feet, and toes should be well clothed with long hair and have
+well-developed fringes on the toes, assuming the character of tufts
+between them. It is larger in body, and generally broader in the loins,
+and apparently stronger made, than the foregoing variety, though yet
+slender and elegant, with small bone, and exceedingly graceful in all
+its movements, there being a kind of languor observable in its walk,
+until roused, when it immediately assumes the quick motion of the
+ordinary short-haired cat, though not so alert. The colours vary very
+much, and comprise almost every tint obtainable in cats, though the
+tortoiseshell is not, nor is the dark marked tabby, in my opinion, a
+Persian cat colour, but has been got by crossing with the short-haired
+tortoiseshell, and also English tabby, and as generally shows pretty
+clearly unmistakable signs of such being the case. For a long time, if
+not now, the black was the most sought after and the most difficult to
+obtain. A good rich, deep black, with orange-coloured eyes and long
+flowing hair, grand in mane, large and with graceful carriage, with a
+mild expression, is truly a very beautiful object, and one very rare.
+The best I have hitherto seen was one that belonged to Mr. Edward Lloyd,
+the great authority on all matters relating to aquariums. It was called
+Mimie, and was a very fine specimen, usually carrying off the first
+prize wherever shown. It generally wore a handsome collar, on which was
+inscribed its name and victories. The collar, as Mr. Lloyd used jocosely
+to observe, really belonged to it, as it was bought out of its winnings;
+and, according to the accounts kept, was proved also to have paid for
+its food for some considerable period. It was, as its owner laughingly
+said, "his friend, and not his dependent," and generally used<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> to sit on
+the table by his side while he was writing either his letters, articles,
+or planning those improvements regarding aquariums, for which he was so
+justly celebrated.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 530px;">
+<img src="images/z046.jpg" width="530" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>Next in value is the light slate or blue colour. This beautiful tint is
+very different in its shades. In some it verges towards a light purplish
+or lilac hue, and is very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> lovely; in others it tends to a much bluer
+tone, having a colder and harder appearance, still beautiful by way of
+contrast; in all the colour should be pure, even, and bright, not in any
+way mottled, which is a defect; and I may here<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> remark that in these
+colours the hair is generally of a softer texture, as far as I have
+observed, than that of any other colour, not excepting the white, which
+is also in much request. Then follow the various shades of light
+tabbies, so light in the marking having scarcely a right to be called
+tabbies; in fact, tabby is not a Persian colour, nor have I ever seen an
+imported cat of that colour&mdash;I mean firmly, strongly marked with black
+on a brown-blue or gray ground, until they culminate in those of intense
+richness and density in the way of deep, harmonious browns and reds, yet
+still preserving throughout an extreme delicacy of line and tracery,
+never becoming harsh or hard in any of its arrangements or colour; not
+as the ordinary short-haired tabby. The eyes should be orange-yellow in
+the browns, reds, blues, grays, and blacks.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 507px;">
+<img src="images/z047.jpg" width="507" height="600" alt="MR. A. A. CLARKE&#39;S &quot;TIM.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MR. A. A. CLARKE&#39;S &quot;TIM.&quot;</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>As far as my experience extends, and I have had numerous opportunities
+of noticing, I find this variety less reliable as regards temper than
+the short-haired cats, less also in the keen sense of observing, as in
+the Angora, and also of turning such observations to account, either as
+regards their comfort, their endeavour to help themselves, or in their
+efforts to escape from confinement.</p>
+
+<p>In some few cases I have found them to be of almost a savage
+disposition, biting and snapping more like a dog than a cat, and using
+their claws less for protective purposes. Nor have I found them so
+"cossetty" in their ways as those of the "short-coats," though I have
+known exceptions in both.</p>
+
+<p>They are much given to roam, as indeed are the Russian and Angora,
+especially in the country, going considerable distances either for their
+own pleasure or in search of food, or when "on the hunt." After mature
+consideration, I have come to the conclusion that this breed, and
+slightly so the preceding, are decidedly different in their habits to
+the short-haired English domestic cat, as it is now generally called.</p>
+
+<p>It may be, however, only a very close observer would notice the several
+peculiarities which I consider certainly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> exist. These cats attach
+themselves to places more than persons, and are indifferent to those who
+feed and have the care of them. They are beautiful and useful objects
+about the house, and generally very pleasant companions, and when kept
+with the short-haired varieties form an exceedingly pretty and
+interesting contrast; but, as I have stated, they certainly require more
+attention to their training, and more caution in their handling, than
+the latter. I may here remark, that during the time I have acted as
+judge at cat shows, which is now over eighteen years, it has been seldom
+there has been any display of temper in the short-haired breeds in
+comparison with the long; though some of the former, in some instances,
+have not comported themselves with that sweetness and amiability of
+disposition that is their usual characteristic. My attendant has been
+frequently wounded in our endeavour to examine the fur, dentition, etc.,
+of the Angora, Persian, or Russian; and once severely by a "short-hair."
+Hitherto I have been so fortunate as to escape all injury, but this I
+attribute to my close observation of the <i>countenance</i> and expression of
+the cat about to be handled, so as to be perfectly on my guard, and to
+the knowledge of how to put my hands out of harm's way. If a vicious cat
+is to be taken from one pen to another, it must be carried by the loose
+skin at the back of the neck and that of the back with both hands, and
+held well away from the person who is carrying it.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 574px;">
+<img src="images/z050.jpg" width="574" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE RUSSIAN LONG-HAIRED CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The above is a portrait of a cat given me many years ago, whose parents
+came from Russia, but from what part I could never ascertain. It
+differed from the Angora and the Persian in many respects. It was larger
+in the body with shorter legs. The mane or frill was very large, long,
+and dense, and more of a woolly texture, with coarse hairs among it; the
+colour was of dark tabby, though the markings were not a decided black,
+nor clear and distinct; the ground colour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> was wanting in that depth and
+richness possessed by the Persian, having a somewhat dull appearance.
+The eyes were large and prominent, of a bright orange, slightly tinted
+with green, the ears large by comparison, with small tufts, full of
+long, woolly hair, the limbs stout and short, the tail being very
+dissimilar, as it was short, very woolly, and thickly covered with hair
+the same length from the base to the tip, and much resembled in form
+that of the English wild cat. Its motion was not so agile as other cats,
+nor did it apparently care for warmth, as it liked being outdoors in the
+coldest weather. Another peculiarity being that it seemed to care little
+in the way of watching birds for the purpose of food, neither were its
+habits like those of the short-haired cats that were its companions. It
+attached itself to no person, as was the case with some of the others,
+but curiously took a particular fancy to one of my short-haired,
+silver-gray tabbies; the two appeared always together. In front of the
+fire they sat side by side. If one left the room the other followed.
+Adown the garden paths there they were, still companions; and at night
+slept in the same box; they drank milk from the same saucer, and fed
+from the same plate, and, in fact, only seemed to exist for each other.
+In all my experience I never knew a more devoted couple. I bred but one
+kitten from the Russian, and this was the offspring of the short-haired
+silver tabby. It was black-and-white, and resembled the Russian in a
+large degree, having a woolly coat, somewhat of a mane, and a short,
+very bushy tail. This, like his father, seemed also to be fonder of
+animals for food than birds, and, although very small, would without any
+hesitation attack and kill a full-grown rat. I have seen several Russian
+cats, yet never but on this occasion had the opportunity of comparing
+their habits and mode of life with those of the other varieties; neither
+have I seen any but those of a tabby colour, and they mostly of a dark
+brown. I am fully aware that many cross-bred cats are sold as Russian,
+Angora, and Persian, either between these or the short-haired, and some
+of these, of course, retain in large degree the distinctive<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+peculiarities of each breed. Yet to the practised eye there is
+generally&mdash;I do not say always&mdash;a difference of some sort by which the
+particular breed may be clearly defined. When the prizes are given, as
+is the case even at our largest cat shows, for the best long-haired cat,
+there, of course, exists in the eye of the judge no distinction as
+regards breed. He selects, as he is bound to do, that which is the best
+<i>long-haired</i> cat in all points, the length of hair, colour, texture,
+and condition of the exhibit being that which commands his first
+attention. But if it were so put that the prize should be for the best
+Angora, Persian, Russian, etc., it would make the task rather more than
+difficult, for I have seen some "first-cross cats" that have possessed
+all, or nearly all, the points requisite for that of the Angora,
+Persian, or Russian, while others so bred have been very deficient,
+perhaps showing the Angora cross only by the tail and a slight and small
+frill. At the same time it must be noted, that, although from time to
+time some excellent specimens may be so bred, it is by no means
+desirable to buy and use such for stock purposes, for they will in all
+probability "throw back"&mdash;that is, after several generations, although
+allied with thoroughbred, they will possibly have a little family of
+quite "short-hairs." I have known this with rabbits, who, after breeding
+short-haired varieties for some time, suddenly reverted to a litter of
+"long-hairs"; but have not carried out the experiment with cats. At the
+same time I may state that I have little or no doubt that such would be
+the case; therefore I would urge on all those who are fond of cats&mdash;or,
+in fact, other animals&mdash;of any particular breed, to use when possible
+none but those of the purest pedigree, as this will tend to prevent much
+disappointment that might otherwise ensue. But I am digressing, and so
+back to my subject&mdash;the Russian long-haired cat. I advisedly say
+long-haired cat, for I shall hereafter have to treat of other cats
+coming from Russia that are short-haired, none which I have hitherto
+seen being tabbies, but whole colour. This is the more singular as all
+those of the long-hair have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> been brown tabbies, with only one or two
+exceptions, which were black. It is just possible these were the
+offspring of tabby or gray parents, as the wild rabbit has been known to
+have had black progeny. I have seen a black rabbit shot from amongst the
+gray on the South Downs.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 599px;">
+<img src="images/z053.jpg" width="599" height="600" alt="MISS MARY GRESHAM&#39;S PERSIAN KITTEN, &quot;LAMBKIN.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MISS MARY GRESHAM&#39;S PERSIAN KITTEN, &quot;LAMBKIN.&quot;</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I do not remember having seen a white Russian "long-hair," and I should
+feel particularly obliged to any of my readers who could supply me with
+further information on this subject, or on any other relating to the
+various breeds of cats, cat-life and habits. I am fully aware that no
+two cats are exactly alike either in their form, colour, movements, or
+habits; but what I have given much study and attention to, and what I
+wish to arrive at is, the broad existing natural distinctions of the
+different varieties. In this way I shall feel grateful for any
+information.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/z054.jpg" width="500" height="452" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>The above engraving and description of a very peculiar animal is from
+Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813:</p>
+
+<p>"This Cat was the Property of Mrs. Finch, of Maldon, Essex. In the
+Account of this <i>Lusus Natur�</i>, for such it may be deemed, the <i>Mother</i>
+had no other Likeness to her Production, than her Colour, which is a
+<i>tawny<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> Sandy</i>, in some parts lightly streaked with <i>black</i>; She had
+this, and another Kitten <i>like it</i>, about <i>two Years</i> since. The fellow
+Kitten was killed, in consequence of being troublesome, to the Mistress
+of the House, where it was presented. <i>This</i> is a <i>Male</i>, above the
+<i>usual</i> Size, with a <i>shaggy</i> Appearance round its Face, resembling that
+of the Lion's, in <i>Miniature</i>. The <i>Hair</i> protruding from the <i>Ears</i>,
+formerly grew, like what are termed <i>Cork-screw Curls</i>, and which are
+frequently seen, among the <i>smart</i> young <i>Watermen</i>, on the Thames; the
+Tail is perfectly distinct, from that of the Cat Species, and resembles
+the <i>Brush</i> of a Fox. The Mother, has at this time (1813), three Young
+ones, but without the least Difference to <i>common</i> Kittens, neither,
+indeed, has she ever had any <i>before</i>, or since, similar to <i>That</i> here
+described. The Proprietor has been offered, and refused One Hundred
+Pounds for this Animal."<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 638px;">
+<img src="images/z055.jpg" width="638" height="560" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This was either a cross with the English wild cat, which sometimes has a
+mane, or it was an accidental variation of nature. I once bred a
+long-haired rabbit in a similar way, but at first I failed entirely to
+perpetuate the peculiarity. I think the above simply "a sport."<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 565px;">
+<img src="images/z056.jpg" width="565" height="600" alt="MISS MARY GRESHAM&#39;S PERSIAN KITTEN, &quot;LAMBKIN NO. 2.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MISS MARY GRESHAM&#39;S PERSIAN KITTEN, &quot;LAMBKIN NO. 2.&quot;</span>
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z057.jpg" width="600" height="535" alt="MISS MOORE&#39;S &quot;BOGEY.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MISS MOORE&#39;S &quot;BOGEY.&quot;</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>I have now concluded my remarks on the long-haired varieties of cats
+that I am at present acquainted with. They are an exceedingly
+interesting section; their habits, manners, forms, and colours form a by
+no means unprofitable study for those fond of animal life, as they, in
+my opinion, differ in many ways from those of their "short-haired"
+brethren. I shall not cease, however, in my endeavours to find out if
+any other long-haired breeds exist, and I am, therefore, making
+inquiries in every direction in which I deem it likely I shall get an
+increase of information on the subject, but hitherto without any
+success. There<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>fore, I am led to suppose that the three I have
+enumerated are the only domesticated long-haired varieties. The nearest
+approach, I believe, to these in the wild state is that of the British
+wild cat, which has in some instances a mane and a bushy tail, slightly
+resembling that of the Russian long-hair, with much of the same facial
+expression, and rather pointed tufts at the apex of the ears. It is also
+large, like some of the "long-haired" cats that I have seen; in fact, it
+far more resembles these breeds than those of the short hair. I was much
+struck with the many points of similitude on seeing the British wild cat
+exhibited by the Duke of Sutherland at the first cat show at the Crystal
+Palace in July, 1871. I merely offer this as an idea for further
+consideration. At the same time, allow me to say that I have had no
+opportunity of studying the anatomy of the British wild cat, in
+contradistinction to that of the Russian, or others with long hair. I
+only wish to point out what I term a general resemblance, far in excess
+of those with short hair. I am fully aware how difficult it is to trace
+any origin of the domestic cat, or from what breeds; it is also said,
+that the British wild cat is not one of them, still I urge there exists
+the similarity I mention; whether it is so apparent to others I know
+not.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/z058.jpg" width="400" height="320" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;">
+<img src="images/z059.jpg" width="700" height="471" alt="MR. SMITH&#39;S PRIZE HE-CAT." title="" />
+<span class="caption">MR. SMITH&#39;S PRIZE HE-CAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE TORTOISESHELL CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I now come to the section of the short-haired domestic cat, a variety
+possessing sub-varieties. Whether these all came from the same origin is
+doubtful, although in breeding many of the different colours will breed
+back to the striped or tabby colour, and, <i>per contra</i>, white
+whole-coloured cats are often got from striped or spotted parents, and
+<i>vice vers�</i>. Those that have had any experience of breeding
+domesticated animals or birds, know perfectly well how difficult it is
+to keep certain peculiarities gained by years of perseverance of
+breeding for such points of variation, or what is termed excellence.
+Place a few fancy pigeons, for instance, in the country and let them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+match how they like, and one would be quite surprised, unless he were a
+naturalist, to note the great changes that occur in a few years, and the
+unmistakable signs of reversion towards their ancestral stock&mdash;that of
+the Rock pigeon. But with the cat this is somewhat different, as little
+or no attempts have been made, as far as I know of, until cat shows were
+instituted, to improve any particular breed either in form or colour.
+Nor has it even yet, with the exception of the long-haired cats. Why
+this is so I am at a loss to understand, but the fact remains. Good
+well-developed cats of certain colours fetch large prices, and are, if I
+may use the term, perpetual prize-winners. I will take as an instance
+the tortoiseshell tom, he, or male cat as one of the most scarce, and
+the red or yellow tabby she-cat as the next; and yet the possessor of
+either, with proper care and atten<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>tion, I have little or no doubt, has
+it in his power to produce either variety <i>ad libitum</i>. It is now many
+years since I remember the first "tortoiseshell tom-cat;" nor can I now
+at this distance of time quite call to mind whether or not it was not a
+tortoiseshell-and-white, and not a tortoiseshell pure and simple. It was
+exhibited in Piccadilly. If I remember rightly, I made a drawing of it,
+but as it is about forty years ago, of this I am not certain, although I
+have lately been told that I did, and that the price asked for the cat
+was 100 guineas.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 684px;">
+<img src="images/z060.jpg" width="684" height="468" alt="EXAMPLE OF TORTOISESHELL CAT, VERY DARK VARIETY." title="" />
+<span class="caption">EXAMPLE OF TORTOISESHELL CAT, VERY DARK VARIETY.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>This supposed scarcity was rudely put aside by the appearance, at the
+Crystal Palace Show of 1871, of no less than one tortoiseshell he-cat
+(exhibited by Mr. Smith) and three tortoiseshell-and-white he-cats, but
+it will be observed there was really but only one tortoiseshell he-cat,
+the others having white. On referring to the catalogues of the
+succeeding shows, no other pure tortoiseshell has been exhibited, and he
+ceased to appear after 1873; but tortoiseshell-and-white have been shown
+from 1871, varying in number from five to three until 1885. One of
+these, a tortoiseshell-and-white belonging to Mr. Hurry, gained no fewer
+than nine first prizes at the Crystal Palace, besides several firsts at
+other shows; this maintains my statement, that a really good scarce
+variety of cats is a valuable investment, Mr. Hurry's cat Totty keeping
+up his price of �100 till the end.</p>
+
+<p>As may have been gathered from the foregoing remarks, the points of the
+tortoiseshell he-cat are, black-red and yellow in patches, but no
+<i>white</i>. The colouring should be in broad, well-defined blotches and
+solid in colour, not mealy or tabby-like in the marking, but clear,
+sharp, and distinct, and the richer and deeper the colours the better.
+When this is so the animal presents a very handsome appearance. The eyes
+should be orange, the tail long and thick towards the base, the form
+slim, graceful, and elegant, and not too short on the leg, to which this
+breed has a tendency. Coming then to the actual tortoiseshell he, or
+male cat without white, I have never seen but one at the Shows, and that
+was exhibited by Mr. Smith. It does not appear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> that Mr. Smith bred any
+from it, nor do I know whether he took any precautions to do so; but if
+not, I am still of the opinion that more might have been produced. In
+Cassell's "Natural History," it is stated that the tortoiseshell cat is
+quite common in Egypt and in the south of Europe. This I can readily
+believe, as I think that it comes from a different stock than the usual
+short-haired cat, the texture of the hair being different, the form of
+tail also. I should much like to know whether in that country, where the
+variety is so common, there exists any number of tortoiseshell he-cats.
+In England the he-kittens are almost invariably red-tabby or
+red-tabby-and-white; the red-tabby she-cats are almost as scarce as
+tortoiseshell-and-white he-cats. Yet if red-tabby she-cats can be
+produced, I am of opinion that tortoiseshell he-cats could also. I had
+one of the former, a great beauty, and hoped to perpetuate the breed,
+but it unfortunately fell a victim to wires set by poachers for game.
+Again returning to the tortoiseshell, I have noted that, in drawings
+made by the Japanese, the cats are always of this colour; that being so,
+it leads one to suppose that in that country tortoiseshell he-cats must
+be plentiful. Though the drawings are strong evidence, they are not
+absolute proof. I have asked several travelling friends questions as
+regards the Japanese cats, but in no case have I found them to have
+taken sufficient notice for their testimony to be anything else than
+worthless. I shall be very thankful for any information on this subject,
+for to myself, and doubtless also to many others, it is exceedingly
+interesting. Any one wishing to breed rich brown tabbies, should use a
+tortoiseshell she-cat with a very brown and black-banded he-cat. They
+are not so good from the spotted tabby, often producing merely
+tortoiseshell tabbies instead of brown tabbies, or true tortoiseshells.
+My remarks as to the colouring of the tortoiseshell he-cat are equally
+applicable to the she-cat, which should not have any white. Of the
+tortoiseshell-and-white hereafter.</p>
+
+<p>To breed tortoiseshell he-cats, I should use males of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> whole colour,
+such as either white, black, or blue; and on no account any tabby, no
+matter the colour. What is wanted is patches of colour, not tiny streaks
+or spots; and I feel certain that, for those who persevere, there will
+be successful results.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 731px;">
+<img src="images/z063.jpg" width="731" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 528px;">
+<img src="images/z064.jpg" width="528" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE TORTOISESHELL-AND-WHITE CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>This is a more common mixture of colouring than the tortoiseshell pure
+and simple without white, and seems to be widely spread over different
+parts of the world. It is the opinion of some that this colour and the
+pure tortoiseshell is the original domestic cat, and that the other
+varieties of marking and colours are but deviations produced by crossing
+with wild varieties. My brother, John Jenner Weir, F.L.S., F.Z.S., holds
+somewhat to this opinion; but,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> to me, it is rather difficult to arrive
+at this conclusion. In fact, I can scarcely realise the ground on which
+the theory is based&mdash;at the same time, I do not mean to ignore it
+entirely. And yet, if this be so, from what starting-point was the
+original domestic cat derived, and by what means were the rich and
+varied markings obtained? I am fully aware that by selection cats with
+large patches of colour may be obtained; still, there remain the
+peculiar markings of the tortoiseshell. Nor is this by any means an
+uncommon colour, not only in this country, but in many others, and there
+also appears to be a peculiar fixedness of this, especially in the
+female, but why it is not so in the male I am at a loss to understand,
+the males almost invariably coming either red-tabby or
+red-tabby-and-white. One would suppose that black or white would be
+equally likely; but, as far as my observations take me, this is not so,
+though I have seen both pure white, yellow, red, and black in litters of
+kittens, but this might be different were the he parent tortoiseshell.</p>
+
+<p>Some years ago I was out with a shooting party not far from Snowdon, in
+Wales, when turning past a large rock I came on a sheltered nook, and
+there in a nest made of dry grasses laid six tortoiseshell-and-white
+kittens about eight to ten days old. I was much surprised at this, as I
+did not know of any house near, therefore these must have been the
+offspring of some cat or cats that were leading a roving or wild life,
+and yet it had no effect as to the deviation of the colour. I left them
+there, and without observing the sex. I was afterwards sorry, as it is
+just possible, though scarcely probable, that one or more of the six,
+being all of the same colour, might have proved to be a male. As I left
+the neighbourhood a few days after I saw no more of them, nor have I
+since heard of any being there; so conclude they in some way were
+destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>I have observed in the breed of tortoiseshell or
+tortoise-shell-and-white that the hair is of a coarser texture than the
+ordinary domestic cat, and that the tail is generally thicker,
+especially at the base, though some few are thin-tailed; yet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> I prefer
+the thick and tapering form. Some are very much so, and of a good
+length; the legs are generally somewhat short; I do not ever remember
+seeing a really long-legged tortoiseshell, though when this is so if not
+too long it adds much to its grace of action. I give a drawing of what I
+consider to be a <span class="smcap">GOOD</span> tortoiseshell-and-white tom or he-cat. It will be
+observed that there is more white on the chest, belly, and hind legs
+than is allowable in the black-and-white cat. This I deem necessary for
+artistic beauty, when the colour is laid on in <i>patches</i>, although it
+should be even, clear, and distinct in its outline; the larger space of
+white adds brilliancy to the red, yellow, and black colouring. The face
+is one of the parts which should have some uniformity of colour, and yet
+not so, but a mere <i>balancing</i> of colour; that is to say, that there
+should be a <i>relief</i> in black, with the yellow and red on each side, and
+so in the body and tail. The nose should be white, the eyes orange, and
+the whole colouring rich and varied without the least <i>Tabbyness</i>,
+either brown or gray or an approach to it, such being highly detrimental
+to its beauty.</p>
+
+<p>I have received a welcome letter from Mr. Herbert Young, of James
+Street, Harrogate, informing me of the existence of what is said to be a
+tortoiseshell tom or he-cat somewhere in Yorkshire, and the price is
+fifty guineas; but he, unfortunately, has forgotten the exact address.
+He also kindly favours me with the further information of a
+tortoiseshell-and-white he-cat. He describes it as "splendid," and
+"extra good in colour," and it is at present in the vicinity of
+Harrogate. And still further, Mr. Herbert Young says, "I am breeding
+from a dark colour cat and two tortoiseshell females," and he hopes, by
+careful selection, to succeed in "breeding the other colour out." This,
+I deem, is by no means an unlikely thing to happen, and, by careful
+management, may not take very long to accomplish; but much depends on
+the ancestry, or rather the pedigree of both sides. I for one most
+heartily wish Mr. Herbert Young success, and it will be most gratifying
+should he arrive at the height of his expectations. Failing the
+producing of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> desired colour in the he-cats by the legitimate method
+of tortoiseshell with tortoiseshell, I would advise the trial of some
+<i>whole</i> colours, such as solid black and white. This <i>may</i> prove a
+better way than the other, as we pigeon fanciers go an apparently
+roundabout way often to obtain what we want to attain in colour, and yet
+there is almost a certainty in the method.</p>
+
+<p>As regards the tortoiseshell cat, there is a distinct variety known to
+us cat fanciers as the tortoiseshell-tabby. This must not be confounded
+with the true variety, as it consists only of a variegation in colour of
+the yellow, the red, and the dark tabby, and is more in lines than
+patches, or patches of lines or spots. These are by no means ugly, and a
+well-marked, richly-coloured specimen is really very handsome. They may
+also be intermixed with white, and should be marked the same as the true
+tortoiseshell; but in competition with the <i>real</i> tortoiseshell they
+would stand <i>no chance</i> whatever, and ought in my opinion to be
+disqualified as being wrong class, and be put in that for "any other
+colour."<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 286px;">
+<img src="images/z067.jpg" width="286" height="300" alt="MRS. VYVYAN&#39;S ROYAL CAT OF SIAM." title="" />
+<span class="caption">MRS. VYVYAN&#39;S ROYAL CAT OF SIAM.</span>
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z068.jpg" width="600" height="540" alt="BROWN TABBY&mdash;BARS THE RIGHT WIDTH." title="" />
+<span class="caption">BROWN TABBY&mdash;BARS THE RIGHT WIDTH.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE BROWN TABBY CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The tabby cat is doubtless one of, if not the most common of colours,
+and numbers many almost endless varieties of both tint and markings. Of
+these those with very broad bands of black, or narrow bands of black, on
+nearly a black ground, are usually called black tabby, and if the bands
+are divided into spots instead of being in continuous lines, then it is
+a spotted black tabby; but I purpose in this paper to deal mostly with
+the brown tabby&mdash;that is to say, a tabby, whose ground colour is of a
+very rich, orangey, dark brown ground, without any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> white, and that is
+evenly, proportionably, and not too broadly but elegantly marked on the
+face, head, breast, sides, back, belly, legs, and tail with bands of
+solid, deep, shining black. The front part of the head or face and legs,
+breast, and belly should have a more rich red orange tint than the back,
+but which should be nearly if not equal in depth of colour, though
+somewhat browner; the markings should be graceful in curve, sharply,
+well, and clearly defined, with fine deep black edges, so that the brown
+and black are clear and distinct the one from the other, not blurred in
+any way. The banded tabby should not be spotted in any way, excepting
+those few that nearly always occur on the face and sometimes on the
+fore-legs. The clearer, redder, and brighter the brown the better. The
+nose should be deep red, bordered with black; the eyes an orange colour,
+slightly diffused with green; in form the head should not be large, nor
+too wide, being rather longer than broad, so as not to give too round or
+clumsy an appearance; ears not large nor small, but of moderate size,
+and of good form; legs medium length, rather long than short, so as not
+to lose grace of action; body long, narrow, and deep towards the fore
+part. Tail long, and gradually tapering towards the point; feet round,
+with black claws, and black pads; yellowish-white around the black lips
+and brown whiskers are allowable, but orange-tinted are far preferable,
+and pure white should disqualify. A cat of this description is now
+somewhat rare. What are generally shown as <i>brown</i> tabbies are not
+sufficiently <i>orange-brown</i>, but mostly of a dark, brownish-gray. This
+is simply the ordinary tabby, and not the <i>brown</i> tabby proper.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 470px;">
+<img src="images/z070.jpg" width="470" height="600" alt="BROWN TABBY&mdash;MARKINGS MUCH TOO WIDE." title="" />
+<span class="caption">BROWN TABBY&mdash;MARKINGS MUCH TOO WIDE.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>As I stated in my notes on the Tortoiseshell cat, the best parents to
+obtain a good brown tabby from is to have a strongly marked, not too
+broad-banded tabby he-cat and a tortoiseshell she-cat with little black,
+or red tabby she-cat, the produce being, when tabby, generally of a rich
+brown, or sometimes what is termed black tabby, and also red tabby. The
+picture illustrating these notes is from one so bred, and is a
+particularly handsome specimen. There<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> were two he-cats in the litter,
+one the dark-brown tabby just mentioned, which I named Aaron, and the
+other, a very fine red tabby, Moses. This last was even a finer animal
+than Aaron, being very beautiful in colour and very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> large in size; but
+he, alas! like many others, was caught in wires set by poachers, and was
+found dead. His handsome brother still survives, though no longer my
+property. The banded red tabby should be marked precisely the same as
+the brown tabby, only the bands should be of deep red on an orange
+ground, the deeper in colour the better; almost a chocolate on orange is
+very fine. The nose deep pink, as also the pads of the feet. The
+ordinary dark tabby the same way as the brown, and so also the blue or
+silver, only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> the ground colour should be of a pale, soft, <i>blue</i>
+colour&mdash;not the slightest tint of brown in it. The clearer, the
+<i>lighter</i>, and brighter the blue the better, bearing in mind always that
+the bands should be of a <i>jet black</i>, sharply and <i>very clearly
+defined</i>.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 583px;">
+<img src="images/z071.jpg" width="583" height="600" alt="WELL-MARKED PRIZE SILVER TABBY." title="" />
+<span class="caption">WELL-MARKED PRIZE SILVER TABBY.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>The word tabby was derived from a kind of taffeta, or ribbed silk, which
+when calendered or what is now termed "watered," is by that process
+covered with wavy lines. This stuff, in bygone times, was often called
+"tabby:" hence the cat with lines or markings on its fur was called a
+"tabby" cat. But it might also, one would suppose, with as much justice,
+be called a taffety cat, unless the calendering of "taffety" caused it
+to become "tabby." Certain it is that the word tabby only referred to
+the marking or stripes, not to the absolute colour, for in "Wit and
+Drollery" (1682), p. 343, is the following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Her petticoat of satin,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her gown of crimson tabby."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Be that as it may, I think there is little doubt that the foregoing was
+the origin of the term. Yet it was also called the brinded cat, or the
+brindled cat, also tiger cat, with some the gray cat, graymalkin; but I
+was rather unprepared to learn that in Norfolk and Suffolk it is called
+a Cyprus cat. "Why Cyprus cat?" quoth I. "I do not know," said my
+informant. "All I know is, that such is the case."</p>
+
+<p>So I referred to my Bailey's Dictionary of 1730, and there, "sure
+enough," was the elucidation; for I found that Cyprus was a kind of
+cloth made of silk and hair, showing wavy lines on it, and coming from
+Cyprus; therefore this somewhat strengthens the argument in favour of
+"taffeta," or "tabby," but it is still curious that the Norfolk and
+Suffolk people should have adopted a kind of cloth as that representing
+the markings and colour of the cat, and that of a different name from
+that in use for the cat&mdash;one or more counties calling it a "tabby cat,"
+as regards colour, and the other naming the same as "Cyprus." I take
+this to be exceedingly interesting. How or when such naming took<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> place
+I am at present unable to get the least clue, though I think from what I
+gather from one of the Crystal Palace Cat Show catalogues, that it must
+have been after 1597, as the excerpt shows that at that time the shape
+and colour was like a leopard's, which, of course, is spotted, and is
+always called the spotted leopard. (Since this I have learned that the
+domestic cat is said to have been brought from Cyprus by merchants, as
+also was the tortoiseshell. Cyprus is a colour, a sort of
+reddish-yellow, something like citron; so a Cyprus cat may mean a red or
+yellow tabby.)</p>
+
+<p>However, I find Holloway, in his "Dictionary of Provincialisms" (1839),
+gives the following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Calimanco Cat, s. (<i>calimanco</i>, a <i>glossy stuff</i>), a tortoiseshell cat,
+Norfolk."</p>
+
+<p>Salmon, in "The Compleat English Physician," 1693, p. 326, writing of
+the cat, says: "It is a neat and cleanly creature, often licking itself
+to keep it fair and clean, and washing its face with its fore feet; the
+best are such as of a fair and large kind and of an exquisite tabby
+color called <i>Cyprus</i> cats."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 261px;">
+<img src="images/z073.jpg" width="261" height="300" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 527px;"><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p>
+<img src="images/z074.jpg" width="527" height="700" alt="SPOTTED TABBY CAT." title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<h2>SPOTTED TABBY CAT</h2>
+
+<p>I have thought it best to give two illustrations of the peculiar
+markings of the <i>spotted</i> tabby, or leopard cat of some, as showing its
+distinctness from the ordinary and banded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> Tabby, one of my reasons
+being that I have, when judging at cat shows, often found excellent
+specimens of both entered in the "wrong class," thereby losing all
+chance of a prize, though, if rightly entered, either might very
+possibly have taken honours. I therefore wish to direct particular
+attention to the <i>spotted</i> character of the markings of the variety
+called the "spotted tabby." It will be observed that there are no lines,
+but what are lines in other tabbies are broken up into a number of
+spots, and the more these spots prevail, to the exclusion of <i>lines</i> or
+<i>bands</i>, the better the specimen is considered to be. The varieties of
+the ground colour or tint on which these markings or spots are placed
+constitutes the name, such as black-spotted tabby, brown-spotted tabby,
+and so on, the red-spotted tabby or yellow-spotted tabby in <i>she</i>-cats
+being by far the most scarce. These should be marked with <i>spots</i>
+instead of <i>bands</i>, on the same ground colour as the red or
+yellow-banded tabby cat. In the former the ground colour should be a
+rich red, with spots of a deep, almost chocolate colour, while that of
+the yellow tabby may be a deep yellow cream, with yellowish-brown spots.
+Both are very scarce, and are extremely pretty. Any admixture of white
+is not allowable in the class for yellow or red tabbies; such exhibit
+must be put into the class (should there be one, which is usually the
+case at large shows) for red or yellow and <i>white</i> tabbies. This
+exhibitors will do well to make a note of.</p>
+
+<p>There is a rich-coloured brown tabby hybrid to be seen at the Zoological
+Society Gardens in Regent's Park, between the wild cat of Bengal and a
+tabby she-cat. It is handsome, but very wild. These hybrids, I am told,
+will breed again with tame variety, or with others.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z076.jpg" width="600" height="474" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>In the brown-spotted tabby, the dark gray-spotted tabby, the
+black-spotted tabby, the gray or the blue-spotted tabby, the eyes are
+best yellow or orange tinted, with the less of the green the better. The
+nose should be of a dark red, edged with black or dark brown, in the
+dark colours, or somewhat lighter colour in the gray or blue tabbies.
+The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> pads of the feet in all instances must be black. In the yellow and
+the red tabby the nose and the pads of the feet are to be pink. As
+regards the tail, that should have large spots on the upper and lower
+sides instead of being annulated, but this is difficult to obtain. It
+has always occurred to me that the spotted tabby is a much nearer
+approach to the wild English cat and some other wild cats in the way of
+colour than the ordinary broad-banded tabby. Those specimens of the
+crosses, said to be between the wild and domestic cat, that I have seen,
+have had a tendency to be spotted tabbies. And these crosses were not
+infrequent in bygone times when the wild cats were more numerous than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+at present, as is stated to be the case by that reliable authority,
+Thomas Bewick. In the year 1873, there was a specimen shown at the
+Crystal Palace Cat Show, and also the last year or two there has been
+exhibited at the same place a most beautiful hybrid between the East
+Indian wild cat and the domestic cat. It was shown in the spotted tabby
+class, and won the first prize. The ground colour was a deep
+blackish-brown, with well-defined black spots, black pads to the feet,
+rich in colour, and very strong and powerfully made, and not by any
+means a sweet temper. It was a he-cat, and though I have made inquiry, I
+have not been able to ascertain that any progeny has been reared from
+it, yet I have been informed that such hybrids between the Indian wild
+cat and the domestic cat breed freely.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;">
+<img src="images/z077.jpg" width="350" height="265" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE ABYSSINIAN.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I now come to the last variety of the tabby cat, and this can scarcely
+be called a tabby proper, as it is nearly destitute of markings,
+excepting sometimes on the legs and a broad black band along the back.
+It is mostly of a deep brown, ticked with black, somewhat resembling the
+back of a wild (only not so gray) rabbit. Along the centre of the back,
+from the nape of the neck to the tip of the tail, there is a band of
+black, very slightly interspersed with dark brown hairs. The inner sides
+of the legs and belly are more of a rufous-orange tint than the body,
+and are marked in some cases with a few dark patches; but they are best
+without these marks, and in the exhibition pens it is a point lost. The
+eyes are deep yellow, tinted with green; nose dark red, black-edged;
+ears rather small, dark brown, with black edges and tips; the pads of
+the feet are black. Altogether, it is a pretty and interesting variety.
+It has been shown under a variety of names, such as Russian, Spanish,
+Abyssinian, Hare cat, Rabbit cat, and some have gone so far as to
+maintain that it is a cross between the latter and a cat, proving very
+unmistakably there is nothing, however absurd or impossible, in animal
+or everyday life, that some people are not ready to credit and believe.
+A hybrid between the English wild cat and the domestic much resembles
+it; and I do not consider it different in any way, with the exception of
+its colour, from the ordinary tabby cat, from which I have seen kittens
+and adults bearing almost the same appearance. Some years ago when out
+rabbit-shooting on the South Downs, not far from Eastbourne, one of our
+party shot a cat of this colour in a copse not far from the village of
+Eastdean. He mistook it at first for a rabbit as it dashed into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> the
+underwood. It proved not to be wild, but belonged to one of the
+villagers, and was bred in the village. When the ground colour is light
+gray or blue, it is generally called chinchilla, to the fur of which
+animal the coat has a general resemblance. I have but little inclination
+to place it as a distinct, though often it is of foreign breed; such may
+be, though ours is merely a variety&mdash;and a very interesting one&mdash;of the
+ordinary tabby, with which its form, habits, temper, etc., seem fully to
+correspond; still several have been imported from Abyssinia all of which
+were precisely similar, and it is stated that this is the origin of the
+Egyptian cat that was worshipped so many centuries ago. The mummies of
+the cats I have seen in no case had any hair left, so that it was
+impossible to determine what colour they were. The imported cats are of
+stouter build than the English and less marked. These bred with an
+English tabby often give a result of nearly black, the back band
+extending very much down the sides, and the brown ticks almost
+disappearing, producing a rich and beautiful colouring.</p>
+
+<p>I find there is yet another tint or colour of the tabby proper which I
+have not mentioned, that is to say, a cat marked with light wavy lines,
+and an exceedingly pretty one it is. It is very rare; in fact, so much
+so that it has never had a class appropriated to it, and therefore is
+only admissible to or likely to win in the class "For Any Other Colour,"
+in which class usually a number of very beautiful varieties are to be
+found, some of which I shall have occasion to notice further on. The
+colour, however, that I now refer to is often called the silver tabby,
+for want of a better name. It is this. The whole of the ground colour is
+of a most delicate silver-gray, clear and firm in tone, slightly blue if
+anything apart from the gray, and the markings thereon are but a little
+darker, with a tinge of lilac in them making the fur to look like an
+evening sky, rayed with light clouds. The eyes are orange-yellow, and
+when large and full make a fine contrast to the colour of the fur. The
+nose is red, edged with a lilac tint, and the pads of the feet and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>
+claws are black, or nearly so. The hair is generally very fine, short,
+and soft. Altogether it is most lovely, and well worthy of attention,
+forming, as it does, a beautiful contrast to the red, the yellow, or
+even the brown tabby. A turquoise ribbon about its neck will show to
+great advantage the delicate lilac tints of its coat, or, if a contrast
+is preferred, a light orange scarlet, or what is often called geranium
+colour, will perhaps give a brighter and more pleasing effect.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z080.jpg" width="600" height="476" alt="MRS. HERRING&#39;S BLUE SMALL-BANDED TABBY." title="" />
+<span class="caption">MRS. HERRING&#39;S BLUE SMALL-BANDED TABBY.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>This is by no means so uncommon a colour in the <i>long-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>haired</i> cats,
+some of which are exquisite, and are certainly the acme of beauty in the
+way of cat colouring; but I must here remark that there is a vast
+difference in the way of disposition between these two light varieties,
+that of the former being far more gentle. In fact, I am of opinion that
+the short-haired cat in general is of a more genial temperament, more
+"cossetty," more observant, more quick in adapting itself to its
+surroundings and circumstances than its long-haired brother, and, as a
+rule, it is also more cleanly in its habits. Though at the same time I
+am willing to admit that some of these peculiarities being set aside,
+the long-haired cat is charmingly beautiful, and at the same time has a
+large degree of intelligence&mdash;in fact, much more than most animals that
+I know, not even setting aside the dog, and I have come to this
+conclusion after much long, careful, and mature consideration.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 676px;">
+<img src="images/z081.jpg" width="676" height="400" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 665px;">
+<img src="images/z082.jpg" width="665" height="539" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE SHORT-HAIRED WHITE CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>This of all, as it depends entirely on its comeliness, should be
+graceful and elegant in the outline of its form and also action, the
+head small, not too round nor thick, for this gives a clumsy, heavy
+appearance, but broad on the forehead, and gently tapering towards the
+muzzle, the nose small, tip even and pink, the ears rather small than
+large, and not too pointed, the neck slender, shoulders narrow and
+sloping backwards, loin full and long, legs of moderate length, tail
+well set on, long, broad at the base, and gradually tapering towards the
+end; the white should be the yellow-white, that is, the white of the
+colours, such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> as tortoiseshell, red tabby or blues, not the gray-white
+bred from the black, as these are coarser in the quality of the furs.
+The eye should be large, round, full, and blue. I noted this peculiarity
+of white when breeding white Cochins many years ago; those chickens that
+were black when hatched were a colder and harder white than those which
+were hatched buff. This colouring of white should be fully borne in mind
+when crossing colours in breeding, as the results are widely different
+from the two varieties. The whole colour yellow-white will not do to
+match with blue or gray, as it will assuredly give the wrong tinge or
+colour.</p>
+
+<p>The eyes should be blue; green is a great defect; bright yellow is
+allowable, or what in horses is called "wall eyes." Orange gives a heavy
+appearance; but yellow will harmonise and look well with a gray-white.</p>
+
+<p>White cats with blue eyes are hardy. Mr. Timbs, in "Things Not Generally
+Known," relates that even they are not so likely to be deaf as is
+supposed, and mentions one of seventeen years old which retained its
+hearing faculties perfectly. Some specimens I have seen with one yellow
+eye and one blue; this is a most singular freak of nature, and to the
+best of my knowledge is not to be found among any of the other colours.</p>
+
+<p>It is stated that one of the white horses recently presented by the Shah
+of Persia to the Emperor of Russia has blue eyes. I can scarcely credit
+this, but think it must be a true albino, with the gray-pink coloured
+eyes they generally have, or possibly the blue eye is that peculiar to
+the <i>albino</i> cat and horse, as I have never seen an albino horse or cat
+with pink eyes but a kind of opalesque colour, or what is termed "wall
+eye." No doubt many of my readers have observed the differences in the
+white of our horses, they mostly being the gray-white, with dark skin;
+but the purer white has a pink skin, and is much softer and elegant in
+appearance. It is the same with our white cats.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE BLACK CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>It is often said "What's in a name?" the object, whatever it is, by any
+other would be the same, and yet there is much in a name; but this is
+not the question at issue, which is that of colour. Why should a <i>black</i>
+cat be thought so widely different from all others by the foolish,
+unthinking, and ignorant? Why, simply on account of its colour being
+black, should it have ascribed to it a numberless variety of bad omens,
+besides having certain necromantic power? In Germany, for instance,
+black cats are kept away from children as omens of evil, and if a black
+cat appeared in the room of one lying ill it was said to portend death.
+To meet a black cat in the twilight was held unlucky. In the "good old
+times" a black cat was generally the only colour that was favoured by
+men reported to be wizards, and also were said to be the constant
+companions of reputed witches, and in such horror and detestation were
+they then held that when the unfortunate creatures were ill-treated,
+drowned, or even burned, very frequently we are told that their cats
+suffered martyrdom at the same time. It is possible that one of the
+reasons for such wild, savage superstition may have arisen from the fact
+of the larger amount of electricity to be found by friction in the coat
+of the black cat to any other; experiments prove there is but very
+little either in that of the white or the red tabby cat. Be this as it
+may, still the fact remains that, for some reason or other, the black
+cat is held by the prejudiced ignorant as an animal most foul and
+detestable, and wonderful stories are related<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> of their actions in the
+dead of the night during thunder-storms and windy nights. Yet, as far as
+I can discover, there appears little difference either of temper or
+habit in the black cat distinct from that of any other colour, though it
+is maintained by many even to this day that black cats are far more
+vicious and spiteful and of higher courage, and this last I admit.
+Still, when a black cat is enraged and its coat and tail are well "set
+up," its form swollen, its round, bright, orange-yellow eye distended
+and all aglow with anger, it certainly presents to even the most
+impartial observer, to say the least of it, a most "uncanny" appearance.
+But, for all this, their admirers are by no means few; and, to my
+thinking, a jet-black cat, fine and glossy in fur and elegantly formed,
+certainly has its attractions; but I will refer to the superstitions
+connected with the black cat further on.</p>
+
+<p>A black cat for show purposes should be of a uniform, intense black; a
+brown-black is richer than a blue-black. I mean by this that when the
+hair is parted it should show in the division a dark brown-black in
+preference to any tint of blue whatever. The coat or fur should be
+short, velvety, and very glossy. The eyes round and full, and of a deep
+orange colour; nose black, and also the pads of the feet; tail long,
+wide at the base, and tapering gradually towards the end. A long thin
+tail is a great fault, and detracts much from the merits it may
+otherwise possess. A good, deep, rich-coloured black cat is not so
+common as many may at first suppose, as often those that are said to be
+black show tabby markings under certain conditions of light; and, again,
+others want depth and richness of colour, some being only a very dark
+gray. In form it is the same as other short-haired cats, such as I have
+described in the white, and this brings me to the variety called
+"blue."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span><br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;">
+<img src="images/z086.jpg" width="700" height="395" alt="ARCHANGEL BLUE CAT." title="" />
+<span class="caption">ARCHANGEL BLUE CAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE BLUE CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>This is shown often under a number of names. It was at first shown as
+the Archangel cat, then Russian blue, Spanish blue, Chartreuse blue,
+and, lastly, and I know not why, the American blue. It is not, in my
+belief, a distinct breed, but merely a light-coloured form of the black
+cat. In fact, I have ascertained that one shown at the Crystal Palace,
+and which won many prizes on account of its beautiful blue colour
+slightly tinged with purple, was the offspring of a tabby and white
+she-cat and a black-and-white he-cat, and I have seen the same colour
+occur when bred from the cats usually kept about a farmhouse as a
+protection from rats and mice, though none of the parents had any blue
+colour.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Being so beautiful, and as it is possible in some places abroad it may
+be bred in numbers, I deemed it advisable, when making out the prize
+schedule, to give special prizes for this colour; the fur being used for
+various purposes on account of its hue. A fine specimen should be even
+in colour, of a bluish-lilac tint, with no sootiness or black, and
+though light be firm and rich in tone, the nose and pads dark, and the
+eyes orange-yellow. If of a very light blue-gray, the nose and pads may
+be of a deep chocolate colour and the eyes deep yellow, not green. If it
+is a foreign variety, I can only say that I see no distinction in form,
+temper, or habit; and, as I have before mentioned, it is sometimes bred
+here in England from cats bearing no resemblance to the bluish-lilac
+colour, nor of foreign extraction or pedigree. I feel bound, however, to
+admit that those that came from Archangel were of a deeper, purer tint
+than the English cross-breeds; and on reference to my notes, I find they
+had larger ears and eyes, and were larger and longer in the head and
+legs, also the coat or fur was excessively short, rather inclined to
+woolliness, but bright and glossy, the hair inside the ears being
+shorter than is usual in the English cat.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 588px;">
+<img src="images/z087.jpg" width="588" height="228" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z088.jpg" width="600" height="427" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE BLACK-AND-WHITE CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>This is distinct from the <i>white-and-black</i> cat, the ground colour being
+black, marked with white; while the other is white, marked with black.
+The chief points of excellence for show purposes are a dense bright
+brown-black, evenly marked with white. Of this I give an illustration,
+showing the most approved way in which the white should be distributed,
+coming to a point between the eyes. The feet should be white, and the
+chest, the nose, and the pads white. No black on the lips or nose,
+whiskers white, eyes of orange yellow. Any black on the white portions
+is highly detrimental to its beauty and its chance of a prize.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The same markings are applicable to the brown tabby and white, the dark
+tabby and white, the red tabby and white, the yellow tabby and white,
+the blue or silver tabby and white, and the blue and white. One great
+point is to obtain a perfectly clear and distinct gracefully-curved
+outline of colour, and this to be maintained throughout; the blaze on
+the forehead to be central. It is stated that if a dog has white
+anywhere, he is sure to have a white tip to his tail, and I think, on
+observation, it will be found usually the case, although this is not so
+in the cat, for I cannot call to mind a single instance where a
+black-and-white had a white tip to its tail; but taking the various
+colours of the domestic cat into consideration I think it will be found
+that there is a larger number with some white about them than those of
+entirely one colour, without even a few white hairs, which if they
+appear at all are mostly to be found on the chest, though they often are
+exceedingly few in number.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z089.jpg" width="600" height="318" alt="MRS. VYVYAN&#39;S ROYAL CAT OF SIAM." title="" />
+<span class="caption">MRS. VYVYAN&#39;S ROYAL CAT OF SIAM.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z090.jpg" width="600" height="464" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h2>THE WHITE-AND-BLACK CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>This differs entirely from the black-and-white cat, as just explained,
+and is the opposite as regards colour, the ground being white instead of
+black, and the markings black on white. For exhibition purposes and
+points of excellence, no particular rule exists beyond that the exhibit
+shall be evenly marked, with the colour distributed so as to balance,
+as, for example:&mdash;If a cat has a black patch just <i>under</i> one eye with a
+<i>little above</i>, the balance of colour would be maintained if the other
+eye had a preponderance of colour <i>above</i> instead<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> of <i>below</i>, and so
+with the nose, shoulders, or back, but it would be far better if the
+patches of colour were the same size and shape, and equal in position.
+It might be that a cat evenly marked on the head had a mark on the left
+shoulder with more on the right, with a rather larger patch on the right
+side of the loin, or a black tail would help considerably to produce
+what is termed "<i>balance</i>," though a cat of this description would lose
+if competing against one of entirely uniform markings.</p>
+
+<p>I have seen several that have been marked in a very singular way. One
+was entirely white, with black ears. Another white, with a black tail
+only. This had orange eyes, and was very pretty. Another had a black
+blaze up the nose, the rest of the animal being white. This had blue
+eyes, and was deaf. Another had the two front feet black, all else being
+white; the eyes were yellow-tinted green. All these, it will be
+observed, were perfect in the way they were marked.</p>
+
+<p>I give an illustration of a cat belonging to Mr. S. Lyon, of Crewe. It
+is remarkable in more ways than one, and in all probability, had it been
+born in "the dark ages" a vast degree of importance would have been
+attached to it, not only on account of the peculiar distribution of the
+colour and its form, but also as to the singular coincidence of its
+birth. The head is white, with a black mark over the eyes and ears
+which, when looked at from above, presents the appearance of a
+<i>fleur-de-lis</i>. The body is white, with a distinct black cross on the
+right side, or, rather, more on the back than side. The cross resembles
+that known as Maltese in form, and is clearly defined. The tail is
+black, the legs and feet white. Nor does the cat's claim to notice
+entirely end here, for, marvellous to relate, it was born on Easter
+Sunday, A.D. 1886. Now, what would have been said of such a coincidence
+had this peculiar development of Nature occurred in bygone times? There
+is just the possibility that the credulous would have "flocked" to see
+the wondrous animal from far and near; and even now, in these
+enlightened times, I learn from Mr. Lyon that the cat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> is not by any
+means devoid of interest and attraction, for, as he tells me, a number
+of persons have been to see it, some of whom predict that "luck" will
+follow, and that he and his household will, in consequence, <i>doubtless</i>
+enjoy many blessings, and that all things will prosper with him
+accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>Although my remarks are directed to "the white-and-black" cat, the same
+will apply to the "white-and-red, white-and-yellow, white-and-tabby,
+white-and-blue, or dun colour;" all these, and the foregoing, will most
+probably have to be exhibited in the "Any Other Colour" class, as there
+is seldom one at even the largest shows for peculiar markings with white
+as the <i>ground</i> or principal colour.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z092.jpg" width="600" height="405" alt="WHITE CAT." title="" />
+
+<span class="caption">WHITE CAT.</span>
+
+<br /><br /></div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z093.jpg" width="600" height="425" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>SIAMESE CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Among the beautiful varieties of the domestic cat brought into notice by
+the cat shows, none deserve more attention than "The Royal Cat of Siam."
+In form, colour, texture, and length, or rather shortness of its coat,
+it is widely different from other short-haired varieties; yet there is
+but little difference in its mode of life or habit. I have not had the
+pleasure of owning one of this breed, though when on a visit to Lady
+Dorothy Nevill, at Dangstein, near Petersfield, I had several
+opportunities for observation. I noticed in particular the intense
+liking of these cats for "the woods," not passing along the hedgerows
+like the ordinary cat, but quickly and quietly creeping from bush to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+bush, then away in the shaws; not that they displayed a wildness of
+nature, in being shy or distrustful, nor did they seem to care about
+getting wet like many cats do, though apparently they suffer much when
+it is cold and damp weather, as would be likely on account of the
+extreme shortness of their fur, which is of both a hairy and a woolly
+texture, and not so glossy as our ordinary common domestic cat, nor is
+the tail, which is thin. Lady Dorothy Nevill informed me that those
+which belonged to her were imported from Siam and presented by Sir R.
+Herbert of the Colonial Office; the late Duke of Wellington imported the
+breed, also Mr. Scott of Rotherfield. Lady Dorothy Nevill thought them
+exceedingly docile and domestic, but delicate in their constitution;
+although her ladyship kept one for two years, another over a year, but
+eventually all died of the same complaint, that of worms, which
+permeated every part of their body.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Young, of Harrogate, possesses a chocolate variety of this Royal
+Siamese cat; it was sent from Singapore to Mr. Brennand, from whom he
+purchased it, and is described as "most loving and affectionate," which
+I believe is usually the case. Although this peculiar colour is very
+beautiful and scarce, I am of opinion that the light gray or fawn colour
+with black and well-marked muzzle, ears, and legs is the typical
+variety, the markings being the same as the Himalayan rabbits. There are
+cavies so marked; and many years ago I saw a mouse similarly coloured.
+Mr. Young informs me that the kittens he has bred from his dark variety
+have invariably come the usual gray or light dun colour with dark
+points. I therefore take that to be the correct form and colour, and the
+darker colour to be an accidental deviation. In pug-dogs such a depth of
+colour would be considered a blemish, however beautiful it might be;
+even black pugs do not obtain prizes in competition with a true-marked
+light dun; but whatever colour the body is it should be clear and firm,
+rich and not clouded in any way. But I give Mr. Young's own views:</p>
+
+<p>"The dun Siamese we have has won whenever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> shown; the body is of a dun
+colour, nose, part of the face, ears, feet, and tail of a very dark
+chocolate brown, nearly black, eyes of a beautiful blue by day, and of a
+red colour at night! My other prize cat is of a very rich chocolate or
+seal, with darker face, ears, and tail; the legs are a shade darker,
+which intensifies towards the feet. The eyes small, of a rich amber
+colour, the ears are bare of hair, and not so much hair between the eyes
+and the ears as the English cats have. The dun, unless under special
+judges, invariably beats the chocolate at the shows. The tail is shorter
+and finer than our English cats.</p>
+
+<p>"I may add that we lately have had four kittens from the chocolate cat
+by a pure dun Siamese he-cat. All the young are dun coloured, and when
+born were very light, nearly white, but are gradually getting the dark
+points of the parents; in fact, I expect that one will turn chocolate.
+The cats are very affectionate, and make charming ladies' pets, but are
+rather more delicate than our cats, but after they have once wintered in
+England they seem to get acclimatised.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Brennand, who brought the chocolate one and another, a male, from
+Singapore last year, informs me that there are two varieties, a large
+and small. Ours are the small; he also tells me the chocolate is the
+most rare.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard a little more regarding the Siamese cats from Miss Walker,
+the daughter of General Walker, who brought over one male and three
+females. It seems the only pure breed is kept at the King of Siam's
+palace, and the cats are very difficult to procure, for in Siam it took
+three different gentlemen of great influence three months before they
+could get any.</p>
+
+<p>"Their food is fish and rice boiled together until quite soft, and Miss
+Walker finds the kittens bred have thriven on it.</p>
+
+<p>"It is my intention to try and breed from a white English female with
+blue eyes, and a Siamese male.</p>
+
+<p>"The Siamese cats are very prolific breeders, having generally five at
+each litter, and three litters a year.</p>
+
+<p>"We have never succeeded in breeding any like our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> chocolate cat; they
+all come fawn, with black or dark brown points; the last family are a
+little darker on their backs, which gives them a richer appearance than
+the pale fawn. Hitherto we have never had any half-bred Siamese; but
+there used to be a male Siamese at Hurworth-on-Tees, and there were many
+young bred from English cats. They invariably showed the Siamese cross
+in the ground colour."</p>
+
+<p>From the foregoing it will be seen how very difficult it is to obtain
+the pure breed, even in Siam, and on reference to the Crystal Palace
+catalogues from the year 1871 until 1887, I find that there were
+<i>fifteen</i> females and only <i>four</i> males, and some of these were not
+entire; and I have always understood that the latter were not allowed to
+be exported, and were only got by those so fortunate as a most
+extraordinary favour, as the King of Siam is most jealous of keeping the
+breed entirely in Siam as royal cats.</p>
+
+<p>The one exhibited by Lady Dorothy Nevill (Mrs. Poodle) had three kittens
+by an English cat; but none showed any trace of the Siamese, being all
+tabby.</p>
+
+<p>Although Mr. Herbert Young was informed by Mr. Brennand that there is
+another and a larger breed in Siam, it does not appear that any of these
+have been imported; nor have we any description of them, either as to
+colour, size, form, or quality of coat, or whether they resemble the
+lesser variety in this or any respect, yet it is to be hoped that, ere
+long, some specimens may be secured for this country.</p>
+
+<p>Besides Mr. Herbert Young, I am also much indebted to the courtesy of
+Mrs. Vyvyan, of Dover, who is a lover of this beautiful breed, and who
+kindly sends the following information:</p>
+
+<p>"The original pair were sent from Bangkok, and it is believed that they
+came from the King's Palace, where alone the breed are said to be kept
+pure. At any rate they were procured as a great favour, after much delay
+and great difficulty, and since that time no others have been attainable
+by the same person. We were in China when they reached us, and the
+following year, 1886, we brought the father, mother, and a pair of
+kittens to England.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Their habits are in general the same as the common cat, though it has
+been observed by strangers, 'there is a pleasant wild animal odour,'
+which is not apparent to us.</p>
+
+<p>"Most of the kittens have a kink in the tail; it varies in position,
+sometimes in the middle, close to the body, or at the extreme end like a
+hook."</p>
+
+<p>This tallies with the description given by Mr. Darwin of the Malayan and
+also the Siamese cats. See my notes on the Manx cat. Mr. Young had also
+noted this peculiarity in "the Royal cat of Siam."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Vyvyan further remarks:</p>
+
+<p>"They are very affectionate and personally attached to their human
+friends, not liking to be left alone, and following us from room to room
+more after the manner of dogs than cats.</p>
+
+<p>"They are devoted parents, the old father taking the greatest interest
+in the young ones.</p>
+
+<p>"They are friendly with the dogs of the house, occupying the same
+baskets; but the males are very strong, and fight with great persistency
+with strange dogs, and conquer all other tom-cats in their
+neighbourhood. We lost one, however, a very fine cat, in China in this
+way, as he returned to the house almost torn to pieces and in a dying
+condition, from an encounter with some animal which we think was one of
+the wild cats of the hills.</p>
+
+<p>"We feed them on fresh fish boiled with rice, until the two are nearly
+amalgamated; they also take bread and milk <i>warm</i>, the milk having been
+boiled, and this diet seems to suit them better than any other. They
+also like chicken and game. We have proved the fish diet is not
+essential, as two of our cats (in Cornwall) never get it.</p>
+
+<p>"Rather a free life seems necessary to their perfect acclimatisation,
+where they can go out and provide themselves with raw animal food,
+'feather and fur.'</p>
+
+<p>"We find these cats require a great deal of care, unless they live in
+the country, and become hardy through being constantly out of doors. The
+kittens are difficult to rear unless they are born late in the spring,
+thus having the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> warm weather before them. Most deaths occur before they
+are six months old.</p>
+
+<p>"We have lost several kittens from worms, which they endeavour to vomit;
+as relief we give them raw chicken heads, with <i>the feathers on</i>, with
+success. We also give cod-liver oil, if the appetite fails and weight
+diminishes.</p>
+
+<p>"When first born the colour is nearly pure white, the only trace of
+'points' being a fine line of dark gray at the edge of the ears; a
+gradual alteration takes place, the body becoming creamy, the ears,
+face, tail, and feet darkening, until, about a year old, they attain
+perfection, when the points should be the deepest brown, nearly black,
+and the body ash or fawn colour, eyes opal or blue, looking red in the
+dark. After maturity they are apt to darken considerably, though not in
+all specimens.</p>
+
+<p>"They are most interesting and delightful pets. But owing to their
+delicacy and the great care they require, no one, unless a real cat
+<i>lover</i>, should attempt to keep them; they cannot with safety to their
+health be treated as common cats.</p>
+
+<p>"During 'Susan's' (one of the cats) illness, the old he-cat came daily
+to condole with her, bringing delicate 'attentions' in the form of
+freshly-caught mice. 'Loquat' also provided this for a young family for
+whom she had no milk.</p>
+
+<p>"Another, 'Saiwan,' is very clever at undoing the latch of the window in
+order to let himself out; tying it up with string is of no use, and he
+has even managed to untwist wire that has been used to prevent his going
+out in the snow. We have at present two males, four adult females, and
+five kittens." One of our kittens sent to Scotland last August, has done
+well.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lee, of Penshurst, also has some fine specimens of the breed, and
+of the same colours as described. I take it, therefore, that the true
+breed, by consensus of opinion, is that of the dun, fawn, or
+ash-coloured ground, with black points. Other colours should be shown in
+the variety classes.</p>
+
+<p>The head should be long from the ears to the eyes, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> not over broad,
+and then rather sharply taper off towards the muzzle, the forehead flat,
+and receding, the eyes somewhat aslant downwards towards the nose, and
+the eyes of a pearly, yet bright blue colour, the ears usual size and
+black, with little or no hair on the inside, with black muzzle, and
+round the eyes black. The form should be slight, graceful, and
+delicately made, body long, tail rather short and thin, and the legs
+somewhat short, slender, and the feet oval, not so round as the ordinary
+English cat. The body should be one bright, uniform, even colour, not
+clouded, either rich fawn, dun, or ash. The legs, feet, and tail black.
+The back slightly darker is allowable, if of a rich colour, and the
+colour softened, <i>not clouded</i>.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 452px;">
+<img src="images/z099.jpg" width="452" height="463" alt="PROPERLY MARKED SIAMESE CAT." title="" />
+<span class="caption">PROPERLY MARKED SIAMESE CAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z100.jpg" width="600" height="424" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE MANX CAT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The Manx cat is well known, and is by no means uncommon. It differs
+chiefly from the ordinary domestic cat in being tailless, or nearly so,
+the best breeds not having any; the hind legs are thicker and rather
+longer, particularly in the thighs. It runs more like a hare than a cat,
+the action of the legs being awkward, nor does it seem to turn itself so
+readily, or with such rapidity and ease; the head is somewhat small for
+its size, yet thick and well set on a rather long neck; the eyes large,
+round, and full, ears medium, and rather rounded at the apex. In colour
+they vary, but I do not remember<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> to have seen a white or many black,
+though one of the best that has come under my notice was the latter
+colour. I have examined a number of specimens sent for exhibition at the
+Crystal Palace and other cat shows, and found in some a very short,
+thin, twisted tail, in others a mere excrescence, and some with an
+appendage more like a knob. These I have taken as having been operated
+upon when young, the tail being removed, but this may not be the case,
+as Mr. St. George Mivart in his very valuable book on the cat, mentions
+a case where a female cat had her tail so injured by the passage of a
+cart-wheel over it, that her master judged it best to have it cut off
+near the base. Since then she has had two litters of kittens, and in
+each litter one or more of the kittens had a <i>stump of tail</i>, while
+their brothers and sisters had tails of the usual length. But were there
+no Manx cats in the neighbourhood, is a query. This case is analogous to
+the statement that the short-tailed sheep-dog was produced from parents
+that had had their tails amputated; and yet this is now an established
+breed. Also a small black breed of dogs from the Netherlands, which is
+now very fashionable. They are called "Chipperkes," and have no tails,
+at least when exhibited. Mr. St. George Mivart further states that Mr.
+Bartlett told him, as he has so stated to myself, that in the Isle of
+Man the cats have tails of different lengths, from nothing up to ten
+inches. I have also been informed on good authority that the Fox Terrier
+dogs, which invariably have (as a matter of fashion) their tails cut
+short, sometimes have puppies with much shorter tails than the original
+breed; but this does not appear to take effect on sheep, whose tails are
+generally cut off. I cannot, myself, come to the same conclusion as to
+the origin of the Manx cat. Be this as it may, one thing is certain:
+that cross-bred Manx with other cats often have young that are tailless.
+As a proof of this, Mr. Herbert Young, of Harrogate, has had in his
+possession a very fine red female long-haired tailless cat, that was
+bred between the Manx and a Persian. Another case showing the strong
+prepotency of the Manx cat. Mr. Hodgkin, of Eridge, some time ago had a
+female<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> Manx cat sent to him. Not only does she produce tailless cats
+when crossed with the ordinary cat, but the progeny again crossed also
+frequently have some tailless kittens in each litter. I have also been
+told there is a breed of tailless cats in Cornwall. Mr. Darwin states in
+his book on "The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication,"
+vol. i. p. 47, that "throughout an immense area, namely, the Malayan
+Archipelago, Siam, Pequan, and Burmah, all the cats have truncated tails
+about half the proper length, often with a sort of knob at the end."
+This description tallies somewhat with the appearance of some of the
+Siamese cats that have been imported, several of which, though they have
+fairly long and thin tails, and though they are much pointed at the end,
+often have a break or kink. In a note Mr. Darwin says, "The Madagascar
+cat is said to have a twisted tail." (See Desmares, in Encyclop. Nat.
+Mamm., 1820, p. 233, for some other breeds.) Mr. St. George Mivart also
+corroborates the statement, so far as the Malay cat is concerned. He
+says the tail is only half the ordinary length, and often contorted into
+a sort of knot, so that it cannot be straightened. He further states,
+"Its contortion is due to deformity of the bones of the tail," and there
+is a tailless breed of cats in the Crimea. Some of the Manx cats I have
+examined have precisely the kind of tail here described&mdash;thin, very
+short, and twisted, that cannot be straightened. Is it possible that the
+Manx cat originated from the Malayan? Or rather is it a freak of nature
+perpetuated by selection? Be this as it may, we have the Manx cat now as
+a distinct breed, and, when crossed with others, will almost always
+produce some entirely tailless kittens, if not all. Many of the Siamese
+kittens bred here have kinks in their tails.</p>
+
+<p>The illustration I give is that of a prize winner at the Crystal Palace
+in 1880, 1881, 1882, and is the property of Mr. J. M. Thomas, of
+Parliament Street. In colour it is a brindled tortoiseshell. It is eight
+years old. At the end of this description I also give a portrait of one
+of its kittens, a tabby; both are true Manx, and neither have a particle
+of tail, only a very small tuft of hair which is boneless. The hind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+quarters are very square and deep, as contrasted with other cats, and
+the flank deeper, giving an appearance of great strength, the hind legs
+being longer, and thicker in proportion to the fore legs, which are much
+slighter and tapering; even the toes are smaller. The head is round for
+a she-cat, and the ears somewhat large and pointed, but thin and fine in
+the hair, the cavity of the ear has <i>less hair within it</i> (also a trait
+of the Siamese) than some other short-haired cats, the neck is long and
+thin, as are the shoulders. Its habits are the same as those of most
+cats. I may add that Mr. Thomas, who is an old friend of mine, has had
+this breed many years, and kept it perfectly pure.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/z103.jpg" width="450" height="346" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>VARIOUS COLOURS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Those who have had much to do with breeding, and crossing of animals,
+birds, or plants, well know that with time, leisure, and patience, how
+comparatively easy it is to improve, alter, enlarge, or diminish any of
+these, or any part of them; and looking at the cat from this standpoint,
+now that it is becoming "a fancy" animal, there is no prophesying what
+forms, colours, markings, or other variations will be made by those who
+understand what can be done by careful, well-considered matching, and
+skilful selection. We have now cats with no tails, short tails, and some
+of moderate length, long tails bushy and hairy; but should a very long
+tail be in request, I have no doubt whatever but that in a few years it
+would be produced; and now that there is a cat club constituted for the
+welfare and improvement of the condition, as well as the careful
+breeding of cats, curious and unforeseen results are most likely to be
+attained; but whether any will ever excel the many beautiful varieties
+we now have, is a problem that remains to be solved.</p>
+
+<p>This concludes the numerous varieties of <i>colours</i> and the proper
+markings of the domestic cat, as regards beauty and the points of
+excellence to be observed for the purposes of exhibition. These are
+distinct, and as such, nearly all have classes for each individual
+colour and marking, and therefore it is imperative that the owner should
+note carefully the different properties and beauties of his or her
+particular specimen, and also as carefully read the schedule of prizes
+with such attention as to be enabled to enter his or her pet in the
+proper class; for, it is not only annoying to the exhibitor but to the
+judge to find an animal sometimes of extraordinary merit placed in the
+"wrong class" by <i>sheer inattention</i> to the <i>printed rules</i> and
+instructions prepared by the committee or promoters of the show. It is
+exceedingly distasteful, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> I may say almost distressing, to a judge
+to find a splendid animal wrongly entered, and so to feel himself
+compelled to "pass it," and to affix the words fatal to all chance of
+winning&mdash;"Wrong class." Again let me impress on exhibitors to be
+careful&mdash;very careful&mdash;in this matter&mdash;this matter of entry&mdash;for I may
+say it is one of the reasons which has led to my placing these notes on
+paper, though I have done so with much pleasure, and with earnest hope
+that they will be found of some value and service to the "uninitiated."</p>
+
+<p>Of course there are, as there must be, a number of beautiful shades of
+colour, tints, and markings that are difficult to define or describe;
+colours and markings that are intermediate with those noticed; but
+though in themselves they are extremely interesting, and even very
+beautiful, they do not come within the range of the classes for certain
+definite forms of lines, spots, or colourings, as I have endeavoured to
+point out, and, indeed, it was almost impossible to make a sufficient
+number of classes to comprehend the whole. Therefore it has been
+considered wisest and even necessary as the most conducive to the best
+interests of the exhibitor and also to simplify the difficulties of
+judging, and for the maintenance of the various forms of beauty of the
+cat, to have classes wherein they are shown under rules of colour,
+points of beauty and excellence that are "hard and fast," and by this
+means all may not only know how and in what class to exhibit, but also
+what their chance is of "taking honours."</p>
+
+<p>As I have just stated, there are intermediate colours, markings, and
+forms, so extra classes have been provided for these, under the heading
+of "any other variety of colour," and "any other variety not before
+mentioned," and "any cats of peculiar structure." In this last case, the
+cats that have abnormal formations, such as seven toes, or even nine on
+their fore and hind legs, peculiar in other ways, such as three legs, or
+only two legs, as I have seen, may be exhibited. I regard these,
+however, as malformations, and not to be encouraged, being generally
+devoid of beauty, and lacking interest for the ordinary observer, and
+they also tend to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> create a morbid taste for the unnatural and ugly,
+instead of the beautiful; the beautiful, be it what it may, is always
+pleasant to behold; and there is but little, if any, doubt in my mind
+but that the constant companionship of even a beautiful cat must have a
+soothing effect. Therefore, not in cats only, but in all things have the
+finest and best. Surround yourself with the elegant, the graceful, the
+brilliant, the beautiful, the agile, and the gentle. Be it what it may,
+animal, bird, or flower, be careful to have the best. A man, it is said,
+is made more or less by his environments, and doubtless this is to a
+great extent, if not entirely, a fact; that being so, the contemplation
+of the beautiful must have its quieting, restful influences, and tend to
+a brighter and happier state of existence. I am fully aware there are
+many that may differ from me, though I feel sure I am not far wrong when
+I aver there are few animals really more beautiful than a cat. If it is
+a good, carefully selected specimen, well kept, well cared for, in high
+condition, in its prime of life, well-trained, graceful in every line,
+bright in colour, distinct in markings, supple and elegant in form,
+agile and gentle in its ways, it is beautiful to look at and must
+command admiration. Yes! the contemplation of the beautiful elevates the
+mind, if only in a cat; beauty of any kind, is beauty, and has its
+refining influences.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z106.jpg" width="600" height="334" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>USEFULNESS OF CATS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>In our urban and suburban houses what should we do without cats? In our
+sitting or bedrooms, our libraries, in our kitchens and storerooms, our
+farms, barns, and rickyards, in our docks, our granaries, our ships, and
+our wharves, in our corn markets, meat markets, and other places too
+numerous to mention, how useful they are! In our ships, however, the
+rats oft set them at defiance; still they are of great service.</p>
+
+<p>How wonderfully patient is the cat when watching for rats or mice,
+awaiting their egress from their place of refuge or that which is their
+home! How well Shakespeare in <i>Pericles</i>, Act iii., describes this keen
+attention of the cat to its natural pursuit!</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The cat, with eyne of burning coal,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Now crouches from (before) the mouse's hole.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>A slight rustle, and the fugitive comes forth; a quick, sharp, resolute
+motion, and the cat has proved its usefulness. Let any one have a plague
+of rats and mice, as I once had, and let them be delivered therefrom by
+cats, as I was, and they will have a lasting and kind regard for them.</p>
+
+<p>A friend not long since informed me that a cat at Stone's Distillery was
+seen to catch two rats at one time, a fore foot on each. All the cats
+kept at this establishment, and there are several, are of the red tabby
+colour, and therefore most likely all males.</p>
+
+<p>I am credibly informed of a still more extraordinary feat of a cat in
+catching mice, that of a red tabby cat which on being taken into a
+granary at Sevenoaks where there were a number of mice, dashed in among
+a retreating group, and secured four, one with each paw and two in her
+mouth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At the office of <i>The Morning Advertiser</i>, I am informed by my old
+friend Mr. Charles Williams, they boast of a race of cats bred there for
+nearly half a century. In colour these are mostly tortoiseshell, and
+some are very handsome.</p>
+
+<p>The Government, mindful also of their utility, pay certain sums, which
+are regularly passed through the accounts quarterly, for the purpose of
+providing and keeping cats in our public offices, dockyards, stores,
+shipping, etc., thereby proving, if proof were wanting, their
+acknowledged worth.</p>
+
+<p>In Vienna four cats are employed by the town magistrates to catch mice
+on the premises of the municipality. A regular allowance is voted for
+their keep, and, after a limited period of active service, they are
+placed on the "retired list," with a comfortable pension.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>There are also a number of cats in the service of the United States Post
+Office. These cats are distributed over the different offices to protect
+the bags from being eaten by rats and mice, and the cost of providing
+for them is duly inscribed in the accounts. When a birth takes place,
+the local postmaster informs the district superintendent of the fact,
+and obtains an addition to his rations.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>A short time ago, the budget of the Imperial Printing Office in France,
+amongst other items, contained one for cats, which caused some merriment
+in the legislative chamber during its discussion. According to the
+<i>Pays</i> these cats are kept for the purpose of destroying the numerous
+rats and mice which infest the premises, and cause considerable damage
+to the large stock of paper which is always stored there. This feline
+staff is fed twice a day, and a man is employed to look after them; so
+that for cats' meat and the keeper's salary no little expense is
+annually incurred; sufficient, in fact, to form a special item in the
+national expenditure.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. W. M. Acworth, in his excellent book, "The Railways of England,"
+gives a very interesting account of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> usefulness of the cat. He says,
+writing of the Midland Railway: "A few miles further off, however&mdash;at
+Trent&mdash;is a still more remarkable portion of the company's staff, eight
+cats, who are borne on the strength of the establishment, and for whom a
+sufficient allowance of milk and cats' meat is provided. And when we say
+that the cats have under their charge, according to the season of the
+year, from one to three or four hundred thousand empty corn sacks, it
+will be admitted that the company cannot have many servants who better
+earn their wages.</p>
+
+<p>"The holes in the sacks, which are eaten by the rats which are not
+killed by the cats, are darned by twelve women, who are employed by the
+company."</p>
+
+<p>Few people know, or wish to know, what a boon to mankind is "The
+Domestic Cat." Liked or disliked, there is the cat, in some cases
+unthought of or uncared for, but simply kept on account of the
+devastation that would otherwise take place were rats and mice allowed
+to have undivided possession. An uncle of mine had some hams sent from
+Yorkshire; during the transit by rail the whole of the interior of one
+of the largest was consumed by rats. More cats at the stations would
+possibly have prevented such irritating damage.</p>
+
+<p>And further, it is almost incredible, and likewise almost unknown, the
+great benefit the cat is to the farmer. All day they sleep in the barns,
+stables, or outhouses, among the hay or straw. At eve they are seen
+about the rick-yard, the corn-stack, the cow and bullock yards, the
+stables, the gardens, and the newly sown or mown fields, in quest of
+their natural prey, the rat and mouse. In the fields the mice eat and
+carry off the newly-sown peas or corn, so in the garden, or the ripened
+garnered corn in stacks; but when the cat is on guard much of this is
+prevented. Rats eat corn and carry off more, kill whole broods of
+ducklings and chickens in a night, undermine buildings, stop drains, and
+unwittingly do much other injury to the well-being of the farmers and
+others. What a ruinous thing it would be, and what a dreadfully horrible
+thing it is to be overrun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> with rats, to say nothing of mice. In this
+matter man's best friend is the cat. Silent, careful, cautious, and
+sure, it is at work, while the owner sleeps, with an industry, a will,
+and purpose that never rests nor tires from dewy eve till rosy morn,
+when it will glide through "the cat hole" into the barn for repose among
+the straw, and when night comes, forth again; its usefulness scarcely
+imagined, much less known and appreciated.</p>
+
+<p>They who remember old Fleet Prison, in Farringdon Street, will scarcely
+believe that the debtors there confined were at times so neglected as to
+be absolutely starving; so much so, that a Mr. Morgan, a surgeon of
+Liverpool, being put into that prison, was ultimately reduced so low by
+poverty, neglect, and hunger, as to catch mice by the means of a cat for
+his sustenance. This is stated to be the fact in a book written by Moses
+Pitt, "The Cries of the Oppressed," 1691.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z110.jpg" width="600" height="475" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>GENERAL MANAGEMENT.</h2>
+
+<h3>FEEDING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Adult cats require less food in proportion than kittens, for two
+reasons. One is this: a kitten is growing, and therefore extra bone,
+flesh, skin, hair, and all else has to be provided for; while in the
+adults, these are more or less acquired, and also they procure for
+themselves, in various ways in country or suburban localities, much live
+and other food, and no animal is the better for over or excessive
+feeding, especially if confined, or its chances of exercise contracted.</p>
+
+<p>I have tried many ways or methods of feeding, biscuits of sorts, liver,
+lights, horseflesh, bread and milk, rice, fish, and cat mixtures, but
+have always attained the best results by giving new milk as drink, and
+raw shin of beef for food, with grass, boiled asparagus stems,
+cabbage-lettuce, or some other vegetable, either cooked or fresh. Good
+horseflesh is much liked by the cat, and it thrives well on it. I do not
+believe in either liver or lights as a flesh or bone maker. Besides the
+beef, there are the "tit-bits" that the household cat not only usually
+receives, but looks for or expects.</p>
+
+<p>My dear friend, Mr. John Timbs, in "Things not Generally Known," avers
+that cats are not so fond of fish as flesh, and that the statement that
+they are is a fallacy. He says, put both before them and they will take
+the flesh first, and this I have found to be correct. I should only give
+fresh fish, as a rule, to a cat when unwell, more as an alternative than
+food.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As raw meat or other raw food is natural to the cat, it is far the best,
+with vegetables, for keeping the body, coat, and skin in good condition
+and health, and the securing of a rich, bright, high colour and quality.
+On no account try to improve these by either medicinal liquids, pills,
+or condiments; nothing can be much worse, as reflection will prove. If
+the cat is healthy, it is at its best, and will keep so by proper food;
+if unwell, then use such medicines as the disease or complaint it
+suffers from requires, <i>and not otherwise</i>. Many horses and other
+animals have their constitutions entirely ruined by what are called
+"coat tonics," which are useless, and only believed in and practised by
+the thoughtless, gullible, and foolish. Does any one, or will any one
+take pills, powders, or liquids, for promoting the colour or texture of
+their hair; would any one be so silly? And yet we are coolly told to
+give such things to our animals. Granted that in illness medicine is of
+much service, in health it is harmful, and tends to promote disease
+where none exists.</p>
+
+
+<h3>SLEEPING PLACES.</h3>
+
+<p>I much prefer a round basket filled with oat straw to anything else;
+some urge that a box is better; my cats have a basket. It is well to
+sprinkle the straw occasionally with Keating's Powder or flour of
+sulphur, which is a preventive of insect annoyances, and "Prevention is
+better than cure."</p>
+
+<p>Never shut cats up in close cupboards for the night, there being little
+or no ventilation; it is most injurious, pure air being as essential to
+a cat as to a human being.</p>
+
+<p>Always have a box with dry earth near the cat's sleeping place, unless
+there is an opening for egress near.</p>
+
+<p>Do not, as a rule, put either collar or ribbon on your cat; though they
+may thereby be improved in appearance, they are too apt to get entangled
+or caught by the collar, and often strangulation ensues; besides which,
+in long-haired cats, it spoils their mane or frill. Of course at shows
+it is allowable.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>All cats, as well as other animals, should have ready access to a pan of
+clear water, which should be changed every day, and the pan cleaned.</p>
+
+<p>Fresh air, sunlight, and warm sunshine are good, both for cats and their
+owners.</p>
+
+<p>It is related of Charles James Fox that, walking up St. James's Street
+from one of the club-houses with the Prince of Wales, he laid a wager
+that he would see more cats than the Prince in his walk, and that he
+might take which side of the street he liked. When they reached the top,
+it was found that Mr. Fox had seen thirteen cats, and the Prince not
+one. The Royal personage asked for an explanation of this apparent
+miracle. Mr. Fox said: "Your Royal Highness took, of course, the shady
+side of the way as most agreeable; I knew the sunny side would be left
+for me, and <i>cats always prefer the sunshine</i>."</p>
+
+<p>A most essential requisite for the health of the cat is cleanliness. In
+itself the animal is particularly so, as may be observed by its constant
+habit of washing, or cleaning its fur many times a day; therefore, a
+clean basket, clean straw, or clean flannel, to lie on&mdash;in fact,
+everything clean is not only necessary, but is a necessity for its
+absolute comfort.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Timbs says: "It is equally erroneous that she is subject to fleas;
+the small insect, which infests the half-grown kitten, being a totally
+different animal, exceedingly swift in running, but not salient or
+leaping like a flea."</p>
+
+<p>In this Mr. Timbs slightly errs. Cats <i>do</i> have fleas, but not often,
+and of a different kind to the ordinary flea; but I have certainly seen
+them jump.</p>
+
+<p>In dressing the coat of the cat no comb should be used, more especially
+with the long-haired varieties; but if so, which I do not recommend,
+great care should be used not to drag the hair so that it comes out, or
+breaks, otherwise a rough, uneven coat will and must be the result.</p>
+
+<p>Should the hair become clotted, matted, or felted, as is sometimes the
+case, it ought to be moistened, either with oil or soft-soap, a little
+water being added, and when the application has well soaked in, it will
+be found comparatively<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> easy to separate the tangle with the fingers by
+gently pulling out from the mass a few hairs at a time, after which wash
+thoroughly, and use a soft, long-haired brush; but this must be done
+with discretion, so as not to spoil the natural waviness of the hair, or
+to make it lie in breadths instead of the natural, easy,
+carelessly-parted flaky appearance, which shows the white or blue cat
+off to such advantage.</p>
+
+
+<h3>WASHING.</h3>
+<p>Most cats have a dislike to water, and as a rule, and under ordinary
+conditions, generally keep themselves clean, more especially the
+short-haired breeds; but, as is well known, the Angora, Persian, and
+Russian, if not taken care of, are sure to require washing, the more so
+to prepare them for exhibition, as there is much gain in the condition
+in which a cat comes before the judge.</p>
+
+<p>There are many cases of cats taking to the water and swimming to certain
+points to catch fish, or for other food, on record; yet it is seldom
+that they take a pleasure in playing about in it. I therefore think it
+well to mention that I had a half-bred black and white Russian, that
+would frequently jump into the bath while it was being filled, and sit
+there until the water rose too high for its safety. Thus cats may be
+taught to like washing.</p>
+
+<p>If a cat is to be washed, treat it as kindly and gently as is possible,
+speaking in a soothing tone, and in no way be hasty or sudden in your
+movements, so as to raise distrust or fear. Let the water be warm but
+not hot, put the cat in slowly, and when its feet rest on the bottom of
+the tub, you may commence the washing.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. A. A. Clarke, the well-known cat fancier, says: "I seldom wash my
+cats, I rather prefer giving them a good clean straw-bed, and attending
+to their general health and condition, and they will then very seldom
+require washing. I find that much washing makes the coat harsh and poor,
+and I also know from experience that it is 'a work of art'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> to wash a
+cat properly, and requires an artist in that way to do it. My plan is to
+prepare some liquid soap, by cutting a piece into shreds, and putting it
+into cold water, and then boiling it for an hour. I then have two clean
+tubs got ready, one to wash, the other to rinse in. Have soft water
+about blood heat, with a very small piece of soda in the washing-tub,
+into which I place the cat, hind-quarters first, having some one that it
+knows perfectly well, to hold and talk to the cat while the washing is
+going on. I begin with the tail, and thoroughly rubbing in the soap with
+my hands, and getting by degrees over the body and shoulders up to the
+ears, leaving the head until the cat is rinsed in the other tub, which
+ought to be half filled with warm soft water, into which I place the
+cat, and thoroughly rinse out all the soap, when at the same time I wash
+the head, and I then sit in front of the fire and dry with warm towels;
+and if it is done well and thoroughly, it is a good three hours' hard
+work."</p>
+
+<p>I would add to the foregoing that I should use Naldire's dog soap, which
+I have found excellent in all ways, and it also destroys any insect life
+that may be present.</p>
+
+<p>Also in washing, be careful not to move the hands in circles, or the
+hair will become entangled and knotty, and very difficult to untwist or
+unravel. Take the hair in the hands, and press the softened soap through
+and through the interstices, and when rinsing do the same with the
+water, using a large sponge for the purpose. After drying I should put
+the cat in a box lightly, full of oat straw, and place it in front of,
+or near a fire, at such distance as not to become too warm, and only
+near enough to prevent a chill before the cat is thoroughly dry.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h3>MATING.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Yet nature is made better by no mean,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But nature makes that mean: so, o'er that art,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Which, you say, adds to nature, is an art<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That nature makes.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 55%;"><i>Coriolanus, Act II. Scene I.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<p>This requires much and careful consideration, and in this, as well as in
+many other things, experience and theory join hands, while the knowledge
+of the naturalist and fancier is of great and superlative value; yet,
+with all combined, anything like certainty can never be assured,
+although the possession of pedigree is added, and the different
+properties of food, health, quality, and breed understood and taken into
+account. Still, much may be gained by continued observation and close
+study of the peculiar properties of colour, besides that of form. If,
+for instance, a really, absolutely <i>blue</i> cat, without a shade of any
+other colour, were obtainable, and likewise a pure, clear, canary
+yellow, there is little doubt that at a distant period, a green would be
+the ultimate goal of success. But the yellow tabby is not a yellow, nor
+the blue a blue. There being, then, only a certain variety of colours in
+cats, the tints to be gained are limited entirely to a certain set of
+such colours, and the numerous shades and half-shades of these mixed,
+broken, or not, into tints, markings light or dark, as desired. To all
+colour arrangements, if I may so call them, by the mind, intellect, or
+hand of man, there is a limit, beyond which none can go. It is thus far
+and no further.</p>
+
+<p>There is the black cat, and the white; and between these are intervening
+shades, from very light, or white-gray, to darker, blue, dark blue,
+blackish blue, gray and black. If a blue-black is used, the lighter
+colours are of one tint; if a brown-black, they are another.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Then in what are termed the sandies and browns, it commences with the
+yellow-white tint scarcely visible apart from white to the uninitiated
+eye; then darker and darker, until it culminates in deep brown, with the
+intervening yellows, reds, chestnuts, mahoganys, and such colours, which
+generally are striped with a darker colour of nearly their own shade,
+until growing denser, it ends in brown-black.</p>
+
+<p>The gray tabby has a ground colour of gray. In this there are the
+various shades from little or no markings, leaving the colour a brown or
+gray, or the gray gradually disappearing before the advance of the black
+in broader and broader bands, until the first is excluded and black is
+the result.</p>
+
+<p>The tortoiseshell is a mixture of colours in patches, and is certainly
+an exhibition of what may be done by careful selection, mating, and
+crossing of an animal while under the control of man, in a state of
+thorough domestication. What the almond tumbler is to the pigeon
+fancier, so is the tortoiseshell cat to the cat fancier, or the bizarre
+tulip to the florist. As regards colour, it is a triumph of art over
+nature, by the means of skilful, careful mating, continued with
+unwearying patience. We get the same combination of colour in the
+guinea-pig, both male and female, and therefore this is in part a proof
+that by proper mating, eventually a tortoiseshell male cat should soon
+be by no means a rarity. There are rules, which, if strictly followed
+under favourable conditions, ought to produce certain properties, such
+properties that may be desired, either by foolish (which generally it
+is) fashion, or the production of absolute beauty of form, markings in
+colours, or other brilliant effects, and which the true fanciers
+endeavour to obtain. It is to this latter I shall address my remarks,
+rather than to the reproduction of the curious, the inelegant, or the
+deformed, such as an undesirable number of toes, which are impediments
+to utility.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place, the fancier must thoroughly make up his mind as to
+the variety of form, colour, association of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> colours or markings by
+which he wishes to produce, if possible, perfection; and, having done
+so, he must provide himself with such stock as, on being mated, are
+likely to bring such progeny as will enable him in due time to attain
+the end he has in view. This being gained, he must also prepare himself
+for many disappointments, which are the more likely to accrue from the
+reason that, in all probability, he starts without any knowledge of the
+ancestry or pedigree of the animals with which he begins his operations.
+Therefore, for this reason, he has to gain his knowledge of any aptitude
+for divergence from the ordinary or the common they may exhibit, or
+which his practical experience discovers, and thus, as it were, build up
+a family with certain points and qualities before he can actually embark
+in the real business of accurately matching and crossing so as to
+produce the results which, by a will, undeviating perseverance, and
+patience, he is hoping to gain eventually&mdash;the perfection he so long,
+ardently, and anxiously seeks to acquire; but he must bear in mind that
+that, on which he sets his mark, though high, must come within the
+limits and compass of that which <i>is</i> attainable, for it is not the
+slightest use to attempt that which is not within the charmed circle of
+possibilities.</p>
+
+
+<h3>TORTOISESHELLS.</h3>
+
+<p>I place these first on the list because, being an old pigeon fancier and
+somewhat of a florist, I deem these to be the breed wherein there is the
+most art and skill required to produce properly all the varied mottled
+beauty of bright colours that a cat of this breed should possess; and
+those who have bred tortoiseshells well know how difficult a task it is.</p>
+
+<p>In breeding for this splendid, gorgeous, and diversified arrangement of
+colouring, a black, or even a blue, may be used with a yellow or red
+tabby female, or a white male, supposing either or both were the
+offspring of a tortoiseshell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> mother. The same males might be used with
+advantage with a tortoiseshell female. This is on the theory of whole
+colours, and patches or portions of whole colours, without bars or
+markings when possible. In the same way some of the best almond tumbler
+pigeons are bred from an almond cock mated to a yellow hen. The
+difficulty here, until lately, has been to breed hens of the varied
+mottling on almond colour, the hen almost invariably coming nearly, if
+not quite yellow&mdash;so much so that forty to fifty years ago a yellow hen
+was considered as a pair to an almond cock, in the same way as the red
+tabby male is now regarded in respect to the tortoiseshell female; and
+it was not until at Birmingham, many years ago, when acting as judge, I
+refused to award prizes to them as such, that the effort was made, and a
+successful one, to breed almond-coloured hens with the same plumage as
+the cock&mdash;that is, the three colours. With cats the matter is entirely
+different, it being the male at present that is the difficulty, if a
+real difficulty it may be called.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Herbert Young, a most excellent cat fancier and authority on the
+subject, is of opinion that if a tortoiseshell male cat could be found,
+it would not prove fertile with a tortoiseshell female. But of this I am
+very doubtful, because, if the red and the yellow tabby is so, which is
+decidedly a weaker colour, I do not see how it can possess more vitality
+than a cat marked with the <i>three</i> colours; in fact the latter ought, in
+reality, to be more prolific, having black as one of the colours, which
+is a strong colour, blue being only the weak substitute, or with white
+<i>combined</i>. A whole black is one of the strongest colours and most
+powerful of cats.</p>
+
+<p>Reverting once again to the pigeon fancier by way of analogy, take, as
+an instance, what is termed the silver-coloured pigeon, or the yellow.
+These two, and duns, are, by loss of certain pigments, differently
+coloured and constituted (like the tortoiseshell among cats) from other
+varieties of pigeons of harder colours, such as blues, and blacks, or
+even reds. For a long time silver turbit cock pigeons were so scarce
+that, until I bred some myself, I had never seen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> such a thing; yet hens
+were common enough, and got from silver and blues. In the nestling
+before the feathers come, the young of these colours are without down,
+and are thus thought to be, and doubtless are, a weakly breed; yet there
+is no absolute diminution of strength, beyond that of colour, when
+silver is matched to silver; but dun with dun, these last go lower in
+the scale, losing the black tint, and not unfrequently the colour is
+yellow; or, matched with black, breed true blacks. I am, therefore, of
+opinion that a tortoiseshell male and female would, and should, produce
+the best of tortoiseshells, both male and female.</p>
+
+<p>It not unfrequently happens that from a tortoiseshell mother, in the
+litter of kittens there are male blacks and clear whites, and I have
+known of one case when a good blue and one where the mixed colours were
+blue, light red, and light yellow were produced, while the sisters in
+the litter were of the usual pure tortoiseshell markings. In such cases,
+generally, the latter only are kept, unless it is the blue, the others
+being too often destroyed. My own plan would be to breed from such black
+or white males, and if not successful in the first attempt, to breed
+again in the same way with the young obtained with such cross; and I
+have but little doubt that, by so doing, the result so long sought after
+would be achieved. At least, I deem it far more likely to be so than the
+present plan of using the red tabby as the male, which are easily
+produced, though very few are of high excellence in richness of ground
+tints.</p>
+
+
+<h3>TORTOISESHELL-AND-WHITE.</h3>
+
+<p>If tortoiseshell-and-white are desired, then a black-and-white male may
+be selected, being bred in the same way as those recommended for the
+pure tortoiseshell, or one without white if the female has white; but on
+<i>no account</i> should an ordinary tabby be tolerated, but a red tabby
+female of deep colour, or having white, may be held in request, though
+I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> would prefer patches of colour not in any way barred. The gray tabby
+will throw barred, spotted, or banded kittens, mixed with tortoiseshell,
+which is the very worst form of mottling, and is very difficult to
+eradicate. A gray "ticking" will most likely appear between the dark
+colour, as it does between the black bars of the tabby.</p>
+
+
+<h3>BLACK.</h3>
+
+<p>The best black, undoubtedly, are those bred from tortoiseshell mothers
+or females. The black is generally more dense, and less liable to show
+any signs of spots, bands, or bars, when the animal is in the sun or a
+bright light; when this is so, it is fatal to a black as regards its
+chance of a prize, or even notice, and it comes under the denomination
+of a black tabby.</p>
+
+<p>If a black and a white cat are mated, let the black be the male, blacks
+having more stamina, the issue will probably be either white or black;
+and also when you wish the black to be perpetuated, the black male must
+be younger. In 1884, a black female cat was exhibited with five white
+kittens. I have just seen a beautiful black Persian whose mother was a
+clear white; this, and the foregoing example, prove either colour
+represents the same for the purpose of breeding to colour.</p>
+
+<p>For breeding black with white, take care that the white is the
+gray-white, and not the yellow-white; the first generally has orange or
+yellow eyes, and this is one of the required qualities in the black cat.
+If a yellow-white with blue eyes, this type of eye would be detrimental,
+and most likely the eyes of the offspring would have a green stain, or
+possibly be of odd colours.</p>
+
+<p>It should be borne in mind, that black kittens are seldom or ever so
+rich in colour when newly born, as they afterwards become; therefore, if
+without spots or bars, and of a deep self brown-black, they will in all
+possibility be fine in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> colour when they gain their adult coat. This the
+experienced fancier well knows, though the tyro often destroys that
+which will ultimately prove of value, simply from ignorance. An instance
+of the brown-black kitten is before me as I write, in a beautiful
+Persian, which is now changing from the dull kitten self brown-black on
+to a brilliant glossy, jetty beauty.</p>
+
+
+<h3>BLUES.</h3>
+
+<p>Blue in cats is one of the most extraordinary colours of any, for the
+reason that it is the <i>mixture</i> of black which is no colour, and white
+which is no colour, and this is the more curious because black mated
+with white generally produces either one colour or the other, or breaks
+black and white, or white and black. The blue being, as it were, a
+weakened black, or a withdrawal by white of some, if not all, of the
+brown or red, varying in tint according to the colour of the black from
+which it was bred, dark-gray, or from weakness in the stamina of the
+litter. In the human species an alliance of the Negro, or African race,
+and the European, produces the mulatto, and some other shades of
+coloured skin, though the hair generally retains the black hue; but
+seldom or ever are the colours broken up as in animal life, the only
+instance that has come to my knowledge, and I believe on record, being
+that of the spotted Negro boy, exhibited at fairs in England by
+Richardson, the famous showman; but in this case both the parents were
+black, and natives of South Africa. The boy arrived in England in
+September, 1809, and died February, 1813. His skin and hair were
+everywhere parti-coloured, transparent brown and white; on the crown of
+his head several triangles, one within the other, were formed by
+alternations of the colour of the hair.</p>
+
+<p>In other domestic animals blue colour is not uncommon. Blue-tinted dogs,
+rabbits, horses of a blue-gray, or spotted with blue on a pink flesh
+colour, as in the naked horse shown at the Crystal Palace some years
+ago, also pigs; and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> all these have likewise broken colours of blue, or
+black, and white. I do not remember having seen any blue cattle, nor any
+blue guinea-pigs, but no doubt these latter will soon exist. When once
+the colour or break from the black is acquired, it is then easy to go on
+multiplying the different shades and varieties of tint and tone, from
+the dark blue-black to the very light, almost white-gray. In some places
+in Russia, I am told, blue cats are exceedingly common; I have seen
+several shown under the names of Archangel, and others as Chartreuse and
+Maltese cats. Persians are imported sometimes of this colour, both dark
+and light. Next kin to it is the very light-gray tabby, with almost the
+same hue, if not quite so light-gray markings. Two such mated have been
+known to produce very light self grays, and of a lovely hue, a sort of
+"morning gray"; these matched with black should breed blues. Old male
+black, and young female white cats, have been known to produce kittens
+this colour. There is a colony of farm cats at Rodmell, Sussex, from
+which very fine blues are bred. Light silver tabby males, and white
+females, are also apt to have one or so in a litter of kittens; but
+these generally are not such good blues, the colour being a gray-white,
+or nearly so, should the hair or coat be parted or divided, the skin
+being light. The very dark, if from brown-black, are not so blue, but
+come under the denomination of "smokies," or blue "smokies," with
+scarcely a tint of blue in them; some "smokies" are white, or nearly so,
+with dark tips to the hair; these more often occur among Persian than
+English cats, though I once had a smoky tabby bred from a black and a
+silver tabby. Importations of some of the former are often extremely
+light, scarcely showing any markings. These, and such as these, are very
+valuable where a self blue is desired. If these light colours are
+females, a smoke-coloured male is an excellent cross, as it already
+shows a weakened colour. For a very light, tender, delicate, light-gray
+long-haired self, I should try a white male, and either a rich blue, or
+a soft gray, extremely lightly-marked tabby.</p>
+
+<p>As a rule, all broken whites, such as black and white,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> should be
+avoided; because, as I explained at the commencement of these notes on
+blues, the blue is black and white <i>amalgamated</i>, or the brown withdrawn
+from the colouring, or, if not, with the colours breaking, or becoming
+black and white. If whole coloured blues are in request, then
+parti-colours, such as white and black, or black and white, are best
+excluded. Blue and white are easily attainable by mating a blue male
+with a white and black female.</p>
+
+<p>The best and deepest coloured of the blue short-haired cats are from
+Archangel. Those I have seen were very fine in colour, the pelage being
+the same colour to the skin, which was also dark and of a uniform
+lilac-tinted blue. Some come by chance. I knew of a blue English cat,
+winner of several prizes, whose parents were a black and white male
+mated with a "light-gray tabby" and white; but this was an exception to
+the rule, for strongly-marked tabbies are not a good cross.</p>
+
+
+<h3>BROWN TABBY.</h3>
+
+<p>For the purpose of breeding rich brown black-striped tabbies, a male of
+a rich dark rufous or red tabby should be selected, the bands being
+regular and not too broad, the lighter or ground colour showing well
+between the lines; if the black lines are very broad, it is then a
+black, striped with brown, instead of a brown with black, which is
+wrong. With this match a female of a good brown ground colour, marked
+with dense, not broad, black bands, having clear, sharply defined edges.
+Note also that the centre line of the back is a distinct line, with the
+brown ground colour on which it is placed being in no way interspersed
+with black, and at least as broad as the black line; by this cross
+finely-marked kittens of a brilliant colour may be expected. But if the
+progeny are not so bright as required, and the ground colour not glowing
+enough, then, when the young arrive at maturity, mate with a dark-yellow
+red tabby either male or female.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Very beautiful brown tabbies are also to be found among the litters of
+the female tortoiseshell, allied with a dark-brown tabby with narrow
+black bars. It is a cross that may be tried with advantage for both
+variety and richness of colour, among which it will not be found
+difficult to find something worthy of notice.</p>
+
+
+<h3>WHITE.</h3>
+
+<p>Of English, or short-haired cats, the best white are those from a
+tortoiseshell mother, and as often some of the best blacks. These whites
+are generally of soft yellow, or sandy tint of white. Although they have
+pink noses, as also are the cushions of their feet, they are not
+Albinos, not having the peculiar pink or red eyes, nor are they
+deficient in sight. I have seen and examined with much care some
+hundreds of white cats, but have never yet seen one with pink eyes,
+though it has been asserted that such exist, and there is no reason why
+they should not. Still, I am inclined to think they do not, and the pale
+blue eyes, or the red tinted blue, like those of the Siamese, take the
+place of it in the feline race; neither have I ever seen a white horse
+with pink eyes, but I find it mentioned in one of the daily papers that
+among other presents to the Emperor of Russia, the Bokhara Embassy took
+with them ten thoroughbred saddle-horses of different breeds, one of
+them being a magnificent animal&mdash;a pure white stallion with <i>blue eyes</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The cold gray-white is the opposite of the black, and this knowledge
+should not be lost sight of in mating. It generally has yellow or light
+orange eyes. This colour, in a male, may be crossed with the
+yellow-white with advantage, when more strength of constitution is
+required; but otherwise I deem the best matching is that of two
+yellow-white, both with blue eyes, for soft hair, elegance, and beauty;
+but even a black male and a white female produce whites, and sometimes
+blacks, but the former are generally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> of a coarse description, and harsh
+in coat by comparison. I think the blue-eyed white are a distinct breed
+from the common ordinary white cat, nor do I remember any such being
+bred from those with eyes of yellow colour.</p>
+
+
+<h3>ABYSSINIAN.</h3>
+
+<p>To breed these true, it is well to procure imported or pedigree stock,
+for many cats are bred in England from ordinary tabbies, that so nearly
+resemble Abyssinian in colour as scarcely to be distinguished from the
+much-prized foreigners. The males are generally of a darker colour than
+the females, and are mostly marked with dark-brown bands on the
+forehead, a black band along the back which ends at the tip of the tail,
+with which it is annulated. The ticking should be of the truest kind,
+each hair being of three distinct colours, blue, yellow, or red, and
+black at the points, the cushions of the feet black, and back of the
+hind-legs. Choose a female, with either more red or yellow, the markings
+being the same, and, with care in the selection, there will be some very
+brilliant specimens. Eyes bright orange-yellow.</p>
+
+
+<h3>ABYSSINIAN CROSSES.</h3>
+
+<p>Curiously coloured as the Abyssinian cat is, and being a true breed, no
+doubt of long far back ancestry, it is most useful in crossing with
+other varieties, even with the Persian, Russian, Angora, or the
+Archangel, the ticking hues being easy of transmission, and is then
+capable of charming and delightful tints, with breadths of beautiful
+mottled or grizzled colouring, if judiciously mated. The light tabby
+Persian, matched with a female Abyssinian, would give unexpected
+surprises, so with the dark blue Archangel; a well-ticked blue would not
+only be a novelty, but an elegant colour hitherto unseen. A deep red
+tabby might result in a whole colour, bright red, or a yellow tint. I
+have seen a cat nearly black<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> ticked with white, which had yellow eyes.
+It was truly a splendid and very beautiful animal, of a most <i>recherch�</i>
+colour. Matched with a silver-gray tabby, a silver-gray tick is
+generally the sequence. A yellow-white will possibly prove excellent.
+Try it!</p>
+
+
+<h3>WHITE AND BLACK.</h3>
+
+<p>For white and black choose evenly marked animals, in which white
+predominates. I have seen three differently bred cats, white, with black
+ears and tails, all else being white, and been informed of others. I
+failed to notice the colour of the eyes which came under my own
+observation, for which I am sorry, for much depends on the colour of the
+eyes in selection; for though the parents are white and black, many gray
+and white, tabby and white, even yellow and white will appear among the
+kittens, gray being the original colour, and black the sport.</p>
+
+
+<h3>BLACK AND WHITE.</h3>
+
+<p>A deep brown, dense black ground, with a blaze up the face, white nose
+and lips, should be chosen&mdash;white chest and white feet. Get a female as
+nearly as possible so marked, and being a dense blue-black, both with
+orange eyes, when satisfactorily marked, and sable and white kittens may
+be expected.</p>
+
+
+<h3>BLUE TABBY.</h3>
+
+<p>A slate colour, or a blue male cat, mated with a strongly black-marked,
+though narrow-banded blue or gray tabby, is the best for dark blue
+tabbies, or a light-gray, evenly-marked female may be used. What a
+lovely thing a white cat, marked with black stripes, would be! It may be
+got.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>SPOTTED TABBY.</h3>
+
+<p>For spotted tabby the best brown are those got by mating a spotted red
+tabby, the darker the better, and a brown and black spotted female.
+These should be carefully selected, not only for their ground colour,
+but also for the roundness, distinctness, blackness, and arrangements of
+their spots.</p>
+
+<p>For grays, blues, and light ash-coloured tabbies, the same care should
+be exercised, the only difference being the choice of ground colours.</p>
+
+
+<h3>FANCY COLOURS.</h3>
+
+<p>By other odd and fanciful combinations, many beautiful mottles and
+stripes may be secured, and strange, quaint, harmonious arrangements of
+lines and spots produced according to "fancy's dictates;" but the
+foregoing are the chief colours in request for exhibition purposes, and
+most of the colour marking. In any other colour classes, the beauties,
+whatever they may be, are chiefly the result of accident or sports,
+selected for such beauty, or in other ways equally interesting.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 435px;">
+<img src="images/z128.jpg" width="435" height="256" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z129.jpg" width="600" height="359" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CAT AND KITTENS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Care and attention is necessary when the cat is likely to become a
+mother. A basket or box, half filled with sweet hay, or clean oat straw,
+with some flannel in the winter, is absolutely requisite, and a quiet
+nook or corner selected away from light, noise, and intrusion. Some
+prefer a box made like a rabbit-hutch, with sleeping place, and a barred
+door to one or both compartments which may be closed when thought
+necessary for comfort and quiet. The cat should be placed within, with
+food and new milk by or inside, and there be regularly fed for a few
+days, all pans and plates to be kept well washed, and only as much food
+given at a time as can be eaten at one meal, so that everything is clean
+and fresh. Cats, as I have before stated, delight in cleanliness,
+therefore this, nor any comfort, should not be forgotten or omitted, for
+so much depends on her health and the growth of her little family, with
+regard to their future well-being.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The cat brings forth three times a year, and often more. The time of
+gestation is to sixty-three days, and the number of the kittens varies
+much. Some will have five to six at a birth, while others <i>never</i> have
+more than two or three. I had a blue tabby, "The Old Lady," which never
+had more than <i>one</i>. The cat, however, is a very prolific animal, and,
+if of long life, produces a very numerous progeny. <i>The Derby Gazette</i>,
+December 10th, 1886, states:&mdash;"There is a cat at Cromford, the age of
+which is nineteen years. It belonged to the late Mr. Isaac Orme, who
+died a few months ago. The old man made an entry of all the kittens the
+cat had given birth to, which, up to the time of his death, numbered
+120. It has now just given birth to <i>one</i> more. It will not leave the
+house where the old man died, except to visit a neighbouring house,
+where there is a harmonium; and when the instrument is being played, the
+cat will go and stand on its hind-legs beside the player."</p>
+
+<p>Cats live to various ages, the oldest I have seen being twenty-one
+years, and the foregoing is the greatest age at which I have known one
+to breed. But I am indebted to Mrs. Paterson, of Tunbridge Wells, for
+the information that Mr. Sandal had a cat that lived to the
+extraordinary age of twenty-four years. I have seen Mr. Sandal, and
+found that such was the case. It was a short-haired cat, and rather
+above the usual size, and tabby in colour.</p>
+
+<p>When littered, the kittens are weak, blind, deaf, helpless little
+things, and it appears almost impossible they can ever attain the supple
+grace and elegance of form and motion so much admired in the
+fully-developed cat.</p>
+
+<p>The state of visual darkness continues until the eighth or ninth day,
+during which the eyesight is gradually developing. After this they grow
+rapidly, and, at the age of a few weeks, the gamboling, frolicsome life
+of "kittenhood" begins, and they begin to feed, lap milk, if slightly
+warm, when placed in front of them.</p>
+
+<p>No animal is more fond and attentive than the cat; she is the most
+tender and gentle of nurses, watching<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> closely every movement of her
+young. With the utmost solicitude she brings the choicest morsels of her
+own food, which she lays before them, softly purring, while with gentle
+and motherly ways she attracts them to the spot while she sits or
+stands, looking on with evident satisfaction, full of almost
+uncontrollable pleasure and delight, at their eager, but often futile
+attempts and endeavours to eat and enjoy the dainty morsel. Yet nothing
+is wasted, for after waiting what appears to her a reasonable time, and
+giving them every encouragement, and with the most exemplary patience,
+she teaches them what they should do, and how, by slowly making a meal
+of the residue herself, frequently stopping and fondling and licking
+them in the hope they will yet make another effort. What can be more
+sensitively touching than the following anecdote, sent to <i>The Animal
+World</i> by C. E. N., in 1876? It is a little poem of everyday life, full
+of deep feeling and feline love.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a small tabby cat, very comely and graceful. Being very fond of
+her kitten, she is always uneasy if she loses sight of it if only for a
+short time. For the last six weeks, the mother, failing to recall the
+truant back by her voice, even returns to the kitchen for the lower
+portion of a rabbit's fore-leg, which has served as a plaything for some
+time. With this in her mouth, she proceeds to search for her lost one,
+crying all the time, and, putting it down at her feet, repeats her
+entreaties, to which the kitten, allured by the sight of its plaything,
+generally responds. Owing to its gambols in the open air during the
+inclement weather, the kitten was seized with an affliction of the
+throat; the mother, puzzled with the prostration of its offspring,
+brought down the rabbit's foot to attract attention. In vain; the kitten
+died. Even now the loving mother searches for the rabbit's foot, and
+brings it down."</p>
+
+<p>An instance of the peculiar foresight and instinct, so often observable
+in the cat, is related in <i>The Animal World</i>, October, 1882. Miss M.
+writes: "This house is very old, and big impudent rats often appear in
+the shop, so a cat is always kept on the premises. Pussy is about five<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>
+years old, and is a handsome, light tortoiseshell, with a pretty face
+and coaxing ways. A month ago she had three kittens, one of which was
+kept; they were born in the drawing-room, by the side of the piano. When
+the two were taken away, pussy carried the one remaining to the
+fireplace, and made it a bed under the grate with shavings. When a
+fortnight old, both were removed downstairs to the room behind the shop.
+One day last week an enormous rat appeared; pussy spied him, and set up
+her back; but her motherly instinct prevailed. She looked round the
+shop, and, finding a drawer high up a little way open, she jumped with
+her kitten in her mouth, and dropped it into the drawer, after which she
+descended and fought a battle royal with the rat, which she soon
+despatched and carried to her mistress, then went back to the drawer and
+brought out her kitten."</p>
+
+<p>Here is another fact as regards the observation of cats, which possibly,
+in this respect, is not far different from some other domestic animals.
+"A gray and white cat, 'Jenny' (a house cat), had three kittens in the
+hollow stump of an old ash-tree, some distance from the house. There,
+from time to time, she took them food, and there nursed them. One day,
+looking from the window, I observed a very heavy storm was approaching,
+and also, what should I see but Mistress 'Jenny' running across the
+meadow as fast as she could, and, on her drawing nearer, I noticed that
+she had one of her kittens in her mouth. She ran past and put the kitten
+into a small outhouse, when she immediately hastened back, and returned
+bringing another of her kittens, which she put in the same place. Again
+she started for the wood, and shortly reappeared bringing her third and
+last kitten, though more slowly, seemingly very tired. I was just
+thinking of going to help her, when she suddenly quickened her pace and
+ran for the outhouse; just then a few drops of rain began to fall. In a
+few moments a deluge of water was falling, the lightning was flashing,
+the thunder crashed overhead and rumbled in the distance, but 'Jenny'
+did not mind, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> she had her three kittens comfortably housed, and she
+and they were all nestled together in an apple basket, warm and dry.
+Surely she must have known, by instinct or observation, that the storm
+was coming."&mdash;From my Book of "<i>Animal Stories, Old and New</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Should it be deemed necessary to destroy some, if not all of the litter,
+which, unfortunately, is sometimes the case, it is not well to take away
+the whole at once; but it is advisable to let a day or two intervene
+between each removal; the mother will thus be relieved of much
+suffering, especially if one at least is left for her to rear, but two
+is preferable. Still, when the progeny are well-marked or otherwise
+valuable, and large specimens are required for show or other purposes,
+three kittens are enough to leave, though some advocate as many as five;
+but if this is done it is better to provide a foster-mother for two, for
+which even a dog will often prove a very good substitute for one of the
+feline race. In either case, slightly warm new milk should be given at
+least three times a day; the milk should not be heated, but some hot
+water put to it, and as soon as their teeth are sufficiently grown for
+them to be of use in mastication give some raw beef cut very small and
+fine. Some prefer chopped liver; I do not; but never give more than they
+can lap or eat at each meal. This liberal treatment will make a
+wonderful difference in their growth, and also their general health and
+strength; and being so fed makes them more docile. And it should be
+borne in mind that in a state of nature cats always bring raw food to
+their young as soon as they are able to eat; therefore raw meat is far
+the best to give them&mdash;their dentition proves this.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z134.jpg" width="600" height="333" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>KITTENS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Kittenhood, the baby time especially of country cats, is with most the
+brightest, sprightliest, and prettiest period of their existence, and
+perhaps the most happy. True, when first born and in the earliest era of
+their lives, they are blind, helpless little things, dull, weak, and
+staggering, scarcely able to stand, if at all, almost rolling over at
+every attempt, making querulous, fretful noises, if wakeful or cold, or
+for the time motherless. But 'tis not for long; awhile, and she, the
+fondest of mothers, is with them. They are nestled about her, or amid
+her soft, warm fluffy fur, cossetted with parental tenderness, caressed,
+nurtured, and, with low, sweet tones and fondlings, they are soothed
+again and again to sleep.&mdash;They sleep.&mdash;Noiseless, and with many a
+longing, lingering look, the careful, watchful, loving creature slowly
+and reluctantly steals away; soon to return,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> when she and her little
+ones are lost "in the land of dreams." And so from day to day, until
+bright, meek-eyed, innocent, inquiring little faces, with eager eyes,
+peep above the basket that is yet their home. One bolder than the others
+springs out, when, scared at its own audacity, as quickly, and oft
+clumsily, scrambles back, then out&mdash;in&mdash;and out, in happy, varied, wild,
+frolicsome, gambolsome play, they clutch, twist, turn, and wrestle in
+artless mimicry of desperate quarrelling;&mdash;the struggle over, in
+liveliest antics they chase and rechase in turn, or in fantastic mood
+play; 'tis but play, and such wondrous play&mdash;bright, joyous, and light;
+and so life glides on with them as kittens&mdash;frisky, skittish, playful
+kittens.</p>
+
+<p>A few more days, and their mother leads them forth, with many an anxious
+look and turn, softly calling in a subdued voice, they halting almost at
+every step; suddenly, oft at nothing, panic-stricken, quickly scamper
+back, not one yet daring to follow where all is so oddly strange and
+new, their natural shyness being stronger than the love of freedom.
+Again, with scared look and timid steps, they come, when again at
+nothing frightened, or with infantile pretence, they are off,
+"helter-skelter," without a pause or stay, one and all, they o'er and
+into their basket clamber, tumble in, turn about and stare with a more
+than half-bewildered, self-satisfied safety look about them. Gaining
+courage once more, they peer about, with dreamy, startled, anxious eyes,
+watching for dangers that never are, although expected. Noiseless comes
+their patient, loving mother; with what new delight they cling about
+her; how fondly and tenderly she tends them, lures, cossets, coaxes, and
+talks, as only a gentle mother-cat can&mdash;"There is no danger,
+no!&mdash;nothing to fear. Is she not with them; will she not guard, keep and
+defend them? There is a paradise out there; through this door; they must
+see it. Come, she will show them; come, have confidence! Now,
+then&mdash;come!" When followed by her three little ones, and they with much
+misgiving, she passes out&mdash;out into the garden, out among the lovely,
+blooming, fragrant roses, out among the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> sweet stocks and the
+damask-coloured gilly-flowers, the pink daisies, brown, red, and orange
+wallflowers, the spice-scented pinks, and other gay and modest floral
+beauties that make so sweet the soft and balmy breath of Spring. Out
+into the sunshine, almost dazed amid a flood of light, warmed by the
+glowing midday sun. Light above, light around and everywhere about;
+while the sweet-scented breezes come joy-laden with the happy wild
+birds' melodious songs; wearied with wonderment, under the
+flower-crowned lilacs they gather themselves to rest. How beautiful all
+is, how full of young delights; the odorous wind fans, soothes, and
+lulls them to rest, while rustling leaves softly whisper them to
+sleep&mdash;they and their loving mother slumber unconscious of all things,
+and with all things at peace. There, stretched in the warm sunshine
+asleep, possibly dreaming of their after-life when they are kittens no
+longer, they rest and&mdash;sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Their young, bright life has begun; how charming all is, how peaceful
+under the young, green leaves, bright as emeralds; about them
+flickering, chequering lights play with the never-wearying, restless
+shadows; they know of nothing but bliss, so happy, they enjoy
+all&mdash;sweet-faced, gentle-eyed and pretty. Happy, there is no other word.
+"Happy as a kitten." "Sprightly as a kitten." As they sleep they dream
+of delight, awake they more than realise their dreams.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 468px;">
+<img src="images/z137.jpg" width="468" height="360" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>OF KITTENS IN GENERAL.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Kittens usually shed their first teeth from five to seven months old,
+and seldom possess even part of a set of the small, sharp dentition
+after that time. When shown as kittens under six months old, and they
+have changed the <i>whole</i> of their kittenhood teeth for those of the
+adult, it is generally considered a fairly <i>strong</i> proof that their
+life is in excess of that age, and the judge is therefore certainly
+justified in disqualifying such exhibit, though sometimes, as in other
+domestic animals, there occurs premature change, as well as inexplicable
+delay.</p>
+
+<p>Kittens are not so cleanly in their habits as cats of a mature growth;
+this is more generally the case when they have been <i>separated from the
+mother-cat</i>, or when removed to some place that is strange to them, or
+when sufficient care is not taken, by letting them out of the house
+occa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>sionally. When they cannot from various reasons be so turned out, a
+box should be provided, partly filled with dry earth, to which they may
+retire. This is always a requisite when cats or kittens are valuable,
+and therefore obliged to be kept within doors, especially in
+neighbourhoods where there is a chance of their being lost or stolen.</p>
+
+<p>It should also be borne in mind, that the present and future health of
+an animal, be it what it may, is subject to many incidences, and not the
+least of these is good and appropriate food, shelter, warmth, and
+cleanliness. It is best to feed at regular intervals. In confinement,
+Mr. Bartlett, the skilful and experienced manager of the Zoological
+Society's Gardens, at Regent's Park, finds that one meal a day is
+sufficient, and this is thought also to be the case with a full-grown
+cat, more especially when it has the opportunity of ranging and getting
+other food, such as mice, and "such small deer;" but with "young things"
+it is different, as it is deemed necessary to get as much strength and
+growth as possible. I therefore advocate several meals a day, at least
+three, with a variety of food, such as raw shin of beef, cut very small;
+bones to pick; fish of sorts, with all the bones taken out, or refuse
+parts; milk, with a little hot water; boiled rice or oatmeal, with milk
+or without it; and grass, if possible; if not, some boiled vegetables,
+stalks of asparagus, cabbage, or even carrots. Let the food be varied
+from time to time, but never omitting the finely-cut raw beef every day.
+I am not in favour of liver, or "lights," as it is called, either for
+cats or kittens. If horseflesh can be depended on, it is a very
+favourite and strengthening food, and may be given. The kitten should be
+kept warm and dry, and away from draughts.</p>
+
+<p>Also take especial care not in any way to frighten, tease, or worry a
+young animal, but do everything possible to give confidence and engender
+regard, fondness, or affection for its owner; always be gentle and yet
+firm in its training. Do not allow it to do one day uncorrected, that
+for which it is punished the next for the same kind of fault. If it is
+doing wrong remove it, speaking gently, <i>at the time</i>, and not <i>wait<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+long after the fault is committed</i>, or they will not know what the
+punishment is for. Many animals' tempers are spoiled entirely by this
+mode of proceeding.</p>
+
+<p>Take care there is always a clean vessel, with pure clear water for them
+to drink when thirsty.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z139.jpg" width="600" height="643" alt="MISS MOORE&#39;S KITTEN, &quot;CHLOE.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MISS MOORE&#39;S KITTEN, &quot;CHLOE.&quot;</span>
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>MANAGEMENT OF KITTENS AND CATS.</h2>
+
+<p>These require quiet and kindly treatment. Do nothing quickly or
+suddenly, so as in any way to scare or frighten, but when speaking to
+them, let the voice be moderated, gentle, and soft in tone. Cats are not
+slow to understand kind treatment, and may often be seen to watch the
+countenance as though trying to fathom our thoughts. Some cats are of a
+very timorous nature, and are thus easily dismayed. Others again are
+more bold in their ways and habits, and are ever ready for cossetty
+attention; but treat both as you would be treated&mdash;kindly.</p>
+
+<p>As to food, as already noted, I have found raw beef the best, with milk
+mixed with a little hot water to drink&mdash;never boil it&mdash;and give plenty
+of grass, or some boiled vegetable, such as asparagus, sea-kale, or
+celery; they also are fond of certain weeds, such as cat-mint, and
+equisetum, or mares' or cats' tails, as it is sometimes called. If fish
+is given it is best mixed with either rice or oatmeal, and boiled,
+otherwise it is apt to produce diarrh&oelig;a.</p>
+
+<p>Horse-flesh may be given as a change, provided that it is not from a
+diseased animal; and should be boiled, and be fresh.</p>
+
+<p>Brown bread and milk is also good and healthy food; the bread should be
+cut in cubes of half an inch, and the warm milk and water poured on;
+only enough for one meal should be prepared at a time.</p>
+
+<p>Let the cat and kittens have as much fresh air as is possible; and if
+fed on some dainty last thing at night they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> will be sure to "come in,"
+and thus preserved from doing and receiving injury.</p>
+
+<p>If cats are in any way soiled in their coat, especially the long-haired
+varieties, and cannot cleanse themselves, they may be washed in warm,
+soapy water; but this is not advisable in kittens, unless great care is
+used to prevent their taking cold.</p>
+
+<p>Some cats like being brushed, and it is often an improvement to the
+pelage or fur if carefully done; but in all cases the brush should have
+soft, close hair, which should be rather long than otherwise.</p>
+
+<p>Do not let your cats or kittens wear collars or ribbons always,
+especially if they are ramblers, for the reason that they are liable to
+get caught on spikes of railings or twigs of bushes, and so starved to
+death, or strangled, unless discovered.</p>
+
+<p>For sending cats to an exhibition, a close-made basket is best, which
+will allow for ventilation, as fresh air is most essential; and have it
+sufficiently large to allow of the cat standing and turning about,
+especially if a long journey is before them. I have <i>seen</i> cats sent to
+shows taken out of <i>small boxes</i>, <i>dead</i>, stifled to death&mdash;"poor
+things."</p>
+
+<p>Bear in mind that the higher and better condition your cat is in on its
+arrival at the show, the greater is the chance of winning.</p>
+
+<p>Do not put carpet or woollen fabrics in the basket, but plenty of good,
+sweet hay or oat-straw; this will answer all purposes, and does not get
+sodden.</p>
+
+<p>If you use a padlock for the fastening, <i>do not forget to send the key
+to the manager of the show</i>, as is sometimes the case.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 239px;">
+<img src="images/z142.jpg" width="239" height="600" alt="CAT CLUB CHALLENGE CUP." title="" />
+<span class="caption">CAT CLUB CHALLENGE CUP.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z143.jpg" width="600" height="355" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>POINTS BY WHICH CATS ARE JUDGED,</h2>
+
+<h4>AS SPECIFIED BY MYSELF.</h4>
+
+<h4><i>Revised and corrected to the present time.</i></h4>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i8">... What you do,<br /></span>
+<span class="i8">Still betters what is done.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 55%;"><i>Winter's Tale, Act IV.</i></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+
+<h3>THE TORTOISESHELL.</h3>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,<br />
+below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,<br />
+ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at<br />
+the base.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, and<br />
+lustrous.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">25</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>A mixture of three colours&mdash;black, red, and yellow&mdash;each to<br />
+be distinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not one<br />
+colour running into the other, but in small irregular<br />
+patches, of great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow to<br />
+preponderate over the black. If the colours are deep and<br />
+rich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is very<br />
+fine. White is a disqualification.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Form</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;<br />
+shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,<br />
+not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,<br />
+carried low, with graceful curve, and well-marked with<br />
+alternate patches of black, red, and yellow.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Condition</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,<br />
+clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,<br />
+all betokening full health and strength.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE.</h3>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,<br />
+below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,<br />
+ears medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at<br />
+the base.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, and<br />
+lustrous.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">25</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>A mixture of three&mdash;black, red, and yellow&mdash;each to be<br />
+distinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not one<br />
+colour running into the other, but in small irregular patches<br />
+of great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow to<br />
+preponderate over the black. If the colours are deep and<br />
+rich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is very<br />
+fine.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">White Marking</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>The fore-legs, breast, throat, lips and a circle round them,<br />
+with a blaze up the forehead, white; lower half of the<br />
+hind-legs white, nose and cushions of the feet white.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Form</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;<br />
+shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,<br />
+not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,<br />
+carried low, with graceful curve, and well-marked with<br />
+>alternate patches of black, red, and yellow.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Condition</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,<br />
+clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,<br />
+all betokening full health and strength.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<h3>WHITE. SHORT-HAIR.</h3>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,<br />
+below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,<br />
+ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at apex, broad at the<br />
+base.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Blue&mdash;a soft, turquoise blue&mdash;but yellow is permissible as<br />
+five points only, green a defect; large, round, and full.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Yellow-white; gray-white, five points less.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Form</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;<br />
+shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,<br />
+not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,<br />
+carried low, with graceful curve.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Condition</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, lithe, and elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,<br />
+clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,<br />
+all betokening good health and strength.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<h3>SELF-COLOUR, BLACK, BLUE, GRAY, OR RED SHORT-HAIR.</h3>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,<br />
+below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,<br />
+ears of medium size, narrow, rounded at apex, broad at the<br />
+base.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Orange for black, orange-yellow for blue, deep yellow for<br />
+gray, and gold tinged with green for red. Large, round, and<br />
+full; very bright.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Form</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Narrow, long, graceful in line; neck rather long and slender;<br />
+shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,<br />
+not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">25</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Black, a jet, dense, brown-black, with purple gloss; blue, a<br />
+bright, rich, even, dark colour, or lighter, but even in<br />
+tint; gray, a bright, light, even colour; red, a brilliant<br />
+sandy or yellowish-red colour.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,<br />
+carried low, with graceful curve.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Condition</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,<br />
+clean, bright, full of lustre, lying close to the body, all<br />
+betokening good health and strength.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<h3>BROWN AND ORDINARY TABBY, STRIPED, SHORT-HAIR.</h3>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,<br />
+below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,<br />
+ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at apex, broad at the<br />
+base.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Orange-yellow, slightly tinted with green, large, full,<br />
+round, and very lustrous.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Deep, very rich reddish-brown, more rufous inside the legs<br />
+and belly; ears and nose a still deeper red-brown, the latter<br />
+at the tip edged with black. Ordinary tabby, dark gray, and<br />
+ticked.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Markings</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as the<br />
+ground colour shown between, so as to give a light and<br />
+brilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than the<br />
+colour space, it is a defect, being then black marked with<br />
+colour, instead of colour marked with black. The lines must<br />
+be clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct,<br />
+having no mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs marked<br />
+regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no way<br />
+blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,<br />
+cushions of feet, and backs of hind-legs, and the ear-points,<br />
+black.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Form</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;<br />
+shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,<br />
+not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,<br />
+carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with black<br />
+rings.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Condition</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,<br />
+clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,<br />
+all betokening full health and strength.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>CHOCOLATE, CHESTNUT, RED, OR YELLOW TABBY, STRIPED, SHORT-HAIR.</h3>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,<br />
+below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,<br />
+ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at apex, broad at the<br />
+base.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Orange, gold, or yellow, in the order of the above names,<br />
+large, round, full, and very lustrous.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Deep, rich, reddish-brown, bright red, or yellow, in the<br />
+order as above, brighter inside the legs and belly; ears and<br />
+nose deeper colour, the latter at the tip red, edged with<br />
+chocolate.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Markings</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Dark, rich brown or chocolate, lines not too broad, scarcely<br />
+so wide as the ground colour shown between, so as to give a<br />
+light and brilliant effect; when the lines are broader than<br />
+the colour space it is a defect, being then light colour<br />
+markings on dark brown or chocolate, red or dark yellow,<br />
+instead of colour marked with deeper colour. Head and legs<br />
+marked regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in<br />
+no way blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and<br />
+continuous; lips, cushions of feet, and the back of<br />
+hind-legs, and the ear-points, dark. Yellow tabby, the<br />
+cushions of feet red, or light red.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Form</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender,<br />
+shoulders receding, well-sloped, and deep, legs medium<br />
+length, not thick nor clumsy, feet round and small.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,<br />
+carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with dark rings.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Condition</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,<br />
+clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,<br />
+all betokening full health and strength.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<h3>BLUE, SILVER, LIGHT GRAY, AND WHITE TABBY, STRIPED, SHORT-HAIR.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,<br />
+below tapering towards the lips; nose rather long than short;<br />
+ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at<br />
+the base.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Orange-yellow for blue tabby; deep, bright yellow for silver<br />
+or gray; large, full, round, and very lustrous.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>If blue, a rich, deep, yet bright colour; silver, a lighter,<br />
+yet bright tint; gray, very light; if a white tabby, ground<br />
+to be colourless; ears and nose a deep gray, the tip red,<br />
+edged with black.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Markings</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as the<br />
+ground colour shown between, so as to give a light and<br />
+brilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than the<br />
+colour space, it is a defect, being then black marked with<br />
+colour, instead of colour with black. The lines must be<br />
+clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct, having<br />
+no mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs marked<br />
+regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no way<br />
+blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,<br />
+cushions of feet, and the backs of hind-legs, and the<br />
+ear-points, black.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Form</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;<br />
+shoulders receding, well-sloped, and deep; legs medium<br />
+length, not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,<br />
+carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with black<br />
+rings.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Condition</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,<br />
+clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,<br />
+all betokening full health and strength.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Total</td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z153.jpg" width="600" height="396" alt="MR. BABB&#39;S SPOTTED SILVER TABBY." title="" />
+<span class="caption">MR. BABB&#39;S SPOTTED SILVER TABBY.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<h3>SHORT-HAIRED, SPOTTED TABBIES OF ANY COLOUR.</h3>
+
+<p>These to be the same in all points of head, eyes, fur, form, colours,
+tail, size and condition as those laid down for the judging of
+short-haired tabby cats in general, with the exception, in whatever
+colour the markings are, or on whatever ground, they, instead of being
+in lines or bands, are to be broken up into clear, well-defined and
+well-formed spots, each spot to be separate, and distinct, and good,
+firm and dark in colour; these then count as many points as a
+finely-striped cat in its class.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span><br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z154.jpg" width="600" height="387" alt="PROPERLY MARKED BLACK AND WHITE." title="" />
+<span class="caption">PROPERLY MARKED BLACK AND WHITE.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<h3>BLACK AND WHITE, GRAY-WHITE, RED AND WHITE, AND OTHER COLOURS AND WHITE.</h3>
+
+<p>The self colour to count the same number of points as the ground colour
+in tabby, namely, twenty points, and the white <i>markings</i> the same as
+the tabby markings, that is, twenty points. The other points also the
+same.</p>
+
+<p>The markings to be: lips, mouth and part of the cheek, including the
+whiskers, with a blaze up the nose, coming to a point between the eyes,
+white; throat and chest white, and pear-shaped in outline of colour; all
+four feet white.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>WHITE AND BLACK, WHITE AND GRAY, WHITE AND RED, WHITE AND ANY OTHER
+COLOUR.</h3>
+
+<p>The colours and markings to count the same as the above. The ground
+colour being white, and markings the dark colour instead of white. In
+the markings they should be even or well-balanced, such as two black
+ears, the rest white; or two black ears, with black tail, and the rest
+white; or all white, with dark tail only. These are not very uncommon
+markings, but if so marked, they may also have a spot or two on the back
+or sides provided they balance in size of colour. But the simplicity of
+the former is the best.</p>
+
+<p>All other fancy colours and markings must be judged according to taste,
+and entered in the any other variety of colours for short-haired cats,
+such as strawberry colour, smokies, chinchillas, ticked, black tabbies
+and such fancy colours.<br /><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<h3>ABYSSINIAN.</h3>
+
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, broad across the eyes, rather long than short, nose<br />
+medium length, all well-formed.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Orange-yellow, slightly tinged with green, large, round,<br />
+full, and bright.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Nose and Feet</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Nose dark red, edged with black; tips and cushions of feet<br />
+black, also the back of the hind-legs.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Soft, rather woolly hair, yet soft, silky, lustrous, and<br />
+glossy, short, smooth, even, and dense.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Ears</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>The usual size of the ordinary English cat, but a little more<br />
+rounded, with not much hair in the interior, black at the<br />
+apex.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>A rich, dun brown, ticked with black and orange, or darker on<br />
+lighter colours, having a dark or black line along the back<br />
+extending to the end of the tail, and slightly annulated with<br />
+black or dark colour. As few other marks as possible. Inside<br />
+of fore-legs and belly to be orange-brown. No white.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Condition</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large; coat glossy and smooth, fitting close to the body;<br />
+eyes bright and clear.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Carriage and Appearance</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Graceful, lithe, elegant, alert and quick in all its<br />
+movements, head carried up, tail trailing, in walk<br />
+undulating.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>N.B.&mdash;The Abyssinian Silver Gray, or Chinchilla, is the same in all
+points, with the exception of the ground colour being silver instead of
+brown. This is a new and beautiful variety.<br /><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>ROYAL CAT OF SIAM.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, broad across and between the eyes, tapering upwards<br />
+and somewhat narrow between the ears: forehead flat and<br />
+receding, nose long, and somewhat broad, cheeks narrowing<br />
+towards the mouth, lips full and rounded, ears rather large<br />
+and wide at base, with very little hair inside.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Very short, and somewhat woolly, yet soft and silky to the<br />
+touch, and glossy, with much lustre on the face, legs, and<br />
+tail.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>The ground or body colour to be of an even tint, slightly<br />
+darker on the back, but not in any way clouded or patched<br />
+with any darker colour; light rich dun is the preferable<br />
+colour, but a light fawn, light silver-gray, or light orange<br />
+is allowable; deeper and richer browns, almost chocolate, are<br />
+admissible if even and not clouded, but the first is the true<br />
+type, the last merely a variety of much beauty and<br />
+excellence; but the dun and light tints take precedence.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Markings</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Ears black, the colour not extending beyond them, but ending<br />
+in a clear and well-defined outline; around the eyes, and all<br />
+the lower part of the head, black; legs and tail black, the<br />
+colour not extending into or staining the body, but having a<br />
+clear line of demarkation.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Rather of almond shape, slanting towards the nose, full and<br />
+of a very beautiful blue opalesque colour, luminous and of a<br />
+reddish tint in the dusk of evening or by artificial light.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Short by comparison with the English cat, thin throughout, a<br />
+little thicker towards the base, without any break or kink.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Form</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Rather small, lithe, elegant in outline, and graceful, narrow<br />
+and somewhat long; legs thin and a little short than<br />
+otherwise; feet long, not so round as the ordinary cat; neck<br />
+long and small.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Condition</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>In full health, not too fat, hair smooth, clear, bright, full<br />
+of lustre, lying close to the body, which should be hard and<br />
+firm in the muscles.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<h3>MANX, OR SHORT-TAILED CAT.</h3>
+
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Small, round, but tapering towards the lips, rather broad<br />
+across the eyes, nose medium length, ears rather small, broad<br />
+at base and sloping upwards to a point.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>According to colour, as shown in other varieties.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>To range the same as other short-haired cats, if self same as<br />
+self, if marked same as the marked varieties, with less<br />
+points, allowing for the tail points in this variety.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Form</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Narrow, long, neck long and thin, all to be graceful in line;<br />
+shoulders narrow, well-sloped; fore-legs medium length and<br />
+thin; hind-legs long in proportion and stouter built; feet<br />
+round and small.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="right">25</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>To have no tail whatever, not even a stump, but some true<br />
+bred have a very short, thin, twisted tail, that cannot be<br />
+straightened, this allowable, and is true bred; but thick<br />
+stumps, knobs, or short, thick tails <i>disqualify</i>.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size and Condition</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, elegant in all its movements, hair smooth, clean,<br />
+bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body, all<br />
+betokening good health and strength.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z160.jpg" width="600" height="447" alt="MR. CLARKE&#39;S &quot;MISS WHITEY.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MR. CLARKE&#39;S &quot;MISS WHITEY.&quot;</span>
+<br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<h3>WHITE, LONG-HAIRED CAT.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Round and broad across and between the eyes, of medium size;<br />
+nose rather short, pink at the tip; ears ordinary size, but<br />
+looking small, being surrounded with long hair, which should<br />
+also be long on the forehead and lips.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, full, round or almond-shape, lustrous, and of a<br />
+beautiful azure blue. Yellow admissible as five points only.<br />
+Green a defect.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Ruff or Frill</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, very long, flowing, and lion-like, extending over the<br />
+shoulders, and covering the neck and chest thickly.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Very long everywhere, mostly along the back, sides, legs, and<br />
+feet, making tufts between the toes, and points at the apex<br />
+of the ears.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Quality of Fur</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Fine, silky, and very soft in the Persian, with a slightly<br />
+woolly texture in the Angora, and still more so in the<br />
+Russian.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>In the Persian the hair long and silky throughout, but<br />
+somewhat longer at the base. Angora more like the brush of a<br />
+fox, but much longer in the hair. Russian equally long in<br />
+hair, but full tail, shorter and more blunt, like a tassel.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size, Shape, and Condition</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, small in bone, looking larger than it really is on<br />
+account of the length of hair. Body long, legs short, tail<br />
+carried low&mdash;not over the back, which is a fault. Fur clean,<br />
+bright and glossy, even and smooth, and flakey, which gives<br />
+an appearance of quality.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>White, with a tender, very slightly yellow tint; cushions of<br />
+feet and tip of nose pink.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>BLACK, BLUE, GRAY, RED, OR ANY SELF COLOUR LONG-HAIRED CATS.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Round, and broad across and between the eyes, of medium size;<br />
+nose rather short and dark at tip, excepting in the red, when<br />
+it should be pink; ears ordinary size, but looking small,<br />
+being surrounded with long hair, which should also be long on<br />
+the forehead and lips.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>For black, orange; orange-yellow for blue; deep yellow for<br />
+gray; and gold, tinged with green, for red; large, round, or<br />
+almond-shaped, full and very bright.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Ruff or Frill</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, very long, flowing, and lion-like, extending over the<br />
+shoulders, and covering the neck and chest thickly.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Very long everywhere; mostly so along the back, sides, legs,<br />
+and feet, making tufts between the toes, and points at the<br />
+apex of the ears.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Quality of Fur</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Fine, silky, and very soft in the Persian, with slightly<br />
+woolly texture in the Angora, and still more so in the<br />
+Russian.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>In the Persian the hair long and silky throughout, but<br />
+somewhat longer at the base; Angora like the brush of a fox,<br />
+but longer in the hair; Russian equally long in hair but more<br />
+full at the end, tail shorter, rather blunt, like a tassel.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size, Shape, and Condition</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, small in bone, looking larger than it really is on<br />
+account of the length of the hair; body long, legs short;<br />
+tail carried low, not over the back, which is a fault; fur<br />
+clean and glossy, even, smooth, and flakey, which gives an<br />
+appearance of quality.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Black, dense, bright brown-black, with purple gloss; blue, a<br />
+bright, rich, even dark colour, or lighter, but even in tint;<br />
+gray, a bright, light, even colour; red, a brilliant, sandy,<br />
+or yellowish-red colour.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 371px;">
+<img src="images/z163.jpg" width="371" height="400" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<h3>BROWN, BLUE, SILVER, LIGHT GRAY, AND WHITE TABBY LONG-HAIRED CATS.</h3>
+
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="points list">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">POINTS</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Head</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Round and broad across and between the eyes, of medium size;<br />
+nose rather short; ears ordinary size, but looking small,<br />
+being surrounded with long hair, which should also be long on<br />
+the forehead and lips.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Eyes</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Orange-yellow for brown and blue tabby, very slightly tinted<br />
+with green; deep, bright yellow for silver; gray, and golden<br />
+yellow for white tabby; large, full, round, or almond-shaped,<br />
+and very lustrous.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Ruff or Frill</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, very long, flowing, and lion-like, extending over the<br />
+shoulders, and covering the neck and chest thickly.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fur</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Very long everywhere, mostly so along the back, sides, legs,<br />
+and feet, making tufts between the toes, and points at the<br />
+apex of the ears.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Quality of Fur</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Fine, silky, and very soft in the Persian, with slightly<br />
+woolly texture in the Angora, and still more so in the<br />
+Russian.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tail</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>In the Persian the hair long and silky throughout, but<br />
+somewhat longer at the base; Angora like the brush of a fox,<br />
+but longer in the hair; Russian equally long in the hair, but<br />
+more full at the end; tail shorter, rather blunt, like a<br />
+tassel.</p></blockquote><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Size, Shape, and Condition</span></td><td align="right">10</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Large, small in bone, looking larger than it really is on<br />
+account of the length of the hair; body long; legs short;<br />
+tail carried low, not over the back, which is a fault; fur<br />
+clean and glossy, even, smooth, and flakey, which gives an<br />
+appearance of quality.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Colour</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Ground colour, deep, rich reddish-brown, more rufous on the<br />
+nose, ears, mane, and inside the legs and belly; tip of nose<br />
+red, edged with black; blue, bright, deep, rich, even, dark<br />
+colour; silver, lighter and equally even tint; and so light<br />
+gray; and white ground, pure white.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Markings</span></td><td align="right">15</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><blockquote><p>Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as the<br />
+ground colour seen between, so as to give a light and<br />
+brilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than the<br />
+colour space, it is a defect, being then black marked with<br />
+colour, instead of colour marked with black. The lines must<br />
+be clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct,<br />
+having no mixture of the ground colour. Head, legs, and tail<br />
+regularly marked, the latter with rings, the lines on the<br />
+throat and chest being in no way blurred or broken, but<br />
+clear, graceful, and continuous; lips, cushions of feet, the<br />
+backs of the hind-legs and the ear-points black.</p></blockquote></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">---</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Total</span></td><td align="right">100</td></tr>
+</table><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>In chocolate, mahogany, red, or yellow long-haired tabbies, the markings
+and colours to be the same as in the short-haired cats; but in points to
+count the same as the last in all qualities.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Spotted tabbies to count the same in all points, the only difference
+being that instead of stripes, the cats are marked with clear,
+well-defined spots.</p>
+
+<p>All fancy colours to be shown in the "any other variety of <i>colour</i>"
+class, and judged according to quality of coat, beauty, and rarity of
+colouring or marking. The small, thin, broken-banded tabby should go in
+this class, as also those with thin, light, wavy lines.</p>
+
+<p>All foreign, wild, or other cats of peculiar form to go into the class
+for "any other variety or species."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/z166.jpg" width="450" height="393" alt="&quot;SYLVIE.&quot;" title="" />
+<span class="caption">&quot;SYLVIE.&quot;</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>DISEASES OF CATS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Cats, like many other animals, both wild and domestic, are subject to
+diseases, several being fatal, others yielding to known curatives; many
+are of a very exhaustive character, some are epidemic, others are
+undoubtedly contagious&mdash;the two worst of these are what is known as the
+distemper and the mange. Through the kindness of friends I am enabled to
+give recipes for medicines considered as useful, or, at any rate,
+tending to abate the severity of the attack in the one, and utterly
+eradicate the other. Care should always be taken on the first symptoms
+of illness to remove the animal at once from contact with others. My
+kind friend, Dr. George Fleming, C.B., principal veterinary surgeon of
+the army, has courteously sent me a copy of a remedy for cat distemper
+from his very excellent work, "Animal Plagues: their History, Nature,
+and Prevention," which I give in full.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CATARRHAL FEVERS.</h3>
+
+<p>"Cats are, like some other of the domesticated animals, liable to be
+attacked by two kinds of Catarrhal Fever, one of which is undoubtedly
+very infectious&mdash;like distemper in dogs&mdash;and the other may be looked
+upon as the result of a simple cold, and therefore not transmissible.
+The first is, of course, the most severe and fatal, and often prevails
+most extensively, affecting cats generally over wide areas, sometimes
+entire continents being invaded by it. From <span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 1414 up to 1832 no
+fewer than nineteen widespread outbreaks of this kind have been
+recorded. The most notable of these was in 1796, when the cats in
+England and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> Holland were generally attacked by the disease, and in the
+following year when it had spread over Europe and extended to America;
+in 1803, it again appeared in this country and over a large part of the
+European continent.</p>
+
+<p>"The symptoms are intense fever, prostration, vomiting, diarrh&oelig;a,
+sneezing, cough, and profuse discharge from the nose and eyes. Sometimes
+the parotid glands are swollen, as in human mumps. Dr. Darwin, of Derby,
+uncle to Charles Darwin, thought it was a kind of mumps, and therefore
+designated it <i>Parotitis felina</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The treatment consists in careful nursing and cleanliness, keeping the
+animal moderately warm and comfortable. The disease rapidly produces
+intense debility, and therefore the strength should be maintained from
+the very commencement by frequent small doses of strong beef-tea, into
+which one grain of quinine has been introduced twice a day, a small
+quantity of port wine (from half to one teaspoonful) according to the
+size of the cat, and the state of debility. If there is no diarrh&oelig;a,
+but constipation, a small dose of castor oil or syrup of buckthorn
+should be given. Solid food should not be allowed until convalescence
+has set in. Isolation, with regard to other cats, and disinfection,
+should be attended to.</p>
+
+<p>"Simple Catarrh demands similar treatment. Warmth, cleanliness, broth,
+and beef-tea, are the chief items of treatment, with a dose of castor
+oil if constipation is present. If the discharge obstructs the nostrils
+it should be removed with a sponge, and these and the eyes may be bathed
+with a weak lotion of vinegar and water."</p>
+
+<p>"As regards inoculation for distemper," Dr. Fleming says, "it has been
+tried, but the remedy is often worse than the disease, at least as bad
+as the natural disease. <i>Vaccination</i> has also been tried, but it is
+<i>valueless</i>. Probably inoculation with cultivated or modified virus
+would be found a good and safe preventative."</p>
+
+<p>I was anxious to know about this, as inoculation used to be the practice
+with packs of hounds.</p>
+
+<p>It will be observed that Dr. Fleming treats the distemper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> as a kind of
+influenza, and considers one of the most important things is to keep up
+the strength of the suffering animal. Other members of the R.C.V.S.,
+whom I have consulted, have all given the same kind of advice, not only
+prescribing for the sick animal wine, but brandy, as a last resource, to
+arouse sinking vitality. Mr. George Cheverton, of High Street, Tunbridge
+Wells, who is very successful with animals and their diseases, thinks it
+best to treat them hom&oelig;opathically. The following is what he
+prescribes as efficacious for some of the most dire complaints with
+which cats are apt to be afflicted.</p>
+
+
+<h3>WORMS.</h3>
+
+<p>For a full-grown cat give 3 grains of santonine every night for a week
+or 10 days; it might be administered in milk, or given in a small piece
+of beef or meat of any kind. After the course give an aperient powder.</p>
+
+
+<h3>MANGE.</h3>
+
+<p>The best possible remedies for this disease are arsenicum, 2<sup>�</sup>
+trituration, and sulphur, 2<sup>�</sup> trituration, given on alternate days, as
+much as will lie on a threepenny piece, night and morning, administered
+as above.</p>
+
+<p>A most useful lotion is acid sulphurous, 1 oz. to 5 oz. of water, adding
+about a teaspoonful of glycerine, and sponging the affected parts twice
+or thrice daily.</p>
+
+
+<h3>COLDS.</h3>
+
+<p>The symptoms are twofold, usually there is constant sneezing and
+discharge from the nose. Aconite, 1<sup>�</sup> tincture, 1 drop given every 3
+hours in alternation with arsenicum, 3<sup>�</sup> trituration, will speedily
+remove the disease. Should there be stuffing of the nose, and difficult
+breathing, give mercurius biniod., 3<sup>�</sup> trituration, a dose every 3 or
+4 hours.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>COUGHS.</h3>
+
+<p>The short, hard, dry cough will always give way to treatment with
+belladonna, 3<sup>�</sup> trituration, 3 grains every 3 or 4 hours.</p>
+
+<p>For the difficult breathing, with rattling in the chest and bronchial
+tubes, with distressing cough, antimonium tartaric., 2<sup>�</sup>, grains iij
+every 2, 3 or 4 hours, according to the severity of the symptoms.</p>
+
+
+<h3>DISTEMPER.</h3>
+
+<p>Early symptoms should be noted and receive prompt attention; this will
+often cut short the duration of the malady. The first indications
+usually are a disinclination to rest in the usual place, seeking a dark
+corner beneath a sofa, etc. The eyes flow freely, the nose after
+becoming hard and dry becomes stopped with fluid, the tongue parched,
+and total aversion to food follows. The breathing becomes short and
+laboured, the discharges are offensive, and the animal creeps away into
+some quiet corner to die&mdash;if before this its life has not been
+mercifully ended.</p>
+
+<p>On discovery of <i>first</i> symptoms, give 2 drops aconite and arsenicum in
+alternation every 3 hours. When the nose becomes dry, and the eye
+restless and glaring, give belladonna.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CANKER OF EAR.</h3>
+
+<p>When internal, drop into the affected ear, night and morning, 3 or 5
+drops of the following mixture:</p>
+
+<p>
+Tincture of Hydrastis Canadensis        2 drachms.<br />
+Carbolic Acid (pure)                    �  "<br />
+Glycerine, to make up to                2 oz.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>If external, paint with the mixture the affected parts.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>APERIENT.</h3>
+
+<p>Get a chemist to rub down a medium-size croton bean with about 40 grains
+of sugar of milk, and divide into four powders. One of these powders
+given in milk usually suffices. Large cats often require two powders.
+The dose might be repeated if necessary.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>Dose, when drops are ordered, 2 drops.<br />
+��"    ��� "  �trituration is ordered, 2 to 3 grains.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<h3>REMEDIES AND STRENGTHENING MEDICINES.</h3>
+
+<blockquote><p>Aconite, 1<sup>�</sup> tincture. Arsenicum, 2<sup>�</sup> trituration.
+Antimonium tartaricum, 2<sup>�</sup> trituration. Belladonna, 3<sup>�</sup>
+trituration. Mercurius biniodatus, 3<sup>�</sup> trituration.
+Hydrastis canadensis, [Greek: phi] tincture. Sulphur, 2<sup>�</sup>
+trituration. Santonine.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Mr. Frank Upjohn, of Castelnau, Barnes, has also kindly forwarded me his
+treatment of some few of the cat ailments. Mindful of the old proverb
+that "In a multitude of counsellors there is wisdom," I place all before
+my friends, and those of the cat, that they may select which remedy they
+deem best:</p>
+
+
+<h3>DISTEMPER.</h3>
+
+<p>Take yellow basilicon, 1 oz.; flowers of sulphur, � oz.; oil of juniper,
+3 drachms. Mix for ointment. Then give sulphide of mercury, 3 grains,
+two or three times on alternate nights.</p>
+
+
+<h3>PURGATIVE.</h3>
+
+<p>Nothing like castor oil for purgation; half the quantity of syrup of
+buckthorn, if necessary, may be added.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>WORMS.</h3>
+
+<p>Two or three grains of santonine in a teaspoonful of castor oil, for two
+or three days.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CATARRH.</h3>
+
+<p>Cold in the eyes and sneezing may be relieved by sweet spirits of nitre,
+1 drachm; minocrerus spirit, 3 drachms; antimony wine, 1 drachm; water
+to 1� oz. Mix. Give 1 teaspoonful every two or three hours.</p>
+
+
+<h3>FLEAS, AND IRRITATION OF SKIN.</h3>
+
+<p>Two drachms pure carbolic acid to 6 oz. of water well mixed for a
+lotion, and apply night and morning.</p>
+
+
+<h3>EYE OINTMENT.</h3>
+
+<p>Red oxide of mercury, 12 grains; spermaceti ointment, 1 oz. Mix.</p>
+
+<p>The above prescription was given to me many years ago by the late Dr.
+Walsh (Stonehenge), and I have found it of great service, both for my
+own eyes, also those of animals and birds. Wash the eyes carefully with
+warm water, dry off with a soft silk handkerchief, and apply a little of
+the ointment. Dr. Walsh informed me that he deemed it excellent for
+canker in the ear, but of that I have had no experience.</p>
+
+
+<h3>FOR MANGE.</h3>
+
+<p>In the early stages of mange, flowers of sulphur mixed in vaseline, and
+rubbed in the coat of the cat, is efficacious, giving sulphur in the
+milk, the water, and on the food of the patient; also give vegetable
+diet.</p>
+
+<p>Another remedy: give a teaspoonful of castor oil; next day give raw
+meat, dusted over with flowers of sulphur.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> Also give sulphur in milk.
+If there are any sore places, bathe with lotion made from camphorated
+oil in which some sulphur is mixed. Oil, 2 oz.; camphor, � oz.; sulphur,
+a teaspoonful.</p>
+
+<p>As a rule, when the animal is of value, either intrinsically or as a
+pet, the best plan is to consult a practitioner, well versed in the
+veterinary science and art, especially when the cat appears to suffer
+from some obscure disease, many of which it is very difficult to detect,
+unless by the trained and practised eye. Of all the ailments, both of
+dogs and cats, distemper is the worst to combat, and is so virulent and
+contagious that I have thought it well to offer remedies that are at
+least worthy of a trial, though when the complaint has firm hold, and
+the attack very severe, the case is generally almost hopeless,
+especially with high-bred animals.</p>
+
+
+<h3>POISON.</h3>
+
+<p>It is not generally known that the much-admired laburnum contains a
+strong poison, and is therefore an exceedingly dangerous plant. All its
+parts&mdash;blossoms, leaves, seeds, even the bark and the roots&mdash;are charged
+with a poison named <i>cytisin</i>, which was discovered by Husemann and
+Marms in 1864.</p>
+
+<p>A small dose of juice infused under the skin is quite sufficient to kill
+a cat or a dog. Children have died from eating the seeds, of which ten
+or twelve were sufficient to cause death. The worst of it is that there
+is <i>no remedy</i>, no antidote against this poison. How many cases have
+happened before the danger was discovered is of course only a matter of
+conjecture, as few would suspect the cause to come from the lovely plant
+that so delights the eye.</p>
+
+<p>It has, however, long been known to gamekeepers and others, and used by
+them to destroy "vermin." When quite a boy I remember an old uncle of
+mine telling me to beware of it even in gathering the blossom.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z174.jpg" width="600" height="365" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE WILD CAT OF BRITAIN.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The wild cat is said to be now extinct in England, and only found in
+some of the northern parts of Scotland, or the rocky parts of the
+mountains of the south, where I am informed it may yet occasionally be
+seen. The drawing I give above was made from one sent to the first
+Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871, by the Duke of Sutherland, from
+Sutherlandshire. It was caught in a trap by the fore-leg, which was much
+injured, but not so as to prevent its moving with great alacrity, even
+with agility, endeavouring frequently to use the claws of both fore-feet
+with a desperate determination and amazing vigour. It was a very
+powerful animal, possessing great strength, taking size into
+consideration, and of extraordinary fierceness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wilson, the manager of the show, though an excellent naturalist,
+tried to get it out of the thick-barred, heavy-made travelling box in
+which it arrived, into one of the ordinary wire show-cages, thinking it
+would appear to better advantage; but in this endeavour he was
+unsuccessful, the animal resisting all attempts to expel it from the one
+into the other, making such frantic and determined opposition that the
+idea was abandoned. This was most fortunate, for the wire cages then in
+use were afterwards found unequal to confining even the ordinary
+domestic cat, which, in more than one instance, forced the bars apart
+sufficiently to allow of escape. As it was, the wild cat maintained its
+position, sullenly retiring to one corner of the box, where it scowled,
+growled, and fought in a most fearful and courageous manner during the
+time of its exhibition, never once relaxing its savage watchfulness or
+attempts to injure even those who fed it. I never saw anything more
+unremittingly ferocious, nor apparently more untamable.</p>
+
+<p>It was a grand animal, however, and most interesting to the naturalist,
+being, even then, scarcely ever seen; if so, only in districts far away
+and remote from the dwellings of civilisation. Yet I believe I saw one
+among the rocks of Bodsbeck, in Dumfriesshire, many years ago, though of
+this I am not certain, as it was too far away for accurate observation
+before it turned and stood at bay, and on my advancing it disappeared.
+The animal shown at the Crystal Palace was very much lighter in colour,
+and with less markings than those in the British Museum, the tail
+shorter, and the dark rings fewer, the lines on the body not much deeper
+in tint than the ground colour, excepting on the forehead and the inside
+of the fore-legs, which were darker, rather a light red round the mouth,
+and almost white on the chest&mdash;which appears to be usual with the wild
+cat; the eyes were yellow-tinted green, the tips of the ears, the lips,
+cushions of the feet, and a portion of the back part of the hind-legs,
+black; the markings were, in short, irregular thin lines, and in no way
+resembled those of the ordinary black-marked domestic tabby cat,
+possessing little elegance of line<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>&mdash;in character it was bolder, having
+a rugged sturdiness, being stronger and broader built, the fore-arms
+thick, massive, and endowed with great power, with long, curved claws,
+the feet were stout, sinewy, and strong; altogether it was a very
+peculiar, interesting, and extraordinary animal. What became of it I
+never learned.</p>
+
+<p>In 1871 and 1872, a wild cat was exhibited at the Crystal Palace Cat
+Show, by the Earl of Hopetoun, aged three years, also some hybrid
+kittens, the father of which was a long-haired cat, the mother a sandy,
+by a wild cat out of a long-haired tabby, which proves, if proof were
+wanting, that such hybrids breed freely either with hybrids, the
+domestic, or the wild cat.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Frank Buckland also exhibited a hybrid between the wild and tame
+cat.</p>
+
+<p>The Zoological Society, a pair of wild cats which did not appear to be
+British.</p>
+
+<p>In 1873, Mr. A. H. Senger sent a fine specimen of hybrid, between the
+domestic cat and Scotch wild cat.</p>
+
+<p>An early description of the wild cat in England is to be found in an old
+book on Natural History, and copied into a work on "Menageries,"
+"Bartholom&oelig;us de Proprietatibus Rerum," which was translated into
+English by Thomas Berthlet, and printed by Wynkyn de Worde as early as
+1498. There is a very interesting description of the cat, which gives
+nearly all the properties of the wild animal in an odd and very amusing
+way. It states: "He is most like to the leopard, and hath a great
+mouthe, and saw teeth and sharp, and long tongue, and pliant, thin, and
+subtle; and lappeth therewith when he drinketh, as other beasts do, that
+have the nether lip shorter than the over; for, by cause of unevenness
+of lips, such beasts suck not in drinking, but lap and lick, as
+Aristotle saith and Plinius also. And he is a full lecherous beast in
+youth, swift, pliant, and merry, and leapeth, and riseth on all things
+that is tofore him; and is led by a straw, and playeth therewith, and is
+a right heavy beast in age, and full sleepy, and lieth slyly in wait for
+mice; and is ware where they bene more by smell than by sight, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>
+hunteth and riseth on them in privy places; and when he taketh a mouse,
+he playeth therewith, and eateth him after the play; and is a cruel
+beast when he is wild, and dwelleth in woods, and hunteth there small
+wild beasts as conies and hares."</p>
+
+<p>The next appears in John Bossewell's "Workes of Armorie," folio, <span class="smcap">A.D.</span>
+1597:</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"This beaste is called a Musion, for that he is enimie to Myse</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">and Rattes. He is slye and wittie, and seeth so sharpely that he</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">overcommeth darknes of the nighte by the shyninge lyghte of his</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">eyne. In shape of body he is like unto a Leoparde, and hathe a</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">great mouth. He dothe delight that he enioyeth his libertye; and</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">in his youthe he is swifte, plyante, and merye. He maketh a</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">rufull noyse and a gastefull when he profereth to fighte with an</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">other. He is a cruell beaste when he is wilde, and falleth on his</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">owne feete from most high places: and vneth is hurt therewith.</span><br /></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"When he hath a fayre skinne, he is, as it were, prowde thereof,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">and then he goeth faste aboute to be seene...."</span><br /></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Those who have seen the wild cat of Britain, especially in</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">confinement, will doubtless be ready to endorse this description</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">as being "true to the life," even to the "rufull noyse," or his</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">industry in the way of fighting. Yet even this old chronicler</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">mentions the fact of his being "wilde," clearly indicating a</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">similar animal in a state of domestication. Later on we find</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Maister Salmon giving an account of the cat in his</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">strangely-curious book, "Salmon's Compleat English Physician; or,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">the Druggist's Shop Opened," <span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 1693, in which he relates that</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">marvellous properties exist in the brain, bones, etc., of the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">cat, giving recipes mostly cruel and incredible. He describes</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"Catus the Cat" in such terms as these:</span><br /></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"<i>The Cat of Mountain</i>, all which are of one nature, and agree</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">much in one shape, save as to their magnitude, the <i>wild Cat</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">being larger than the <i>Tame</i> and the <i>Cat of Mountain</i> much</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">larger than the <i>wild Cat</i>. It has a broad Face, almost like a</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Lyon, short Ears, large Whiskers, shining Eyes, short, smooth</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Hair, long Tail, rough Tongue, and armed on its Feet, with</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Claws, being a crafty, subtle, watchful Creature, very loving and</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">familiar with Man-kind, the mortal enemy to the Rat, Mouse, and</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">all sorts of Birds, which it seizes on as its prey. As to its</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Eyes, Authors say that they shine in the Night, and see better at</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">the full, and more dimly at the change of the moon; as also that</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">the Cat doth vary his Eyes with the Sun, the Apple of its Eye</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">being long at Sun rise, round towards Noon, and not to be seen at</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">all at night, but the whole Eye shining in the night. These</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">appearances of the Cats' Eyes I am sure are true, but whether</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">they answer to the times of the day, I never observed." "Its</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">flesh is not usually eaten, yet in some countries it is accounted</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">an excellent dish."</span><br /></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Blaine, in his excellent and useful work, the "Encyclop�dia of Rural
+Sports"&mdash;a book no sportsman should be without&mdash;thus discusses the
+origin of the domestic cat compared with the British wild cat:</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"We have yet, however, to satisfy ourselves with regard to the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">origin of the true wild cat (<i>Felis catus</i>, Linn.), which,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">following the analogies of the <i>Felin�</i> generally, are almost</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">exclusively native to countries warmer than our own. It is true</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">that occasionally varieties of the <i>Felin�</i> do breed in our</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">caravans and menageries, where artificial warmth is kept up to</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">represent something like a tropical temperature; but the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">circumstance is too rare to ground any opinion on of their ever</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">having been indigenous here&mdash;at least, since our part of the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">globe has cooled down to its present temperature. It is,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">therefore, more than probable that both the wild and the tame cat</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">have been derived from some other extra-European source or</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">sources. We say source or sources, for such admission begets</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">another difficulty not easily got over, which is this, that if</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">both of these grimalkins own one common root, in which variety</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">was it that the very marked differences between them have taken</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">place? Most sportsmen, we believe, suspect that they own one</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">common origin, and some naturalists also do the same, contending</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">that the differences observable between them are attributable</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">solely to the long-continued action of external agencies, which</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">had modified the various organs to meet the varied necessities of</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">the animals. The wild cat, according to this theory, having to</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">contend with powerful enemies, expanded in general dimensions;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">its limbs, particularly, became massive; and its long and strong</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">claws, with the powerful muscular mechanism which operated on</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">them, fitted it for a life of predacity. Thus its increased size</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">enabled it to stand some time before any other dogs than</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">high-bred foxhounds, and even before them also, in any place but</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">the direct open ground. There exist, however, in direct</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">contradiction to this opinion, certain specialities proper to the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">wild, and certain other to the domestic cat, besides the simple</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">expansion of bulk, which sufficiently disprove their identity. It</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">will be seen that a remarkable difference exists between the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">tails of the two animals; that of the domestic being, as is well</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">known, long, and tapering elegantly to a point, whereas that of</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">the wild cat is seen to be broad, and to terminate abruptly in a</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">blunt or rounded extremity. Linn�us and Buffon having both of</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">them confounded these two species into one, have contributed much</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">to propagate this error, which affords us another opportunity of</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">adding to the many we have taken of remarking on the vast</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">importance of comparative anatomy, which enables us to draw just</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">distinctions between animals that might otherwise erroneously be</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">adjudged to be dependent on external agencies, etc. Nor need we</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">rest here, for what doubt can be entertained on the subject when</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">we point at the remarkable difference between the intestines of</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">the two? <i>Those of the domestic are nine times the length of its</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><i>body</i>, whereas, in the <i>wild cat</i>, they are little more than</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><i>three times as long as the body</i>."</span><br /></p>
+
+<p>The food of the wild cat is said to consist of animals, and in the
+opinion of some, fish should be added. Why not also birds' eggs? Cats
+are particularly fond of the latter. In the event of their finding and
+destroying a nest, they invariably eat the eggs, and generally the
+shells.</p>
+
+<p>Much has been written as to the aptitude of the domestic cat at catching
+fish. If this be so, are fish necessarily a part of the food of the
+native wild cat? Numerous instances are adduced of our "household cat"
+plunging into water in pursuit of and capture of fish. Although I have
+spent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> much time in watching cats that were roaming beside streams and
+about ponds, there has never been even an attempt at "fishing." Frogs
+they will take and kill, often greedily devouring the small ones. Yet
+doubtless they will hunt, catch, and eat fish, for the fact has become
+proverbial.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z180.jpg" width="600" height="359" alt="WILD CAT, BRITISH MUSEUM." title="" />
+<span class="caption">WILD CAT, BRITISH MUSEUM.</span>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>A writer in "Menageries" states: "There is no doubt that wild cats will
+seize on fish, and the passionate longing of the domestic cat after this
+food is an evidence of the natural desire. We have seen a cat overcome
+her natural reluctance to wet her feet, and take an eel out of a pail of
+water." Dr. Darwin alludes to this propensity: "Mr. Leonard, a very
+intelligent friend of mine, saw a cat catch a trout by darting on it in
+deep, clear water, at the Mill, Wexford, near Lichfield. The cat
+belonged to Mr. Stanley, who had often seen it catch fish."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Cases have also been known of cats catching fish in shallow water,
+springing on them from the banks of streams and ponds; but I take this
+as not <i>the habit</i> of the domestic cat, though it is not unusual.</p>
+
+<p>Gray, in a poem, tells of a cat's death through drowning, while
+attempting to take gold-fish from a vase filled with water.</p>
+
+<p>Of Dr. Samuel Johnson it is related, that his cat having fallen sick and
+refused all food, he became aware that cats are fond of fish. With this
+knowledge before him he went to the fishmonger's and bought an oyster
+for the sick creature, wrapped it in paper and brought the appetising
+morsel home. The cat relished the dainty food, and the Doctor was seen
+going on the same kindly errand every day until his suffering feline
+friend was restored to health.</p>
+
+<p>Still this is no proof that the <i>wild</i> cat, in a pure state of nature,
+feeds on fish. Again, it is nothing unusual for domestic cats to catch
+and eat cockroaches, crickets, cockchafers, also large and small moths,
+but not so all. In domesticity some are almost omnivorous. But is the
+wild cat? Taking its anatomical structure into consideration, there is
+doubtless a wide distinction, both as regards food and habit.</p>
+
+<p>In Daniel's "Rural Sports," <span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 1813, the wild cat is stated to be "now
+scarce in England, inhabiting the mountainous and woody parts. Mr.
+Pennant describes it as <i>four</i> times the size of the house cat, but the
+head larger, that it multiplies as fast, and may be called the British
+<i>tiger</i>, being the fiercest and most destructive beast we have. When
+only wounded with shot they will attack the person who injured them, and
+often have strength enough to be no despicable enemy."</p>
+
+<p>Through the kind courtesy of that painstaking, excellent, observant, and
+eminent naturalist, Mr. J. E. Harting, I am enabled to reprint a portion
+of his lecture on the origin of the domestic cat, and which afterwards
+appeared in <i>The Field</i>. Although many of the statements are known to
+naturalists, still I prefer giving them in the order in which they are
+so skilfully arranged, presenting, as they do, a very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> garland of facts
+connected with the British wild cat (<i>Felis catus</i>) up to the present,
+and which I deem valuable from many points of view, but the more
+particularly as a record of an animal once abundant in England, where it
+has now apparently almost, if not quite, ceased to exist.</p>
+
+
+<p>"In England in former days, the wild cat was included amongst the beasts
+of chase, and is often mentioned in royal grants giving liberty to
+inclose forest land and licence to hunt there (extracts from several
+such grants will be found in the <i>Zoologist</i> for 1878, p. 251, and 1880,
+p. 251). Nor was it for diversion alone that the wild cat was hunted.
+Its fur was much used as trimming for dresses, and in this way was worn
+even by nuns at one time. Thus, in Archbishop Corboyle's 'Canons,' anno
+1127, it is ordained 'that no abbess or nun use more costly apparel than
+such as is made of lambs' or <i>cats'</i> skins,' and as no other part of the
+animal but the skin was of any use here, it grew into a proverb that
+'You can have nothing of a cat but her skin.'</p>
+
+<p>"The wild cat is believed to be now extinct, not only in England and
+Wales, but in a great part of the south of Scotland. About five years
+ago a Scottish naturalist resident in Stirlingshire (Mr. J. A. Harvie
+Brown) took a great deal of trouble, by means of printed circulars
+addressed to the principal landowners throughout Scotland and the Isles,
+to ascertain the existing haunts of the wild cat in that part of the
+United Kingdom. The result of his inquiries, embodying some very
+interesting information, was published in the <i>Zoologist</i> for January,
+1881. The replies which he received indicated pretty clearly, although
+perhaps unexpectedly, that there are now no wild cats in Scotland south
+of a line drawn from Oban on the west coast up the Brander Pass to
+Dalmally, and thence following the borders of Perthshire to the junction
+of the three counties of Perth, Forfar and Aberdeen, northward to
+Tomintoul, and so to the city of Inverness. We are assured that it is
+only to the northward and westward of this line that the animal still
+keeps a footing in suitable localities, finding its principal shelter
+in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> the great deer forests. Thus we see that the wild cat is being
+gradually driven northward before advancing civilisation and the
+increased supervision of moors and forests. Just as the reindeer in the
+twelfth century was driven northward from England and found its last
+home in Caithness, and as the wolf followed it a few centuries later, so
+we may expect one day that the wild cat will come to be numbered amongst
+the 'extinct British animals.'</p>
+
+<p>"A recent writer in the new edition of the 'Encyclop�dia Britannica'
+(art. <i>Cat</i>) expresses the opinion that the wild cat still exists in
+Wales and in the north of England, but gives no proof of its recent
+occurrence there. From time to time we see reports in the newspapers to
+the effect that a wild cat has been shot or trapped in some
+out-of-the-way part of the country; but it usually turns out to be a
+large example of the domestic cat, coloured like the wild form. It is
+remarkable that when cats in England are allowed to return to a feral
+state, their offspring, in the course of generations, show a tendency to
+revert to the wild type of the country; partly, no doubt, in consequence
+of former interbreeding with the wild species when the latter was common
+throughout all the wooded portions of the country, and partly because
+the light-coloured varieties of escaped cats, being more readily seen
+and destroyed, are gradually eliminated, while the darker wild type is
+perpetuated. The great increase in size observable in the offspring of
+escaped domestic cats is no doubt due to continuous living on
+freshly-killed, warm-blooded animals, and to the greater use of the
+muscles which their new mode of life requires. In this way I think we
+may account for the size and appearance of the so-called 'wild cats'
+which are from time to time reported south of the Tweed.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps the last genuine wild cat seen in England was the one shot by
+Lord Ravensworth at Eslington, Northumberland, in 1853;<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> although so
+recently as March, 1883, a cat was shot in Bullington Wood,
+Lincolnshire, which in point<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> of size, colour, and markings was said to
+be quite indistinguishable from the wild <i>Felis catus</i>. Bullington Wood
+is one of an almost continuous chain of great woodlands, extending from
+Mid-Lincolnshire to near Peterborough. Much of the district has never
+been preserved for game, and keepers are few and far between; hence the
+wild animals have enjoyed an almost complete immunity from persecution.
+Cats are known to have bred in these woods in a wild state for
+generations, and there is no improbability that the cat in question may
+have descended directly from the old British wild cat. Under all the
+circumstances, however, it seems more likely to be a case of reversion
+under favourable conditions from the domestic to the wild type.</p>
+
+<p>"In Ireland, strange to say, notwithstanding reports to the contrary,
+all endeavours to find a genuine wild cat have failed, the so-called
+'wild cat' of the natives proving to be the 'marten cat,' a very
+different animal.</p>
+
+<p>"We thus come back to the question with which we started, namely, the
+question of origin of the domestic cat; and the conclusion, I think, at
+which we must arrive is, that although <i>Felis catus</i> has contributed to
+the formation of the existing race of domestic cats, it is not the sole
+ancestor. Several wild species of Egyptian and Indian origin having been
+ages ago reclaimed, the interbreeding of their offspring and crossing
+with other wild species in the countries to which they have been at
+various times exported, has resulted in the gradual production of the
+many varieties, so different in shape and colour, with which we are now
+familiar."</p>
+
+<p>Before quitting the subject, I would point to the fact that when the
+domestic cat takes to the woods and becomes wild, it becomes much
+larger, stronger, and changes in colour; and there can be little doubt
+that during the centuries of the existence of the cat in England there
+must have been numberless crosses and intercrosses, both with regard to
+the <i>males</i> of the domestic cat as with wild <i>females</i>, and <i>vice
+vers�</i>; yet the curious fact remains that the wild cat still retains its
+peculiar colouring and form, as is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> shown by the skins preserved in the
+British Museum and elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Darwin, in his "Voyage of the Beagle," 1845 (p. 120), in his notes
+of the first colonists of La Plata, <span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 1535, says, among other animals
+that he saw was "the common cat altered into a <i>large</i> and <i>fierce</i>
+animal, inhabiting the rocky hills," etc.</p>
+
+<p>Another point on which I wish to give my impressions is the act of the
+cat in what is termed "sharpening its claws." Mr. Darwin notes certain
+trees where the jaguars "<i>sharpen their claws</i>," and mentions the scars
+were of different ages; he also thought they did this "<i>to tear off the
+horny points</i>." This, I believe, is the received opinion among
+naturalists; but I differ <i>entirely</i> from this view of the practice. It
+is a fact, however, and worthy of notice, that all cats do so, even the
+domestic cat. I had <i>one</i> of the legs of a kitchen table entirely torn
+to pieces by my cats; and after much observation I came to the
+conclusion that it has nothing whatever to do with <i>sharpening</i> the
+claws, but is done to stretch the muscles and tendons of the feet so
+that they work readily and strongly, as the retraction of the claws for
+lengthened periods must tend to contract the tendons used for the
+purpose of extending or retracting; therefore the cats fix the points of
+their claws in something soft, and bear downwards with the whole weight
+of the body, simply to stretch and, by use, to strengthen the ligatures
+that pull the claws forward. It is also to be noted that even the
+domestic cat goes to one particular place or tree to insert the claws
+and drag forward the muscles&mdash;perhaps even in the leather of an
+arm-chair, a costly practice. Why one object is always selected is that
+they may not betray their presence by numerous marks in the
+neighbourhood, if wild, to other animals or their enemies. I have
+mentioned this to my brother, John Jenner Weir, F.L.S., and he concurs
+with me throughout.</p>
+
+<p>I find in Strutt's "Sports and Pastimes" that of the names applied to
+companies of animals in the Middle Ages, several are still in use,
+though many have become obsolete; and also a few of the beasts have
+ceased to exist in a wild<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> state. Some were very curious, such as a
+<i>skulk</i> of foxes, a <i>cete</i> of badgers, a <i>huske</i> or <i>down</i> of hares, a
+<i>nest</i> of rabbits, and a <i>clowder of cats</i>, and a <i>kindle of young
+cats</i>. Now cats are said to <i>kitten</i>, and rabbits <i>kindle</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The following shows the value of the cat nearly a thousand years ago; it
+is to be found in Bewick's "Quadrupeds": "In the time of Hoel the Good,
+King of Wales, who died in the year 948, laws were made as well to
+preserve as to fix the different prices of animals; among which the cat
+is included, as being at that period of great importance, on account of
+its scarcity and utility.</p>
+
+<p>"The price of a kitten, before it could see, was fixed at one penny;
+till proof could be given of its having caught a mouse, twopence; after
+which it was rated at fourpence, which was a great sum in those days,
+when the value of specie was extremely high. It was likewise required
+that it should be perfect in its sense of hearing and seeing, should be
+a good mouser, have its claws whole, and, if a female, be a careful
+nurse. If it failed in any of these good qualities, the seller was to
+forfeit to the buyer a third part of its value. If any one should steal
+or kill a cat that guarded the Prince's granary, he was either to
+forfeit a milch ewe, her fleece and lamb, or as much wheat as when
+poured on the cat suspended by its feet (its head touching the floor),
+would form a heap high enough to cover the tip of the former." Bewick
+remarks: "Hence we may conclude that cats were not originally natives of
+these islands, and from the great care taken to improve the breed of
+this prolific creature, we may suppose were but little known at that
+period."</p>
+
+<p>I scarcely think this the right conclusion, the English wild cat being
+anatomically different. In Hone's popular works it is stated that "Cats
+are supposed to have been brought into England from the island of Cyprus
+by some foreign merchants, who came hither for tin." Mr. Hone further
+says: "Wild cats were kept by our ancient kings for hunting. The
+officers who had charge of these cats seem to have had appointments of
+equal consequence<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> with the masters of the king's hounds; they were
+called <i>Catatores</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Beaumont and Fletcher in <i>The Scornful Lady</i> allude to the hunting of
+cats in the line,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Bring out the <i>cat-hounds</i>, I'll make you take a tree."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>But although large and ferocious, the wild cat was not considered a
+match for some of the lesser animals, for in Salmon's "English
+Physician," 1693, we read that "The weasel is an enemy to ravens, crows,
+and <i>cats</i>, and although cats may sometimes set upon them, yet they can
+scarcely overcome them."</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, we find in Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813, that "<i>Wild
+cats</i> formerly were an object of <i>sport</i> to huntsmen. Thus, Gerard
+Camvile, 6 John, had special licence to hunt the hare, fox, and wild
+cat, throughout all the King's <i>forests</i>; and 23 Henry III., Earl
+Warren, by giving Simon de Pierpont a <i>goshawk</i>, obtained leave to hunt
+the buck, doe, hart, hind, hare, fox, goat, <i>cat</i>, or any other wild
+beast, in certain lands of Simon's. But it was not for diversion alone
+that this animal was pursued; for the <i>skin</i> was much used by the nuns
+in their habits, as a <i>fur</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Still it appears from Mr. Charles Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle," that
+tastes vary. "Doctor Shaw was laughed at for stating the flesh of the
+lion is in great esteem, having no small affinity with veal, both in the
+colour, taste, and flavour. Such certainly is the case with the puma.
+The Guachos differ in their opinion whether the jaguar is good eating;
+but were unanimous in saying the <i>cat</i> is <i>excellent</i>."</p>
+
+<p>It is also stated that the Chinese fatten and eat cats with considerable
+relish; but of this I can obtain no reliable information, some of my
+friends from China not having heard of the custom, if such it is.</p>
+
+<p>Again referring to the skin of the cat, <i>vide</i> Strutt: "In the
+thirty-seventh year of the reign of Edward III., it was decreed, after
+enumerating the various kinds of cloth that were to be worn by the
+nobles, knights, dames, and others, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> (Article 2) tradesmen,
+artificers, and men in office, called yeomen, their wives and children,
+shall wear no kind of furs excepting those of lambs, of rabbits, of
+<i>cats</i>, and of foxes." Further: "No man, unless he be possessed of the
+yearly value of forty shillings, shall wear any furs but black and white
+lambs' skins." Lambs' and cats' skins were equivalent in value and
+order.</p>
+
+<p>In the twenty-second year of this monarch's reign, all the former
+statutes "against excess in apparel" were repealed.</p>
+
+<p>My old friend Fairholt, in his useful work on costume, says of the
+Middle Ages: "The peasants wore cat skins, badger skins, etc."</p>
+
+<p>One of the reasons why the skin of cats was used on cloaks and other
+garments for trimming, being that it showed humility in dress, and not
+by way of affectation or vanity, but for warmth and comfort, it being of
+the lowest value of any, with the exception of lambs' skin and badgers';
+and adopted by some priests as well as nuns, when wishing to impress
+others with their deep sense of humility in all things, even to their
+wearing-apparel. The proof of which Strutt's "Habits of the
+Anglo-Normans," <i>circ�</i> twelfth century, fully illustrates:</p>
+
+<p>"William of Malmesbury, speaking of Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester,
+assures us that he avoided all appearance of pride and ostentation in
+his dress, and though he was very wealthy, he never used any furs finer
+than lambs' skin for the lining of his garments. Being blamed for such
+needless humility by Geoffrey, Bishop of Constans, who told him that 'He
+not only could afford, but even ought to wear those of sables, of
+beavers, or of foxes,' he replied: 'It may indeed be proper for you
+politicians, skilful in the affairs of the world, to adorn yourselves in
+the skins of such cunning animals; but for me, who am a plain man, and
+not subject to change my opinion, the skins of lambs are quite
+sufficient.' 'If,' returned his opponent, 'the finer furs are
+unpleasant, you might at least make use of those of the cat.' 'Believe
+me,' answered the facetious prelate, 'the lamb of God is much oftener
+sung in the Church than the cat of God.' This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> witty retort put Geoffrey
+to the blush, and threw the whole company into a violent fit of
+laughter."</p>
+
+<p>Of a very different character was the usage of the cat at clerical
+festivals. In Mill's "History of the Crusades," one reads with some
+degree of horror that "In the Middle Ages the cat was a very important
+personage in religious festivals. At Aix, in Provence, on the festival
+of the Corpus Christi, the finest he-cat of the country, wrapped like a
+child in swaddling clothes, was exhibited in a magnificent shrine to
+public admiration. Every knee was bent, every hand strewed flowers or
+poured incense; and pussy was treated in all respects as the god of the
+day. On the festival, however, of St. John (June 24), the poor cat's
+fate was reversed. A number of cats were put in a wicker basket, and
+thrown alive into the midst of a large fire, kindled in the public
+square by the bishop and his clergy. Hymns and anthems were sung, and
+processions were made by the priests and people in honour of the
+sacrifice."</p>
+
+<p>While the foregoing was about being printed, Mr. Edward Hamilton, M.D.,
+writing to <i>The Field</i>, May 11th, 1889, gives information of a wild cat
+being shot in Inverness-shire. I therefore insert the paragraph, as
+every record of so scarce an animal is of importance and value,
+especially when it is descriptive. He states: "A fine specimen of the
+wild cat (<i>Felis sylvestris</i>) was sent to me on May 3rd, trapped in
+Inverness-shire on the Ben Nevis range. It was too much decomposed to
+exhibit. Its dimensions were: from nose to base of tail, 1 foot 11
+inches; length of tail, 1 foot; height at shoulder, 1 foot 2 inches; the
+length of small intestine, 1 foot 8� inches; and the large intestine, 1
+foot 1 inch." It will be seen by these measurements that the animal was
+not so large as some that have been taken, though excelling in size many
+of the domestic varieties.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CONCERNING CATS.</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Cat</span>.&mdash;Irish, <i>Cat</i>; French, <i>Chat</i>; Dutch, <i>Kat</i>; Danish, <i>Kat</i>;
+Swedish, <i>Katt</i>; German, <i>Katti</i> or <i>Katze</i>; Latin, <i>Catus</i>; Italian,
+<i>Gatto</i>; Portuguese and Spanish, <i>Gato</i>; Polish, <i>Kot</i>; Russian, <i>Kots</i>;
+Turkish, <i>Keti</i>; Welsh, <i>Cath</i>; Cornish, <i>Kath</i>; Basque, <i>Catua</i>;
+Armenian, <i>Gaz</i> or <i>Katz</i>. In Armenic, <i>Kitta</i>, or <i>Kaita</i>, is a male
+cat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Abram cat.</i>&mdash;This I first thought simply meant a male cat; but I find
+in Nares, "Abram" is the corruption of "auburn," so, no doubt, a red or
+sandy tabby cat is intended.</p>
+
+<p><i>A Wheen cat, a Queen cat (Catus femina).</i>&mdash;"Queen" was used by the
+Saxons to signify the female sex, in that "queen fugol" was used for
+"hen fowl." Farmers in Kent and Sussex used also to call heifers "little
+queens."</p>
+
+<p><i>Carl cat.</i>&mdash;A boar or he-cat, from the old Saxon carle or karle, a
+male, and cat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat.</i>&mdash;It was used to denote "Liberty." No animal is more impatient of
+restriction or confinement, nor yet <i>seeming</i> to bear it with more
+resignation. The Romans made their goddess of Liberty holding a cup in
+one hand and a broken sceptre in the other, with a cat lying at her
+feet. Among the goddesses, Diana is said to have assumed the form of a
+cat. The Egyptians worshipped the cat as an emblem of the moon, not only
+because it was more active after sunset, but from the dilation and
+contraction of its orb, symbolical of the waxing and waning of the night
+goddess. But Bailey, in his dictionary, says cats see best as the sun
+approaches, and that their eyesight decays as it goes down in the
+evening. Yet, "on this account," says Mr. Thiselton Dyer, in his
+"English Folk-lore," "it was so highly esteemed as to receive
+sacrifices, and even to have stately temples<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> erected to its honour.
+Whenever a cat died, Brand tells us, all the family shaved their
+eyebrows; and Diodorus Siculus relates that a Roman happening
+accidentally to kill a cat, the mob immediately gathered round the house
+where he was, and neither the entreaties of some principal men by the
+king, nor the fear of the Romans, with whom the Egyptians were then
+negotiating a peace, could save the man's life. In so much esteem also
+was it held, that on the death of its owner the favourite cat, or even
+kitten, was sacrificed, embalmed, and placed in the same sarcophagus."</p>
+
+<p>Some few years ago, Mr. E. Long, R.A., exhibited at the Royal Academy a
+very fine picture of Egyptians idol-making, idol worshippers and
+sellers; the lines from Juvenal being descriptive:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"All know what monsters Egypt venerates;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">It worships crocodiles, or it adores<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The snake-gorged ibis; and sacred ape<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Graven in gold is seen ...Whole cities pray<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To <i>cats</i> and fishes, or the dog invoke."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><i>Cat.</i>&mdash;A metal tripod for holding a plate or Dutch oven before the
+fire. So called because, in whatever position it is placed, it is
+supported by the spokes; as it is said a cat will always light on its
+feet, so the plate-holder will stand firmly in any position. These old
+brass appliances have now gone out of use and are seldom seen, the new
+mode of "handing round" not requiring them. Another reason, doubtless,
+is the lowness of the fire compared with the stove of former years,
+which was high up in the bygone "parlour grate."</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat.</i>&mdash;A cross old woman was called "a cat"; or to a shrewish, the
+epithet was applied tauntingly.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"But will you woo this wild cat?"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"
+><i>Taming of the Shrew</i>, Act I., Scene 2.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Cat.</span>&mdash;A ship formed on the Norwegian model, having a narrow stern,
+projecting quarters, and a deep waist. It is strongly built, from four
+to six hundred tons' burden, and employed in the coal trade.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>Cat.</i>&mdash;A strong tackle, or combination of pulleys, to hook and draw in
+the anchor perpendicularly up to the cat-head of the ship.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat.</i>&mdash;A small kind of anchor is sometimes called a cat or ketch; by
+the Dutch, "Kat."</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat.</i>&mdash;"At the edge of the moat, opposite the wooden tower, a strong
+penthouse, which they called a 'cat,' might be seen stealing towards the
+curtain, and gradually filling up the moat with facines and
+rubbish."&mdash;Read <i>Cloister and Hearth</i>, chap, xliii. (Davis' "Glossary.")</p>
+
+<p><i>Catacide.</i>&mdash;A cat-killer (<span class="smcap">Bailey</span>, 1726).</p>
+
+<p><i>Catamount.</i>&mdash;Cat of the mountain, the ordinary wild cat, when found on
+the mountains, among the rocks or woods.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat and trap.</i>&mdash;A game or play (<span class="smcap">Ainsworth</span>). This is probably that known
+as "trap, bat, and ball," as on striking the trap, after the ball is
+placed on the lever, it is propelled upwards, and then struck by the
+batsman.</p>
+
+<p><i>Catapult.</i>&mdash;A military engine for battering or attacking purposes. A
+modern toy, by which much mischief and evil is done by unthinking boys.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-bird.</i>&mdash;An American bird, whose cry resembles that of a cat, the
+<i>Turdus felivox.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-block.</i>&mdash;A two or threefold block with an iron strap and large
+hook, used to draw up an anchor to the cat-head.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-call.</i>&mdash;"A tin whistle. The ancients divided their dramas into four
+parts: <i>pro'tasis</i> (introduction), <i>epit'asis</i> (continuation),
+<i>catas'tasis</i> (climax), and <i>catas'troph�</i> (conclusion or <i>d�nouement</i>).
+The cat-call is the call for the cat or <i>catastrophe.</i>"&mdash;<span class="smcap">Brewer's</span>
+<i>Dictionary of Phrase and Fable.</i></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Sound, sound, ye viols; be the cat-call dumb."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 55%;"><span class="smcap">Dunciade</span>, I. 303.</p>
+
+<p>The modern imitation of "cat-calls" is caused by whistling with two
+fingers in the mouth, and so making an intensely shrill noise, with
+waulings imitating "catter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>waulings." Also a shrill tin whistle, round
+and flat, set against the teeth.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-eaten Street.</i>&mdash;In London; properly "Catte Street" (<span class="smcap">Stow</span>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Caterpillar.</i>&mdash;"<i>Catyrpelwyrm</i> among fruit" is corrupted from old
+French <i>Chatte peleuse</i> (<span class="smcap">Palsgrave</span>, 1530). "Hairy cat;" the last part of
+the word was probably assimilated to <i>piller</i>, a robber or despoiler
+(<span class="smcap">Palmer's</span> <i>Folk Etymology</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Caterwauling.</i>&mdash;The wrawl of cats in rutting times; any hideous noise.
+Topsel gives <i>catwralling</i>, to "wrall;" "wrawl," to rail or quarrel with
+a loud voice; hence the Yorkshire expression, "raising a wrow," meaning
+a row or quarrel. There is also the archaic adjective <i>wraw</i> (angry).
+Caterwaul, therefore, is the wawl or wrawl of cats; the <i>er</i> being
+either a plural, similar to "childer" (children), or a corrupted
+genitive.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Brewer's</span> <i>Dictionary of Phrase and Fable.</i></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"What a caterwawling do you keep here!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p style="margin-left: 55%;"><span class="smcap">Shakespeare</span>, <i>Twelfth Night</i>, Act II., Scene 3.</p>
+
+<p>"To yawl.&mdash;To squall or scream harshly like an enraged cat."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Holloway</span>
+(Norfolk).</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Thou must be patient; we came crying hither;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thou knowest the first time that we smell air,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We <i>waul</i> and cry."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p style="margin-left: 55%;"><i>King John</i>, Act IV.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-eyed.</i>&mdash;Sly, gray eyes, or with large pupils, watchful.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-fall.</i>&mdash;A rope used in ships for hoisting the anchor to the
+cat-head.</p>
+
+<p><i>Catfish.</i>&mdash;A species of the squalus, or shark (<i>Felis marinus</i>). The
+catfish of North America is a species of <i>cottus</i>, or bull-head.</p>
+
+<p><i>Catgut.</i>&mdash;A corruption of "gut-cord." The intestines of a sheep,
+twisted and dried; not that of a cat, as generally supposed. Also, it is
+stated by some, the finer strings for viols were made from the cat. Mr.
+Timbs says<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> the original reading in Shakespeare was "<i>calves'</i>-gut." "A
+sort of linen or canvas with wide interstices."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Webster.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-hamed.</i>, or <i>hammed.</i>&mdash;Awkward; sometimes applied to a horse with
+weak hind-legs, and which drops suddenly behind on its haunches, as a
+cat is said to do.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-handed.</i>&mdash;A Devonshire term for awkward.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-harpings.</i>&mdash;"Rope sewing to brace in the shrouds of the lower masts
+behind their respective yards, to tighten the shrouds and give more room
+to draw in the yards when the ship is close hauled."&mdash;<i>Marine
+Dictionary.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-harping fashion.</i>&mdash;Drinking crossways, and not as usual, over the
+left thumb. Sea term.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Grose</span>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-head.</i>&mdash;"A strong beam, projecting horizontally over the ship's
+bows, carrying two or three sheaves, above which a rope, called the
+cat-fall, passes, and communicates with the cat-block."&mdash;<i>Marine
+Dictionary.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Cathood.</i>&mdash;The time when a kitten is full grown, it is then a cat and
+has attained maturity, that is, cathood.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-hook.</i>&mdash;A strong hook fitted to the cat-block.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-lap.</i>&mdash;Weak tea, only fit for the cat to lap, or thin milk and
+water. In Kent and Sussex it is also often applied to small, <i>very</i>
+small beer; even thin gruel is called "cat-lap." Weak tea is also called
+"scandal-broth."</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-like.</i>&mdash;Stealthy, slow, yet appertaining more to appearance.</p>
+
+<p><i>Catlings.</i>&mdash;Down, or moss, growing about walnut-trees, resembling the
+hair of a cat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat o' Nine Tails.</i>&mdash;So called from being nine pieces of cord put
+together, in each cord nine knots; and this, when used vigorously, makes
+several long marks not unlike the clawing or scratching of a cat,
+producing crossing and re-crossing wounds; a fearful and severe
+punishment, formerly too often exercised for trivial offences.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat</i> or <i>dog wool.</i>&mdash;"Of which cotte or coarse blankets<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> were formerly
+made" (<span class="smcap">Bailey</span>). "Cot gase" (refuse wool). "Cat" no doubt was a
+corruption of "cot."</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-pear.</i>&mdash;A pear, shaped like a hen's egg, that ripens in October.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat pellet.</i>&mdash;The pop-gun of boys, one pellet of paper driving out the
+other. Davis in his "Glossary" thinks it means "tip-cat." Probably it
+may be the sharpened piece of wood, not the game, that is different
+altogether, he quotes.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Who beats the boys from cat pellet, and stool ball."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p style="margin-left: 55%;"><i>British Bellman</i>, 1648.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-salt.</i>&mdash;A salt obtained from butter.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-salt.</i>&mdash;"A sort of salt beautifully granulated, formed out of the
+bittern or leach brine, used for making hard soap."&mdash;<i>Encyclop�dia.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's-eye.</i>&mdash;A precious stone, resembling, when polished, the eye of a
+cat. It has lately become fashionable.</p>
+
+<p>A large collection of Burmese, Indian, and Japanese curiosities was
+lately sold by auction. The great attraction of the sale was "The Hindoo
+Lingam God," consisting of a chrysoberyl <i>cat's-eye</i> fixed in a topaz,
+and mounted in a pyramidal base studded with diamonds and precious
+stones. This curious relic stood 2� inches in height. It was preserved
+for more than a thousand years in an ancient temple at Delhi, where acts
+of devotion were paid before it by women anxious to have children. The
+base is of solid gold, and around it are set nine gems or charms, a
+diamond, ruby, sapphire, <i>chrysoberyl cat's-eye</i>, coral, pearl,
+hyacinthine garnet, yellow sapphire, and emerald. Round the apex of this
+gold pyramid is a plinth set with diamonds. On the apex is a topaz 1
+10-16ths inch in length, and 9-16ths of an inch in depth, shaped like a
+horseshoe; in the centre of the horseshoe the <i>great chrysoberyl
+cat's-eye</i> stands upright. This is 15-16ths of an inch in height, and
+dark brown in colour, and shaped like a pear. An extremely mobile
+opalescent light crosses the length of the stone in an oblique
+direction. When<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> Bad Shah Bahadoor Shah, the last King of Delhi, was
+captured and exiled to the Andaman Isles, his Queen secreted this gem,
+and it was never seen again until, being distressed during the Mutiny,
+she sold it to the present owner. The gem was finally knocked down at
+�2,450 to Mr. S. J. Phillips, jeweller, New Bond Street.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's-foot.</i>&mdash;To live under the cat's foot, to be under the dominion of
+a wife, hen-pecked.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's-foot.</i>&mdash;A plant of the genus <i>Glechoma pes felinus</i>, ground ivy
+or gill.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's-head apple.</i>&mdash;A large culinary apple, considered by some in form
+to bear a resemblance to a cat's head. Philips in his poem "Cyder" thus
+describes it:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">" ...The cat's head's weighty orb,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Enormous in growth, for various use."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><i>Cat-silver.</i>&mdash;An old popular name for mica or talc.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-sleep.</i>&mdash;A light doze, a watchful sleep, like that of a hare or of
+a cat who sits in front of a mouse-hole, a dozy or a sleeping
+wakefulness.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's-paw.</i>&mdash;Any one used by another for getting them out of a
+difficulty, and for no other reason, is made a cat's-paw of. The simile
+is from the fable of the monkey using the cat's paw to take his
+chestnuts out of the fire. A light breeze just ruffling the water in a
+calm is called a cat's-paw. Also a particular kind of turn in the bight
+of a rope made to hook tackle on.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's-tail.</i> (<i>Typha latifolia</i>).&mdash;A kind of reed which bears a spike
+like the tail of a cat, which some call reed mace; its long, flat leaves
+are much used for the bottoms of chairs.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cats'-tails.</i>&mdash;Mares' tails (<i>equisetum</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-stane.</i>&mdash;"Battle-stone. A monolith in Scotland (sometimes falsely
+called a Druidical stone). The Norwegian term, banta stein, means the
+same thing. Celtic&mdash;<i>cath</i> (battle)."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Brewer's</span> <i>Dictionary of Phrase
+and Fable.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-sticks.</i>&mdash;Thin legs; compared to the thin sticks with which boys
+play at cat (Grose).</p>
+
+<p><i>Catsup</i> or <i>ketchup.</i>&mdash;A corruption of the Eastern name of "Kitjap." Is
+then the syllable "cat" a pun on "kit" or "kitten" (a young cat)? Surely
+not.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cattaria.</i>&mdash;<i>Nepeta Cattaria.</i> <i>Mentha felina</i>, the herb cat-mint.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cattery.</i>&mdash;A place where cats are kept, the ordinary name when a person
+keeps a collection of cats.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cattish.</i>&mdash;Having stealthy ways, slow and cautious in movements,
+watchful.</p>
+
+<p><i>Catwater.</i> (Plymouth).&mdash;"This is a remarkable instance of
+mistranslation. The castle at the mouth of the Plym used to be called
+the Ch�teau; but some one, thinking it would be better to Anglicise the
+French, divided the word into two parts: <i>chat</i> (cat), <i>eau</i>
+(water)."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Brewer's</span> <i>Dictionary of Phrase and Fable.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Catwhin.</i>&mdash;<i>Rosa spinosissima.</i> Burnet Rose is the name of the <i>plant</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat with two tails.</i>&mdash;The earwig. <i>Northumberland</i>; Holloway.</p>
+
+<p><i>Gil cat.</i>&mdash;A male cat; some say an old male. Nares says, an expression
+exactly analogous to "Jack ass;" the one being formerly called "Gil" or
+"Gilbert," as commonly as the other "Jack." "Tom cat" is now the usual
+term, and for a similar reason. "Tibert" is said to be the old French
+for "Gilbert." From "Tibert," "Tib," "Tibby," also was a common name for
+a cat. Wilkins, in his "Index to Philosophical Language," has "Gil"
+(male) cat in the same way as a male cat is called a "Tom" cat. In some
+counties the cock fowl is called a "Tom." It is unknown whence the
+origin of the latter term.</p>
+
+<p><i>Grimalkin.</i>&mdash;Poetical name for a cat (Bailey). "Mawkin" signifies a
+hare in Scotland (Grose). In Sussex a hare is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> often called "puss" or
+"pussy." "Puss" is also a common name for a cat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Grinagog, the cat's uncle.</i>&mdash;A foolish, grinning fellow. One who grins
+without reason (Grose). In Norfolk, if one say "she," the reply is,
+"Who's 'she'? The cat's aunt?"</p>
+
+<p><i>Hang me in a bottle like a cat.</i>&mdash;"<span class="smcap">Benedict</span>. If I do, hang me in a
+bottle like a cat, and shoot at me, and he that hits me, let him be
+clapt on the shoulder and called Adam" (meaning Adam Bell, the famous
+archer).&mdash;<i>Much Ado About Nothing</i>, Act I.</p>
+
+<p>A note in the "Percy Reliques," vol. i., 1812, states: "Bottles were
+formerly of leather, though perhaps a wooden bottle might be here meant.
+It is still a diversion in Scotland (1812) to hang up a cat in a small
+cask or firkin, half filled with soot, and then a parcel of clowns on
+horseback try to beat out the ends of it, in order to show their
+dexterity in escaping before the contents fall on them."</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>From "Demandes Joyeuses" (amusing questions), 1511:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Q.</i> What is that that never was and never will be?</p>
+
+<p>"<i>A.</i> A mouse nest in a cat's ear.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Q.</i> Why does a cat cross the road?</p>
+
+<p>"<i>A.</i> Because it wants to get to the other side."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><i>Mrs. Evans.</i>&mdash;"A local name for a she-cat, owing, it is said, to a
+witch of the name of Evans, who assumed the appearance of a
+cat."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Grose</span>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Nine lives like a cat.</i>&mdash;"Cats, from their great suppleness and
+aptitude to fall on their feet, are commonly said to have nine lives;
+hence Ben Jonson, in 'Every Man in His Humour,' says: ''Tis a pity you
+had not ten lives&mdash;a cat's and your own.'"&mdash;<span class="smcap">Thiselton Dyer's</span> <i>English
+Folk-lore.</i></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">Tyb</span>. What wouldst thou have with me?
+
+<span class="smcap">Mer</span>. Good king of cats, nothing but one of your nine lives."
+<i>Romeo and Juliet</i>, III. I.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Middleton says in "Blurt Master Constable," 1602:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"They have nine lives apiece, like a woman."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>Pussy cats.</i>&mdash;Male blossom of the willow.</p>
+
+<p><i>Salt-cat</i>, or <i>salt-cate.</i>&mdash;A mixture of salt, gravel, clay, old
+mortar, cumin seed, ginger, and other ingredients, in a pan, which is
+placed in pigeon lofts.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sick as a Cat.</i>&mdash;Cats are subject to sickness or vomiting for the
+purpose of throwing up indigestible matter, such as the fur of mice,
+feathers of birds, which would otherwise collect and form balls
+internally. For this reason they eat grass, which produces the desired
+effect; hence arises the phrase "as sick as a cat."</p>
+
+<p><i>Tabby.</i>&mdash;"An old maid; either from Tabitha, a formal antiquated name,
+or else from a tabby cat; old maids, by the rude, weak-minded, and
+vulgar, being often compared to cats. 'To drive tab,' to go out on a
+party of pleasure with wife and family."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Grose's</span> <i>Glossary.</i></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The neighbour's old cat often<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Came to pay us a visit;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We made her a bow and courtesy,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Each with a compliment in it.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">After her health we asked,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Our care and regard to evince;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">(We have made the very same speeches<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">To many an old cat since)."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"><span class="smcap">Mrs. B. Browning</span> (translation of "Heine").</p>
+
+<p><i>Tip-cat.</i>&mdash;A pleasant game for those engaged in it; not so, too often,
+for others, medical reports of late tending to show that many cases of
+the loss of sight have occurred.</p>
+
+<p><i>To turn Cat in Pan.</i>&mdash;This phrase has been a source of much contention,
+and many different derivations have been given; but all tend to show
+that it means a complete <i>turn over</i>, that is, to quit one side and go
+to the other, to turn traitor, to turncoat. "To turn cat in pan:
+<i>Pr�varicor</i>" (Ainsworth). Bacon, in his Essays "On Cunning," p. 81,
+says: "There is a cunning which we in England call 'the turning of the
+cat in the pan,' which is when that a man says to another,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> 'he lays it
+as if another had said it to him.'" This is somewhat obscure in
+definition. Toone says: "The proverbial expression, 'to turn a cat in a
+pan,' denotes a sudden change in one's party, or politics, or religion,
+for the sake of being in the ascendant, as a cat always comes down on
+its legs, however thrown." The Vicar of Bray is quoted as simply a
+"turncoat," but this does <i>not</i> affect the argument. I quite think, and
+in this others agree with me, that it has nothing to do with the <i>cat</i>,
+but was originally cate. In olden times, and until lately, it was the
+custom <i>to toss</i> pancakes (to turn them over). It was no easy matter;
+frequently the <i>cake</i> or <i>cate</i> went in the fire or lodged in the
+chimney. To turn the cat or cate in the pan was to toss and <i>turn it
+completely over</i>, that is, from one side to the other. The meaning given
+to the phrase <i>helps to prove</i> this view. I merely introduce this
+because so many have asked for an explanation as regards "the <i>cat</i> in
+pan." I consider the "far-fetched" origins of the term are complete
+errors. It was a custom to toss pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, and it
+required great skill to do it well, cleanly, and completely. Some cooks
+were noted for it, and thought clever if it was done without injury to
+themselves or clothes.</p>
+
+<p>It appears from "The Westmoreland Dialect," by A. Walker (1790), that
+cock-fighting and "casting" of pancakes were then common in that county,
+thus: "Whaar ther wor tae be cock-feightin', for it war pankeak
+Tuesday," and "we met sum lads an' lasses gangin' to kest (cast) their
+pankeaks."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p><i>To whip the cat.</i>&mdash;"To practise the most pinching parsimony, grudging
+even the scraps and orts, or remnants of food given to the
+cat."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Holloway</span> (<i>Norfolk</i>).</p>
+
+<p>A phrase applied to the village tailor going round from house to house
+for work.</p>
+
+<p>"To be drunk."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood's</span> <i>Philoconothista</i>, 1635, p. 60.</p>
+
+<p>An itinerant parson is said to "whip the cat."</p>
+
+<p>"A trick practised on ignorant country fellows, vain of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> their strength,
+by laying a wager with them that they may be pulled through a pond by a
+cat. The bet being made, a rope is fixed round the waist of the party to
+be catted, and the end thrown across the pond, to which the cat is also
+fastened by a pack-thread, and three or four sturdy fellows are
+appointed to lead and 'whip the cat.' These, on a signal being given,
+seize the end of the cord, and, pretending to whip the cat, haul the
+astonished booby through the water."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Grose</span>, 1785.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The following are culled from the well-known and useful book, Jamieson's
+"Scottish Dictionary":</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat.</i>&mdash;A small bit of rag, rolled up and put between the handle of a
+pot and the hook which suspends it over the fire, to raise it a
+little.&mdash;<i>Roxb.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Cat.</i>&mdash;A handful of straw, with or without corn upon it, or of reaped
+grain, laid on the ground by the reaper without being put into a sheaf
+(<i>Roxb., Dumfr.</i>). Perhaps from the Belg. word <i>katt-en</i>, to throw, the
+handful of corn being cast on the ground; whence <i>kat</i>, a small anchor.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat.</i>&mdash;The name given to a bit of wood, a horn, or anything which is
+struck in place of a ball in certain games.</p>
+
+<p><i>To Cat a Chimney.</i>&mdash;To enclose a vent by the process called <i>Cat and
+Clay</i> (<i>Teviotd.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat and Clay.</i>&mdash;The materials of which a mud wall is constructed in
+many parts of S. Straw and clay are well wrought together, and being
+formed into pretty large rolls, are laid between the different wooden
+posts by means of which the wall is formed, and carefully pressed down
+so as to incorporate with each other, or with the twigs that are
+sometimes plaited from one post to another (<i>S.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat and Dog.</i>&mdash;The name of an ancient sport (<i>S.</i>). It seems to be an
+early form of <i>Cricket.</i> (Query, is this the same as Cat and Trap?)</p>
+
+<p><i>Catband.</i>&mdash;1. The name given to the strong hook used on the inside of a
+door or gate, which, being fixed to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> wall, keeps it shut. 2. A chain
+drawn across a street for defence in time of war. Germ., <i>kette</i>, a
+chain, and <i>band</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-fish, Sea-cat.</i>&mdash;The sea-wolf (<i>S.</i>). <i>Anarhicas lupus</i> (<span class="smcap">Linn.</span>)
+Sw., <i>haf-cat</i>&mdash;<i>i.e.</i> sea-cat.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Sibbald</span>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-gut.</i>&mdash;Thread fucus, or sea laces. <i>Fucus filum</i> (<span class="smcap">Linn.</span>), <i>Orkney</i>,
+"Neill's Tour."</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-Harrow.</i>&mdash;"<i>They draw the Cat-Harrow</i>"&mdash;that is, they thwart one
+another.&mdash;<i>Loth. Ang.</i>, <span class="smcap">Lyndsey</span>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-heather.</i>&mdash;A finer species of heath, low and slender, growing more
+in separate, upright stalks than the common heath, and flowering only at
+the top (<i>Aberd.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-hole.</i>&mdash;1. The name given to the loop-holes or narrow openings in
+the wall of a barn (<i>S.</i>). 2. A sort of niche in the wall of a barn, in
+which keys and other necessaries are deposited in the inside, where it
+is not perforated.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-hud.</i>&mdash;The name given to a large stone, which serves as a back to a
+fire on the hearth in the house of a cottager (<i>Dumfr.</i>). Sw. G.,
+<i>kaette</i>, denotes a small cell or apartment, which corresponds to the
+form of the country fireside; also a bed; a pen. <i>Hud</i> might seem allied
+to Teut. <i>huyd-en</i>, <i>conservare</i>, as the stone is meant to guard this
+enclosure from the effects of the fire.</p>
+
+<p><i>Catling.</i>&mdash;Small catgut strings for musical instruments, also a kind of
+knife used in surgery.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-loup.</i>&mdash;1. A very short distance as to space (<i>S.</i>); q. as far as a
+cat may leap (<span class="smcap">Hogg</span>). 2. A moment; as, "I'se be wi' ye in a
+<i>catloup</i>"&mdash;<i>i.e.</i>, instantly. "I will be with you as quickly as a cat
+can leap."</p>
+
+<p><i>Catmaw.</i>&mdash;"To tumble the <i>catmaw</i>," to go topsy-turvy, to tumble (<i>S.
+B.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Catmint.</i>&mdash;An herbaceous plant (<i>Mentha felina</i>), that cats delight to
+roll on.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's Carriage.</i>&mdash;The same play that is otherwise called the "King's
+Cushion," q.v. (<i>Loth.</i>).<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's Cradle.</i>&mdash;A plaything for children, made of pack-thread on the
+fingers of one person, and transferred from them to those of another
+(<i>S.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's Crammocks.</i>&mdash;Clouds like hairs streaming from an animal's tail
+(<i>Shetland</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's Hair.</i>&mdash;1. The down that covers unfledged birds (<i>Fife</i>); synon.
+<i>Paddockhair</i>. 2. The down on the face of boys before the beard grows
+(<i>S.</i>). 3. Applied also to the thin hair that often grows on the bodies
+of persons in bad health (<i>S.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat-siller.</i>.&mdash;The mica of mineralogists (<i>S.</i>); the <i>katzen silber</i> of
+the vulgar in Germany. Teut., <i>katten silver</i>, <i>amiantus</i>, <i>mica</i>,
+<i>vulgo argentum felium</i>; Kilian.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's Lug.</i>&mdash;The name given to the <i>Auricula ursi.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Linn</span>.
+(<i>Roxburgh.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's Stairs.</i>&mdash;A plaything for children, made of thread, small cord,
+or tape, which is so disposed by the hands as to fall down like steps of
+a stair (<i>Dumfr.</i>, <i>Gall.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Catstone.</i>&mdash;One of the upright stones which support a grate, there
+being one on each side (<i>Roxb.</i>). Since the introduction of Carron
+grates these <i>stones</i> are found in kitchens only. The term is said to
+originate from this being the favourite seat of the <i>cat.</i> <i>See</i>
+Catstone (English).</p>
+
+<p><i>Catstone-head.</i>&mdash;The flat top of the Catstone (<i>ibid.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Catsteps.</i>&mdash;The projections of the stones in the slanting part of a
+gable (<i>Roxb.</i>). <i>Corbie-steps</i>, synon.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat's-Tails.</i>&mdash;Hare's Tail Rush (<i>Eriophorum vaginatum</i>). <span class="smcap">Linn.</span>
+<i>Mearns</i>; also called <i>Canna-down</i>, Cat Tails (<i>Galloway</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Catten-Clover.</i>, <i>Cat-in-Clover.</i>&mdash;The Lotus (<i>South of S.</i>). Sw.,
+<i>Katt-klor</i> (Cat's Claws).</p>
+
+<p><i>Catter.</i>&mdash;1. Catarrh (<span class="smcap">Bellenden</span>). 2. A supposed disease of the fingers
+from handling cats.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>Catterbatch.</i>&mdash;A broil, a quarrel (<i>Fife</i>). Teut., <i>kater</i>, a he-cat,
+and <i>boetse</i>, rendered <i>cavillatio, q.</i>, "a cat's quarrel."</p>
+
+<p><i>Catwittit.</i>&mdash;Harebrained, unsettled; <i>q.</i>, having the <i>wits</i> of a <i>cat</i>
+(<i>S.</i>).</p>
+
+<p><i>Kittie.</i>&mdash;A North-country name for a cat, male or female.</p>
+
+<p><i>Kitling.</i>&mdash;Sharp; kitten-like.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"His <i>kitling</i> eyes begin to run<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Quite through the table where he spies<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The horns of paperie butterflys."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"><span class="smcap">Herrick</span>, <i>Hesperides</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Kittenhood.</i>&mdash;State of being a kitten.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"For thou art as beautiful as ever a cat<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That wantoned in the joy of kittenhood."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"><span class="smcap">Southey</span>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Kittenish</i>, kitten-like.</p>
+
+<p>"Such a kittenish disposition in her, I called it; ...the love of
+playfulness."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Richardson</span>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Kit</i>, or <i>kitten.</i>&mdash;A young cat. A young cat is a kitten until it is
+full-grown, then kittenhood ceases.</p>
+
+<p>A school-boy being asked to describe a <i>kitten</i>, replied: "A <i>kitten</i> is
+chiefly remarkable for rushing like mad at nothing whatever, and
+generally stopping before it gets there."</p>
+
+<p><i>Puss gentleman.</i>&mdash;An effeminate man.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Davis</span>, <i>Glossary.</i></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"I cannot talk with civet in th' room,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A fine puss gentleman that's all perfume."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"><span class="smcap">Cowper's</span> <i>Conversations.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
+
+<h2>CAT</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z205.jpg" width="600" height="188" alt="proverbs" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 20%;" />
+
+<p><i>A <span class="smcap">BLATE</span> cat makes a proud mouse</i> (Scotch). An idle, or stupid, or timid
+foe is never feared.</p>
+
+<p><i>A cat has nine lives, a woman has nine lives.</i> In Middleton's <i>Blurt
+Master Constable</i>, 1602, we have: "They have nine lives apiece, like a
+woman."</p>
+
+<p><i>A cat may look at a king.</i> In Cornwall they say a cat may look at a
+king if he carries his eyes about him.</p>
+
+<p>"A Cat may Look at a King," is the title of a book on history, published
+in the early part of the last century. On the frontispiece is the
+picture of a cat, over it the inscription, "A cat may look at a king,"
+and a king's head and shoulders on the title-page, with the same
+inscription above.</p>
+
+<p><i>A cat's walk</i>, a little way and back (Cornwall). No place like home.
+Idling about.</p>
+
+<p><i>A dead cat feels no cold.</i> No life, no pain, nor reproach.</p>
+
+<p><i>A dog hath a day.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood</span>. In Essex folks add: <i>And a cat has two
+Sundays.</i> Why?</p>
+
+<p>The shape of a good greyhound:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>A head like a snake, a neck like a drake, A back like a beam,
+sided like a bream, A <i>foot like a cat</i>, a tail like a rat.</p></blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>Ale that would make a cat talk.</i> Strong enough to make even the dumb
+speak.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A spicy pot,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Then do's us reason,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Would make a cat<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To talk high treason."&mdash;<span class="smcap">D'Urfey</span>.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><i>A half-penny cat may look at a king</i> (Scotch). A jeering saying of
+offence&mdash;"One is as good as another," and as a Scotchman once said, "and
+better."</p>
+
+<p><i>A muffled cat is no good mouser.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Clarke</span>, 1639. No good workman wears
+gloves. By some is said "muzzled."</p>
+
+<p><i>A piece of a kid is worth two of a cat.</i> A little of good is better
+than much that is bad.</p>
+
+<p><i>A scalded cat fears cold water.</i> Once bit always shy. What was may be
+again.</p>
+
+<p><i>As cat or cap case</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Bouser I am not, but mild sober Tuesday,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0"><i>As catte in cap case</i>, if I like not St. Hewsday."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"><i>The Christmas Prince</i>, 1607.</p>
+
+<p><i>As gray as Grannum's cat.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Hazlitt.</span> So old as to be likely to be
+doubly gray.</p>
+
+<p><i>As melancholy as a cat.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Walker.</span> The voice of the cat is melancholy.</p>
+
+<p><i>As melancholy as a gib-cat</i> (Scotch). As an old, worn-out
+cat.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Johnston</span>.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"I am as melancholy as a gib-cat or a lugged bear."<a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 55%;"><span class="smcap">Shakespeare</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Gib-cat; an old, lonely, melancholy cat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Before the cat can lick her ear.</i> "Nay, you were not quite out of
+hearing ere the cat could lick her ear."&mdash;<i>Oviddius Exultans</i>, 1673, p.
+50. That is never.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Dun, besides being the name of one who arrested for debt in Henry VII.'s
+time, was also the name of the hangman before "Jack Ketch."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Grose</span>.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"And presently a halter got,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Made of the best strong teer,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And ere a cat could lick her ear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Had tied it up with so much art."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;">1664, <span class="smcap">Cotton's</span> <i>Virgile</i>, Book 4.</p>
+
+<p><i>By biting and scratching dogs and cats come together.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood.</span>
+Quarrelling oft makes friends.</p>
+
+<p><i>Care clammed a cat.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Sir G. C. Lewis's</span> "Herefordshire Glossary."
+Clammed means starvation; that is, care killed the cat; for want of food
+the entrails get "clammed."</p>
+
+<p><i>Care killed the cat, but ye canna live without it.</i> To all some
+trouble, though not all take heed. None know another's burden.</p>
+
+<p><i>Care will kill a cat.</i></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Then hang care and sorrow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis able to kill a cat."&mdash;<span class="smcap">D'Urfey</span>.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Alluding to its tenacity of life and the carking wear of care.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cats after kind good mouse hunt.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood.</span> Letter by F. A. touching
+the quarrel between Arthur Hall and Melch Mallorie, in 1575-6, repr. of
+ed. 1580, in "Misc<sup>y</sup>. Antiq. Anglic." 1816, p. 93. "For never yet was
+good cat out of kinde."&mdash;<i>English Proverbs</i>, <span class="smcap">Hazlitt</span>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cats and Carlins sit in the sun.</i> When work is done then warmth and
+rest.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cats eat what hussies spare.</i> Nothing is lost. Also refers to giving
+away, and saying "the cat took it."</p>
+
+<p><i>Cats hide their claws.</i> All is not fair that seems so. Trust not to
+appearances.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cry you mercy, killed my cat.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Clarke</span>, 1639. Better away, than stay
+and ask pardon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>Every day's no yule; cast the cat a castock.</i> The stump of a cabbage,
+and the proverb means much the same thing as "Spare no expense, bring
+another bottle of <i>small beer</i>."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Denham's</span> <i>Popular Sayings</i>, 1846.</p>
+
+
+<h3>OF FALSE PERSONS.</h3>
+
+<p><i>He bydes as fast as a cat bound with a sacer.</i> He does as he likes;
+nothing holds him.</p>
+
+
+<h3>OF WITTIE PERSONS.</h3>
+
+<p><i>He can hold the cat to the sun.</i> Bold and foolish enough for anything.</p>
+
+
+<h3>INCONSTANT PERSONS.</h3>
+
+<p><i>He is like a dog or a cat.</i> Not reliable.</p>
+
+<p><i>He looks like a wild cat out of a bush.</i> Fiercely afraid.</p>
+
+<p><i>He's like a cat; fling him which way you will, he'll not hurt.</i> Some
+are always superior to misfortune, or fortune favours many.</p>
+
+<p><i>He's like a singed cat, better than he's likely.</i> He's better than he
+looks or seems.</p>
+
+<p><i>He stands in great need that borrows the cat's dish.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Clarke</span>, 1639.
+The starving are not particular. The hungry cannot choose.</p>
+
+<p><i>He lives at the sign of the cat's foot.</i> He is hen-pecked, his wife
+scratches him.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Ray</span>.</p>
+
+<p><i>He wald gar a man trow that the moon is made of green cheis, or the cat
+took the heron.</i> Never believe all that is laid to another.</p>
+
+<p><i>Honest as the cat when the meat is out of reach.</i> Some are honest, but
+others not by choice.</p>
+
+<p><i>How can the cat help it when the maid is a fool?</i> Often things lost,
+given, or stolen, are laid to the cat.</p>
+
+<p><i>If thou 'scap'st, thou hast cat's luck</i>, in Fletcher's <i>Knight of
+Malta</i>, alluding to the activity and caution of the cat, which generally
+stands it in good stead.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>I'll not buy a cat in a poke.</i> F., <i>Chat en Poche</i>. See what you buy;
+bargain not on another's word.</p>
+
+<p><i>Just as quick as a cat up a walnut-tree.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">D'Urfey</span>. To climb well and
+easily. To be alert and sudden.</p>
+
+<p><i>Let the cat wink, and let the mouse run.</i> For want of watching and care
+much is lost.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Hazlitt's</span> "Dodsley," i. 265. The first portion is in the
+interlude of "The World and the Child," 1522.</p>
+
+<p><i>Like a cat he'll fall on his legs.</i> To succeed, never to fail, always
+right.</p>
+
+<p><i>Like a cat round hot milk.</i> Wait and have; all things come to those who
+wait.</p>
+
+<p><i>Little and little the cat eateth the stickle.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood</span>. Constant
+dropping weareth a stone.</p>
+
+<p><i>Long and slender like a cat's elbow.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Hazlitt</span>. A sneer at the
+ill-favoured.</p>
+
+<p><i>Love me, love my cat.</i>&mdash;This refers to one marrying; in taking a wife
+he must take her belongings. Or, where you like, you must avoid
+contention.</p>
+
+<p><i>Never was cat or dog drowned that could see the shore.</i> To know the way
+often brings a right ending.</p>
+
+<p><i>None but cats and dogs are allowed to quarrel here.</i> All else agree.</p>
+
+<p><i>No playing with a straw before an old cat.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood</span>, 1562. Every
+trifling toy age cannot laugh at.&mdash;"Youth and Folly, Age and Wisdom."</p>
+
+<p><i>Rats walk at their ease if cats do not them meese.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Wodroephe</span>, 1623.
+Rogues abound where laws are weak.</p>
+
+<p><i>Send not a cat for lard.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">George Herbert</span>. Put not any to temptation.</p>
+
+<p><i>So as cat is after kind.</i> Near friends are dearest. Birds of a feather
+flock together.</p>
+
+<p><i>Take the chestnuts out of the fire with the cat's paw.</i> Making use of
+others to save oneself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>That comes of a cat will catch mice.</i> What is bred in the bone comes
+out in the flesh. Like father, like son.</p>
+
+<p><i>The cat and dog may kiss, but are none the better friends.</i> Policy is
+one thing, friendship another.</p>
+
+<p><i>The cat invites the mouse to her feast.</i> It is difficult for the weak
+to refuse the strong.</p>
+
+<p><i>The cat is in the cream-pot.</i> Any one's fault but hers. A row in the
+house (Northern).</p>
+
+<p><i>The cat is hungry when a crust contents her.</i> Hunger is a good sauce.</p>
+
+<p><i>The cat is out of kind that sweet milk will not lap.</i> One is wrong who
+forsakes custom.&mdash;"History of Jacob and Esau," 1568.</p>
+
+<p><i>The cat, the rat, and Lovel the dog, rule England under one hog.</i>&mdash;"A
+Myrrour for Magistrates," edition 1563, fol. 143. This couplet is a
+satire on Richard III. (who carried a boar on his escutcheon) and his
+myrmidons, <i>Cat</i>esby, <i>Rat</i>cliffe, and Lovell.</p>
+
+<p><i>The cat would eat fish, and would not wet her feet.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood</span>, 1562.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Fain would the cat fish eat,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But she is loth to wet her feet."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"What cat's averse to fish?"&mdash;<span class="smcap">Gray.</span><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Dr. Trench has pointed out the allusion to this saying in <i>Macbeth</i>,
+when Lady Macbeth speaks of her husband as a man,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Letting I dare not, wait upon I would,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Like the poor cat i' the adage."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><i>The cat sees not the mouse ever.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood.</span> Those that should hide, see
+more than they who seek. The fearful eye sees far.</p>
+
+<p><i>The liquorish cat gets many a rap.</i> The wrong-doer escapes not.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>The more you rub a cat on the back, the higher she sets her tail.</i>
+Praise the vain and they are more than pleased. Flattery and vanity are
+near akin.</p>
+
+<p><i>The mouse lords it where the cat is not.</i>&mdash;MS., 15th century. The
+little rule, where there are no great.</p>
+
+<p><i>The old cat laps as much as the young.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Clarke.</span> One evil is much like
+another.</p>
+
+<p><i>They agree like two cats in gutter.</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood.</span> To be less than friends.</p>
+
+<p><i>They argue like cats and dogs.</i> That is to quarrel.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thou'lt strip it, as Stack stripped the cat when he pulled her out of
+the churn.</i> To take away everything.</p>
+
+<p><i>Though the cat winks awhile, yet sure he is not blind.</i> To know all and
+pretend ignorance.</p>
+
+<p><i>To grin like a Cheshire cat.</i> Said to be like a cheese cat, often made
+in Cheshire; but this is not very clear, and the meaning doubtful.</p>
+
+<p><i>To go like a cat on a hot bake-stone.</i> To lose no time. To be swift and
+stay not.</p>
+
+<p><i>To keep a cat from the tongs.</i> To stop at home in idleness. It is said
+of a youth who stays at home with his family, when others go to the wars
+abroad, in "A Health to the Gentlemanly Profession of Serving Men,"
+1598.</p>
+
+<p><i>Too late repents the rat when caught by the cat.</i> Shun danger, nor dare
+too long.</p>
+
+<p><i>To love it as a cat loves mustard.</i> Not at all. To abhor.</p>
+
+<p><i>Two cats and a mouse, two wives in one house, two dogs and one bone,
+never agree.</i> No peace when all want to be masters, or to possess one
+object.</p>
+
+<p><i>Well might the cat wink when both her eyes were out.</i></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Sumwhat it was sayeth the proverbe old,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That the cat winked when here iye was out."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"><i>Jack Juggler</i>, edit. 1848, p. 46.</p>
+
+<p>Those bribed are worse than blind.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Well wots the cat whose beard she licketh.</i>"&mdash;<span class="smcap">Skelton's</span> <i>Garlande of
+Laurel</i>, 1523.</p>
+
+<p>"Wel wot nure cat whas berd he lickat."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Wright's</span> <i>Essays</i>, vol. i. p.
+149.</p>
+
+<p>"The cat knoweth whose lips she licketh."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood</span>, 1562.</p>
+
+<p>The first appears the most correct.</p>
+
+<p><i>What the good wife spares the cat eats.</i> Favourites are well cared for.</p>
+
+<p><i>When candles are out all cats are gray.</i> In the dark all are alike.
+This is said of beauty in general.</p>
+
+<p><i>When the cat is away the mice will play.</i>&mdash;"The Bachelor's Banquet,"
+1603. Heywood's "Woman Killed with Kindness," 1607. When danger is past,
+it is time to rejoice.</p>
+
+<p><i>When the weasel and the cat make a marriage, it is very ill presage.</i>
+When enemies counsel together, take heed; when rogues agree, let the
+honest folk beware.</p>
+
+<p><i>When the maid leaves the door open, the cat's in fault.</i> It is always
+well to have another to bear the blame. The way to do ill deeds oft
+makes ill deeds done.</p>
+
+<p><i>Who shall hang the bell about the cat's neck?</i>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Heywood</span>, 1562.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Who shall ty the bell about the cat's necke low?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Not I (quoth the mouse), for a thing that I know."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The mice at a consultation held how to secure themselves from the cat,
+resolved upon hanging a bell about her neck, to give warning when she
+was near; but when this was resolved, they were as far to seek; for who
+would do it?&mdash;R. Who will court danger to benefit others?</p>
+
+<p>A Douglas in the olden time, at a meeting of conspirators, said he would
+"bell the cat." Afterwards the enemy was taken by him, he retaining the
+cognomen of "Archibald Bell-the-cat."</p>
+
+<p><i>You can have no more of a cat than its skin.</i> You can have no more of a
+man but what he can do or what he has, or no more from a jug than what
+it contains.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE CAT OF SHAKESPEARE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Shakespeare mentions the cat forty-four times, and in this, like nearly
+all else of which he wrote, displayed both wonderful and accurate
+knowledge, not only of the form, nature, habits, and food of the animal,
+but also the inner life, the disposition, what it was, of what capable,
+and what it resembled. How truly he saw either from study, observation,
+or intuitively knew, not only the outward contour of "men and things,"
+but could see within the casket which held the life and being, noting
+clearly thoughts, feelings, aspirations, intents, and purposes, not of
+the one only, but that also of the brute creation.</p>
+
+<p>How truthfully he alludes to the peculiar eyes of the cat, the fine mark
+that the pupil dwindles to when the sun rides high in the heavens! Hear
+Grumio in <i>The Taming of the Shrew:</i></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>And so disfigure her with it, that she shall have no more
+eyes to see withal than a cat.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>As to the food of the cat, he well informs us that at this distant
+period domestic cats were fed and cared for to a certain extent, for
+besides much else, he points to the fact of its love of milk in <i>The
+Tempest</i>, Antonio's reply to Sebastian in Act II., Scene 1:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i26">For all the rest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">They'll take suggestion as a cat laps milk.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And in <i>King Henry the Fourth</i>, Act IV., Scene 2, of its pilfering ways,
+Falstaff cries out:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">I am as vigilant as a cat to steal cream.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>While Lady Macbeth points to the uncertain, timid, cautious habits of
+the cat, amounting almost to cowardice:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Letting I dare not wait upon I would,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Like the poor cat i' the adage.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>and in the same play the strange superstitious fear attached<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> to the
+voice and presence of the cat at certain times and seasons:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The line almost carries a kind of awe with it, a sort of feeling of
+"what next will happen?" He noted, also, as he did most things, its
+marvellous powers of observation, for in <i>Coriolanus</i>, Act IV., Scene 2,
+occurs the following:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Cats, that can judge as fitly.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>and of the forlorn loneliness of the age-stricken male cat in <i>King
+Henry the Fourth</i>, Falstaff, murmuring, says:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">I am as melancholy as a gib cat.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He marks, too, the difference of action in the lion and cat, in a state
+of nature:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A crouching lion and a ramping cat.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Of the night-time food-seeking cat, in <i>The Merchant of Venice</i>, old
+Shylock talks of the</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">...Slow in profit, and he sleeps by day<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">More than the wild cat.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>In the same play Shylock discourses of those that have a natural horror
+of certain animals, which holds good till this day:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Some men there are love not a gaping pig,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Some, that are mad if they behold a cat.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>and further on:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">As there is no firm reason to be rendered<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Why he cannot abide a gaping pig,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Why he, a harmless necessary cat.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Note the distinction he makes between the wild and the domestic cat; the
+one, evidently, he knew the value and use of, and the other, its
+peculiar stealthy ways and of nature dread. In <i>All's Well that Ends
+Well</i>, he gives vent to his dislike; Bertram rages forth:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">I could endure anything before but a cat,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And now he's cat to me.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The feud with the wild cat intensifies in <i>Midsummer Night's Dream</i>;
+'tis Lysander speaks:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Hang off, thou cat, thou burr, thou vile thing.<br /></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></div></div>
+
+<p>And Gremio tells of the untamableness of the wild cat, which he deems
+apparently impossible:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">But will you woo this wild cat?<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Romeo, in <i>Romeo and Juliet</i>, looks with much disfavour, not only on
+cats but also dogs; in fact, the dog was held in as high disdain as the
+cat:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And every cat and dog,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And every little mouse, and every unworthy thing.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Here is Hamlet's opinion:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The cat will mew, the dog will have his day.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>In <i>Cymbeline</i> there is:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The foregoing is enough to show the great poet's opinion of the cat.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>SUPERSTITION AND WITCHCRAFT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>A very remarkable peculiarity of the domestic cat, and possibly one that
+has had much to do with the ill favour with which it has been regarded,
+especially in the Middle Ages, is the extraordinary property which its
+fur possesses of yielding electric sparks when hand-rubbed or by other
+friction, the black in a larger degree than any other colour, even the
+rapid motion of a fast retreating cat through rough, tangled underwood
+having been known to produce a luminous effect. In frosty weather it is
+the more noticeable, the coldness of the weather apparently giving
+intensity and brilliancy, which to the ignorant would certainly be
+attributed to the interference of the spiritual or superhuman. To
+sensitive natures and nervous temperaments the very contact with the fur
+of the black cat will often produce a startling thrill or absolutely an
+electric shock. That carefully observant naturalist, Gilbert White,
+speaking of the frost of 1785, notes: "During those two Siberian days my
+parlour cat was so electric, that had a person stroked her, and been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>
+properly insulated, the shock might have been given to a whole circle of
+people."</p>
+
+<p>Possibly from this lively fiery sparkling tendency, combined with its
+noiseless motion and stealthy habits, our ancestors were led in the
+happily bygone superstitious days to regard the unconscious animal as a
+"familiar" of Satan or some other evil spirit, which generally appeared
+in the form of a black cat; hence witches were said to have a black cat
+as their "familiar," or could at will change themselves into the form of
+a black cat with eyes of fire. Shakespeare says, "the cat with eyne of
+burning coal," and in Middleton's <i>Witch</i>, Act III., Hecate says:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I will but 'noint, and then I'll mount.</span><br />
+(<i>A Spirit like a cat descends.  Voice above.</i>)<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There's one come down to fetch his dues.</span><br />
+(<i>Later on the Voice calls.</i>) Hark! hark! the cat sings a brave treble in<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">her own language.</span><br />
+(<i>Then</i> <span class="smcap">Hecate</span>.) Now I go, now I fly,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Malkin, my sweet spirit, and I, etc.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>.&mdash;Almost the same words are sung in the music to <i>Macbeth</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"One of the frauds of witchcraft," says Timbs, "is the witch pretending
+to transform herself into a certain animal, the favourite and most usual
+transformation being a <i>cat</i>; hence cats were tormented by the ignorant
+vulgar."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Rutterkin</i> was a famous cat, a cat who was 'cater'-cousin to the
+great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandmother of
+Grimalkin, and first cat in the caterie of an old woman who was tried
+for bewitching a daughter of the Countess of Rutland in the beginning of
+the sixteenth century. The monodis connects him with cats of great
+renown in the annals of witchcraft, a science whereto they have been
+allied as poor old women, one of whom, it appears, on the authority of
+an old pamphlet entitled 'Newes from Scotland,' etc., printed in the
+year 1591, 'confessed that she took a cat and christened it, etc., and
+that in the night following, the said cat was conveyed into the middest
+of the sea by all these witches sayling in their Riddles, or Cives, and
+so left the said cat right before the towne of Leith in Scotland.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> This
+done, there did arise such a tempest at sea as a greater hath not been
+seen, etc. Againe it is confessed that the said christened cat was the
+cause of the kinges majestie's shippe, at his coming forthe of Denmarke,
+had a contrarie winde to the rest of the shippes then being in his
+companie, which thing was most straunge and true, as the kinges majestie
+acknowledgeth, for when the rest of the shippes had a fair and good
+winde, then was the winde contrairie, and altogether against his
+majestie,' etc."<a name="FNanchor_C_3" id="FNanchor_C_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_C_3" class="fnanchor">[C]</a></p>
+
+<p>"In some parts black cats are said to bring good luck, and in
+Scarborough (Henderson's 'Folk-lore of the Northern Counties'). A few
+years ago, sailors' wives were in the habit of keeping one, thinking
+thereby to ensure the safety of their husbands at sea. This,
+consequently, gave black cats such a value that no one else could keep
+them, as they were nearly always stolen. There are various proverbs
+which attach equal importance to this lucky animal, as, for example:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Whenever the cat o' the house is black,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The lasses o' lovers will have no lack.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"And again:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Kiss the black cat,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">An' 'twill make ye fat;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Kiss the white ane,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Twill make ye lean.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"In Scotland there is a children's rhyme upon the purring of the cat:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Dirdum drum,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Three threads and a thrum;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thrum gray, thrum gray!<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"In Devonshire and Wiltshire it is believed that a May cat&mdash;or, in other
+words, a cat born in the month of May&mdash;will never catch any rats or
+mice, but, contrary to the wont of cats, will bring into the house
+snakes, and slow-worms, and other disagreeable reptiles. In
+Huntingdonshire it is a common saying that 'a May kitten makes a dirty
+cat.' If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> a cat should leap over a corpse, it is said to portend
+misfortune. Gough, in his 'Sepulchral Monuments,' says that in Orkney,
+during the time the corpse remains in the house, all the cats are locked
+up, and the looking-glasses covered over. In Devonshire a superstition
+prevails that a cat will not remain in a house with an unburied corpse;
+and stories are often told how, on the death of one of the inmates of a
+house, the cat has suddenly made its disappearance, and not returned
+again until after the funeral. The sneezing of the cat, says Brand
+('Popular Antiquities,' 1849, vol. iii., p. 187), appears to have been
+considered as a lucky omen to a bride who was to be married on the
+succeeding day.</p>
+
+<p>"'In Cornwall,' says Hunt, 'those little gatherings which come on
+children's eyelids, locally called "whilks," and also "warts," are cured
+by passing the tail of a black cat nine times over the place. If a ram
+cat, the cure is more certain. In Ireland it is considered highly
+unlucky.'"<a name="FNanchor_D_4" id="FNanchor_D_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_D_4" class="fnanchor">[D]</a></p>
+
+<p>Sailors are very superstitious as regards cats. If a black cat comes on
+board, it is a presage of disaster; if the ship's cat is more lively
+than ordinary, it is a sign of wind; but if the cat is accidentally
+drowned, then there is consternation, which does not wear off until the
+vessel is safe in harbour.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Wilde, in her "Irish Legends," gives a cat story quite of the fairy
+type, and well in keeping with many of witchcraft and sorcery. "One
+dark, cold night, as an old woman was spinning, there came three taps at
+her door, and not until after the last did she open it, when a pleading
+voice said: 'Let me in, let me in,' and a handsome black cat, with a
+white breast, and two white kittens, entered. The old woman spun on, and
+the cats purred loudly, till the mother puss warned her that it was very
+late, that they wanted some milk, and that the fairies wanted her room
+that night to dance and sup in. The milk was given, the cats thanked
+her, and said they would not forget her kindness; but, ere they vanished
+up the chimney, they left her a great silver coin, and the fairies had
+their ball untroubled by the old woman's presence, for the pussy's
+warning was a gentle hint."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>If a kitten comes to a house in the morning, it is lucky; if in the
+evening, it portends evil of some kind, unless it stays to prevent it.</p>
+
+<p>A cat's hair is said to be indigestible, and if one is swallowed death
+will ensue (Northern).</p>
+
+<p>Milton, in his "Astrologaster," p. 48, tells us: "That when the cat
+washes her face over her eares we shall have great store of raine."</p>
+
+<p>Lord Westmoreland, in a poem "To a cat bore me company in confinement,"
+says:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i3">&mdash;&mdash;Scratch but thine ear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then boldly tell what weather's drawing near.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The cat sneezing appears to be a lucky omen to a bride.</p>
+
+<p>It was a vulgar notion that cats, when hungry, would eat coals; and even
+to this day, in some parts there is a doubt about it. In "The Tamer
+Tamed, or, Woman's Pride," Izamo says to Moroso, "I'd learn to eat coals
+with a hungry cat"; and in "Boduca," the first daughter says, "They are
+cowards; eat coals like compelled cats."</p>
+
+<p>"The crying of cats, ospreys, ravens, or other birds upon the tops of
+houses in the night time are observed by the vulgar to presignify death
+to the sick."&mdash;Brand.</p>
+
+<p>There is also a superstition that cats will suck the breath of infants.
+Nothing could be more ridiculous. The formation of the cat's mouth is
+not well adapted for such action, the under jaw being shorter than the
+upper, which is one reason why it <i>laps</i> fluids instead of drinking.
+Cats will creep into cradles, but for no other purpose than that of
+sleep, the bed and clothes being warm and soft, and of course
+comfortable; yet instead of doing harm, they help to keep the child's
+temperature more even in cold weather. Of course, if they lie on the
+infant, it is a different matter.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>WEATHER NOTIONS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>"Signs of Foul Weather," by Dr. Erasmus Darwin. In a poem, the
+well-known relative of the eminent Charles Darwin describes the various
+natural indications of coming storms. Among the animals and birds he
+notes the cat:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Low o'er the grass the swallow wings;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The cricket, too, how sharp he sings;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Puss on the hearth, with velvet paws,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sits wiping o'er his whiskered jaws.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"In England," says Mr. T. F. Thiselton Dyer, "the superstitious still
+hold the cat in high esteem, and oftentimes, when observing the weather,
+attribute much importance to its various movements. Thus, according to
+some, when they sneeze it is a sign of rain; and Herrick, in his
+'Hesperides,' tells us how:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">True calendars as pusses eare,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wash't o're to tell what change is neare.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"It is a common notion that when a cat scratches the legs of a table, it
+is a prognostic of change of weather. John Swan, in his 'Speculum Mundi'
+(Cambridge, 1643), writing of the cat, says: 'She useth therefore to
+wash her face with her feet, which she licketh and moisteneth with her
+tongue; and it is observed by some that if she put her feet beyond the
+crown of her head in this kind of washing, it is a signe of rain.'
+Indeed, in the eyes of the superstitious, there is scarcely a movement
+of the cat which is not supposed to have some significance.</p>
+
+<p>"Cats are exceedingly fond of valerian (<i>V. officinalis</i>), and in
+Topsell's 'Four-footed Beasts' (1658, p. 81), we find the following
+curious remarks: 'The root of the herb valerian (called <i>Phu</i>), is very
+like to the eye of a cat, and wheresoever it groweth, if cats come
+thereunto, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> instantly dig it up for the love thereof, as I myself
+have seen in mine own garden, for it smelleth moreover like a cat.'
+There is also an English rhyme on the plant <i>marum</i> to the following
+effect:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">If you see it,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The cats will eat it;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If you sow it,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The cats will know it.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"In Suffolk, cats' eyes are supposed to dilate and contract with the
+flow and ebb of the tide. In Lancashire the common people have an idea
+that those who play much with cats never have good health."<a name="FNanchor_E_5" id="FNanchor_E_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_E_5" class="fnanchor">[E]</a></p>
+
+<p>If tincture of valerian is sprinkled on a plant or bush the neighbouring
+cats roll and rub themselves on or against it, often biting and
+scratching the plant to pieces.&mdash;H. W.</p>
+
+<p>In Lancashire it is regarded as unlucky to allow a cat to die in a
+house. Hence,<a name="FNanchor_F_6" id="FNanchor_F_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_F_6" class="fnanchor">[F]</a> when they are ill they are usually drowned.</p>
+
+<p>At Christ Church, Spitalfields, there is a benefaction for the widows of
+weavers under certain restrictions, called "cat and dog money." There is
+a tradition in the parish that money was given in the first instance to
+cats and dogs.<a name="FNanchor_G_7" id="FNanchor_G_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_G_7" class="fnanchor">[G]</a></p>
+
+<p>If a cat tears at the cushions, carpet, and other articles of furniture
+with its claws, it is considered a sign of wind. Hence the saying, "the
+cat is raising the wind."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Park's note in his copy of Bourn and Brand's "Popular Antiquities,"
+p. 92, says: "Cats sitting with their tails to the fire, or washing with
+their paws behind their ears, are said to foretell a change of weather."</p>
+
+<p>In Pules' play of "The Novice" is the line:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Ere Gil, our cat, can lick her ear.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>This is from Brand, and I do not think it refers to the weather, but to
+an impossibility.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>A CAT-CLOCK.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The following curious incident is to be found in Huc's "Chinese Empire":</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"One day, when we went to pay a visit to some families of Chinese</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Christian peasants, we met, near a farm, a young lad, who was</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">taking a buffalo to graze along our path. We asked him carelessly</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">as we passed whether it was yet noon. The child raised his head</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">to look at the sun, but it was hidden behind thick clouds, and he</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">could read no answer there. 'The sky is so cloudy,' said he; 'but</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">wait a moment;' and with these words he ran towards the farm, and</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">came back a few minutes afterwards with a cat in his arms. 'Look</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">here,' said he, 'it is not noon yet;' and he showed us the cat's</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">eyes by pushing up the lids with his hands. We looked at the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">child with surprise; but he was evidently in earnest, and the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">cat, though astonished, and not much pleased at the experiment</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">made on her eyes, behaved with most exemplary complaisance. 'Very</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">well,' said we, 'thank you;' and he then let go the cat, who made</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">her escape pretty quickly, and we continued our route. To say the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">truth, we had not at all understood the proceeding, but did not</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">wish to question the little pagan, lest he should find out that</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">we were Europeans by our ignorance. As soon as we reached the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">farm, however, we made haste to ask our Christians whether they</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">could tell the clock by looking into the cat's eyes. They seemed</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">surprised at the question, but as there was no danger in</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">confessing to them our ignorance of the properties of the cat's</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">eyes, we related what had just taken place. That was all that was</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">necessary; our complaisant neophytes immediately gave chase to</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">all the cats in the neighbourhood. They brought us three or four,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">and explained in what manner they might be made use of for</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">watches. They pointed out that the pupils of their eyes went on</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">constantly growing narrower until twelve o'clock, when they</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">became like a fine line, as thin as a hair, drawn perpendicularly</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">across the eye, and that after twelve the dilatation</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">recommenced."</span><br /></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"Archbishop Whately once declared that there was only one noun in
+English which had a real vocative case. It was 'cat,' vocative 'puss.' I
+wonder if this derivation is true (I take it from a New York journal):
+When the Egyptians of old worshipped the cat they settled it that she
+was like the moon, because she was more bright at night, and because her
+eyes changed just as the moon changes&mdash;from new, to crescent, and to
+full. So they made an idol of the cat's head, and named it <i>pasht</i>,
+which meant the face of the moon. <i>Pasht</i> became pas, pus,
+puss."&mdash;<i>Church Times</i>, March 8th, 1888.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>"PUSS IN BOOTS" (<i>Le Chat Bott�</i>)</h2>
+
+
+<p>Is from the "Eleventh Night" of Straparola's Italian fairy tales, where
+Constantine's cat procures his master a fine castle and the king's
+heiress, first translated into French in 1585. Our version is taken from
+that of Charles Perrault. There is a similar one in the Scandinavian
+nursery tales. This clever cat secures a fortune and a royal partner for
+his master, who passes off as the Marquis of Carabas, but is in reality
+a young miller, without a penny in the world.</p>
+
+<p>The above is from Dr. Brewer's "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," and
+goes far to prove the antiquity of what is generally believed to be a
+modern story, many believing it to be one of the numberless pleasant,
+amusing, and in a sense instructive nursery or children's stories of the
+present time.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>SIGNS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>D'Urfey, in his poem on Knole, speaks of "The Cats" at Sevenoaks.</p>
+
+<p>"The Cat" or "Cats" is by no means a common sign. The subject is well
+alluded to in "The Cat, Past and Present," from the French of M.
+Champfleury, translated by Mrs. Cashel Hoey, at page 33. A sign is
+pictured from the Lombards' quarter, Paris. It is there over a
+confectioner's shop, and is a cat seated, or rather two, a sign being
+placed on either side of the corner. Underneath one is "Au Chat," the
+other, "Noir." I may add the work is a most excellent and amusing
+collection of much appertaining to cats, and is well worthy of a place
+in the cat-lover's library.</p>
+
+<p>In Larwood and Hotten's "History of Sign-boards," a work of much
+research and merit, occurs the following: "As I was going through a
+street of London where I had never been till then, I felt a general damp
+and faintness all over me which I could not tell how to account for,
+till I chanced to cast my eyes upwards, and found I was passing under a
+sign-post on which the picture of a <i>cat</i> was hung." This little
+incident of the cat-hater, told in No. 538 of <i>The Spectator</i>, is a
+proof of the presence of cats on the sign-board, where, indeed, they are
+still to be met with, but very rarely. There is a sign of "The Cat" at
+Egremont, in Cumberland, a "Black Cat" at St. Leonard's Gate, Lancaster,
+and a "Red Cat" at Birkenhead; and a "Red Cat" in the Hague, Holland, to
+which is attached an amusing story worthy of perusal.</p>
+
+<p>"The Cat and Parrot" and "The Cat and Lion" apparently have no direct
+meaning, unless by the former may be inferred that if you lap like a cat
+of the liquids sold at the hostelry, you will talk like a parrot; yet,
+according to Larwood and Hotten, it was a bookseller's sign.</p>
+
+<p>"The Cat and Cage" and "The Cat in Basket" were signs much in vogue
+during the frost fair on the Thames in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> 1739-40, a live cat being hung
+outside some of the booths, which afterwards was not infrequent at other
+festive meetings. What the exact origin was is not quite apparent.</p>
+
+<p>"'Cat and Fiddle,' a public-house sign, is a corruption either of the
+French <i>Catherine la fid�le</i>, wife of Czar Peter the Great of Russia, or
+of <i>Caton le fid�le</i>, meaning Caton, governor of Calais."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Dr. Brewer's</span>
+<i>Dictionary of Phrase and Fable</i>.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p><i>Cat and Fiddle.</i>&mdash;"While on the subject of sign-boards," says a writer
+in Cassell's "Old and New London," vol. i., p. 507, "we may state that
+Piccadilly was the place in which 'The Cat and Fiddle' first appeared as
+a public-house sign. The story is that a Frenchwoman, a small shopkeeper
+at the eastern end soon after it was built, had a very faithful and
+favourite cat, and that in the lack of any other sign she put over her
+door the words, 'Voici un Chat fid�le.' From some cause or other the
+'Chat fid�le' soon became a popular sign in France, and was speedily
+Anglicised into 'The Cat and Fiddle,' because the words form part of one
+of our most popular nursery rhymes. We do not pledge ourselves as to the
+accuracy of this definition."</p>
+
+<p>"In Farringdon (Devon) is the sign of 'La Chatte Fid�le,' in
+commemoration of a faithful cat. Without scanning the phrase too nicely,
+it may simply indicate that the game of <i>cat</i> (trap-ball) and a <i>fiddle</i>
+for dancing are provided for customers."</p>
+
+<p>Yet, according to Larwood and Hotten's "History of Sign-boards," there
+is yet another version, and another, of the matter, for it is stated, "a
+little hidden meaning is there in the 'Cat and Fiddle,' still a great
+favourite in Hampshire, the only connection between the animal and the
+instrument being that the strings are made from cats' entrails (<i>sic</i>),
+and that a small fiddle is called a <i>kit</i>, and a small cat a <i>kitten</i>;
+besides, they have been united from time immemorial in the nursery
+rhyme:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Heigh diddle diddle,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Cat and the fiddle."<br /></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span></div></div>
+
+<p>Amongst the other explanations offered is the one that it may have
+originated with the sign of a certain <i>Caton Fid�le</i>, a staunch
+Protestant in the reign of Queen Mary, and only have been changed into
+the cat and fiddle by corruption; but if so it must have lost its
+original appellation very soon, for as early as 1589 we find "Henry
+Carr, signe of the <i>Catte and Fidle</i> in the olde Chaunge." Formerly
+there was a "<i>Cat and Fiddle</i> at Norwich, the Cat being represented
+playing on a fiddle, and a number of mice dancing round her."</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat and Bagpipes.</i>&mdash;Was not uncommon in Ireland, this instrument being
+the national one in place of the fiddle.</p>
+
+<p>When doctors disagree, who shall decide? Thus I leave it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat and Mutton</i>, from Cassell's "Old and New London," vol. iv., p. 223:</p>
+
+<p>"Near the Imperial Gas Works, Haggerston, is Goldsmith's row; this was
+formerly known as Mutton Lane, a name still given to that part of the
+thoroughfare bordering on the southern extremity of London Fields, where
+stands a noted public-house rejoicing in the sign of the 'Cat and
+Mutton' affixed to the house, and <i>two</i> sign-boards, which are rather
+curious. They have upon them the following doggerel lines:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Pray Puss do not tare,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Because the Mutton is so rare.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Pray Puss do not claw,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Because the Mutton is so raw.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><i>Cat and Wheel.</i>&mdash;Most likely to be a corruption of Catherine Wheel;
+there was a sign of this name in the Borough, Southwark.</p>
+
+<p>In France some signs are still more peculiar, as a "Cat Playing at
+Raquet" (<i>Chatte qui pelote</i>), "Fishing Cat" (<i>La Chatte qui p�che</i>),
+"The Dancing Cat," and the well-known "Puss in Boots."</p>
+
+<p>"Whittington and his Cat" is by no means uncommon, and was not unknown
+in the early part of the seventeenth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> century. Somewhere I remember
+having seen "Whittington's Cat" without the master, which, I suppose,
+arose from the painter not knowing how to portray "Sir Richard."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Cat and Kittens.</i>&mdash;A public-house sign, alluding to the pewter pots so
+called. Stealing these pots is termed 'Cat and kitten sneaking.' We
+still call a large kettle a <i>kitchen</i>, and speak of a soldier's <i>kit</i>
+(Saxon, <i>cytel</i>, a pot, pan, or vessel generally)."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Brewer's</span>
+<i>Dictionary of Phrase and Fable</i>.</p>
+
+<p>May not this sign be intended to mean merely what is shown, "The Cat and
+Kittens," indicative of comfort and rest? Or may it have been "Cat and
+<i>Chitterlings</i>," in allusion to the source from which fiddlestrings were
+said to be derived?</p>
+
+<p><i>Cat and Tortoise.</i>&mdash;This seems to have no meaning other than at a
+tavern extremes meet, the fast and the slow, the lively and the stolid;
+or it is possibly a corruption of something widely different.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE LAW ON CAT KILLING.</h2>
+
+
+<p>An "Articled Clerk," writing to <i>The Standard</i> with regard to the
+illegality of killing cats, states: "It is clearly laid down in 'Addison
+on Torts,' that a person is not justified in killing his neighbour's
+cat, or dog, which he finds on his land, unless the animal is in the act
+of doing some injurious act which can only be prevented by its
+slaughter.</p>
+
+<p>"And it has been decided by the case of 'Townsend v. Watken' 9 last 277,
+that if a person sets on his lands a trap for foxes, and baits it with
+such strong-smelling meat as to attract his neighbour's dog or cat on to
+his land, to the trap, and such animal is thereby killed or injured, he
+is liable for the act, though he had no intention of doing it, and
+though the animal ought not to have been on his land."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>DEAD CATS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Lifeless cats have been from time immemorial suggestive of foolish
+hoaxing, a parcel being made up, or a basket with the legs of a hare
+projecting, directed to some one at a distance, and on which the charge
+for carriage comes to a considerable sum, the <i>fortunate</i> recipient
+ultimately, to his great annoyance, finding "his present" was nothing
+else but "a dead cat." Dead cats, which not infrequently were cast into
+the streets, or accidentally killed there, were sometimes used as
+objects of sport by the silly, low-minded, and vulgar, and it was
+thought a "clever thing" if they could deposit such in a drawing-room
+through an open window, or pitch the unfortunate animal, often crushed
+and dirty, into a passing carriage; but "the time of times" when it was
+considered to be a legitimate object to use was that of either a borough
+or county election, cats and rotten eggs forming the material with which
+the assault was conducted in the event of an unpopular candidate for
+honours attempting to give his political views to a depreciatory mob
+surrounding the hustings. An anecdote is recorded in Grose's "Olio" of
+Mr. Fox, who, in 1784, was a candidate for Westminster, which goes far
+to show what dirty, degrading, disgusting indignities the would-be
+"<i>people's</i> representative" had to endure at that period, and with what
+good humour such favours of popular appreciation, or otherwise, were
+received:</p>
+
+<p>"During the poll, a dead cat being thrown on the hustings, one of Sir
+Cecil Wray's party observed it stunk worse than <i>a fox</i>; to which Mr.
+Fox replied there was nothing extraordinary in that, considering it was
+a 'poll cat.'"</p>
+
+<p>This is by no means the only ready and witty answer that has been
+attributed to Mr. Fox, though not bearing on the present subject.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z229.jpg" width="600" height="392" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THE CAT AS A TORMENTOR.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Shakespeare, in "Lucrece," says:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Yet foul night-waking cat, he doth but dally,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While in his holdfast foot the weak mouse panteth."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>In an essay on "The Art of Ingeniously Tormenting" (1753), the cat is
+alluded to in the frontispiece&mdash;a cat at play with a mouse, below which
+is the couplet:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The cat doth play,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And after slay.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 45%;"><i>Child's Guide</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Giovanni Batista Casti, in his book, "Tre Giuli" (1762), likens the cat
+to one who lends money, and suddenly pounces on the debtor:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Thus sometimes with a mouse, ere nip,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The cat will on her hapless victim smile,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Until at length she gives the fatal grip.<br /></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></div></div>
+
+<p>Again, John Philips, in the latter part of the seventeenth century, in
+his poem of "The Splendid Shilling," referring to debtors, writes:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Grimalkin to Domestick Vermin sworn<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">An everlasting Foe, with watchful Eye<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Lies nightly brooding o'er a chinky Gap<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Protending her fell Claws, to thoughtless Mice<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sure Ruin.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>HERALDRY, <span class="smcap">ETC.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>A cat (hieroglyphically) represents false friendship, or a deceitful,
+flattering friend.</p>
+
+<p>The cat (in heraldry) is an emblem of liberty, because it naturally
+dislikes to be shut up, and therefore the Burgundians, etc., bore a cat
+on their banners to intimate they could not endure servitude.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a bold and daring creature and also cruel to its enemy, and never
+gives over till it has destroyed it, if possible. It is also watchful,
+dexterous, swift, pliable, and has good nerves&mdash;thus, if it falls from a
+place never so high, it still alights on its feet; and therefore may
+denote those who have much forethought, that whatsoever befalls them
+they are still on their guard."</p>
+
+<p>"In coat armour they must always be represented as full-faced, and not
+showing one side of it, but both their eyes and both their ears.
+<i>Argent</i> three cats in pale <i>sable</i> is the coat of the family of Keat of
+Devonshire."</p>
+
+<p>Many families have adopted the cat as their emblem. In "Cats, Past and
+Present," several are noted. In Scotland, the Clan Chattan bore as their
+chief cognizance the wild cat, and called their chief "Mohr au Chat,"
+the great wild cat. Nor is the name uncommon as an English surname,
+frequently appearing as Cat, Catt, Catte; but the most strange
+association of the name with the calling was one I knew in my old
+sporting days of a <i>gamekeeper</i> whose name was Cat.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>PERFORMING CATS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Cats, unlike dogs, are not amused by, nor do they in any way take an
+interest in what are termed "tricks." Performing dogs will sit about
+their master watching anxiously for their turn, and they have been known
+on more than one occasion to slip before the dog that has next jump
+through the hoop or over a stick, barking merrily, exulting in having
+excelled the other; generally they await with intense eagerness the
+agility of the others and strenuously try to surpass them. Possibly this
+is so from the long time the dog has been under the dominion of man, and
+<i>taught</i> by him how to be of service, either in <i>hunting</i>, <i>sporting</i>,
+<i>shepherding</i>, <i>watching</i>; in a sense his friend, though more his bond
+or slave, even to dragging carts, waggons, and sleighs, to fetch and
+carry, even to smuggle. <i>Long teaching</i>, <i>persistent teaching from time
+immemorial</i> has undoubtedly had its due effect, and in some instances,
+if not all, has been <i>transmitted</i>, such as in the pointer and setter,
+which particular sections have been known to require little or no
+present training, taking to their duties naturally, receiving but little
+guidance as to how much, when, and where such instinctive qualities are
+required.</p>
+
+<p>With the cat it is widely different. Beyond being the "necessary" cat,
+the pet cat or kitten, it never has been an object of interest, beyond
+that of keeping from increase those veritable plagues, rats and mice;
+the enormous use it has thus been to man has had but scant
+acknowledgment, never thoroughly appreciated, vastly underrated, with
+but little attention not only to its beauty, nor in modifying its nature
+to the actual <i>requirements</i> of civilisation. The cat through long ages
+has had, as it were, to shift for itself; with the <i>few</i> approved, with
+the <i>many</i> not only neglected, but in bygone days, and with some even in
+the present, it has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> been, and is looked on as a thing that is not to be
+cared for, or domesticated, but often absolutely ill-treated, not
+because there has been wrong done, but because it is <i>a cat</i>. I heard a
+man of "gentle blood" once say that there was no good in a cat, and the
+only use they were, as far as <i>he</i> could see, was as an animal to try
+the courage of his terriers upon.</p>
+
+<p>Happily all are not alike, and so the cat survives, and by the present
+generation is petted and noticed with a growing interest. Though long
+closely connected with man in many ways, still, as I have before said,
+it has been left to itself to a certain degree. In no way, or but
+slightly, has it been guided; and thus, as a domestic animal, it has
+become what it is&mdash;one repelling most attempts to make it of the same
+kind of value as the dog; its great powers of observation, coupled with
+timidity, make a barrier to its being trained into that which its nature
+dislikes; and its natural and acquired repugnance to confinement and
+tuition prevent it&mdash;at least at present&mdash;from being "the humble
+servant," as the dog, "past and present," has been and is.</p>
+
+<p>Studying closely the habits of the cat for years, as I have, I believe
+there is a natural sullen antipathy to being taught or restrained, or
+<i>made</i> to do anything to which its nature or feelings are averse; and
+this arises from long-continued persecution and no training. Try, for
+instance, to make a cat lie still if it wants to go out. You may hold it
+at first, then gently relinquish your grasp, stroke it, talk to it,
+fondle it, until it purrs, and purrs with seeming pleasure, but it
+<i>never once forgets it is restrained</i>, and <i>the first</i> opportunity it
+will make a sudden dash, and is&mdash;gone.</p>
+
+<p>However, all animals, more or less, may be trained, and the cat, of
+course, is among them, and a notable one. By bringing them up among
+birds, such as canaries, pigeons, chickens, and ducklings, it will
+respect and not touch them, while those wild will be immediately
+sacrificed.</p>
+
+<p>One of the best instances of this was a small collection of animals and
+birds in a large cage that used to be shown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> by a man by the name of
+Austin, and to which I have already referred. This man was a lover and
+trainer of animal life, and an adept. His "Happy Family" generally
+consisted of a cat or two, some kittens, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea
+pigs, an owl, a kestrel falcon, starlings, goldfinches, canaries,
+etc.&mdash;a most incongruous assembly. Yet among them all there was a
+<i>freedom of action</i>, a self-reliance, and an air of happiness that I
+have never seen in "performing cats." Mr. Austin informed me that he had
+been a number of years studying their different natures, but that he
+found the cats the most difficult to deal with, only the most gentle
+treatment accomplishing the object he had in view. Any fresh
+introduction had to be done by degrees, and shown outside first for some
+time. It was quite apparent, however, that the cats were <i>quite at their
+ease</i>, and I have seen a canary sitting on the head of the cat, while a
+starling was resting on the back. But all are gone&mdash;Austin and his
+pets&mdash;and no other reigns in his stead.</p>
+
+<p>Occasionally one sees, at the corners of some of the London streets, a
+man who professes to have <i>trained</i> cats and birds; the latter,
+certainly, are clever, but the former have a frightened, scared look,
+and seem by no means comfortable. I should say the tuition was on
+different lines to that of Austin. The man takes a canary, opens a cat's
+mouth, puts it in, takes it out, <i>makes</i> the cat, or cats, go up a short
+ladder and down another; then they are <i>told</i> to fight, and placed in
+front of each other; but fight they will not with their fore-paws, so
+the <i>master</i> moves their paws for them, <i>each looking away</i> from the
+other. There is no training in this but <i>fear</i>. There is an innate
+timidity, the offspring of long persecution, in the cat that prevents,
+as a rule, its performing in public. Not so the dog; time and place
+matter not to him; from generation to generation he <i>has been used to
+it</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In "Cats Past and Present," by Champfleury, there are descriptions of
+performing cats, and one Valmont de Bomare mentions that in a booth at
+the fair of St. Germain's, during the eighteenth century, there was a
+cat concert, the word<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> "Miaulique," in huge letters, being on the
+outside. In 1789 there is an account of a Venetian giving cat concerts,
+and the facsimile of a print of the seventeenth century picturing a cat
+showman.</p>
+
+<p>"In 1758, or the following year, Bisset, the famous animal trainer,
+hired a room near the Haymarket, at which he announced a public
+performance of a '<span class="smcap">Cats' Opera</span>,' supplemented by tricks of a horse, a
+dog, and some monkeys, etc. The 'Cats' Opera' was attended by crowded
+houses, and Bisset cleared a thousand pounds in a few days. After a
+successful season in London, he sold some of the animals, and made a
+provincial tour with the rest, rapidly accumulating a considerable
+fortune."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Mr. Frost's</span> <i>Old Showman</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Many years ago a concert was given at Paris, wherein cats were the
+performers. They were placed in rows, and a monkey beat time to them.
+According as he beat the time so the cats mewed; and the historian of
+the <span class="smcap">fact</span> relates that the diversity of the tones which they emitted
+produced a very ludicrous effect. This exhibition was announced to the
+Parisian public by the title of <i>Concert Miaulant."&mdash;Zoological
+Anecdotes.</i></p>
+
+<p>Another specimen of <i>discipline</i> is to be found in "Menageries." The
+writer says: "Cats may be taught to perform tricks, such as leaping over
+a stick, but they always do such feats unwillingly. There is at present
+an exhibition of cats in Regent Street, who, at the bidding of their
+master, an Italian, turn a wheel and draw up water in a bucket, ring a
+bell; and in doing these things begin, continue, and stop as they are
+commanded. But the <i>commencez</i>, <i>continuez</i>, <i>arr�tez</i> of their keeper
+is always enforced with a threatening eye, and often with a severe blow;
+and the poor creatures exhibit the greatest reluctance to proceed with
+their unnatural employments. They have a subdued and piteous look; but
+the scratches upon their master's arms show that <i>his</i> task is not
+always an easy one."<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z235.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p>Of performing cats on the stage, there have been several "companies" of
+late in London, one of which I went to see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> at the royal Aquarium,
+Westminster; and I am bound to say that the relations between master and
+cats were on a better footing than any that have hitherto come under my
+notice. On each side of the stage there were cat kennels, from which the
+cats made their appearance on a given signal, ran across, on or over
+whatever was placed between, and disappeared quickly into the opposite
+kennels. But about it all there was a decided air of <i>timidity</i>, and an
+eagerness to <i>get the performance over</i>, and <i>done with it</i>. When the
+cats came out they were caressed and encouraged, which seemed to have a
+soothing effect, and I have a strong apprehension that they received
+some dainty morsel when they reached their destination. One ran up a
+pole at command, over which there was a cap at the top, into which it
+disappeared for a few seconds, evidently for some reason, food
+<i>perhaps</i>. It then descended. But before this supreme act several cats
+had crossed a bridge of chairs, stepping only on the backs, until they
+reached the opposite house or box into which to retire. The process was
+repeated, and the performance varied by two cats crossing the bridge
+together, one passing over and the other under the horizontal rung
+between the seat and the top of the chair. A long plank was next<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>
+produced, upon which was placed a row of wine-bottles at intervals; and
+the cats ran along the plank, winding in and out between the bottles,
+first to the right, then to the left, without making a mistake. This
+part of the performance was varied by placing on the top of each bottle
+a flat disc of thick wood; one of the cats strode then from disc to
+disc, without displacing or upsetting a bottle, while the other animal
+repeated its serpentine walk on the plank below. The plank being
+removed, a number of trestles were brought in, and placed at intervals
+in a row between the two sets of houses, when the cats, on being called,
+jumped from trestle to trestle, varying the feat by leaping through a
+hoop, which was held up by the trainer between the trestles. To this
+succeeded a performance on the tight rope, which was not the least
+curious part of the exhibition. A rope being stretched across the arena
+from house to house, the cats walked across in turn, without making a
+mistake. Some white rats were then brought and placed at intervals along
+the rope, when the cats, re-crossing from one end to the other, strode
+over the rats without injuring them. A repetition of this feat was
+rendered a little more difficult by substituting for rats, which sat
+pretty quietly in one place, several white mice and small birds, which
+were more restless, and kept changing their positions. The cats
+re-crossed the rope, and passed over all these obstacles without even
+noticing the impediments placed in their way, with one or two
+exceptions, when they stopped, and cosseted one or more of the white
+rats, two of which rode triumphantly on the back of a large black cat.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the most odd performance was that of "Cat Harris," an imitator
+of the voice of cats in 1747.</p>
+
+<p>"When Foote first opened the Haymarket Theatre, amongst other projects
+he proposed to entertain the public with imitation of cat-music. For
+this purpose he engaged a man famous for his skill in mimicking the
+mewing of the cat. This person was called 'Cat Harris.' As he did not
+attend the rehearsal of this odd concert, Foote desired Shuter would
+endeavour to find him out and bring him with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> him. Shuter was directed
+to some court in the Minories, where this extraordinary musician lived;
+but, not being able to find the house, Shuter began a cat solo; upon
+this the other looked out of the window, and answered him with a cantata
+of the same sort. 'Come along,' said Shuter; 'I want no better
+information that you are the man. Foote stays for us; we cannot begin
+the cat-opera without you.'"&mdash;<span class="smcap">Cassell's</span> <i>Old and New London</i>, vol. iv.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 428px;">
+<img src="images/z237.jpg" width="428" height="586" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CAT-RACING IN BELGIUM.</h2>
+
+
+<p>"On festival days, parties of young men assemble in various places to
+shoot with cross-bows and muskets, and prizes of considerable value are
+often distributed to the winners. Then there are pigeon-clubs and
+canary-clubs, for granting rewards to the trainers of the fleetest
+carrier-pigeons and best warbling canaries. Of these clubs many
+individuals of high rank are the honorary presidents, and even royal
+princes deign to present them banners, without which no Belgian club can
+lay claim to any degree of importance." But the most curious thing is
+cat-racing, which takes place, according to an engraving, in the public
+thoroughfare, the cats being turned loose at a given time. It is thus
+described: "Cat-racing is a sport which stands high in popular favour.
+In one of the suburbs of Li�ge it is an affair of annual observance
+during carnival time. Numerous individuals of the feline tribe are
+collected, each having round his neck a collar with a seal attached to
+it, precisely like those of the carrier-pigeons. The cats are tied up in
+sacks, and as soon as the clock strikes the solemn hour of midnight the
+sacks are unfastened, the cats let loose, and the race begins. The
+winner is the cat which first reaches home, and the prize awarded to its
+owner is sometimes a ham, sometimes a silver spoon. On the occasion of
+the last competition the prize was won by a blind cat."&mdash;<i>Pictorial
+Times</i>, June 16th, 1860.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 562px;">
+<img src="images/z239.jpg" width="562" height="299" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CAT IMAGES.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Those with long memories will not have forgotten the Italian with a
+board on his head, on which were tied a number of plaster casts, and
+possibly still seem to hear, in the far away time, the unforgotten cry
+of "Yah im-a-gees." Notably, among these works of art, were models of
+cats&mdash;such cats, such expressive faces; and what forms! How droll, too,
+were those with a moving head, wagging and nodding, as it were, with a
+grave and thoughtful, semi-reproachful, vacant gaze! "Yah im-a-gees" has
+passed on, and the country pedlar, with his "crockery" cats, mostly red
+and white. "Sure such cats alive were never seen?" but in burnt clay
+they existed, and often <i>adorned</i> the mantel-shelves of the poor. What
+must the live cat sitting before the fire have thought&mdash;if cats
+think&mdash;when it looked up at the stolid, staring, stiff and stark
+new-comer? One never sees these things now; nor the cats made of
+paste-board covered with black velvet, and two large brass spangles for
+eyes. These were put into dark corners with an idea of deception, with
+the imbecile hope that visitors would take them to be real flesh and
+bone everyday<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> black cats. But was any one ever taken in but&mdash;the maker?
+Then there were cats, and cats and kittens, made of silk, for selling at
+fancy fairs, not much like cats, but for the <i>purposes</i> good. Cats
+sitting on pen-wipers; clay cats of burnt brick-earth. These were
+generally something to remember rather than possess. Wax cats also, with
+a cotton wick coming out at the top of the head. It was a saddening
+sight to see these <i>beauties</i> burning slowly away. Was this a "remnant"
+of the burning of the live cats in the "good old times?" And cats made
+of rabbits' skins were not uncommon, and far better to give children to
+play with than the tiny, lovable, patient, live kitten, which, if it
+submit to be tortured, it is well, but if it resent pain and suffering,
+then it is beaten. There is more ill done "from want of thought than
+want of heart."</p>
+
+<p>But kittens have fallen upon evil times, ay, even in these days of
+education and enlightenment. As long as the world lasts probably there
+will be the foolish, the gay, unthinking, and, in tastes, the
+ridiculous. But then there are, and there ever will be, those that are
+always craving, thirsting, longing, shall I say <i>mad</i>?&mdash;for something
+<i>new</i>. Light-headed, with softened intellects who must&mdash;<i>they</i> say <i>they
+must</i>&mdash;have some excitement or some novelty, no matter what, to talk of
+or possess, though all this is ephemeral, and the silliness only lasts a
+few hours. Long or short, they are never conscious of these absurdities,
+and look forward with all the eagerness of doll-pleased infancy for
+another&mdash;craze. The world is being denuded of some of its brightest
+ornaments and its heaven-taught music, in the slaughter of birds, to
+gratify for scarcely a few hours the insane vanity, that is now rife in
+the ball-room&mdash;fashion.</p>
+
+<p>What has all this to do with cats? Why, this class of people are not
+content, they never are so; but are adding to the evil by piling up a
+fresh one. It is the kitten now, the small, about two or three weeks old
+kitten that is the "fashion." Not long ago they were killed and stuffed
+for children to play with&mdash;better so than alive, perhaps; but now they
+are to please children of a larger <i>growth</i>, their tightly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> filled
+skins, adorned with glass eyes, being put in sportive attitudes about
+portrait frames, and such like uses. It is comical, and were it not for
+the stupid bad taste and absurdity of the thing, one would feel inclined
+to laugh at <i>clambering</i> kitten skins about, and supposed to be peeping
+into the face of a languor-struck "beauty." Who buys such? Does any one?
+If so, where do they go? Over thirty kittens in one shop window. What
+next, and&mdash;next? Truly frivolity is not dead!</p>
+
+<p>From these, and such as these, turn to the models fair and proper; the
+china, the porcelain, the terra cotta, the bronze, and the silver, both
+English, French, German, and Japanese; some exquisite, with all the
+character, elegance, and grace of the living animals. In these there has
+been a great advance of late years, Miss A. Chaplin taking the lead.
+Then in bold point tracery on pottery Miss Barlow tells of the animal's
+flowing lines and non-angular posing. Art&mdash;true art&mdash;all of it; and art
+to be coveted by the lover of cats, or for art alone.</p>
+
+<p>But I have almost forgotten the old-time custom of, when the young
+ladies came from school, bringing home a "sampler," in the days before
+linen stamping was known or thought of. On these in needlework were
+alphabets, numbers, trees (such trees), dogs, and cats. Then, too, there
+were cats of silk and satin, in needlework, and cats in various
+materials; but the most curious among the young people's accomplishments
+was the making of tortoiseshell cats from a snail-shell, with a smaller
+one for a head, with either wax or bread ears, fore-legs and tail, and
+yellow or green beads for eyes. Droll-looking things&mdash;very. I give a
+drawing of one. And last, not least often, the edible cats&mdash;cats made of
+cheese, cats of sweet sponge-cake, cats of sugar, and once I saw a cat
+of jelly. In the old times of country pleasure fairs, when every one
+brought home gingerbread nuts and cakes as "a fairing," the gingerbread
+"cat in boots" was not forgotten nor left unappreciated; generally
+fairly good in form, and gilt over with Dutch metal, it occupied a place
+of honour in many a country cottage home, and, for the matter of that,
+also in the busy town. If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> good gingerbread, it was saved for many a
+day, or until the holiday time was ended and feasting over, and the next
+fair talked of.</p>
+
+<p>But, after all "said and done," what a little respect, regard, and
+reverence is there in our mode to that of the Egyptians! They had three
+varieties of cats, but they were all the same to them; as their pets, as
+useful, beautiful, and typical, they were individually and nationally
+regarded, their bodies embalmed, and verses chaunted in their praise;
+and the image of the cat then&mdash;a thousand years ago&mdash;was a deity. What
+do they think of the cat now, these same though modern Egyptians?
+Scarcely anything. And we, who in bygone ages persecuted it, to-day give
+it a growing recognition as an animal both useful, beautiful, and worthy
+of culture.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 459px;">
+<img src="images/z242.jpg" width="459" height="473" alt="" title="" />
+</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/z243.jpg" width="600" height="474" alt="" title="" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>LOVERS OF CATS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>"The Turks greatly admire Cats; to them, their alluring Figure appears
+preferable to the Docility, Instinct, and Fidelity of the Dog. Mahomet
+was very partial to Cats. It is related, that being called up on some
+urgent Business, he preferred <i>cutting off</i> the Sleeve of his Robe, to
+<i>waking</i> the Cat, that lay upon it <i>asleep</i>. Nothing more was necessary,
+to bring these Animals into high Request. A Cat may even enter a Mosque;
+it is caressed there, as the Favourite Animal of the Prophet; while the
+Dog, that should dare appear in the Temples, would <i>pollute</i> them with
+his Presence, and would be punished with instant <i>Death</i>."<a name="FNanchor_H_8" id="FNanchor_H_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_H_8" class="fnanchor">[H]</a></p>
+
+<p>I am indebted to the Rev. T. G. Gardner, of St. Paul's Cray, for the
+following from the French:</p>
+
+<p>"A recluse, in the time of Gregory the Great, had it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> revealed to him in
+a vision that in the world to come he should have equal share of
+beatitude with that Pontiff; but this scarcely contented him, and he
+thought some compensation was his due, inasmuch as the Pope enjoyed
+immense wealth in this present life, and he himself had nothing he could
+call his own save one pet cat. But in another vision he was censured;
+his worldly detachment was not so entire as he imagined, and that
+Gregory would with far greater equanimity part with his vast treasures
+than he could part with his beloved puss."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Cats Endowed by La Belle Stewart.</span>&mdash;One of the chief ornaments of the
+Court of St. James', in the reign of Charles II., was "La Belle
+Stewart," afterwards the Duchess of Richmond, to whom Pope alluded as
+the "Duchess of R." in the well-known line:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Die and endow a college or a cat.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The endowment satirised by Pope has been favourably explained by Warton.
+She left annuities to several female friends, with the burden of
+maintaining some of her cats&mdash;a delicate way of providing for poor and
+probably proud gentlewomen, without making them feel that they owed
+their livelihood to her mere liberality. But possibly there may have
+been a kindliness of thought for both, deeming that those who were dear
+friends would be most likely to attend to her wishes.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Samuel Pepys had at least a gentle nature as regards animals, if he
+was not a lover of cats, for in his Diary occurs this note as to the
+Fire of London, 1666:</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"<i>September 5th.</i>&mdash;Thence homeward having passed through</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Cheapside and Newgate Market, all burned; and seen Antony Joyce's</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">house on fire. And took up (which I keep by me) a piece of glass</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">of Mercer's chapel in the street, where much more was, so melted</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">and buckled with the heat of the fire like parchment. I did also</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">see a poor cat taken out of a hole in a chimney, joining the wall</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">of the Exchange, with the hair all burned off its body and yet</span><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">alive."</span><br /></p>
+
+<p>Dr. Jortin wrote a Latin epitaph on a favourite cat:<a name="FNanchor_I_9" id="FNanchor_I_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_I_9" class="fnanchor">[I]</a></p>
+
+<h4>IMITATED IN ENGLISH.</h4>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Worn out with age and dire disease, a cat, Friendly to all, save
+wicked mouse and rat, I'm sent at last to ford the Stygian lake, And
+to the infernal coast a voyage make. Me <i>Proserpine</i> receiv'd, and
+smiling said, 'Be bless'd within these mansions of the dead. Enjoy
+among thy velvet-footed loves, Elysian's sunny banks and shady
+groves.' 'But if I've well deserv'd (O gracious queen), If patient
+under sufferings I have been, Grant me at least one night to visit
+home again, Once more to see my home and mistress dear, And purr these
+grateful accents in her ear: "Thy faithful cat, thy poor departed
+slave, Still loves her mistress, e'en beyond the grave."'"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>"Dr. Barker kept a Seraglio and Colony of Cats. It happened, that at the
+Coronation of George I. the Chair of State fell to his Share of the
+Spoil (as Prebendary of Westminster) which he sold to some Foreigner;
+when they packed it up, one of his favourite Cats was inclosed along
+with it; but the Doctor pursued his treasure in a boat to Gravesend and
+recovered her safe. When the Doctor was disgusted with the <i>Ministry</i>,
+he gave his <i>Female</i> Cats, the Names of the <i>Chief Ladies</i> about the
+Court; and the <i>Male-ones</i>, those of the <i>Men in Power</i>, adorning them
+with the Blue, Red, or Green Insignia of Ribbons, which the Persons they
+represented, wore."<a name="FNanchor_J_10" id="FNanchor_J_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_J_10" class="fnanchor">[J]</a></p>
+
+<p>Daniel, in his "Rural Sports," 1813, mentions the fact that, "In one of
+the Ships of the Fleet, that sailed lately from Falmouth, for the West
+Indies, went as Passengers a Lady and her <i>seven Lap-dogs</i>, for the
+Passage of <i>each</i> of which, she paid <i>Thirty Pounds</i>, on the express
+Condition,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> that they were to <i>dine</i> at the Cabin-table, and lap their
+<i>Wine</i> afterwards. Yet these happy dogs do not engross the <i>whole</i> of
+their good Lady's Affection; she has also, in Jamaica, <span class="smcap">Forty Cats</span>, and a
+Husband."</p>
+
+<p>"The Partiality to the <i>domestic</i> Cat, has been thus established. Some
+Years since, a Lady of the name of Greggs, died at an advanced Age, in
+Southampton Row, London. Her fortune was <i>Thirty Thousand Pounds</i>, at
+the Time of her Decease. <i>Credite Posteri!</i> her <i>Executors</i> found in her
+House <i>Eighty-six living</i>, and <i>Twenty-eight dead Cats</i>. Her Mode of
+Interring them, was, as they died, to place them in different Boxes,
+which were heaped on one another in Closets, as the <i>Dead</i> are described
+by Pennant, to be in the Church of St. Giles. She had a black Female
+Servant&mdash;to Her she left One hundred and fifty pounds <i>per annum</i> to
+keep the <i>Favourites</i>, whom she left <i>alive</i>."<a name="FNanchor_K_11" id="FNanchor_K_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_K_11" class="fnanchor">[K]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Chantrel family of Rottingdean seem also to be possessed with a
+similar kind of feeling towards cats, exhibiting no fewer than
+twenty-one specimens at one Cat Show, which at the time were said to
+represent only a small portion of their stock; these ultimately became
+almost too numerous, getting beyond control.</p>
+
+<p><i>Signor Foli</i> is a lover of cats, and has exhibited at the Crystal
+Palace Cat Show.</p>
+
+<p><i>Petrarch</i> loved his cat almost as much as he loved Laura, and when it
+died he had it embalmed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Tasso</i> addressed one of his best sonnets to his female cat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cardinal Wolsey</i> had his cat placed near him on a chair while acting in
+his judicial capacity.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sir I. Newton</i> was also a lover of cats, and there is a good story told
+of the philosopher having two holes made in a door for his cat and her
+kitten to enter by&mdash;a <i>large</i> one for the cat, and a <i>small</i> one for the
+kitten.</p>
+
+<p><i>Peg Woffington</i> came to London at twenty-two years of age. After
+calling many times unsuccessfully at the house of John Rich, the manager
+of Covent Garden, she at last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> sent up her name. She was admitted, and
+found him lolling on a sofa, surrounded by twenty-seven cats of all
+ages.</p>
+
+<p>The following is from the <i>Echo</i>, respecting a lady well known in her
+profession: "Miss Ellen Terry has a passionate fondness for cats. She
+will frolic for hours with her feline pets, never tiring of studying
+their graceful gambols. An author friend of mine told me of once reading
+a play to her. During the reading she posed on an immense tiger-skin,
+surrounded by a small army of cats. At first the playful capers of the
+mistress and her pets were toned down to suit the quiet situations of
+the play; but as the reading progressed, and the plot approached a
+climax, the antics of the group became so vigorous and drolly excited
+that my poor friend closed the MS. in despair, and abandoned himself to
+the unrestrained expression of his mirth, declaring that if he could
+write a play to equal the fun of Miss Terry and her cats, his fortune
+would be made."</p>
+
+<p><i>Cowper</i> loved his pet hares, spaniel, and cat, and wrote the well-known
+"Cat retired from business."</p>
+
+<p><i>Gray</i> wrote a poem on a cat drowned in a vase which contained
+gold-fish.</p>
+
+<p><i>Cardinal Richelieu</i> was a lover of the cat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Montaigne</i> had a favourite cat.</p>
+
+<p>Among painters, Gottfried Mind was not only fond of cats, but was one
+of, if not the best at portraying them in action; and in England no one
+has surpassed Couldery in delineation, nor Miss Chaplin in perfection of
+modelling. I am the fortunate possessor of several of her models in
+terra cotta, which, though small, are beautiful in finish. Of one, Miss
+Chaplin informed me, the details were scratched in with a pin, for want
+of better and proper tools.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>GAMES.</h2>
+
+
+<h3>CAT'S CRADLE OR CATCH CRADLE.</h3>
+
+<p>Dr. Brewer, in his "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," thinks this "the
+corrupt for cratch cradle or manger cradle, in which the infant Saviour
+was laid. Cratch is the French <i>cr�che</i> (a rack or manger), and to the
+present hour the racks which stand in the fields for cattle to eat from
+are called <i>cratches</i>." Of this, however, I am doubtful, though there is
+much reason in his suggestion. In Sussex and Kent, when I was a boy, it
+was commonly played among children, but always called cat's, <i>catch</i>, or
+scratch cradle, and consisted generally of two or more players. A piece
+of string, being tied at the ends, was placed on the fingers, and
+crossed and re-crossed to make a sort of cradle; the next player
+inserted his or her fingers, quickly taking it off; then the first
+catching it back, then the second again, then the first, as fast as
+possible, <i>catching</i> and taking off the string. Sometimes the sides were
+caught by the teeth of the players, one on each side, and as the hands
+were relaxed the faces were apart, then when drawn out it brought the
+faces together; the string being let go or not, and caught again as it
+receded, was according to the will of the players, the catching and
+letting go affording much merriment. When four or five played, the
+string rapidly passed from hand to hand until, in the rapidity of the
+motion, one missed, who then stood out, and so on until only one was
+left, winning the game of cat's, <i>catch</i>, or scratch cradle. It was
+varied also to single and double cradle, according to the number of
+crossings of the string. Catch is easily converted into <i>cat's</i>, or it
+might be so called from the <i>catching</i> or clawing at, to get and to
+hold, the entanglement.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>CAT-TRAP, BAT, AND BALL.<a name="FNanchor_L_12" id="FNanchor_L_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_L_12" class="fnanchor">[L]</a></h3>
+
+<p>With the form of the trap our readers are, doubtless, acquainted; it
+will only be necessary for us to give the laws of the game. Two
+boundaries are equally placed at some distance from the trap, between
+which it is necessary for the ball to pass when struck by the batsman;
+if it fall outside either of them he loses his innings. Innings are
+drawn for, and the player who wins places the ball in the spoon of the
+trap, touches the trigger with the bat, and, as the ball ascends from
+the trap, strikes it as far as he can. One of the other players (who may
+be from two to half-a-dozen) endeavours to catch it. If he do so before
+it reaches the ground, or hops more than once, or if the striker miss
+the ball when he aims at it, or hits the trigger more than once without
+striking the ball, he loses his innings, and the next in order, which
+must previously be agreed on, takes his place. Should the ball be fairly
+struck, and not caught, as we have stated, the out-player, into whose
+hand it comes, bowls it from the place where he picks it up, at the
+trap, which if he hit, the striker is out; if he miss it the striker
+counts one towards the game, which may be any number decided on. There
+is also a practice in some places, when the bowler has sent in the ball,
+of the striker's guessing the number of bats' lengths it is from the
+trap; if he guess within the real number he reckons that number toward
+his game, but if he guess more than there really are he loses his
+innings. It is not necessary to make the game in one innings.</p>
+
+<h3>PUSS IN THE CORNER.<a name="FNanchor_M_13" id="FNanchor_M_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_M_13" class="fnanchor">[M]</a></h3>
+
+<p>This is a very simple, but, at the same time, a very lively and amusing
+game. It is played by five only; and the place chosen for the sport
+should be a square court or yard with four corners, or any place where
+there are four trees or posts, about equidistant from each other, and
+forming the four points of a square. Each of these points or corners is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>
+occupied by a player; the fifth, who is called Puss, stands in the
+centre. The game now commences; the players exchange corners in all
+directions; it is the object of the one who stands out to occupy any of
+the corners which may remain vacant for an instant during the exchanges.
+When he succeeds in so doing, that player who is left without a corner
+becomes the puss. It is to be observed, that if A and B attempt to
+exchange corners, and A gets to B's corner, but B fails to reach A's
+before the player who stands out gets there, it is B and not A who
+becomes Puss.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CAT AND MOUSE.</h3>
+
+<p>This is a French sport. The toys with which it is played consist of two
+flat bits of hard wood, the edges of one of which are notched. The game
+is played by two only; they are both blindfolded and tied to the ends of
+a long string, which is fastened in the centre to a post, by a loose
+knot, so as to play easily in the evolutions made by the players. The
+party who plays the mouse occasionally scrapes the toys together, and
+the other, who plays the cat, attracted by the sound, endeavours to
+catch him.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CAT AND MOUSE-HUNTING.</h3>
+
+<p>The game of "Hunt the Slipper" used frequently to be called "Cat and
+Mouse-hunting." It is generally played with a slipper, shoe, or even a
+piece of wood, which was called the mouse, the centre player being the
+cat, and trying to catch or find the mouse. The "Boy's Own Book" thus
+describes the game, but <i>not</i> as Cat and Mouse: "Several young persons
+sit on the ground in a circle, a slipper is given them, and one&mdash;who
+generally volunteers to accept the office in order to begin the
+game&mdash;stands in the centre, and whose business it is to 'chase the
+slipper by its sound.' The parties who are seated pass it round so as to
+prevent, if possible, its being found in the possession of any
+individual. In order that the player in the centre may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> know where the
+slipper is, it is occasionally tapped on the ground and then suddenly
+handed on to right or left. When the slipper is found in the possession
+of any one in the circle, by the player who is hunting it, the party on
+whom it is found takes the latter player's place."</p>
+
+
+<h3>TIP-CAT.</h3>
+
+<p>Is a game played with sticks of a certain length and a piece of wood
+sharpened off at each end, which is called the "cat." A ring is made on
+the ground with chalk, or the pointed part of the cat, which is then
+placed in the centre. One end being smartly struck by the player, it
+springs spinning upwards; as it rises it is again struck, and thus
+knocked to a considerable distance. It is played in two ways, one being
+for the antagonist to guess <i>how many sticks length</i> it is off the ring,
+which is measured, and if right he goes in; or he may elect to pitch the
+cat, if possible, into the ring, which if he succeeds in doing, he then
+has the pleasure of knocking the wood called the cat recklessly, he
+knows not whither, until it alights somewhere, on something or some one.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CAT I' THE HOLE.<a name="FNanchor_N_14" id="FNanchor_N_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_N_14" class="fnanchor">[N]</a></h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_N_14" id="Footnote_N_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_N_14"><span class="label">[N]</span></a> Jamieson's "Scottish Dictionary."</p></div>
+
+<p>The name of a game well known in Fife, and perhaps in other counties. If
+seven boys are to play, six holes are made at certain distances. Each of
+the six stands at a hole, with a short stick in his hand; the seventh
+stands at a certain distance, holding a ball. When he gives the word, or
+makes the sign agreed upon, all the six must change holes, each running
+to his neighbour's hole, and putting his stick in the hole which he has
+newly seized. In making this change, the boy who has the ball tries to
+put it into the empty hole. If he succeeds in this, the boy who had not
+his stick (for the stick is the <i>cat</i>) in the hole for which he had run
+is put out, and must take the ball. When the <i>Cat</i> is <i>in the Hole</i>, it
+is against the laws of the game to put the ball into it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>NURSERY RHYMES AND STORIES.</h2>
+
+
+<p>These are as plentiful as blackberries, and are far too numerous to be
+treated of here. Some are very old, such as "Puss in Boots,"
+"Whittington and his Cat," "Hey, diddle, diddle!" etc. Some have a
+political meaning, others satirical, others amusing, funny, or
+instructive, while a few are unmeaning jangles. "Dame Trot and her
+Wonderful Cat," "The Cat and the Mouse," and, later, "The White Cat,"
+"The Adventures of Miss Minette Cattina," are familiar to many of the
+present time. Of the older stories and rhymes there are enough to fill a
+book; not of or about the cat in particular, possibly; but even
+that&mdash;the old combined with those of modern date&mdash;might be done; and for
+such information and perusal the "Popular Rhymes," by J. O. Halliwell,
+will be found very interesting, space preventing the subject being
+amplified here. Nor do they come within the scope and intention for
+which I have written respecting the cat.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>FISHING CATS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Having just come across a communication made to <i>The Kelso Mail</i>, in
+1880, by a correspondent giving the signature of "March Brown," bearing
+on the subject to which I have already alluded ("Fishing Cats"), I deem
+it worthy of notice, corroborating, as it does, the statement so often
+made, and almost as often denied, that cats are adept fishers, not only
+for food, but likewise for the sport and pleasure they so derive. The
+writer says that "for several years it has been my happy fortune to fish
+the lovely Tweed for salmon and trout. From Tweed Well to Coldstream is
+a long stretch, but I have fished it all, and believe that though other
+rivers have their special advantages, there is not one in Britain which
+offers such varied and successful angling as the grand Border stream.
+Many have been the boatmen whom I have employed whilst fishing for
+salmon, and all were fairly honest, except in the matter of a little
+poaching. Some had the complaint more fiercely than others, and some so
+bad as to be incurable. One of the afflicted (Donald by name) was an
+excellent boatman by day; as to his nocturnal doings I deemed it best
+not to inquire, except on those occasions when he needed a holiday to
+attend a summons with which the police had favoured him. Now any one who
+has studied the proclivities of poachers, knows that they have wonderful
+powers over all animals who depend upon them, such as dogs, cats,
+ferrets, tame badgers, otters, etc., etc. Donald's special favourite was
+a lady-cat, which followed him in his frequent fishings, and took deep
+interest in the sport. Near to his cottage on the river-bank was a dam
+or weir, over which the water trickled here and there a few inches deep.
+In the evenings of spring and summer Donald was generally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> to be found
+fishing upon this favourite stretch with artificial fly for trout, and,
+being an adept in the art, he seldom fished in vain. Pretty puss always
+kept close behind him, watching the trail of the mimic flies till a fish
+was hooked, and then her eagerness and love of sport could not be
+controlled, and so soon as the captive was in shoal water, in sprang
+puss up to the shoulders, and, fixing her claws firmly in the fish,
+brought it to the bank, when, with a caress from Donald, she again took
+her place behind him till another trout was on the line, and the sport
+was repeated. In this way did puss and her master pass the evenings,
+each proud of the other's doings, and happy in their companionship. Such
+was the affection of the cat for her master, that she could not even
+bear to be separated from him by day. Donald had charge of a ferry
+across the river, and no sooner did a bell at the opposite side of the
+stream give notice that a passenger was ready to voyage across, than
+down scampered puss to the boat, and, leaping in, she journeyed with her
+master to the further side, and again returned, gravely watching each
+stroke of the oar. Many a voyage did she thus daily make, and I
+question, with these luxurious boatings and the exciting fishing in the
+evenings, if ever cat was more truly happy. The love of fishing once
+developed itself to the disturbance of my own sport. With careful
+prevision, my boatman had, in the floods of November and December,
+secured a plentiful supply of minnows, to be held in readiness till
+wanted in my fishings for salmon in the ensuing February and March. The
+minnows were placed in a well two or three feet deep, and the cold
+spring water rendered them as tough as angler could desire. All went
+well for the first few days of the salmon fishing; the minnows were
+deemed admirable for the purpose, and the supply ample for our needs;
+but this good fortune was not to last. One morning the boatman reported
+a serious diminution of stock in the well, and on the following day
+things were still worse. Suspicion fell on more than one honest person,
+and we determined to watch late and early till the real thief was
+discovered. When the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> guidwife and bairns were abed, the boatman kept
+watch from the cottage window, and by the aid of a bright moon the
+mystery was soon solved. At the well-side stood puss, the favourite of
+the household; with arched back and extended paw she took her prey. When
+an unfortunate minnow approached the surface, sharp was the dash made by
+puss, arm and shoulder were boldly immersed, and straightway the victim
+lay gasping on the bank. Fishing in this manner, she soon captured
+half-a-dozen, and was then driven away. From that evening the well was
+always covered with a net, which scared puss into enforced honesty. By
+nature cats love dry warmth and sunshine, whilst they hate water and
+cold. Who has not seen the misery of a cat when compelled to step into a
+shallow pool, and how she examines her wet paw with anxiety, holding it
+up as something to be pitied? And yet the passion of destructiveness is
+so strong within them as to overcome even their aversion to water."</p>
+
+<p>The following still more extraordinary circumstance of a cat fishing in
+the sea, appeared in <i>The Plymouth Journal</i>, June, 1828: "There is now
+at the battery on the Devil's Point, a cat, which is an expert catcher
+of the finny tribe, being in the constant habit of diving into the sea,
+and bringing up the fish alive in her mouth, and depositing them in the
+guard-room for the use of the soldiers. She is now seven years old, and
+has long been a useful caterer. It is supposed that her pursuits of the
+water-rats first taught her to venture into the water, to which it is
+well known puss has a natural aversion. She is as fond of the water as a
+Newfoundland dog, and takes her regular peregrinations along the rocks
+at its edge, looking out for her prey, ready to dive for them at a
+moment's notice."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Ed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CATS AND HORSES.</h2>
+
+
+<p>From time immemorial cats have been kept in stables, and when this is
+the case there is generally a friendly feeling between one or other of
+the horses and the cat or cats. Such I have known with the heavy,
+ponderous cart-horse and his feline companion; such was the case in my
+stable, and so in many others. Cats are as a rule fond of horses, and
+the feeling is generally reciprocated. Several of our "race winners"
+have had their favourites at home, among others the well-known
+"Foxhall." "Many famous horses have had their stable cats, and the
+great, amiable Foxhall has adopted a couple of kittens, if it would not
+be more correct to say that they have adopted him. A pretty little white
+and a tabby, own brothers, live in Foxhall's box, and when Hatcher, his
+attendant, has rubbed him over, and put on his clothing, he takes up the
+kittens from the corner of the box where they have been waiting, and
+gently throws them on Foxhall's back. They are quite accustomed to the
+process, and, catching hold, soon settle down and curl themselves up
+into little fluffy balls, much to their own satisfaction and to the good
+horse's likewise, to judge from the way in which he turns and watches
+the operation."</p>
+
+<p>In Lawrence's "History of the Horse," it is stated that the celebrated
+Arabian stallion, Godolphin, and a black cat were for many years the
+warmest friends. When the horse died, in 1753, the cat sat upon his
+carcase till it was put under ground, and then, crawling slowly and
+reluctantly away, was never seen again till her dead body was found in a
+hay-loft. Stubbs painted the portraits of the Arabian and the cat. There
+was a hunter in the King's stables at Windsor, to which a cat was so
+attached, that whenever he was in the stable the creature would never
+leave her usual seat on the horse's back, and the horse was so well
+pleased with the attention that, to accommodate his friend, he slept, as
+horses will sometimes do, standing.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>"GRAMMER'S CAT AND OURS."</h2>
+
+<h3>BY JOHN TABOIS TREGELLAS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>John Tabois Tregellas (1792-1865), born at St. Agnes. The greatest
+master of the niceties of the Cornish dialect, in which he wrote
+largely, both in prose and verse. The piece quoted from is included in a
+volume of miscellanies published by Mr. Netherton, Truro, and happily
+indicates the marked difference between the modern dialect of Cornwall
+and that of Devon, illustrated in "Girt Ofvenders an' Zmal." The hero of
+"Grammer's Cat" was a miner named Jim Chegwidden.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">To wash his hands and save the floshing,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Outside the door Jim did his washing,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But soon returned in haste and fright&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Mother, aw come! and see the sight;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Up on our house there's such a row,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Millions of cats es up there now!"<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Jim's mother stared, and well she might;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She knew that Jim had not said right.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"'Millions of cats,' you said; now worn't it so?"<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Why, iss," said Jim, "and I beleeve ut too;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Not millions p'rhaps, but thousands must be theere,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And fiercer cats than they you'll never hear;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">They're spitting, yowling, and the fur is flying,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Some of 'em's dead, I s'pose, and some is dying;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Such dismal groans I'm sure you never heard,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Aw, mother! ef you ded, you'd be affeered."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Not I," said Jinny; "no, not I, indeed;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A hundred cats out theere, thee'st never seed."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Said Jim, "I doan't knaw 'zackly to a cat,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">They must be laarge wauns, then, to do like that;<br /></span>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p>
+<span class="i0">They maake such dismal noises when they're fighting,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Such scrowling, and such tearing, and such biting."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Count ev'ry cat," says Jinny, "'round and 'round;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Iss, rams and yaws, theer caan't be twenty found."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"We'll caall 'em twenty, mother, ef 'twill do;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Shut all the cats, say I; let's have my stew."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"No, Jimmy, no!&mdash;no stew to-night,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Tell all the cats es counted right."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Heere goes," said Jim; "lev Grammer's cat go fust<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">(Of all the thievish cats, he es the wust).<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You knaw Mal Digry's cat, he's nither black nor blue,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But howsomever, he's a cat, and that maakes two;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Theer's that theer short-tailed cat, and she's a he,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Short tail or long now, mother, that maakes three;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Theer's that theer grayish cat what stawl the flour,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Hee's theere, I s'pose, and that, you knaw, maakes fower;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Trevenen's black es theere, ef he's alive,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Now, mother, doan't 'ee see, why, that maakes five;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That no-tailed cat, that wance was uncle Dick's,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He's sure theere to-night, and that maakes six;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That tabby cat you gove to Georgey Bevan,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I knaw <i>his</i> yowl&mdash;he's theere, and that maakes seven;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That sickly cat we had, cud ait no mait,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She's up theere too to-night, and she maakes 'ight;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That genteel cat, you knaw, weth fur so fine,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She's surely theere, I s'pose, and that maakes nine;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Tom Avery's cat es theere, they caall un Ben,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A reg'lar fighter he, and he maakes ten;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The ould maid's cat, Miss Jinkin broft from Devon,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I s'pose she's theere, and that, you knaw, maakes 'leven;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Theere's Grace Penrose's cat, got chets, 'tes awnly two,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And they're too young to fight as yet; so they waan't do.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Iss, 'leven's all that I can mind,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Not more than 'leven you waan't find;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So lev me have my supper, mother,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And let the cats ait one another."<br /></span>
+<span class="i3">"No, Jimmy, no!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">It shaan't be so;<br /></span>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p>
+<span class="i0">No supper shu'st thou have this night<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Until the cats thee'st counted right;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Go taake the lantern from the shelf,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And go and count the cats thyself."<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">See hungry Jimmy with his light,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Turned out to count the cats aright;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And he who had Hugh Tonkin blamed<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Did soon return, and, much ashamed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Confessed the number was but two,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And both were cats that well he knew.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Jim scratched his head,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And then he said&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Theere's Grammer's cat and ours out theere,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And they two cats made all that rout theere;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But ef two cats made such a row,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Tes like a thousand, anyhow."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/z259.jpg" width="300" height="245" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>LOST.</h2>
+
+
+<p>How beautiful she was in her superb calmness, so graceful, so mild, and
+yet so majestic! Ah! I was a younger man then, of course, than I am now,
+and possibly more impressionable; but I thought her then the most
+perfect creature I had ever beheld. And even now, looking back through
+the gathering mists of time and the chilling frosts of advancing age,
+and recalling what she was, I endorse that earlier sentiment&mdash;she lives
+in my memory now, as she lived in my presence then, as the most perfect
+creature I ever beheld.</p>
+
+<p>I had gone the round of all the best boarding-houses in town, when, at
+last, I went to Mrs. Honeywold's, and there, in her small, unpretending
+establishment, I, General Leslie Auchester, having been subdued, I
+trust, to a proper and humble state of mind by my past experiences,
+agreed to take up my abode.</p>
+
+<p>And it was there I first met her! Hers was the early maturity of
+loveliness, perfect in repose, with mild, thoughtful eyes, intelligent
+and tender, a trifle sad at times, but lighting up with quick brilliancy
+as some new object met her view, or some vivid thought darted its
+lightning flash through her brain&mdash;for she was wonderfully quick of
+perception&mdash;with an exquisite figure, splendidly symmetrical, yet
+swaying and supple as a young willow, and with unstudied grace in every
+quick, sinewy motion.</p>
+
+<p>She spent little upon dress (I was sure she was not wealthy); but though
+there was little variety, her dress was always exquisitely neat and in
+perfect good taste, of some soft glossy fabric, smooth as silk and
+lustrous as satin, and of the softest shade of silver-gray, that colour
+so beautiful in itself, and so becoming to beautiful wearers; simply
+made, but fitting with a nicety more like the work of nature than of art
+to every curve and outline of that full and stately figure, and finished
+off round her white throat with something scarcely whiter.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She never wore ornaments of any kind, no chain, no brooch, no ring or
+pin. She had twins&mdash;two beautiful little blue-eyed things, wonderfully
+like herself&mdash;little shy, graceful creatures, always together, always
+playful. She never spoke of her own affairs, and affable as she was, and
+gentle in manner, there was something about her which repelled
+intrusion.</p>
+
+<p>When, after some weeks' residence there, I had gained the good-will of
+my simple-minded but kindly little landlady, I cautiously ventured to
+ask her to gratify my not, I think, unnatural curiosity; but I found, to
+my surprise, she knew but little more than I did myself.</p>
+
+<p>"She came to me," she said, "just at the edge of the evening, one cold
+rainy night, and I could not refuse to give her shelter, at least for
+the night, or till she could do better. I did not think of her
+remaining; but she is so pretty and gentle, and innocent-looking, I
+could not turn her out of my house&mdash;could I, now? I know I am silly in
+such ways; but what could I do?"</p>
+
+<p>"But is it possible," I said, "that she has remained here ever since,
+and you know nothing more about her?"</p>
+
+<p>"No more than you do yourself, general," said Mrs. Honeywold. "I do not
+even know where she lived before she came here. I cannot question her,
+and now, indeed, I have become so fond of her, I should not be willing
+to part with her; and I would not turn her and her little ones out of my
+house for the world!"</p>
+
+<p>Further conversation elicited the fact that she was not a boarder, but
+that she and her little ones were the dependents upon Mrs. Honeywold's
+charity.</p>
+
+<p>One fine summer day I had made an appointment with a friend to drive out
+to his place in the suburbs and dine with him, returning in the evening.
+When I came down in the afternoon, dressed for my excursion, I went into
+the dining-room to tell Mrs. Honeywold she need not wait for me. As I
+came back through the parlour, <i>she</i> was there alone. She was sitting on
+the sofa. A book lay near her, but I do not think she had been reading.
+She was sitting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> perfectly still, as if lost in reverie, and her eyes
+looked heavy with sleep or thought. But as I passed out of the room I
+looked back. I saw she had risen to her feet, and standing with her
+graceful figure drawn up to its full height, she was looking after me,
+with a look which I flattered myself was a look of interest. Ah, how
+well I remember that look!</p>
+
+<p>The day had been a beautiful one, though sultry; but in the early
+evening we had a heavy thunder-shower, the violence of the summer rain
+delaying my return to town for an hour or two; and when the rain ceased,
+the evening was still starless, cloudy, and damp; and as I drove back to
+town I remember that the night air, although somewhat freshened by the
+rain, was warm, and heavy with the scent of unseen flowers.</p>
+
+<p>It was late when I reached the quiet street where I had taken up my
+abode, and as I mounted the steps I involuntarily felt for my latch-key,
+but to my surprise I found the hall-door not only unfastened, but a
+little way opened.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how is this, Mrs. Honeywold?" I said, as my landlady met me in the
+hall. "Do you know that your street-door was left open?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she said, quietly, "I know it."</p>
+
+<p>"But is it safe?" I asked, as I turned to lock the door; "and so late,
+too."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think there is any danger," she said. "I was on the watch; I
+was in the hall myself, waiting."</p>
+
+<p>"Not waiting for me, I hope?" said I; "that was surely unnecessary."</p>
+
+<p>"No, not for you," she answered. "I presume you can take care of
+yourself; but," she added, in a low voice, "she is out, and I was
+waiting to let her in."</p>
+
+<p>"Out at this time of night!&mdash;that seems strange. Where has she gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know."</p>
+
+<p>"And how long has she been gone?" I asked, as I hung up my hat.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot tell just what time she went out," she said; "I know she was
+in the garden with the little ones, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> came in just before tea. After
+they had had their suppers and gone to bed I saw her in the parlour
+alone, and when I came into the room again she was gone, and she has not
+returned, and I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, then she went out before the rain, did she?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir; some time before the rain."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, then that explains it; she was probably caught out by the rain, and
+took shelter somewhere, and has been persuaded to stay. There is nothing
+to be alarmed at; you had better not wait up another moment."</p>
+
+<p>"But I don't like to shut her out, general; I should not sleep a wink."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, nonsense!" I said. "Go to bed, you silly woman; you will hear
+her when she comes, of course, and can come down and let her in." And so
+saying, I retired to my own room.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning at breakfast, I noticed that my landlady was looking
+pale and troubled, and I felt sure she had spent a sleepless night.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mrs. Honeywold," I said, with assumed cheerfulness, as she handed
+my coffee to me, "how long did you have to sit up? What time did she
+come in?"</p>
+
+<p>"She did not come in all night, general," said my landlady, in a
+troubled voice. "She has not come home yet, and I am very anxious about
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"No need of that, I trust," I said, reassuringly; "she will come this
+morning, no doubt."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. I wish I was sure of that. I don't know what to make of
+it. I don't understand it. She never did so before. How she could have
+stayed out, and left those two blessed little things all night&mdash;and she
+always seemed such a tender, loving mother, too&mdash;I don't understand it."</p>
+
+<p>When I returned at dinner-time I found matters still worse. She had not
+returned. My poor landlady was almost in hysterics, though she tried
+hard to control herself.</p>
+
+<p>To satisfy her I set off to consult the police. My mission was not
+encouraging. They promised to do their best, but gave slight hopes of a
+successful result.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>So sad, weary, and discouraged, I returned home, only to learn there
+were no tidings of the missing one.</p>
+
+<p>"I give her up now," said my weeping landlady; "I shall never see her
+again. She is lost for ever; and those two poor pretty little
+creatures&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"By the way," I said, "I wanted to speak to you about them. If she never
+does return, what do you purpose to do with them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Keep them!" said the generous and impulsive little woman.</p>
+
+<p>"I wanted to say, if she does not return, I will, if you like, relieve
+you of one of them. My sister, who lives with me, and keeps my house, is
+a very kind, tender-hearted woman. There are no children in the house,
+and she would, I am sure, be very kind to the poor little thing. What do
+you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no!" sobbed the poor woman; "I cannot part with them. I am a poor
+woman, it is true, but not too poor to give them a home; and while I
+have a bit and a sup for myself they shall have one too. Their poor
+mother left them here, and if she ever does return she shall find them
+here. And if she never returns, then&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><i>And she never did return</i>, and no tidings of her fate ever reached us.
+If she was enticed away by artful blandishments, or kidnapped by cruel
+violence, we knew not. But I honestly believe the latter. Either way, it
+was her fatal beauty that led her to destruction; for, as I have said
+before, she was the most perfect creature, the most beautiful Maltese
+cat, that I ever beheld in my life! I am sure she never deserted her two
+pretty little kittens of her own accord. And if&mdash;poor dumb thing&mdash;she
+was stolen and killed for her beautiful fur, still I say, as I said at
+first, she was "more sinned against than sinning."&mdash;<span class="smcap">C. H. Grattan</span>, in
+<i>Tit-Bits</i>.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes">
+<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1">
+<span class="label">[A]</span></a> "Trans. Tyneside Nat. Field Club," 1864, vol. vi. p. 123.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2">
+<span class="label">[B]</span></a> A lugged bear is a bear with its ears cut off, so that when
+used for baiting there is less hold for the dogs.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_C_3" id="Footnote_C_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_C_3">
+<span class="label">[C]</span></a> Hone's "Every-day Book," vol. i.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_D_4" id="Footnote_D_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_D_4">
+<span class="label">[D]</span></a> Mr. T. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore."</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_E_5" id="Footnote_E_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_E_5">
+<span class="label">[E]</span></a> Mr. T. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore."</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_F_6" id="Footnote_F_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_F_6">
+<span class="label">[F]</span></a> Harland and Wilkinson, "Lancashire Folk-lore," p. 141.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_G_7" id="Footnote_G_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_G_7">
+<span class="label">[G]</span></a> Edwards's "Old English Customs," p. 54.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_H_8" id="Footnote_H_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_H_8">
+<span class="label">[H]</span></a> Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_I_9" id="Footnote_I_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_I_9">
+<span class="label">[I]</span></a> Hone's "Every-day Book," vol. i.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_J_10" id="Footnote_J_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_J_10">
+<span class="label">[J]</span></a> Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_K_11" id="Footnote_K_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_K_11">
+<span class="label">[K]</span></a> Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_L_12" id="Footnote_L_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_L_12">
+<span class="label">[L]</span></a> The Boy's Own Book.</p></div>
+<br />
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_M_13" id="Footnote_M_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_M_13">
+<span class="label">[M]</span></a> The Boy's Own Book.</p></div>
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<h3>INDEX.<br /></h3>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="index">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Abyssinian cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Angora cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Antipathy to cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Aperient,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Archangel blue cat,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Bartholom&oelig;us de Proprietatibus Rerum,"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Extract from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_156">156</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Bewick's "Quadrupeds," Extract from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_166">166</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Black-and-white cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Black cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Blue cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Blue small-banded tabby,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Boduca," Extract from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Bogey",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">British wild cat,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Brown tabby cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Canker of ear,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat and kittens,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Catarrh,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Catarrhal fevers,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat as a tormentor, The,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat-clock, A,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_202">202</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Cat Harris",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat images,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_219">219</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat of Shakespeare, The,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cat-racing in Belgium,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_218">218</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cats and fish,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cats and horses,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cats at The Morning Advertiser Office,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cats in Vienna,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cats reared by dogs,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cats take note of time,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Chipperkes",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Chloe",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Chocolate Siamese,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cleanliness,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Colds,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Concerning cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_170">170</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Coughs,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Curious long-haired cat,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>Cytisin,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_153">153</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Daniel's "Rural Sports," Extracts from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_161">161</a>, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Darwin's, Mr. Charles, "Voyage of the Beagle," Extract from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Dead cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Deaf cat, A,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Dinah",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Diseases of cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Distance cats will travel,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Distemper,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Distemper, Inoculation for,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Electricity in cats' fur,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Encyclop�dia of Rural Sports," Extract from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"English Folk-lore," Extracts from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_197">197</a>, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Eye ointment,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Feeding cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">First Cat Show, The,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Fishing cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Fleas,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Fleet Prison, Debtors in,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Fox, Charles James, Anecdote of,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Games,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">General management,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Gentleness and kindness,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Glossary,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_170">170</a> to <a href="#Page_184">184</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Government cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Grammer's Cat and Ours",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_237">237</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Habits,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Hamilton, Mr. E., Letter to The Field,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Happy Family," The,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Harting, Mr. J. E., on the origin of the domestic cat,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Heraldry, etc.,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_210">210</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Hone's "Every-day Book," Extract from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_196">196</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Horses fond of cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Hybrid cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Imperial Printing Office, France, Cats in,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Inoculation for distemper,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Irritation,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Jamieson's "Scottish Dictionary," Extracts from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_181">181</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Jealousy of cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Johnson, Dr. Samuel, and his cat,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Killing cats, The law on,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Kindness and gentleness,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Kittens,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Lambkin",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Lambkin No. 2",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Law on cat-killing, The,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Long-haired cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Lost,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Lovers of cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Management,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mange,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Manx cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mating,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>Midland Railway, Cats on the staff of the,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Mill's "History of the Crusades," Extract from</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Mimie"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Nevill, Lady Dorothy</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Nursery rhymes and stories</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Observation of cats</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Origin of the domestic cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Performing cats</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Persian cats</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Plague of mice</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Points of Excellence:</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Abyssinian&nbsp;</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Black-and-white, gray-white, red-and-white,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">and other colours and white&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_134">134</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Black, blue, gray, red, or any</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">self-colour long-haired&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_142">142</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Blue, silver, light gray, and</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">white tabby, striped, short-hair&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Brown and ordinary tabby,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">striped, short-hair&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Brown, blue, silver, light gray,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">and white tabby long-haired&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Chinchilla&nbsp;</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Chocolate, chestnut, red, or</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">yellow tabby, striped, short-hair&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_130">130</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Chocolate, mahogany, red,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">and yellow long-haired&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Manx, or short-tailed&nbsp;</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Royal Cat of Siam&nbsp;</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Self-colour, black, blue, gray,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">or red short-hair&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Short-haired, spotted tabbies</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">of any colour&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Siamese&nbsp;</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Tortoiseshell&nbsp;</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Tortoiseshell-and-white&nbsp;</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">White-and-black, white-and-gray,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">white-and-red, white and any other colour&nbsp;</span></td><td valign="bottom" align="right"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">White, long-haired&nbsp;</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">White, short-hair&nbsp;</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Poison</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_153">153</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Proverbs</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_185">185</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Purgative</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Puss in Boots"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Rats, mice, and cats</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Remedies</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_147">147</a> to <a href="#Page_153">153</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Royal cat of Siam, The</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Russian cats</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Salmon's "Compleat English Physician," Extract from</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_157">157</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Sharpening claws</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Short-haired white cats</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Siamese cats</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Signs</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_204">204</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Signs of Foul Weather," Extract from</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Singular attachments</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Skin, Irritation of the</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Sleeping-places</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Smith's, Mr., prize he-cat</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Spotted silver tabby</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Spotted tabbies</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Strengthening medicines</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>Strutt's "Habits of the Anglo-Normans," Extracts from</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_167">167</a>, <a href="#Page_168">168</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Superstition,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Sylvie",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Tabby, derivation of the word,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"The Old Lady", <a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"The Tamer Tamed," Extract from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Tiger",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Tim",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Tormentor, The cat as a,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Tortoiseshell-and-white cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Tortoiseshell cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Trained cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">United States Post Office, Cats in the,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Usefulness of cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Various colours,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Vyvyan, Mrs., on Siamese cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Washing cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Weather notions,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Well-trained cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">White-and-black cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">White cats,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Wild cat of Britain,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Witchcraft,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Works of Armorie," Extracts from,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_157">157</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Worms,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"You dreadful man!",</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+<h2>THE END.</h2>
+
+
+<h5>CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS, CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS.</h5>
+
+
+
+<div class="tnote">
+
+<h3>Transcriber's Note</h3>
+
+<p>Page 235 has been corrected to 239 in the Illustration index.</p>
+
+<p>Punctuation errors were corrected.</p>
+
+<p>The following printer's suspected spelling errors have been addressed.</p>
+
+<p>Page 91 alterative changed to alternative<br />
+as an alternative than food</p>
+
+<p>Page 111 ancedote changed to anecdote<br />
+than the following anecdote</p>
+
+<p>Page 129 narrrowing changed to narrowing<br />
+and narrowing towards the end</p>
+
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Our Cats and All About Them, by Harrison Weir
+
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+  </body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Cats and All About Them, by Harrison Weir
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Our Cats and All About Them
+       Their Varieties, Habits, and Management; and for Show, the
+       Standard of Excellence and Beauty; Described and Pictured
+
+Author: Harrison Weir
+
+Release Date: March 2, 2011 [EBook #35450]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR CATS AND ALL ABOUT THEM ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, woodie4 and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at
+http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from
+images generously made available by The Internet
+Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  Our Cats
+
+  BY
+
+  Harrison Weir.
+
+  [Illustration:]
+
+
+  [Illustration: The Author
+
+  With all good wishes,
+  Yours truly
+  Harrison Weir
+  1889
+
+  Engraved by R. TAYLOR, from a Photograph by G. GLANVILLE,
+  of Tunbridge Wells.]
+
+
+
+
+  OUR CATS
+
+  AND
+
+  ALL ABOUT THEM.
+
+  THEIR VARIETIES,
+
+  HABITS, AND MANAGEMENT;
+
+  AND FOR SHOW,
+
+  THE STANDARD OF
+
+  EXCELLENCE AND BEAUTY;
+
+  DESCRIBED AND PICTURED
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+  BY
+
+  HARRISON WEIR, F.R.H.S.
+
+  _NEW EDITION._
+
+  London:
+  PUBLISHED BY THE "FANCIERS' GAZETTE," LIMITED,
+  54-57, IMPERIAL BUILDINGS, LUDGATE CIRCUS.
+  1892.
+
+  [_All rights reserved._]
+
+
+
+  TO MY DEAR WIFE,
+
+  Alice Mary,
+
+  I DEDICATE THIS BOOK,
+
+  IN TOKEN OF MY APPRECIATION OF HER GENTLE AND TENDER
+
+  KINDNESS TOWARDS ALL ANIMAL LIFE,
+
+  MORE PARTICULARLY
+
+  "THE CAT."
+
+  "_Iddesleigh," Sevenoaks._
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+                 "What is aught, but as 'tis valued?"
+                                    _Troilus and Cressida_, Act II.
+
+
+The following notes and illustrations of and respecting the Cat are the
+outcome of over fifty years' careful, thoughtful, heedful observation,
+much research, and not unprofitable attention to the facts and fancies
+of others. From a tiny child to the present, the love of Nature has been
+my chief delight; animals and birds have not only been objects of study,
+but of deep and absorbing interest. I have noted their habits, watched
+their ways, and found lasting pleasure in their companionship. This love
+of animal life and Nature, with all its moods and phases, has grown with
+me from childhood to manhood, and is not the least enjoyable part of my
+old age.
+
+Among animals possibly the most perfect, and certainly the most
+domestic, is the Cat. I did not think so always, having had a bias
+against it, and was some time coming to this belief; nevertheless, such
+is the fact. It is a veritable part of our household, and is both
+useful, quiet, affectionate, and ornamental. The small or large dog may
+be regarded and petted, but is generally _useless_; the Cat, a pet or
+not, _is of service_. Were it not for our Cats, rats and mice would
+overrun our house, buildings, cultivated and other lands. If there were
+not _millions_ of Cats, there would be _billions_ of vermin.
+
+Long ages of neglect, ill-treatment, and absolute cruelty, with little
+or no gentleness, kindness, or training, have made the Cat
+self-reliant; and from this emanates the marvellous powers of
+observation, the concentration of which has produced a state analogous
+to reasoning, not unmixed with timidity, caution, wildness, and a
+retaliative nature.
+
+But should a new order of things arise, and it is nurtured, petted,
+cosseted, talked to, noticed, and _trained_, with mellowed firmness and
+tender gentleness, then in but a few generations much evil that bygone
+cruelty has stamped into its often wretched existence will disappear,
+and it will be more than ever not only a useful, serviceable helpmate,
+but an object of increasing interest, admiration, and cultured beauty,
+and, thus being of value, profitable.
+
+Having said this much, I turn to the pleasurable duty of recording my
+deep sense of the kindness of those warm-hearted friends who have
+assisted me in "my labour of love," not the least among these being
+those publishers, who, with a generous and prompt alacrity, gave me
+permission to make extracts, excerpts, notes, and quotations from the
+following high-class works, their property. My best thanks are due to
+Messrs. Longmans & Co., Blaine's "Encyclopaedia of British Sports;" Allen
+& Co., Rev. J. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore;" Cassell &
+Company (Limited), Dr. Brewer's "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," and
+"Old and New London;" Messrs. Chatto & Windus, "History of Sign-boards;"
+Mr. J. Murray, Jamieson's "Scottish Dictionary," and others. I am also
+indebted to Messrs. Walker & Boutal, and The Phototype Company, for the
+able manner in which they have rendered my drawings; and for the careful
+printing, to my good friends Messrs. Charles Dickens & Evans.
+
+                                                         HARRISON WEIR.
+
+"IDDESLEIGH," SEVENOAKS,
+       _May_ 5_th_, 1889.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO NEW EDITION.
+
+              "'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful."
+                                                  _Othello._
+
+
+Some time has passed since I published my book, "Our Cats and all about
+them," in 1889, and much has taken place regarding these household pets.
+All know as well as myself that each and everything about us changes,
+nothing stands still; that which is of to-day is past, and that which
+was hidden often revealed, sometimes by mere accident, at others by
+scientific research; but one was scarcely prepared in any way for so
+wonderful "a find" as that of the large number of "mummy" Cats at Beni
+Hassan, Central Egypt. They were discovered by an Egyptian fellah,
+employed in husbandry, who tumbled into a pit which, on further
+examination, proved to be a large subterranean cave completely filled
+with mummy Cats, every one of which had been separately embalmed and
+wrapped in cloth, after the manner of the Egyptian human mummies, all
+being laid out carefully in rows; and here they had lain probably about
+three or four thousand years. The "totem" of a section of the ancients,
+as is well known, was the Cat; hence when a Cat died it was buried with
+due honours, being embalmed, and often decorated in various ways, and,
+in short, had as much attention paid to it as a human being. It had long
+been believed that a Cat cemetery existed on the east bank of the Nile,
+and in the autumn of 1889 the lucky Egyptian, about 100 miles from
+Cairo, came unexpectedly upon it.
+
+Immediately on "the find" becoming known, "specimen" mummy Cats were
+written for to agents in Egypt, one friend of mine sending for four, and
+it appeared for a while that much money would be realised by the owner
+of the cave or land in this way; but the number was too great, and the
+prices and the interest gave way, and, sad to relate, these former
+"Deities" were dug out of their resting-place by hundreds of thousands,
+and quickly sold to local farmers, being used for enriching the land.
+Other lots found their way to an Alexandrian merchant, and were by him
+sent to Liverpool on board the steamer _Pharos and Thebes_.
+
+The consignment consisted of 19-1/2 tons, and were sold by auction, mostly
+being bought by a local "fertiliser" merchant. The auction was only
+known to the trade, and the lots were "knocked down" at the "giving
+away" sums of L3 13_s._ 9_d._, L3 17_s._, to L4 5_s._ _per ton_, the big
+and the perfect ones being picked out for the museum and private
+collections. The broker who sold used a head of one of these Cats in
+lieu of an auctioneer's hammer. And now these tons of "deified" Cats are
+used for manure, and in our English soil plants grow into them, and on
+them, and of them; and, if it be true, as chemists assert, these plants
+take into their system that on which they feed, and so, if so, possibly
+in our very bread that we have eaten, we have swallowed "_a little_ at a
+time part of if not the whole of a deified cat."
+
+I made several endeavours to find out from those on the spot at
+Liverpool whether there was any hair of colours in existence among the
+mass of bodies; but in no case could I succeed in getting any, as I had
+hoped by this means to possibly come to some conclusion as to the kind
+or breed. Of course, it is well known from mummies long in this country
+what form, size, and general appearance the Egyptian possessed; but as
+yet, as far as I can learn, no one has found so much, if any, of the fur
+as to be able to determine the colour.
+
+Apropos with the above, as applying the bodies of the mummy Cats for
+manure, comes the modern idea of keeping Cats for their fur. It is
+stated that a company has been formed in America for that purpose in
+Washington, and an island of some size has been bought or leased for
+the purpose. The intention is to raise entirely black Cats; and as their
+place of abode will be surrounded by water, it is conjectured that after
+the first importation they will go on propagating and producing only
+Cats of that beautiful though sombre dark hue. The Cats with which the
+island is to be stocked are to be procured from Holland, where already
+the "industry" is "at work." So much so that a friend of mine, an
+elderly gentleman, sending to a furrier in Holland to know what kind of
+fur he would recommend as the best for warmth, received the reply that
+Cats' skins "were the most useful and warmest." A few days ago he called
+on me wrapped in a cloth coat, with fur collar and cuffs, and _lining
+throughout of black Cats' skins_, and I am bound to say that the general
+appearance was much in its favour; he also stated that he was in every
+way perfectly satisfied.
+
+By-the-bye, the Cat Company intend to feed their Cats on fish, which
+abound about the shores of their island, and so they affirm the food
+will cost nothing, and their profits consequently be very large. But in
+this I hope they have been well informed as to the adaptability of the
+Cat to feed _entirely_ on fish, for of this I have my doubts; certainly
+those I have had did not appear to thrive if they had fish too often.
+
+Again, as the Cats are to roam the island at their "own sweet will," I
+take it there will be at times some "damaging of fur" by the playful way
+in which they so often engage, when jealousy incites them to mortal
+combat. But possibly this has been considered and duly entered in the
+"profit and loss" account.
+
+While writing that portion of my book in which I referred to the
+superstitions connected with the domestic Cat, and the amazing stories
+told of the witches' Cats, I felt convinced that in those darkened and
+foolish times that the very fact of the wonderful faculty the Cat
+possesses of applying what it observes to its own purposes was in some
+way the cause of the ignorant and superstitious considering that it was
+"possessed" of an evil spirit. I therefore searched for proofs among the
+evidence given at the trial of witches, and was, as I expected, rewarded
+for my trouble. What a Cat would do now would not unreasonably be
+thought clever and showing much sagacity, if not attributes of a deeper
+kind.
+
+Yet I find that at a trial for witchcraft, the following questions were
+put to a man: "Well! and what did you see?" "Well! I saw her Cat walk up
+and try to open the door by the latch." "What did you do?" "I
+immediately killed it." This, which is now regarded as an everyday
+example of the intelligence of the Cat, bore hardly in the evidence
+against the witch. Sir Walter Scott, in his letter on "Demonology and
+Witchcraft," tells of "a poor old woman condemned, as usual, on her own
+confession, and on the testimony of a neighbour, who deposed that he saw
+a Cat jump in the accused person's cottage through the window at
+twilight, one evening, and that he verily believed the Cat to be the
+devil, on which precious testimony the poor wretch was hanged." One more
+note and I leave the subject. A certain carpenter, named William
+Montgomery, was so infested with Cats, which, as his servant-maid
+reported, "spoke among themselves," that he fell in a rage upon a party
+of these animals, which had assembled in his house at irregular hours,
+and betwixt his Highland arms of knife, dirk, and broadsword, and his
+professional weapon of an axe, he made such a dispersion that they were
+quiet for the night. In consequence of his blows _two witches_ are said
+to have died.
+
+Since writing of the English wild Cat, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.
+Francis Darwin (brother of Mr. Charles Darwin) on board the steamboat
+going to St. Servan, when, in the course of conversation, he informed me
+that a wild Cat was killed at Bramhope Moor Plantation, in 1841, a
+keeper having caught it in _two_ traps.
+
+In February of this year, 1891, my kind friend, Mr. Dresser, of
+Orpington, the well-known naturalist, wrote to me to know whether I
+would like to have a kitten half-bred between the British Wild Cat and a
+domestic she Cat, which I was unfortunately obliged to decline, fearing
+it would "make matters unpleasant" with what I had. He very kindly
+supplied me with the following particulars forwarded to him by O. H.
+Mactheyer, Esq.: "Mr. Harrison Weir can see the papa of the kitten at
+the Zoo.
+
+"He is a young Cat (under a year old, we thought, by the teeth). He was
+seen one moonlight night in company with my 'stalker's' small lean black
+Cat, right away in my deer forest. We caught the papa in a trap after he
+had killed a number of grouse, and not being badly hurt, I sent him to
+Bartlett at the Zoo. We are thoroughly up to real wild Cats here. I have
+caught them forty-three inches from nose to tail-end; tails as thick at
+the point as at the root; the ears are also differently set on. Martin
+Cats, Polecats, and Badgers are all extinct here, and it is ten years
+since we got the last wild Cat, but three have been killed in this
+district this winter."
+
+I insert the foregoing as being of much interest, it having been
+frequently stated that the wild Cat will not mate with the domestic Cat.
+The kitten offered to me is now at Fawley Court, Bucks.
+
+Among the numerous letters I have received from America is one from Mrs.
+Mary A. C. Livermore, of Cambridge, Mass., U.S.A., who writes: "I have
+just come possessed of a black long-haired Cat from Maine. It is neither
+Persian, Angora, nor Indian. They are called here 'Coon' Cats, and it is
+vulgarly supposed to be a cross between a common Cat and a 'Coon.' Mine
+is a rusty bear-brown colour, but his relatives have been black and
+white, blue and white, and fawn and white, the latter the gentlest,
+prettiest Cat I know. His tail is very bushy and a fine ruff adorns his
+neck. A friend of mine has a pair of these Cats, all black, and the
+female consorts with no one but her mate. Yet often she has in her
+litter a common short-haired kitten."
+
+Since the above reached me, I have received from another correspondent
+in the United States a very beautiful photograph of what is termed a
+"Coon" Cat. It certainly differs much from the ordinary long-haired Cat
+in appearance; but as to its being a cross with the Racoon, such a
+supposition is totally out of the question, and the idea cannot be
+entertained. The photographs sent to me show that the ears are unusually
+large, the head long, the length being in excess from the eyes to the
+tip of the nose, the legs and feet are large and evenly covered with
+long, somewhat coarse hair, the latter being devoid of tufts between and
+at the extremity of the toes; there are no long hairs of any consequence
+either within the ears or at their apex. The frill or mane is
+considerable, as is the length of the hair covering the body; the tail
+is rather short and somewhat thick, well covered with hair of equal
+length, and in shape like a fox's brush. The eyes are large, round, and
+full, with a wild staring expression. Certainly, the breed, however it
+may be obtained, is most interesting to the Cat naturalist, and the
+colour, as before stated, being peculiar, must of course attract his
+attention independently of its general appearance.
+
+Since the above was written, I have received the following from Mr.
+Henry Brooker, The Elms, West Midford, Massachusetts, United States of
+America. After asking for information respecting Cats of certain breeds,
+he says: "I have had for a number of years a peculiar strain of
+long-haired Cats; they come from the islands off the coast of Maine, and
+are known in this country as 'Coon' Cats. The belief is that they have
+been crossed with the 'Coon.' This, of course, is untrue. The
+inhabitants of these islands are seafaring people, and many years ago
+some one on his vessel had a pair of long-haired Cats from which the
+strain has sprung. There are few short-haired cats on the island as
+there is no communication with the mainland except by boat. I want to
+improve my strain and get finer hair than the Cats now have. Yellow Cats
+are the most popular kind here, and I have succeeded in producing Cats
+of a rich mahogany colour with brushes like a fox. They hunt in the
+fields with me, and my Scotch terriers and they are on the most friendly
+terms." This, as a corroboration of the foregoing letters and the
+photographs, is, I take it, eminently satisfactory.
+
+I have been shown a Siberian Cat, by Mr. Castang, of Leadenhall Market;
+the breed is entirely new to me. It is a small female Cat of a
+slaty-blue colour, rather short in body and legs; the head is small and
+much rounded, while the ears are of medium size. The iris of the eyes is
+a deep golden colour, which, in contrast to the bluish colour of the
+fur, makes them to appear still more brilliant; the tail is short and
+thick, very much so at the base, and suddenly pointed at the tip. It is
+particularly timid and wild in its nature, and is difficult to approach;
+but, as Mr. Castang observed, this timidity may be "because it does not
+understand our language and does not know when it is called or spoken
+to." I think it would make a valuable Cat to cross with some English
+varieties.
+
+A correspondent writes: "In your book on Cats you do not mention
+Norwegian Cats. I was in Norway last year, and was struck by the Cats
+being different to any I had ever seen, being much stouter built, with
+thick close fur, mostly sandy, with stripes of dark yellow." I suppose I
+am to infer that both the sexes are of sandy yellow colour. If so, I
+should say it is more a matter of selection than a new colour. I find
+generally in the colder countries the fur is short, dense, and somewhat
+woolly, and as a rule, judging from the information that I am
+continually receiving, whole or entire colours predominate.
+
+Large Cats are by some sought after. This, I take it, is a great
+mistake, the fairly medium-sized Cat being much the handsomer of the
+two, and they are generally also devoid of that coarseness that is found
+apparent in the former; while small Cats are extremely pretty, and I
+understand are not only likely to be "in vogue," but are actually now
+being bred for their extreme _prettiness_. I have heard of some of these
+"Bantam" Cats being produced by that true and most excellent fancier,
+Mr. Herbert Young, who not only has produced a Tortoiseshell Tom Cat on
+lines laid down by myself, but is also engaged in breeding more, and I
+have not the least doubt he will be most successful, he having so been
+in producing new colours and some of the finest silver tabby
+short-haired Cats as yet seen; these short-haired Cats, in my opinion,
+far surpassing for beauty any long-hair ever exhibited, and are
+certainly of a "sweeter disposition."
+
+In my former edition of "Our Cats," I wrote hopefully and expectantly of
+much good to be derived from the institution of the so-called National
+Cat Club, and of which I was then President; but I am sorry to say that
+none of those hopes or expectations have been realised, and I now feel
+the _deepest regret_ that I was ever induced to be in any way associated
+with it. I do not care to go into particulars further than to say I
+found the principal idea of many of its members consisted not so much in
+promoting the welfare of the Cat as of winning prizes, and more
+particularly their own Cat Club medals, for which, though offered at
+public shows, the public were not allowed to compete, and when won by
+the members, in many cases the public were thoughtlessly misled by
+believing it was an open competition. I therefore felt it my duty to
+leave the club for that and other reasons. I have also left off judging
+of the Cats, even at my old much-loved show at the Crystal Palace,
+because I no longer cared to come into contact with _such_ "Lovers of
+Cats."
+
+I am very much in favour of the Cats' Homes. The one at Dublin, in which
+Miss Swift takes so much interest; the one in London, with Miss Mayhew
+working for it with the zeal of a true "Cat lover"; and that where Mr.
+Colam is the manager, all deserve and _have_ my _sincerest_ and
+_warmest_ approbation, sympathy, and support, standing out as they do in
+such bright contrast to those self-styled "Cat lovers," the National Cat
+Club.
+
+                                                 HARRISON WEIR, F.R.H.S.
+
+SEVENOAKS,
+     _March_ 12_th_, 1892.
+
+
+
+
+                             ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+                                                                    PAGE
+
+  Reduction of Cat's Head drawn for Posting Bill,
+       Crystal Palace Cat Show, 1871                                   1
+
+  Silver Tankard presented by the Crystal Palace Company
+       to the Author                                                   3
+
+  Cat at Show                                                          5
+
+  Miss Saunders' White Persian, "Muff"                                 6
+
+  "The Old Lady." Silver Tabby, good in colour and marking,
+       the property of the Author, shown at the first Crystal
+       Palace Cat Show, not for competition                           13
+
+  Miss Saunders' Long-haired Cat, "Tiger"                             16
+
+  "The Colonel." Deaf White Persian, the property of the Author       17
+
+  Miss F. Moore's Persian Cat, "Fez"                                  19
+
+  Miss Saunders' Long-haired Cat, "Tiger"                             20
+
+  Specimen of a good White Angora                                     21
+
+  Miss F. Moore's Long-haired Kitten, "Dinah." This and "Chloe,"
+       as Kittens, won first prize and medal at the Crystal
+       Palace, Brighton, and Bexley Cat Shows, 1887                   23
+
+  Miss Saunders' very Light Blue Tabby, "Sylvie." A great beauty,
+       and winner of first prize, silver medal, and silver sugar
+       basin, at the Crystal Palace, 1886, as the best long-haired
+       cat in the show; then the property of Mrs. Christopher         24
+
+  Mr. Lloyd's Black Persian, "Minnie." Winner of a large number
+       of prizes at the Crystal Palace, etc.                          26
+
+  Mr. A. A. Clarke's White Persian, "Tim." First prize and
+       silver medal at the Crystal Palace, 1885, and winner of
+       other prizes                                                   27
+
+  Mrs. C. Herring's young Persian Kitten                              29
+
+  Russian Long-haired Brown Tabby Cat, the property of the Author     30
+
+  Miss Mary Gresham's Persian Kitten, "Lambkin."
+       (Also see reference, p. 36)                                    33
+
+  Long-haired Cat, from Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813                 34
+
+  Tail of the same                                                    35
+
+  Miss Mary Gresham's "Lambkin No. 2." This, with "Lambkin" at
+       p. 33, won first and special and silver medal at the
+       Crystal Palace Show. These were of fine quality, and
+       were said to be the best pair of long-haired kittens
+       ever seen                                                      36
+
+  Miss Moore's Long-haired Persian, "Bogey." First and medal
+       at Albert Palace Show, 1885; second at Brighton Show           37
+
+  Miss Saunders' White Persian, "Fluffie"                             38
+
+  Mr. Smith's Tortoiseshell He-Cat. The only tortoiseshell
+       he-cat of entire colouring ever shown at the Crystal
+       Palace, and winner of numerous first prizes                    39
+
+  Example of Tortoiseshell Cat, very dark variety, purposely
+       showing too much black, which is a defect                      40
+
+  Light White and Sandy She-Cat and Kittens                           43
+
+  Tortoiseshell-and-white Cat, finely marked, and prize-winner        44
+
+  Head of Mrs. Vyvyan's Royal Cat of Siam. Winner of prizes           47
+
+  Example of a properly-marked Brown Tabby, showing the width
+       of the black bars and spaces between. A fine specimen          48
+
+  Example of a Brown Tabby, "Aaron," with the black bars far
+       too wide, only showing the brown as streaks. This is a
+       defect. Property of the Author                                 50
+
+  Well-marked Silver Black-banded Tabby. First prize in its
+       class and special prize, Crystal Palace Show, 1886             51
+
+  White Cat at the Show. First prize, blue eyes and deep.             53
+
+  Example of a finely-marked Spotted Tabby He-Cat                     54
+
+  Spotted Tabby Half-bred Indian Wild Cat                             56
+
+  Head of a well-marked Striped Brown Tabby                           57
+
+  Mrs. Herring's Dark Blue, Small-banded Tabby, "Chin."
+       A very fine specimen, and winner of a large number
+       of prizes, and in champion classes                             60
+
+  Group of Kittens at the Crystal Palace Cat Show                     61
+
+  White Cat. Prize-winner in 1879                                     62
+
+  Archangel Blue Cat                                                  66
+
+  Group of Kittens in Box                                             67
+
+  Example of a properly-marked Black-and-White Cat                    68
+
+  Mrs. Vyvyan's Royal Cat of Siam. Prize-winner                       69
+
+  Mr. Lyon's curiously-marked White-and-Black Cat                     70
+
+  White Cat. Winner of many prizes                                    72
+
+  Mrs. Lee's Royal Cat of Siam. Winner of many prizes                 73
+
+  Head of properly-marked Siamese Cat                                 79
+
+  Mr. Thomas's Tortoiseshell Manx She-Cat. Winner of
+       many prizes at the Crystal Palace                              80
+
+  Mr. Thomas's Brown Tabby Manx Kitten                                83
+
+  Kittens at the Show                                                 86
+
+  Kittens after the Show                                              90
+
+  The Game of Ball                                                   108
+
+  Cat and Kittens. "Happy"                                           109
+
+  What is it?                                                        114
+
+  Tired of Play                                                      117
+
+  Miss Moore's Long-haired Kitten, "Chloe." (See description
+       of "Dinah" for p. 23.) Chloe has been several times
+       shown alone, and never without winning                        119
+
+  The Cat Club Challenge Vase, presented by Mr. A. A. Clarke,
+       to be won three times by the same exhibitor before it
+       is his actual property                                        122
+
+  Example of a finely-marked Tortoiseshell Cat                       123
+
+  Mr. Babb's beautiful properly-marked Light Silver Tabby
+       She-Cat. First prize in her class, silver medal and
+       plate as being the best short-haired cat in the
+       Crystal Palace Show, 1888; also winner of many
+       prizes at other shows                                         133
+
+  Example of a well-marked Black-and-White He-Cat                    134
+
+  Mr. A. A. Clarke's extremely beautiful White Persian
+       She-Cat, "Miss Whitey." At the Crystal Palace Show
+       in 1888, first in her class, taking the Crystal Palace
+       silver medal for the best female cat in the section,
+       the silver-mounted Doulton ware five o'clock tea-set
+       for the best long-haired cat in the exhibition, the
+       gold medal given by the National Cat Club for the
+       best long-haired cat belonging to a member, the National
+       Cat Club Challenge Cup, and also winner of numerous
+       first prizes elsewhere                                        140
+
+  "In full play"                                                     143
+
+  Head of Miss Saunders' "Sylvie." (See other description)           146
+
+  Wild Cat shown at the Crystal Palace Cat Show, 1871, by
+       the Duke of Sutherland; caught in Sutherlandshire             154
+
+  English Wild Cat, from the British Museum                          160
+
+  Heading to "Cat Proverbs"                                          185
+
+  Cat watching Mouse-hole                                            209
+
+  Cat on Tight-rope with White Mice                                  215
+
+  Cat made of Snail Shells and Wax                                   219
+
+  Blue Long-haired Persian Cat. Prize-winner                         223
+
+  Head of Wild Cat                                                   239
+
+
+[Illustration: A reduction of the large black Cat's Head, drawn for the
+ Posting Bill giving notice of the first Cat Show at the Crystal Palace,
+ July 16, 1871.]
+
+
+
+
+OUR CATS
+
+AND ALL ABOUT THEM.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY.
+
+
+After a Cat Show at the Crystal Palace, I usually receive a number of
+letters requesting information. One asks: "What is a true tortoiseshell
+like?" Another: "What is a tabby?" and yet another: "What is a blue
+tabby?" One writes of the "splendid disposition" of his cat, another
+asks how to cure a cat scratching the furniture, and so on.
+
+After much consideration, and also at the request of many, I have
+thought it best to publish my notes on cats, their ways, habits,
+instincts, peculiarities, usefulness, colours, markings, forms, and
+other qualities that are required as fitting subjects to exhibit at what
+is now one of the instituted exhibitions of "The land we live in," and
+also the Folk and other lore, both ancient and modern, respecting them.
+
+It is many years ago that, when thinking of the large number of cats
+kept in London alone, I conceived the idea that it would be well to
+hold "Cat Shows," so that the different breeds, colours, markings, etc.,
+might be more carefully attended to, and the domestic cat, sitting in
+front of the fire, would then possess a beauty and an attractiveness to
+its owner unobserved and unknown because uncultivated heretofore.
+Prepossessed with this view of the subject, I called on my friend Mr.
+Wilkinson, the then manager of the Crystal Palace. With his usual
+businesslike clear-headedness, he saw it was "a thing to be done." In a
+few days I presented my scheme in full working order: the schedule of
+prizes, the price of entry, the number of classes, and the points by
+which they would be judged, the number of prizes in each class, their
+amount, the different varieties of colour, form, size, and sex for which
+they were to be given; I also made a drawing of the head of a cat to be
+printed in black on yellow paper for a posting bill. Mr. F. Wilson, the
+Company's naturalist and show manager, then took the matter in charge,
+worked hard, got a goodly number of cats together, among which was my
+blue tabby, "The Old Lady," then about fourteen years old, yet the best
+in the show of its colour and never surpassed, though lately possibly
+equalled. To my watch-chain I have attached the silver bell she wore at
+her _debut_.
+
+My brother, John Jenner Weir, the Rev. J. Macdona, and myself acted as
+judges, and the result was a success far beyond our most sanguine
+expectations--so much so that I having made it a labour of love of the
+feline race, and acting "without fee, gratuity, or reward," the Crystal
+Palace Company generously presented me with a large silver tankard in
+token of their high approval of my exertions on behalf of "the Company,"
+and--Cats. Now that a Cat Club is formed, shows are more numerous, and
+the entries increasing, there is every reason to expect a permanent
+benefit in every way to one of the most intelligent of (though often
+much abused) animals.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST CAT SHOW.
+
+
+On the day for judging, at Ludgate Hill I took a ticket and the train
+for the Crystal Palace. Sitting alone in the comfortable cushioned
+compartment of a "first class," I confess I felt somewhat more than
+anxious as to the issue of the experiment. Yes; what would it be like?
+Would there be many cats? How many? How would the animals comport
+themselves in their cages? Would they sulk or cry for liberty, refuse
+all food? or settle down and take the situation quietly and resignedly,
+or give way to terror? I could in no way picture to myself the scene; it
+was all so new. Presently, and while I was musing on the subject, the
+door was opened, and a friend got in. "Ah!" said he, "how are you?"
+"Tolerably well," said I; "I am on my way to the Cat Show." "What!"
+said my friend, "that surpasses everything! A show of cats! Why, I hate
+the things; I drive them off my premises when I see them. You'll have a
+fine bother with them in their cages! Or are they to be tied up? Anyhow,
+what a noise there will be, and how they will clutch at the bars and try
+and get out, or they will strangle themselves with their chains." "I am
+sorry, very sorry," said I, "that you do not like cats. For my part, I
+think them extremely beautiful, also very graceful in all their actions,
+and they are quite as domestic in their habits as the dog, if not more
+so. They are very useful in catching rats and mice; they are not
+deficient in sense; they will jump up at doors to push up latches with
+their paws. I have known them knock at a door by the knocker when
+wanting admittance. They know Sunday from the week-day, and do not go
+out to wait for the meat barrow on that day; they----" "Stop," said my
+friend, "I see you do like cats, and I do not, so let the matter drop."
+"No," said I, "not so. That is why I instituted this Cat Show; I wish
+every one to see how beautiful a well-cared-for cat is, and how docile,
+gentle, and--may I use the term?--cossetty. Why should not the cat that
+sits purring in front of us before the fire be an object of interest,
+and be selected for its colour, markings, and form? Now come with me, my
+dear old friend, and see the first Cat Show."
+
+Inside the Crystal Palace stood my friend and I. Instead of the noise
+and struggles to escape, there lay the cats in their different pens,
+reclining on crimson cushions, making no sound save now and then a
+homely purring, as from time to time they lapped the nice new milk
+provided for them. Yes, there they were, big cats, very big cats,
+middling-sized cats, and small cats, cats of all colours and markings,
+and beautiful pure white Persian cats; and as we passed down the front
+of the cages I saw that my friend became interested; presently he said:
+"What a beauty this is! and here's another!" "And no doubt," said I,
+"many of the cats you have seen before would be quite as beautiful if
+they were as well cared for, or at least cared for at all; generally
+they are driven about and ill-fed, and often ill-used, simply for the
+reason that they are cats, and for no other. Yet I feel a great pleasure
+in telling you the show would have been much larger were it not for the
+difficulty of inducing the owners to send their pets from home, though
+you see the great care that is taken of them." "Well, I had no idea
+there was such a variety of form, size, and colour," said my friend, and
+departed. A few months after, I called on him; he was at luncheon, with
+two cats on a chair beside him--pets I should say, from their
+appearance.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This is not a solitary instance of the good of the first Cat Show in
+leading up to the observation of, and kindly feeling for, the domestic
+cat. Since then, throughout the length and breadth of the land there
+have been Cat Shows, and much interest is taken in them by all classes
+of the community, so much so that large prices have been paid for
+handsome specimens. It is to be hoped that by these shows the too often
+despised cat will meet with the attention and kind treatment that every
+dumb animal should have and ought to receive at the hands of humanity.
+Even the few instances of the shows generating a love for cats that have
+come before my own notice are a sufficient pleasure to me not to regret
+having thought out and planned the first Cat Show at the Crystal
+Palace.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HABITS.
+
+
+Before attempting to describe the different varieties, I should like to
+make a few remarks as to the habits and ways of "the domestic cat."
+
+When judging, I have frequently found some of the exhibits of anything
+but a mild and placid disposition. Some have displayed a downright
+ferocity; others, on the contrary, have been excessively gentle, and
+very few but seemed to recognise their position, and submitted quietly
+to their confinement. This is easily accounted for when persons are
+accustomed to cats; they know what wonderful powers of observation the
+cat possesses, and how quickly they recognise the "why and the
+wherefore" of many things. Take for instance, how very _many_ cats will
+open a _latched_ door by springing up and holding on with one fore-leg
+while with the other they press down the latch catch, and so open the
+door; and yet even more observant are they than that, as I have shown by
+a case in my "Animal Stories, Old and New," in which a cat opened a
+door by pulling it _towards_ him, when he found _pushing_ it of no
+avail. The cat is more critical in noticing than the dog. I never knew
+but one dog that would open a door by moving the fastening without being
+shown or taught how to do it. Cats that have done so are numberless. I
+noticed one at the last Crystal Palace Show, a white cat: it looked up,
+it looked down, then to the right and then a little to the left, paused,
+seemed lost in thought, when, not seeing any one about, it crept up to
+the door, and with its paw tried to pull back the bolt or catch. On
+getting sight of me, it retired to a corner of the cage, shut its eyes,
+and pretended to sleep. I stood further away, and soon saw the paw
+coming through the bars again. This cat had noticed how the cage-door
+was fastened, and so knew how to open it.
+
+Many cats that are said to be spiteful are made so by ill-treatment,
+for, as a rule, I have found them to be most affectionate and gentle,
+and that to the last degree, attaching themselves to individuals,
+although such is stated not to be the case, yet of this I am certain.
+Having had several in my house at one time, I found that no two were the
+"followers" of the same member of my family. But it may be argued, and I
+think with some degree of justice, Why was this? Was it only that each
+cat had a separate liking? If so, why? Why should not three or four cats
+take a liking to the same individual? But they seldom or never do, and
+for that matter there seems somewhat the same feeling with dogs. This
+required some consideration, but that not of long duration. For I am
+sorry to say I rapidly came to the conclusion that it was jealousy. Yes,
+jealousy! There was no doubt of it. Zeno would be very cossetty, loving,
+lovable, and gentle, but when Lulu came in and was nursed he retired to
+a corner and seized the first opportunity of vanishing through the door.
+As soon as Zillah jumped on my knee and put her paws about my neck, Lulu
+looked at me, then at her, then at me, walked to the fire, sat down,
+looked round, got up, went to the door, cried to go out, the door was
+opened, and----she fled. I thought that Zillah seemed then more than
+ever--happy.
+
+Though jealousy is one of if not the ruling attributes of the cat, there
+are exceptions to such a rule. Sometimes it may be that two or more will
+take to the same person. As an instance of this I had two cats, one a
+red tabby, a great beauty; Lillah, a short-haired red-and-white cat; the
+latter and a white long-haired one, named "The Colonel," were great
+friends, and these associated with a tortoiseshell-and-white, Lizzie.
+None of these were absolutely house cats, but attended more to the
+poultry yards and runs, looking after the chicken, seeing that no rats
+were about or other "vermin," near the coops. Useful cats, very!
+
+Mine was then a very large garden, and generally of an evening, when at
+home, I used to walk about the numerous paths to admire the beauties of
+the different herbaceous plants, of which I had an interesting
+collection. Five was my time of starting on my ambulation, when, on
+going out of the door, I was sure to find the two first-named cats, and
+often the third, waiting for me, ready to go wherever I went, following
+like faithful dogs. These apparently never had any jealous feeling.
+
+Of all the cats Lillah was the most loving. If I stood still, she would
+look up, and watch the expression of my face. If she thought it was
+favourable to her, she would jump, and, clinging to my chest, put her
+fore-paws around my neck, and rub her head softly against my face,
+purring melodiously all the time, then move on to my shoulder, while
+"The Colonel" and his tortoiseshell friend Lizzie would press about my
+legs, uttering the same musical self-complacent sound. Here, there, and
+everywhere, even out into the road or into the wood, the pretty things
+would accompany me, seeming intensely happy. When I returned to the
+house, they would scamper off, bounding in the air, and playing with and
+tumbling over each other in the fullest and most frolicsome manner
+imaginable. No! I do not think that Lillah, The Colonel, or Lizzie ever
+knew the feeling of jealousy. But these, as I said before, were
+exceptions. They all had a sad ending, coming to an untimely death
+through being caught in wires set by poachers for rabbits. I have ever
+regretted the loss of the gentle Lillah. She was as beautiful as she was
+good, gentle, and loving, without a fault.
+
+It may have been noted in the foregoing I have said that my cats were
+always awaiting my coming. Just so. The cat seems to take note of time
+as well as place. At my town house I had a cat named Guadalquiver, which
+was fed on horseflesh brought to the door. Every day during the week he
+would go and sit ready for the coming of "the cat's-meat man," but he
+never did so on the Sunday. How it was he knew on that day that the man
+did not come I never could discover; still, the fact remains. How he, or
+whether he, counted the days until the sixth, and then rested the
+seventh from his watching, is a mystery. A similar case is related of an
+animal belonging to Mr. Truebner, the London publisher. The cat, a
+gigantic one, and a pet of his, used to go every evening to the end of
+the terrace, on which was the house where he resided, to escort Mr.
+Truebner back to dinner on his arrival from the City, but was never once
+known to make the mistake of going to meet him on Sundays. And again,
+how well a cat knows when it is luncheon-time! He or she may be
+apparently asleep on the tiles, or snugly lying under a bush basking in
+the sun's warm rays, when it will look up, yawn, stretch itself, get up,
+and move leisurely towards the house, and as the luncheon-bell rings, in
+walks the cat, as ready for food as any there.
+
+Most cats are of a gentle disposition, but resent ill-treatment in a
+most determined way, generally making use of their claws, at the same
+time giving vent to their feelings by a low growl and spitting
+furiously. Under such conditions it is best to leave off that which has
+appeared to irritate them. Dogs generally bite when they lose their
+temper, but a cat seldom. Should a cat dig her claws into your hand,
+never draw it backward, but push forward; you thus close the foot and
+render the claws harmless. If otherwise, you generally lose three to
+four pieces of skin from your hand; the cat knows he has done it, and
+feels revenged. Some cats do not like their ears touched, others their
+backs, others their tails. I have one now (Fritz); he has such a great
+dislike to having his tail touched that if we only point to it and say
+"Tail!" he growls, and if repeated he will get up and go out of the
+room, even though he was enjoying the comfort of his basket before a
+good fire. By avoiding anything that is known to tease an animal, no
+matter what, it will be found that is the true way, combined with gentle
+treatment and oft caressing, to tame and to make them love you, even
+those whose temper is none of the best. This is equally applicable to
+horses, cows, and dogs as to cats. Gentleness and kindness will work
+wonders with animals, and, I take it, is not lost on human beings.
+
+The distance cats will travel to find and regain the home they have been
+taken from is surprising. One my groom begged of me, as he said he had
+no cat at home, and he was fond of "the dear thing," but he really
+wanted to be rid of it, as I found afterwards. He took the poor animal
+away in a hamper, and after carrying it some three miles through London
+streets, threw it into the Surrey Canal. That cat was sitting wet and
+dirty outside the stable when he came in the morning, and went in
+joyfully on his opening the door, ran up to and climbed on to the back
+of its favourite, the horse, who neighed a "welcome home." The man left
+that week.
+
+Another instance, and I could give many more, but this will suffice. It
+is said that if you wish an old cat to stay you should have the mother
+with the kitten or kittens, but this sometimes fails to keep her. Having
+a fancy for a beautiful brown tabby, I purchased her and kitten from a
+cottager living two miles and a half away. The next day I let her out,
+keeping the kitten in a basket before the fire. In half an hour mother
+and child were gone, and though she had to carry her little one through
+woods, hedgerows, across grass and arable fields, she arrived home with
+her young charge quite safely the following day, though evidently very
+tired, wet, and hungry. After two days she was brought back, and being
+well fed and carefully tended, she roamed no more.
+
+The cat, like many other animals, will often form singular attachments.
+One would sit in my horse's manger and purr and rub against his nose,
+which undoubtedly the horse enjoyed, for he would frequently turn his
+head purposely to be so treated. One went as consort with a Dorking
+cock; another took a great liking to my collie, Rover; another loved
+Lina, the cow; while another would cosset up close to a sitting hen, and
+allowed the fresh-hatched chickens to seek warmth by creeping under her.
+Again, they will rear other animals such as rats, rabbits, squirrels,
+puppies, hedgehogs; and, when motherly inclined, will take to almost
+anything, even to a young pigeon.
+
+At the Brighton Show of 1886 there were two cats, both reared by dogs,
+the foster-mother and her bantling showing evident signs of sincere
+affection.
+
+There are both men and women who have a decided antipathy to
+cats--"Won't have one in the house on any account." They are called
+"deceitful," and some go as far as to say "treacherous," but how and in
+what way I cannot discover. Others, on the contrary, love cats beyond
+all other "things domestic." Of course cats, like other animals, or even
+human beings, are very dissimilar, no two being precisely alike in
+disposition, any more than are to be found two forms so closely
+resembling as not to be distinguished one from the other. To some a cat
+is a cat, and if all were black all would be alike. But this would not
+be so in reality, as those well know who are close observers of animal
+and bird life. Of course the gamekeeper has a dislike to cats, more
+especially when they "take to the woods," but so long as they are fed,
+and keep within bounds, they are "useful" in scaring away rats from the
+young broods of pheasants. What are termed "poaching cats" are clearly
+"outlaws," and must be treated as such.
+
+
+
+
+TRAINED CATS.
+
+
+That cats may be trained to respect the lives of other animals, and also
+birds on which they habitually feed, is a well-known fact. In proof of
+this I well recollect a story that my father used to tell of "a happy
+family" that was shown many years ago on the Surrey side of Waterloo
+Bridge. Their abode consisted of a large wire cage placed on wheels. In
+windy weather the "breezy side" was protected by green baize, so
+draughts were prevented, and a degree of comfort obtained. As there was
+no charge for "the show," a box was placed in front with an opening for
+the purpose of admitting any donations from those who felt inclined to
+give. On it was written "The Happy Family--their money-box." The family
+varied somewhat, as casualties occurred occasionally by death from
+natural causes or sales. Usually, there was a Monkey, an Owl, some
+Guinea-pigs, Squirrels, small birds, Starlings, a Magpie, Rats, Mice,
+and a Cat or two. But the story? Well, the story is this. One day, when
+my father was looking at "the happy family," a burly-looking man came
+up, and, after a while, said to the man who owned the show: "Ah! I don't
+see much in that. It is true the cat does not touch the small birds [one
+of which was sitting on the head of the cat at the time], nor the other
+things; but you could not manage to keep rats and mice in there as
+well." "Think not?" said the showman. "I think I could very easily."
+"Not you," said the burly one. "I will give you a month to do it in, if
+you like, and a shilling in the bargain if you succeed. I shall be this
+way again soon." "Thank you, sir," said the man. "Don't go yet," then,
+putting a stick through the bars of the cage he lifted up the cat, when
+from beneath her out ran a white rat and three white mice.
+"Won--der--ful!" slowly ejaculated he of the burly form; "Wonder--ful!"
+The money was paid.
+
+Cats, properly trained, will not touch anything, alive or dead, on the
+premises to which they are attached. I have known them to sport with
+tame rabbits, to romp and jump in frolicsome mood this way, then that,
+which both seemed greatly to enjoy, yet they would bring home wild
+rabbits they had killed, and not touch my little chickens or ducklings.
+
+[Illustration: "THE OLD LADY."]
+
+When I built a house in the country, fond as I am of cats, I determined
+_not_ to keep any there, because they would destroy the birds' nests and
+drive my feathered friends away, and I liked to watch and feed these
+from the windows. Things went pleasantly for awhile. The birds were fed,
+and paid for their keep with many and many a song. There were the old
+ones and there the young, and oft by the hour I watched them from the
+window; and they became so tame as scarcely caring to get out of my way
+when I went outside with more food. But--there is always a but--but one
+day, or rather evening, as I was "looking on," a rat came out from the
+rocks, and then another. Soon they began their repast on the remains of
+the birds' food. Then in the twilight came mice, the short-tailed and
+the long, scampering hither and thither. This, too, was amusing. In the
+autumn I bought some filberts, and put them into a closet upstairs, went
+to London, returned, and thought I would sleep in the room adjoining the
+closet. No such thing. As soon as the light was out there was a sound of
+gnawing--curb--curb--sweek!--squeak--a rushing of tiny feet here, there,
+and everywhere; thump, bump--scriggle, scraggle--squeak--overhead, above
+the ceiling, behind the skirting boards, under the floor, and--in the
+closet. I lighted a candle, opened the door, and looked into the
+repository for my filberts. What a hustling, what a scuffling, what a
+scrambling. There they were, mice in numbers; they "made for" some holes
+in the corners of the cupboard, got jammed, squeaked, struggled,
+squabbled, pushed, their tails making circles; push--push--squeak!--more
+jostling, another effort or two--squeak--squeak--gurgle--squeak--more
+struggling--and they were gone. Gone? Yes! but not for long. As soon as
+the light was out back they came. No! oh, dear no! sleep! no more sleep.
+Outside, I liked to watch the mice; but when they climbed the ivy and
+got inside, the pleasure entirely ceased. Nor was this all; they got
+into the vineries and spoilt the grapes, and the rats killed the young
+ducks and chickens, and undermined the building also, besides storing
+quantities of grain and other things under the floor. The result number
+one was, three cats coming on a visit. Farmyard cats--cats that knew the
+difference between chickens, ducklings, mice, and rats. Result number
+two, that after being away a couple of weeks, I went again to my
+cottage, and I slept undisturbed in the room late the play-ground of the
+mice. My chickens and ducklings were safe, and soon the cats allowed the
+birds to be fed in front of the window, though I could not break them of
+destroying many of the nests. I never NOTICED more fully the very great
+use the domestic cat is to man than on that occasion. All day my cats
+were indoors, dozy, sociable, and contented. At night they were on guard
+outside, and doubtless saved me the lives of dozens of my "young
+things." One afternoon I saw one of my cats coming towards me with
+apparent difficulty in walking. On its near approach I found it was
+carrying a large rat, which appeared dead. Coming nearer, the cat put
+down the rat. Presently I saw it move, then it suddenly got up and ran
+off. The cat caught it again. Again it feigned death, again got up and
+ran off, and was once more caught. It laid quite still, when, perceiving
+the cat had turned away, it got up, apparently quite uninjured, and ran
+in another direction, and I and the cat--lost it! I was not sorry. This
+rat deserved his liberty. Whether it was permanent I know not, as
+"Little-john," the cat, remained, and I left.
+
+The cat is not only a very useful animal about the house and premises,
+but is also ornamental. It is lithe and beautiful in form, and graceful
+in action. Of course there are cats that are ugly by comparison with
+others, both in form, colour, and markings; and as there are now cat
+shows, at which prizes are offered for varieties, I will endeavour to
+give, in succeeding chapters, the points of excellence as regards form,
+colour, and markings required and most esteemed for the different
+classes. I am the more induced to define these as clearly as possible,
+owing to the number of mistakes that often occur in the entries.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LONG-HAIRED CATS.
+
+
+These are very diversified, both in form, colour, and the quality of the
+hair, which in some is more woolly than in others; and they vary also in
+the shape and length of the tail, the ears, and size of eyes. There are
+several varieties--the Russian, the Angora, the Persian, and Indian.
+Forty or fifty years ago they used all to be called French cats, as they
+were mostly imported from Paris--more particularly the white, which were
+then the fashion, and, if I remember rightly, they, as a rule, were
+larger than those of the present day. Coloured long-haired cats were
+then rare, and but little cared for or appreciated. The pure white, with
+long silky hair, bedecked with blue or rose-colour ribbon, or a silver
+collar with its name inscribed thereon or one of scarlet leather studded
+with brass, might often be seen stretching its full lazy length on
+luxurious woollen rugs--the valued, pampered pets of "West End" life.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A curious fact relating to the white cat of not only the long but also
+the short-haired breed is their deafness. Should they have blue eyes,
+which is the fancy colour, these are nearly always deaf; although I have
+seen specimens whose hearing was as perfect as that of any other colour.
+Still deafness in white cats is not always confined to those with blue
+eyes, as I too well know from purchasing a very fine male at the Crystal
+Palace Show some few years since. The price was low and the cat "a
+beauty," both in form, coat, and tail, his eyes were yellow, and he had
+a nice, meek, mild, expressive face. I stopped and looked at him, as he
+much took my fancy. He stared at me wistfully, with something like
+melancholy in the gaze of his _amber_-coloured eyes. I put my hand
+through the bars of the cage. He purred, licked my hand, rubbed against
+the wires, put his tail up, as much as to say, "See, here is a beautiful
+tail; am I not a lovely cat?" "Yes," thought I, "a very nice cat." When
+I looked at my catalogue and saw the low price, "something is wrong
+here," said I, musingly. "Yes, there _must_ be something wrong. The
+price is misstated, or there is something not right about this cat." No!
+it was a beauty--so comely, so loving, so gentle--so very gentle.
+"Well," said I to myself, "if there is no misstatement of price, I will
+buy this cat," and, with a parting survey of its excellences, I went to
+the office of the show manager. He looked at the letter of entry. No;
+the price was quite right--"two guineas!" "I will buy it," said I. And
+so I did; but at two guineas I bought it dearly. Yes! very dearly, for
+when I got it home I found it was "stone" deaf. What an unhappy cat it
+was! If shut out of the dining-room you could hear its cry for admission
+all over the house; being so deaf the poor wretched creature never knew
+the noise it made. I often wish that it had so known--very, very often.
+I am satisfied that a tithe would have frightened it out of its life.
+And so loving, so affectionate. But, oh! horror, when it called out as
+it sat on my lap, its voice seemed to acquire at least _ten cat power_.
+And when, if it lost sight of me in the garden, its voice rose to the
+occasion, I feel confident it might have been heard miles off. Alas! he
+never knew what that agonised sound was like, but I did, and I have
+never forgotten it, and I never shall. I named him "The Colonel" on
+account of his commanding voice.
+
+One morning a friend came--blessed be that day--and after dinner he saw
+"the beauty." "What a lovely cat!" said he. "Yes," said I, "he is very
+beautiful, quite a picture." After a while he said, looking at "Pussy"
+warming himself before the fire, "I think I never saw one I liked more."
+"Indeed," said I, "if you really think so, I will give it to you; but he
+has a fault--he is 'stone' deaf." "Oh, I don't mind that," said he. He
+took him away--miles and miles away. I was glad it was so many miles
+away for two reasons. One was I feared he might come back, and the other
+that his voice might come resounding on the still night air. But he
+never came back nor a sound.--A few days after he left "to better
+himself," a letter came saying, would I wish to have him back? They
+liked it very much, all but its voice. "No," I wrote, "no, you are very
+kind, no, thank you; give him to any one you please--do what you will
+with 'the beauty,' but it must not return, never." When next I saw my
+friend, I asked him how "the beauty" was. "You dreadful man!" said he;
+"why, that cat nearly drove us all mad--I never heard anything like it."
+"Nor I," said I, sententiously. "Well," said my friend, "'all is well
+that ends well;' I have given it to a very deaf old lady, and so both
+are happy." "Very, I trust," said I.
+
+The foregoing is by way of advice; in buying a white cat--or, in fact,
+any other--ascertain for a _certainty_ that it is _not deaf_.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A short time since I saw a white Persian cat with deep blue eyes sitting
+at the door of a tobacconist's, at the corner of the Haymarket, London.
+On inquiry I found that the cat could hear perfectly, and was in no way
+deficient of health and strength; and this is by no means a solitary
+instance.
+
+
+[Illustration: MISS SAUNDERS' "TIGER."]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ANGORA.
+
+The Angora cat, as its name indicates, comes from Angora, in Western
+Asia, a province that is also celebrated for its goats with long hair,
+which is of extremely fine quality. It is said that this deteriorates
+when the animal leaves that locality. This may be so, but that I have no
+means of proving; yet, if so, do the Angora cats also deteriorate in the
+silky qualities of their fur? Or does it get shorter? Certain it is that
+many of the imported cats have finer and longer hair than those bred in
+this country; but when are the latter true bred? Even some a little
+cross-bred will often have long hair, but not of the texture as regards
+length and silkiness which is to be noted in the pure breed. The Angora
+cats, I am told, are great favourites with the Turks and Armenians, and
+the best are of high value, a pure white, with blue eyes, being thought
+the perfection of cats, all other points being good, and its hearing by
+no means defective. The points are a small head, with not too long a
+nose, large full eyes of a colour in harmony with that of its fur, ears
+rather large than small and pointed, with a tuft of hair at the apex,
+the size not showing, as they are deeply set in the long hair on the
+forehead, with a very full flowing mane about the head and neck; this
+latter should not be short, neither the body, which should be long,
+graceful, and elegant, and covered with long, silky hair, with a slight
+admixture of woolliness; in this it differs from the Persian, and the
+longer the better. In texture it should be as fine as possible, and also
+not so woolly as that of the Russian; still it is more inclined to be so
+than the Persian. The legs to be of moderate length, and in proportion
+to the body; the tail long, and slightly curving upward towards the end.
+The hair should be very long at the base, less so toward the tip. When
+perfect, it is an extremely beautiful and elegant object, and no wonder
+that it has become a pet among the Orientals. The colours are varied;
+but the black which should have orange eyes, as should also the slate
+colours, and blues, and the white are the most esteemed, though the soft
+slates, blues, and the light fawns, deep reds, and mottled grays are
+shades of colour that blend well with the Eastern furniture and other
+surroundings. There are also light grays, and what is termed smoke
+colour; a beauty was shown at Brighton which was white with black tips
+to the hair, the white being scarcely visible, unless the hair was
+parted; this tinting had a marvellous effect. I have never seen imported
+strong-coloured tabbies of this breed, nor do I believe such are true
+Angoras. Fine specimens are even now rare in this country, and are
+extremely valuable. In manners and temper they are quiet, sociable, and
+docile, though given to roaming, especially in the country, where I have
+seen them far from their homes, hunting the hedgerows more like dogs
+than cats; nor do they appear to possess the keen intelligence of the
+short-haired European cat. They are not new to us, being mentioned by
+writers nearly a hundred years ago, if not more. I well remember white
+specimens of uncommon size on sale in Leadenhall Market, more than forty
+years since; the price usually was five guineas, though some of rare
+excellence would realise double that sum.
+
+[Illustration: MISS MOORE'S "DINAH."]
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MISS SAUNDERS' "SYLVIE."]
+
+
+
+
+THE PERSIAN CAT.
+
+
+This differs somewhat from the Angora, the tail being generally longer,
+more like a table brush in point of form, and is generally slightly
+turned upwards, the hair being more full and coarser at the end, while
+at the base it is somewhat longer. The head is rather larger, with less
+pointed ears, although these should not be devoid of the tuft at the
+apex, and also well furnished with long hair within, and of moderate
+size. The eyes should be large, full, and round, with a soft expression;
+the hair on the forehead is generally rather short in comparison to the
+other parts of the body, which ought to be clothed with long silky hair,
+very long about the neck, giving the appearance of the mane of the lion.
+The legs, feet, and toes should be well clothed with long hair and have
+well-developed fringes on the toes, assuming the character of tufts
+between them. It is larger in body, and generally broader in the loins,
+and apparently stronger made, than the foregoing variety, though yet
+slender and elegant, with small bone, and exceedingly graceful in all
+its movements, there being a kind of languor observable in its walk,
+until roused, when it immediately assumes the quick motion of the
+ordinary short-haired cat, though not so alert. The colours vary very
+much, and comprise almost every tint obtainable in cats, though the
+tortoiseshell is not, nor is the dark marked tabby, in my opinion, a
+Persian cat colour, but has been got by crossing with the short-haired
+tortoiseshell, and also English tabby, and as generally shows pretty
+clearly unmistakable signs of such being the case. For a long time, if
+not now, the black was the most sought after and the most difficult to
+obtain. A good rich, deep black, with orange-coloured eyes and long
+flowing hair, grand in mane, large and with graceful carriage, with a
+mild expression, is truly a very beautiful object, and one very rare.
+The best I have hitherto seen was one that belonged to Mr. Edward Lloyd,
+the great authority on all matters relating to aquariums. It was called
+Mimie, and was a very fine specimen, usually carrying off the first
+prize wherever shown. It generally wore a handsome collar, on which was
+inscribed its name and victories. The collar, as Mr. Lloyd used jocosely
+to observe, really belonged to it, as it was bought out of its winnings;
+and, according to the accounts kept, was proved also to have paid for
+its food for some considerable period. It was, as its owner laughingly
+said, "his friend, and not his dependent," and generally used to sit on
+the table by his side while he was writing either his letters, articles,
+or planning those improvements regarding aquariums, for which he was so
+justly celebrated.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Next in value is the light slate or blue colour. This beautiful tint is
+very different in its shades. In some it verges towards a light purplish
+or lilac hue, and is very lovely; in others it tends to a much bluer
+tone, having a colder and harder appearance, still beautiful by way of
+contrast; in all the colour should be pure, even, and bright, not in any
+way mottled, which is a defect; and I may here remark that in these
+colours the hair is generally of a softer texture, as far as I have
+observed, than that of any other colour, not excepting the white, which
+is also in much request. Then follow the various shades of light
+tabbies, so light in the marking having scarcely a right to be called
+tabbies; in fact, tabby is not a Persian colour, nor have I ever seen an
+imported cat of that colour--I mean firmly, strongly marked with black
+on a brown-blue or gray ground, until they culminate in those of intense
+richness and density in the way of deep, harmonious browns and reds, yet
+still preserving throughout an extreme delicacy of line and tracery,
+never becoming harsh or hard in any of its arrangements or colour; not
+as the ordinary short-haired tabby. The eyes should be orange-yellow in
+the browns, reds, blues, grays, and blacks.
+
+[Illustration: MR. A. A. CLARKE'S "TIM."]
+
+As far as my experience extends, and I have had numerous opportunities
+of noticing, I find this variety less reliable as regards temper than
+the short-haired cats, less also in the keen sense of observing, as in
+the Angora, and also of turning such observations to account, either as
+regards their comfort, their endeavour to help themselves, or in their
+efforts to escape from confinement.
+
+In some few cases I have found them to be of almost a savage
+disposition, biting and snapping more like a dog than a cat, and using
+their claws less for protective purposes. Nor have I found them so
+"cossetty" in their ways as those of the "short-coats," though I have
+known exceptions in both.
+
+They are much given to roam, as indeed are the Russian and Angora,
+especially in the country, going considerable distances either for their
+own pleasure or in search of food, or when "on the hunt." After mature
+consideration, I have come to the conclusion that this breed, and
+slightly so the preceding, are decidedly different in their habits to
+the short-haired English domestic cat, as it is now generally called.
+
+It may be, however, only a very close observer would notice the several
+peculiarities which I consider certainly exist. These cats attach
+themselves to places more than persons, and are indifferent to those who
+feed and have the care of them. They are beautiful and useful objects
+about the house, and generally very pleasant companions, and when kept
+with the short-haired varieties form an exceedingly pretty and
+interesting contrast; but, as I have stated, they certainly require more
+attention to their training, and more caution in their handling, than
+the latter. I may here remark, that during the time I have acted as
+judge at cat shows, which is now over eighteen years, it has been seldom
+there has been any display of temper in the short-haired breeds in
+comparison with the long; though some of the former, in some instances,
+have not comported themselves with that sweetness and amiability of
+disposition that is their usual characteristic. My attendant has been
+frequently wounded in our endeavour to examine the fur, dentition, etc.,
+of the Angora, Persian, or Russian; and once severely by a "short-hair."
+Hitherto I have been so fortunate as to escape all injury, but this I
+attribute to my close observation of the _countenance_ and expression of
+the cat about to be handled, so as to be perfectly on my guard, and to
+the knowledge of how to put my hands out of harm's way. If a vicious cat
+is to be taken from one pen to another, it must be carried by the loose
+skin at the back of the neck and that of the back with both hands, and
+held well away from the person who is carrying it.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE RUSSIAN LONG-HAIRED CAT.
+
+
+The above is a portrait of a cat given me many years ago, whose parents
+came from Russia, but from what part I could never ascertain. It
+differed from the Angora and the Persian in many respects. It was larger
+in the body with shorter legs. The mane or frill was very large, long,
+and dense, and more of a woolly texture, with coarse hairs among it; the
+colour was of dark tabby, though the markings were not a decided black,
+nor clear and distinct; the ground colour was wanting in that depth and
+richness possessed by the Persian, having a somewhat dull appearance.
+The eyes were large and prominent, of a bright orange, slightly tinted
+with green, the ears large by comparison, with small tufts, full of
+long, woolly hair, the limbs stout and short, the tail being very
+dissimilar, as it was short, very woolly, and thickly covered with hair
+the same length from the base to the tip, and much resembled in form
+that of the English wild cat. Its motion was not so agile as other cats,
+nor did it apparently care for warmth, as it liked being outdoors in the
+coldest weather. Another peculiarity being that it seemed to care little
+in the way of watching birds for the purpose of food, neither were its
+habits like those of the short-haired cats that were its companions. It
+attached itself to no person, as was the case with some of the others,
+but curiously took a particular fancy to one of my short-haired,
+silver-gray tabbies; the two appeared always together. In front of the
+fire they sat side by side. If one left the room the other followed.
+Adown the garden paths there they were, still companions; and at night
+slept in the same box; they drank milk from the same saucer, and fed
+from the same plate, and, in fact, only seemed to exist for each other.
+In all my experience I never knew a more devoted couple. I bred but one
+kitten from the Russian, and this was the offspring of the short-haired
+silver tabby. It was black-and-white, and resembled the Russian in a
+large degree, having a woolly coat, somewhat of a mane, and a short,
+very bushy tail. This, like his father, seemed also to be fonder of
+animals for food than birds, and, although very small, would without any
+hesitation attack and kill a full-grown rat. I have seen several Russian
+cats, yet never but on this occasion had the opportunity of comparing
+their habits and mode of life with those of the other varieties; neither
+have I seen any but those of a tabby colour, and they mostly of a dark
+brown. I am fully aware that many cross-bred cats are sold as Russian,
+Angora, and Persian, either between these or the short-haired, and some
+of these, of course, retain in large degree the distinctive
+peculiarities of each breed. Yet to the practised eye there is
+generally--I do not say always--a difference of some sort by which the
+particular breed may be clearly defined. When the prizes are given, as
+is the case even at our largest cat shows, for the best long-haired cat,
+there, of course, exists in the eye of the judge no distinction as
+regards breed. He selects, as he is bound to do, that which is the best
+_long-haired_ cat in all points, the length of hair, colour, texture,
+and condition of the exhibit being that which commands his first
+attention. But if it were so put that the prize should be for the best
+Angora, Persian, Russian, etc., it would make the task rather more than
+difficult, for I have seen some "first-cross cats" that have possessed
+all, or nearly all, the points requisite for that of the Angora,
+Persian, or Russian, while others so bred have been very deficient,
+perhaps showing the Angora cross only by the tail and a slight and small
+frill. At the same time it must be noted, that, although from time to
+time some excellent specimens may be so bred, it is by no means
+desirable to buy and use such for stock purposes, for they will in all
+probability "throw back"--that is, after several generations, although
+allied with thoroughbred, they will possibly have a little family of
+quite "short-hairs." I have known this with rabbits, who, after breeding
+short-haired varieties for some time, suddenly reverted to a litter of
+"long-hairs"; but have not carried out the experiment with cats. At the
+same time I may state that I have little or no doubt that such would be
+the case; therefore I would urge on all those who are fond of cats--or,
+in fact, other animals--of any particular breed, to use when possible
+none but those of the purest pedigree, as this will tend to prevent much
+disappointment that might otherwise ensue. But I am digressing, and so
+back to my subject--the Russian long-haired cat. I advisedly say
+long-haired cat, for I shall hereafter have to treat of other cats
+coming from Russia that are short-haired, none which I have hitherto
+seen being tabbies, but whole colour. This is the more singular as all
+those of the long-hair have been brown tabbies, with only one or two
+exceptions, which were black. It is just possible these were the
+offspring of tabby or gray parents, as the wild rabbit has been known to
+have had black progeny. I have seen a black rabbit shot from amongst the
+gray on the South Downs.
+
+[Illustration: MISS MARY GRESHAM'S PERSIAN KITTEN, "LAMBKIN."]
+
+I do not remember having seen a white Russian "long-hair," and I should
+feel particularly obliged to any of my readers who could supply me with
+further information on this subject, or on any other relating to the
+various breeds of cats, cat-life and habits. I am fully aware that no
+two cats are exactly alike either in their form, colour, movements, or
+habits; but what I have given much study and attention to, and what I
+wish to arrive at is, the broad existing natural distinctions of the
+different varieties. In this way I shall feel grateful for any
+information.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The above engraving and description of a very peculiar animal is from
+Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813:
+
+"This Cat was the Property of Mrs. Finch, of Maldon, Essex. In the
+Account of this _Lusus Naturae_, for such it may be deemed, the _Mother_
+had no other Likeness to her Production, than her Colour, which is a
+_tawny Sandy_, in some parts lightly streaked with _black_; She had
+this, and another Kitten _like it_, about _two Years_ since. The fellow
+Kitten was killed, in consequence of being troublesome, to the Mistress
+of the House, where it was presented. _This_ is a _Male_, above the
+_usual_ Size, with a _shaggy_ Appearance round its Face, resembling that
+of the Lion's, in _Miniature_. The _Hair_ protruding from the _Ears_,
+formerly grew, like what are termed _Cork-screw Curls_, and which are
+frequently seen, among the _smart_ young _Watermen_, on the Thames; the
+Tail is perfectly distinct, from that of the Cat Species, and resembles
+the _Brush_ of a Fox. The Mother, has at this time (1813), three Young
+ones, but without the least Difference to _common_ Kittens, neither,
+indeed, has she ever had any _before_, or since, similar to _That_ here
+described. The Proprietor has been offered, and refused One Hundred
+Pounds for this Animal."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This was either a cross with the English wild cat, which sometimes has a
+mane, or it was an accidental variation of nature. I once bred a
+long-haired rabbit in a similar way, but at first I failed entirely to
+perpetuate the peculiarity. I think the above simply "a sport."
+
+[Illustration: MISS MARY GRESHAM'S PERSIAN KITTEN, "LAMBKIN NO. 2."]
+
+
+[Illustration: MISS MOORE'S "BOGEY."]
+
+I have now concluded my remarks on the long-haired varieties of cats
+that I am at present acquainted with. They are an exceedingly
+interesting section; their habits, manners, forms, and colours form a by
+no means unprofitable study for those fond of animal life, as they, in
+my opinion, differ in many ways from those of their "short-haired"
+brethren. I shall not cease, however, in my endeavours to find out if
+any other long-haired breeds exist, and I am, therefore, making
+inquiries in every direction in which I deem it likely I shall get an
+increase of information on the subject, but hitherto without any
+success. Therefore, I am led to suppose that the three I have
+enumerated are the only domesticated long-haired varieties. The nearest
+approach, I believe, to these in the wild state is that of the British
+wild cat, which has in some instances a mane and a bushy tail, slightly
+resembling that of the Russian long-hair, with much of the same facial
+expression, and rather pointed tufts at the apex of the ears. It is also
+large, like some of the "long-haired" cats that I have seen; in fact, it
+far more resembles these breeds than those of the short hair. I was much
+struck with the many points of similitude on seeing the British wild cat
+exhibited by the Duke of Sutherland at the first cat show at the Crystal
+Palace in July, 1871. I merely offer this as an idea for further
+consideration. At the same time, allow me to say that I have had no
+opportunity of studying the anatomy of the British wild cat, in
+contradistinction to that of the Russian, or others with long hair. I
+only wish to point out what I term a general resemblance, far in excess
+of those with short hair. I am fully aware how difficult it is to trace
+any origin of the domestic cat, or from what breeds; it is also said,
+that the British wild cat is not one of them, still I urge there exists
+the similarity I mention; whether it is so apparent to others I know
+not.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration: MR. SMITH'S PRIZE HE-CAT.]
+
+
+
+
+THE TORTOISESHELL CAT.
+
+
+I now come to the section of the short-haired domestic cat, a variety
+possessing sub-varieties. Whether these all came from the same origin is
+doubtful, although in breeding many of the different colours will breed
+back to the striped or tabby colour, and, _per contra_, white
+whole-coloured cats are often got from striped or spotted parents, and
+_vice versa_. Those that have had any experience of breeding
+domesticated animals or birds, know perfectly well how difficult it is
+to keep certain peculiarities gained by years of perseverance of
+breeding for such points of variation, or what is termed excellence.
+Place a few fancy pigeons, for instance, in the country and let them
+match how they like, and one would be quite surprised, unless he were a
+naturalist, to note the great changes that occur in a few years, and the
+unmistakable signs of reversion towards their ancestral stock--that of
+the Rock pigeon. But with the cat this is somewhat different, as little
+or no attempts have been made, as far as I know of, until cat shows were
+instituted, to improve any particular breed either in form or colour.
+Nor has it even yet, with the exception of the long-haired cats. Why
+this is so I am at a loss to understand, but the fact remains. Good
+well-developed cats of certain colours fetch large prices, and are, if I
+may use the term, perpetual prize-winners. I will take as an instance
+the tortoiseshell tom, he, or male cat as one of the most scarce, and
+the red or yellow tabby she-cat as the next; and yet the possessor of
+either, with proper care and attention, I have little or no doubt, has
+it in his power to produce either variety _ad libitum_. It is now many
+years since I remember the first "tortoiseshell tom-cat;" nor can I now
+at this distance of time quite call to mind whether or not it was not a
+tortoiseshell-and-white, and not a tortoiseshell pure and simple. It was
+exhibited in Piccadilly. If I remember rightly, I made a drawing of it,
+but as it is about forty years ago, of this I am not certain, although I
+have lately been told that I did, and that the price asked for the cat
+was 100 guineas.
+
+[Illustration: EXAMPLE OF TORTOISESHELL CAT, VERY DARK VARIETY.]
+
+This supposed scarcity was rudely put aside by the appearance, at the
+Crystal Palace Show of 1871, of no less than one tortoiseshell he-cat
+(exhibited by Mr. Smith) and three tortoiseshell-and-white he-cats, but
+it will be observed there was really but only one tortoiseshell he-cat,
+the others having white. On referring to the catalogues of the
+succeeding shows, no other pure tortoiseshell has been exhibited, and he
+ceased to appear after 1873; but tortoiseshell-and-white have been shown
+from 1871, varying in number from five to three until 1885. One of
+these, a tortoiseshell-and-white belonging to Mr. Hurry, gained no fewer
+than nine first prizes at the Crystal Palace, besides several firsts at
+other shows; this maintains my statement, that a really good scarce
+variety of cats is a valuable investment, Mr. Hurry's cat Totty keeping
+up his price of L100 till the end.
+
+As may have been gathered from the foregoing remarks, the points of the
+tortoiseshell he-cat are, black-red and yellow in patches, but no
+_white_. The colouring should be in broad, well-defined blotches and
+solid in colour, not mealy or tabby-like in the marking, but clear,
+sharp, and distinct, and the richer and deeper the colours the better.
+When this is so the animal presents a very handsome appearance. The eyes
+should be orange, the tail long and thick towards the base, the form
+slim, graceful, and elegant, and not too short on the leg, to which this
+breed has a tendency. Coming then to the actual tortoiseshell he, or
+male cat without white, I have never seen but one at the Shows, and that
+was exhibited by Mr. Smith. It does not appear that Mr. Smith bred any
+from it, nor do I know whether he took any precautions to do so; but if
+not, I am still of the opinion that more might have been produced. In
+Cassell's "Natural History," it is stated that the tortoiseshell cat is
+quite common in Egypt and in the south of Europe. This I can readily
+believe, as I think that it comes from a different stock than the usual
+short-haired cat, the texture of the hair being different, the form of
+tail also. I should much like to know whether in that country, where the
+variety is so common, there exists any number of tortoiseshell he-cats.
+In England the he-kittens are almost invariably red-tabby or
+red-tabby-and-white; the red-tabby she-cats are almost as scarce as
+tortoiseshell-and-white he-cats. Yet if red-tabby she-cats can be
+produced, I am of opinion that tortoiseshell he-cats could also. I had
+one of the former, a great beauty, and hoped to perpetuate the breed,
+but it unfortunately fell a victim to wires set by poachers for game.
+Again returning to the tortoiseshell, I have noted that, in drawings
+made by the Japanese, the cats are always of this colour; that being so,
+it leads one to suppose that in that country tortoiseshell he-cats must
+be plentiful. Though the drawings are strong evidence, they are not
+absolute proof. I have asked several travelling friends questions as
+regards the Japanese cats, but in no case have I found them to have
+taken sufficient notice for their testimony to be anything else than
+worthless. I shall be very thankful for any information on this subject,
+for to myself, and doubtless also to many others, it is exceedingly
+interesting. Any one wishing to breed rich brown tabbies, should use a
+tortoiseshell she-cat with a very brown and black-banded he-cat. They
+are not so good from the spotted tabby, often producing merely
+tortoiseshell tabbies instead of brown tabbies, or true tortoiseshells.
+My remarks as to the colouring of the tortoiseshell he-cat are equally
+applicable to the she-cat, which should not have any white. Of the
+tortoiseshell-and-white hereafter.
+
+To breed tortoiseshell he-cats, I should use males of a whole colour,
+such as either white, black, or blue; and on no account any tabby, no
+matter the colour. What is wanted is patches of colour, not tiny streaks
+or spots; and I feel certain that, for those who persevere, there will
+be successful results.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE TORTOISESHELL-AND-WHITE CAT.
+
+
+This is a more common mixture of colouring than the tortoiseshell pure
+and simple without white, and seems to be widely spread over different
+parts of the world. It is the opinion of some that this colour and the
+pure tortoiseshell is the original domestic cat, and that the other
+varieties of marking and colours are but deviations produced by
+crossing with wild varieties. My brother, John Jenner Weir, F.L.S.,
+F.Z.S., holds somewhat to this opinion; but, to me, it is rather
+difficult to arrive at this conclusion. In fact, I can scarcely
+realise the ground on which the theory is based--at the same time, I
+do not mean to ignore it entirely. And yet, if this be so, from what
+starting-point was the original domestic cat derived, and by what
+means were the rich and varied markings obtained? I am fully aware
+that by selection cats with large patches of colour may be obtained;
+still, there remain the peculiar markings of the tortoiseshell. Nor is
+this by any means an uncommon colour, not only in this country, but in
+many others, and there also appears to be a peculiar fixedness of
+this, especially in the female, but why it is not so in the male I am
+at a loss to understand, the males almost invariably coming either
+red-tabby or red-tabby-and-white. One would suppose that black or
+white would be equally likely; but, as far as my observations take me,
+this is not so, though I have seen both pure white, yellow, red, and
+black in litters of kittens, but this might be different were the he
+parent tortoiseshell.
+
+Some years ago I was out with a shooting party not far from
+Snowdon, in Wales, when turning past a large rock I came on a
+sheltered nook, and there in a nest made of dry grasses laid six
+tortoiseshell-and-white kittens about eight to ten days old. I was
+much surprised at this, as I did not know of any house near,
+therefore these must have been the offspring of some cat or cats
+that were leading a roving or wild life, and yet it had no effect
+as to the deviation of the colour. I left them there, and without
+observing the sex. I was afterwards sorry, as it is just possible,
+though scarcely probable, that one or more of the six, being all
+of the same colour, might have proved to be a male. As I left the
+neighbourhood a few days after I saw no more of them, nor have I
+since heard of any being there; so conclude they in some way were
+destroyed.
+
+I have observed in the breed of tortoiseshell or
+tortoise-shell-and-white that the hair is of a coarser texture than
+the ordinary domestic cat, and that the tail is generally thicker,
+especially at the base, though some few are thin-tailed; yet I prefer
+the thick and tapering form. Some are very much so, and of a good
+length; the legs are generally somewhat short; I do not ever remember
+seeing a really long-legged tortoiseshell, though when this is so if
+not too long it adds much to its grace of action. I give a drawing of
+what I consider to be a GOOD tortoiseshell-and-white tom or he-cat. It
+will be observed that there is more white on the chest, belly, and
+hind legs than is allowable in the black-and-white cat. This I deem
+necessary for artistic beauty, when the colour is laid on in
+_patches_, although it should be even, clear, and distinct in its
+outline; the larger space of white adds brilliancy to the red, yellow,
+and black colouring. The face is one of the parts which should have
+some uniformity of colour, and yet not so, but a mere _balancing_ of
+colour; that is to say, that there should be a _relief_ in black, with
+the yellow and red on each side, and so in the body and tail. The nose
+should be white, the eyes orange, and the whole colouring rich and
+varied without the least _Tabbyness_, either brown or gray or an
+approach to it, such being highly detrimental to its beauty.
+
+I have received a welcome letter from Mr. Herbert Young, of James
+Street, Harrogate, informing me of the existence of what is said to be
+a tortoiseshell tom or he-cat somewhere in Yorkshire, and the price is
+fifty guineas; but he, unfortunately, has forgotten the exact address.
+He also kindly favours me with the further information of a
+tortoiseshell-and-white he-cat. He describes it as "splendid," and
+"extra good in colour," and it is at present in the vicinity of
+Harrogate. And still further, Mr. Herbert Young says, "I am breeding
+from a dark colour cat and two tortoiseshell females," and he hopes,
+by careful selection, to succeed in "breeding the other colour out."
+This, I deem, is by no means an unlikely thing to happen, and, by
+careful management, may not take very long to accomplish; but much
+depends on the ancestry, or rather the pedigree of both sides. I for
+one most heartily wish Mr. Herbert Young success, and it will be most
+gratifying should he arrive at the height of his expectations. Failing
+the producing of the desired colour in the he-cats by the legitimate
+method of tortoiseshell with tortoiseshell, I would advise the trial
+of some _whole_ colours, such as solid black and white. This _may_
+prove a better way than the other, as we pigeon fanciers go an
+apparently roundabout way often to obtain what we want to attain in
+colour, and yet there is almost a certainty in the method.
+
+As regards the tortoiseshell cat, there is a distinct variety known to
+us cat fanciers as the tortoiseshell-tabby. This must not be
+confounded with the true variety, as it consists only of a variegation
+in colour of the yellow, the red, and the dark tabby, and is more in
+lines than patches, or patches of lines or spots. These are by no
+means ugly, and a well-marked, richly-coloured specimen is really very
+handsome. They may also be intermixed with white, and should be marked
+the same as the true tortoiseshell; but in competition with the _real_
+tortoiseshell they would stand _no chance_ whatever, and ought in my
+opinion to be disqualified as being wrong class, and be put in that
+for "any other colour."
+
+[Illustration: MRS. VYVYAN'S ROYAL CAT OF SIAM.]
+
+
+[Illustration: BROWN TABBY--BARS THE RIGHT WIDTH.]
+
+
+
+
+THE BROWN TABBY CAT.
+
+
+The tabby cat is doubtless one of, if not the most common of colours,
+and numbers many almost endless varieties of both tint and markings. Of
+these those with very broad bands of black, or narrow bands of black, on
+nearly a black ground, are usually called black tabby, and if the bands
+are divided into spots instead of being in continuous lines, then it is
+a spotted black tabby; but I purpose in this paper to deal mostly with
+the brown tabby--that is to say, a tabby, whose ground colour is of a
+very rich, orangey, dark brown ground, without any white, and that is
+evenly, proportionably, and not too broadly but elegantly marked on the
+face, head, breast, sides, back, belly, legs, and tail with bands of
+solid, deep, shining black. The front part of the head or face and legs,
+breast, and belly should have a more rich red orange tint than the back,
+but which should be nearly if not equal in depth of colour, though
+somewhat browner; the markings should be graceful in curve, sharply,
+well, and clearly defined, with fine deep black edges, so that the brown
+and black are clear and distinct the one from the other, not blurred in
+any way. The banded tabby should not be spotted in any way, excepting
+those few that nearly always occur on the face and sometimes on the
+fore-legs. The clearer, redder, and brighter the brown the better. The
+nose should be deep red, bordered with black; the eyes an orange colour,
+slightly diffused with green; in form the head should not be large, nor
+too wide, being rather longer than broad, so as not to give too round or
+clumsy an appearance; ears not large nor small, but of moderate size,
+and of good form; legs medium length, rather long than short, so as not
+to lose grace of action; body long, narrow, and deep towards the fore
+part. Tail long, and gradually tapering towards the point; feet round,
+with black claws, and black pads; yellowish-white around the black lips
+and brown whiskers are allowable, but orange-tinted are far preferable,
+and pure white should disqualify. A cat of this description is now
+somewhat rare. What are generally shown as _brown_ tabbies are not
+sufficiently _orange-brown_, but mostly of a dark, brownish-gray. This
+is simply the ordinary tabby, and not the _brown_ tabby proper.
+
+[Illustration: BROWN TABBY--MARKINGS MUCH TOO WIDE.]
+
+As I stated in my notes on the Tortoiseshell cat, the best parents to
+obtain a good brown tabby from is to have a strongly marked, not too
+broad-banded tabby he-cat and a tortoiseshell she-cat with little black,
+or red tabby she-cat, the produce being, when tabby, generally of a rich
+brown, or sometimes what is termed black tabby, and also red tabby. The
+picture illustrating these notes is from one so bred, and is a
+particularly handsome specimen. There were two he-cats in the litter,
+one the dark-brown tabby just mentioned, which I named Aaron, and the
+other, a very fine red tabby, Moses. This last was even a finer animal
+than Aaron, being very beautiful in colour and very large in size; but
+he, alas! like many others, was caught in wires set by poachers, and was
+found dead. His handsome brother still survives, though no longer my
+property. The banded red tabby should be marked precisely the same as
+the brown tabby, only the bands should be of deep red on an orange
+ground, the deeper in colour the better; almost a chocolate on orange is
+very fine. The nose deep pink, as also the pads of the feet. The
+ordinary dark tabby the same way as the brown, and so also the blue or
+silver, only the ground colour should be of a pale, soft, _blue_
+colour--not the slightest tint of brown in it. The clearer, the
+_lighter_, and brighter the blue the better, bearing in mind always that
+the bands should be of a _jet black_, sharply and _very clearly
+defined_.
+
+[Illustration: WELL-MARKED PRIZE SILVER TABBY.]
+
+The word tabby was derived from a kind of taffeta, or ribbed silk, which
+when calendered or what is now termed "watered," is by that process
+covered with wavy lines. This stuff, in bygone times, was often called
+"tabby:" hence the cat with lines or markings on its fur was called a
+"tabby" cat. But it might also, one would suppose, with as much justice,
+be called a taffety cat, unless the calendering of "taffety" caused it
+to become "tabby." Certain it is that the word tabby only referred to
+the marking or stripes, not to the absolute colour, for in "Wit and
+Drollery" (1682), p. 343, is the following:--
+
+    "Her petticoat of satin,
+    Her gown of crimson tabby."
+
+Be that as it may, I think there is little doubt that the foregoing was
+the origin of the term. Yet it was also called the brinded cat, or the
+brindled cat, also tiger cat, with some the gray cat, graymalkin; but I
+was rather unprepared to learn that in Norfolk and Suffolk it is called
+a Cyprus cat. "Why Cyprus cat?" quoth I. "I do not know," said my
+informant. "All I know is, that such is the case."
+
+So I referred to my Bailey's Dictionary of 1730, and there, "sure
+enough," was the elucidation; for I found that Cyprus was a kind of
+cloth made of silk and hair, showing wavy lines on it, and coming from
+Cyprus; therefore this somewhat strengthens the argument in favour of
+"taffeta," or "tabby," but it is still curious that the Norfolk and
+Suffolk people should have adopted a kind of cloth as that representing
+the markings and colour of the cat, and that of a different name from
+that in use for the cat--one or more counties calling it a "tabby cat,"
+as regards colour, and the other naming the same as "Cyprus." I take
+this to be exceedingly interesting. How or when such naming took place
+I am at present unable to get the least clue, though I think from what I
+gather from one of the Crystal Palace Cat Show catalogues, that it must
+have been after 1597, as the excerpt shows that at that time the shape
+and colour was like a leopard's, which, of course, is spotted, and is
+always called the spotted leopard. (Since this I have learned that the
+domestic cat is said to have been brought from Cyprus by merchants, as
+also was the tortoiseshell. Cyprus is a colour, a sort of
+reddish-yellow, something like citron; so a Cyprus cat may mean a red or
+yellow tabby.)
+
+However, I find Holloway, in his "Dictionary of Provincialisms" (1839),
+gives the following:--
+
+"Calimanco Cat, s. (_calimanco_, a _glossy stuff_), a tortoiseshell cat,
+Norfolk."
+
+Salmon, in "The Compleat English Physician," 1693, p. 326, writing of
+the cat, says: "It is a neat and cleanly creature, often licking itself
+to keep it fair and clean, and washing its face with its fore feet; the
+best are such as of a fair and large kind and of an exquisite tabby
+color called _Cyprus_ cats."
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+[Illustration: SPOTTED TABBY CAT.]
+
+I have thought it best to give two illustrations of the peculiar
+markings of the _spotted_ tabby, or leopard cat of some, as showing its
+distinctness from the ordinary and banded Tabby, one of my reasons
+being that I have, when judging at cat shows, often found excellent
+specimens of both entered in the "wrong class," thereby losing all
+chance of a prize, though, if rightly entered, either might very
+possibly have taken honours. I therefore wish to direct particular
+attention to the _spotted_ character of the markings of the variety
+called the "spotted tabby." It will be observed that there are no lines,
+but what are lines in other tabbies are broken up into a number of
+spots, and the more these spots prevail, to the exclusion of _lines_ or
+_bands_, the better the specimen is considered to be. The varieties of
+the ground colour or tint on which these markings or spots are placed
+constitutes the name, such as black-spotted tabby, brown-spotted tabby,
+and so on, the red-spotted tabby or yellow-spotted tabby in _she_-cats
+being by far the most scarce. These should be marked with _spots_
+instead of _bands_, on the same ground colour as the red or
+yellow-banded tabby cat. In the former the ground colour should be a
+rich red, with spots of a deep, almost chocolate colour, while that of
+the yellow tabby may be a deep yellow cream, with yellowish-brown spots.
+Both are very scarce, and are extremely pretty. Any admixture of white
+is not allowable in the class for yellow or red tabbies; such exhibit
+must be put into the class (should there be one, which is usually the
+case at large shows) for red or yellow and _white_ tabbies. This
+exhibitors will do well to make a note of.
+
+There is a rich-coloured brown tabby hybrid to be seen at the Zoological
+Society Gardens in Regent's Park, between the wild cat of Bengal and a
+tabby she-cat. It is handsome, but very wild. These hybrids, I am told,
+will breed again with tame variety, or with others.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In the brown-spotted tabby, the dark gray-spotted tabby, the
+black-spotted tabby, the gray or the blue-spotted tabby, the eyes are
+best yellow or orange tinted, with the less of the green the better. The
+nose should be of a dark red, edged with black or dark brown, in the
+dark colours, or somewhat lighter colour in the gray or blue tabbies.
+The pads of the feet in all instances must be black. In the yellow and
+the red tabby the nose and the pads of the feet are to be pink. As
+regards the tail, that should have large spots on the upper and lower
+sides instead of being annulated, but this is difficult to obtain. It
+has always occurred to me that the spotted tabby is a much nearer
+approach to the wild English cat and some other wild cats in the way of
+colour than the ordinary broad-banded tabby. Those specimens of the
+crosses, said to be between the wild and domestic cat, that I have seen,
+have had a tendency to be spotted tabbies. And these crosses were not
+infrequent in bygone times when the wild cats were more numerous than
+at present, as is stated to be the case by that reliable authority,
+Thomas Bewick. In the year 1873, there was a specimen shown at the
+Crystal Palace Cat Show, and also the last year or two there has been
+exhibited at the same place a most beautiful hybrid between the East
+Indian wild cat and the domestic cat. It was shown in the spotted tabby
+class, and won the first prize. The ground colour was a deep
+blackish-brown, with well-defined black spots, black pads to the feet,
+rich in colour, and very strong and powerfully made, and not by any
+means a sweet temper. It was a he-cat, and though I have made inquiry, I
+have not been able to ascertain that any progeny has been reared from
+it, yet I have been informed that such hybrids between the Indian wild
+cat and the domestic cat breed freely.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE ABYSSINIAN.
+
+
+I now come to the last variety of the tabby cat, and this can scarcely
+be called a tabby proper, as it is nearly destitute of markings,
+excepting sometimes on the legs and a broad black band along the back.
+It is mostly of a deep brown, ticked with black, somewhat resembling the
+back of a wild (only not so gray) rabbit. Along the centre of the back,
+from the nape of the neck to the tip of the tail, there is a band of
+black, very slightly interspersed with dark brown hairs. The inner sides
+of the legs and belly are more of a rufous-orange tint than the body,
+and are marked in some cases with a few dark patches; but they are best
+without these marks, and in the exhibition pens it is a point lost. The
+eyes are deep yellow, tinted with green; nose dark red, black-edged;
+ears rather small, dark brown, with black edges and tips; the pads of
+the feet are black. Altogether, it is a pretty and interesting variety.
+It has been shown under a variety of names, such as Russian, Spanish,
+Abyssinian, Hare cat, Rabbit cat, and some have gone so far as to
+maintain that it is a cross between the latter and a cat, proving very
+unmistakably there is nothing, however absurd or impossible, in animal
+or everyday life, that some people are not ready to credit and believe.
+A hybrid between the English wild cat and the domestic much resembles
+it; and I do not consider it different in any way, with the exception of
+its colour, from the ordinary tabby cat, from which I have seen kittens
+and adults bearing almost the same appearance. Some years ago when out
+rabbit-shooting on the South Downs, not far from Eastbourne, one of our
+party shot a cat of this colour in a copse not far from the village of
+Eastdean. He mistook it at first for a rabbit as it dashed into the
+underwood. It proved not to be wild, but belonged to one of the
+villagers, and was bred in the village. When the ground colour is light
+gray or blue, it is generally called chinchilla, to the fur of which
+animal the coat has a general resemblance. I have but little inclination
+to place it as a distinct, though often it is of foreign breed; such may
+be, though ours is merely a variety--and a very interesting one--of the
+ordinary tabby, with which its form, habits, temper, etc., seem fully to
+correspond; still several have been imported from Abyssinia all of which
+were precisely similar, and it is stated that this is the origin of the
+Egyptian cat that was worshipped so many centuries ago. The mummies of
+the cats I have seen in no case had any hair left, so that it was
+impossible to determine what colour they were. The imported cats are of
+stouter build than the English and less marked. These bred with an
+English tabby often give a result of nearly black, the back band
+extending very much down the sides, and the brown ticks almost
+disappearing, producing a rich and beautiful colouring.
+
+I find there is yet another tint or colour of the tabby proper which I
+have not mentioned, that is to say, a cat marked with light wavy lines,
+and an exceedingly pretty one it is. It is very rare; in fact, so much
+so that it has never had a class appropriated to it, and therefore is
+only admissible to or likely to win in the class "For Any Other Colour,"
+in which class usually a number of very beautiful varieties are to be
+found, some of which I shall have occasion to notice further on. The
+colour, however, that I now refer to is often called the silver tabby,
+for want of a better name. It is this. The whole of the ground colour is
+of a most delicate silver-gray, clear and firm in tone, slightly blue if
+anything apart from the gray, and the markings thereon are but a little
+darker, with a tinge of lilac in them making the fur to look like an
+evening sky, rayed with light clouds. The eyes are orange-yellow, and
+when large and full make a fine contrast to the colour of the fur. The
+nose is red, edged with a lilac tint, and the pads of the feet and
+claws are black, or nearly so. The hair is generally very fine, short,
+and soft. Altogether it is most lovely, and well worthy of attention,
+forming, as it does, a beautiful contrast to the red, the yellow, or
+even the brown tabby. A turquoise ribbon about its neck will show to
+great advantage the delicate lilac tints of its coat, or, if a contrast
+is preferred, a light orange scarlet, or what is often called geranium
+colour, will perhaps give a brighter and more pleasing effect.
+
+[Illustration: MRS. HERRING'S BLUE SMALL-BANDED TABBY.]
+
+This is by no means so uncommon a colour in the _long-haired_ cats,
+some of which are exquisite, and are certainly the acme of beauty in the
+way of cat colouring; but I must here remark that there is a vast
+difference in the way of disposition between these two light varieties,
+that of the former being far more gentle. In fact, I am of opinion that
+the short-haired cat in general is of a more genial temperament, more
+"cossetty," more observant, more quick in adapting itself to its
+surroundings and circumstances than its long-haired brother, and, as a
+rule, it is also more cleanly in its habits. Though at the same time I
+am willing to admit that some of these peculiarities being set aside,
+the long-haired cat is charmingly beautiful, and at the same time has a
+large degree of intelligence--in fact, much more than most animals that
+I know, not even setting aside the dog, and I have come to this
+conclusion after much long, careful, and mature consideration.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE SHORT-HAIRED WHITE CAT.
+
+
+This of all, as it depends entirely on its comeliness, should be
+graceful and elegant in the outline of its form and also action, the
+head small, not too round nor thick, for this gives a clumsy, heavy
+appearance, but broad on the forehead, and gently tapering towards the
+muzzle, the nose small, tip even and pink, the ears rather small than
+large, and not too pointed, the neck slender, shoulders narrow and
+sloping backwards, loin full and long, legs of moderate length, tail
+well set on, long, broad at the base, and gradually tapering towards the
+end; the white should be the yellow-white, that is, the white of the
+colours, such as tortoiseshell, red tabby or blues, not the gray-white
+bred from the black, as these are coarser in the quality of the furs.
+The eye should be large, round, full, and blue. I noted this peculiarity
+of white when breeding white Cochins many years ago; those chickens that
+were black when hatched were a colder and harder white than those which
+were hatched buff. This colouring of white should be fully borne in mind
+when crossing colours in breeding, as the results are widely different
+from the two varieties. The whole colour yellow-white will not do to
+match with blue or gray, as it will assuredly give the wrong tinge or
+colour.
+
+The eyes should be blue; green is a great defect; bright yellow is
+allowable, or what in horses is called "wall eyes." Orange gives a heavy
+appearance; but yellow will harmonise and look well with a gray-white.
+
+White cats with blue eyes are hardy. Mr. Timbs, in "Things Not Generally
+Known," relates that even they are not so likely to be deaf as is
+supposed, and mentions one of seventeen years old which retained its
+hearing faculties perfectly. Some specimens I have seen with one yellow
+eye and one blue; this is a most singular freak of nature, and to the
+best of my knowledge is not to be found among any of the other colours.
+
+It is stated that one of the white horses recently presented by the Shah
+of Persia to the Emperor of Russia has blue eyes. I can scarcely credit
+this, but think it must be a true albino, with the gray-pink coloured
+eyes they generally have, or possibly the blue eye is that peculiar to
+the _albino_ cat and horse, as I have never seen an albino horse or cat
+with pink eyes but a kind of opalesque colour, or what is termed "wall
+eye." No doubt many of my readers have observed the differences in the
+white of our horses, they mostly being the gray-white, with dark skin;
+but the purer white has a pink skin, and is much softer and elegant in
+appearance. It is the same with our white cats.
+
+
+
+
+THE BLACK CAT.
+
+
+It is often said "What's in a name?" the object, whatever it is, by any
+other would be the same, and yet there is much in a name; but this is
+not the question at issue, which is that of colour. Why should a _black_
+cat be thought so widely different from all others by the foolish,
+unthinking, and ignorant? Why, simply on account of its colour being
+black, should it have ascribed to it a numberless variety of bad omens,
+besides having certain necromantic power? In Germany, for instance,
+black cats are kept away from children as omens of evil, and if a black
+cat appeared in the room of one lying ill it was said to portend death.
+To meet a black cat in the twilight was held unlucky. In the "good old
+times" a black cat was generally the only colour that was favoured by
+men reported to be wizards, and also were said to be the constant
+companions of reputed witches, and in such horror and detestation were
+they then held that when the unfortunate creatures were ill-treated,
+drowned, or even burned, very frequently we are told that their cats
+suffered martyrdom at the same time. It is possible that one of the
+reasons for such wild, savage superstition may have arisen from the fact
+of the larger amount of electricity to be found by friction in the coat
+of the black cat to any other; experiments prove there is but very
+little either in that of the white or the red tabby cat. Be this as it
+may, still the fact remains that, for some reason or other, the black
+cat is held by the prejudiced ignorant as an animal most foul and
+detestable, and wonderful stories are related of their actions in the
+dead of the night during thunder-storms and windy nights. Yet, as far as
+I can discover, there appears little difference either of temper or
+habit in the black cat distinct from that of any other colour, though it
+is maintained by many even to this day that black cats are far more
+vicious and spiteful and of higher courage, and this last I admit.
+Still, when a black cat is enraged and its coat and tail are well "set
+up," its form swollen, its round, bright, orange-yellow eye distended
+and all aglow with anger, it certainly presents to even the most
+impartial observer, to say the least of it, a most "uncanny" appearance.
+But, for all this, their admirers are by no means few; and, to my
+thinking, a jet-black cat, fine and glossy in fur and elegantly formed,
+certainly has its attractions; but I will refer to the superstitions
+connected with the black cat further on.
+
+A black cat for show purposes should be of a uniform, intense black; a
+brown-black is richer than a blue-black. I mean by this that when the
+hair is parted it should show in the division a dark brown-black in
+preference to any tint of blue whatever. The coat or fur should be
+short, velvety, and very glossy. The eyes round and full, and of a deep
+orange colour; nose black, and also the pads of the feet; tail long,
+wide at the base, and tapering gradually towards the end. A long thin
+tail is a great fault, and detracts much from the merits it may
+otherwise possess. A good, deep, rich-coloured black cat is not so
+common as many may at first suppose, as often those that are said to be
+black show tabby markings under certain conditions of light; and, again,
+others want depth and richness of colour, some being only a very dark
+gray. In form it is the same as other short-haired cats, such as I have
+described in the white, and this brings me to the variety called
+"blue."
+
+[Illustration: ARCHANGEL BLUE CAT.]
+
+
+
+
+THE BLUE CAT.
+
+
+This is shown often under a number of names. It was at first shown as
+the Archangel cat, then Russian blue, Spanish blue, Chartreuse blue,
+and, lastly, and I know not why, the American blue. It is not, in my
+belief, a distinct breed, but merely a light-coloured form of the black
+cat. In fact, I have ascertained that one shown at the Crystal Palace,
+and which won many prizes on account of its beautiful blue colour
+slightly tinged with purple, was the offspring of a tabby and white
+she-cat and a black-and-white he-cat, and I have seen the same colour
+occur when bred from the cats usually kept about a farmhouse as a
+protection from rats and mice, though none of the parents had any blue
+colour.
+
+Being so beautiful, and as it is possible in some places abroad it may
+be bred in numbers, I deemed it advisable, when making out the prize
+schedule, to give special prizes for this colour; the fur being used for
+various purposes on account of its hue. A fine specimen should be even
+in colour, of a bluish-lilac tint, with no sootiness or black, and
+though light be firm and rich in tone, the nose and pads dark, and the
+eyes orange-yellow. If of a very light blue-gray, the nose and pads may
+be of a deep chocolate colour and the eyes deep yellow, not green. If it
+is a foreign variety, I can only say that I see no distinction in form,
+temper, or habit; and, as I have before mentioned, it is sometimes bred
+here in England from cats bearing no resemblance to the bluish-lilac
+colour, nor of foreign extraction or pedigree. I feel bound, however, to
+admit that those that came from Archangel were of a deeper, purer tint
+than the English cross-breeds; and on reference to my notes, I find they
+had larger ears and eyes, and were larger and longer in the head and
+legs, also the coat or fur was excessively short, rather inclined to
+woolliness, but bright and glossy, the hair inside the ears being
+shorter than is usual in the English cat.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE BLACK-AND-WHITE CAT.
+
+
+This is distinct from the _white-and-black_ cat, the ground colour being
+black, marked with white; while the other is white, marked with black.
+The chief points of excellence for show purposes are a dense bright
+brown-black, evenly marked with white. Of this I give an illustration,
+showing the most approved way in which the white should be distributed,
+coming to a point between the eyes. The feet should be white, and the
+chest, the nose, and the pads white. No black on the lips or nose,
+whiskers white, eyes of orange yellow. Any black on the white portions
+is highly detrimental to its beauty and its chance of a prize.
+
+The same markings are applicable to the brown tabby and white, the dark
+tabby and white, the red tabby and white, the yellow tabby and white,
+the blue or silver tabby and white, and the blue and white. One great
+point is to obtain a perfectly clear and distinct gracefully-curved
+outline of colour, and this to be maintained throughout; the blaze on
+the forehead to be central. It is stated that if a dog has white
+anywhere, he is sure to have a white tip to his tail, and I think, on
+observation, it will be found usually the case, although this is not so
+in the cat, for I cannot call to mind a single instance where a
+black-and-white had a white tip to its tail; but taking the various
+colours of the domestic cat into consideration I think it will be found
+that there is a larger number with some white about them than those of
+entirely one colour, without even a few white hairs, which if they
+appear at all are mostly to be found on the chest, though they often are
+exceedingly few in number.
+
+[Illustration: MRS. VYVYAN'S ROYAL CAT OF SIAM.]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+THE WHITE-AND-BLACK CAT.
+
+
+This differs entirely from the black-and-white cat, as just explained,
+and is the opposite as regards colour, the ground being white instead of
+black, and the markings black on white. For exhibition purposes and
+points of excellence, no particular rule exists beyond that the exhibit
+shall be evenly marked, with the colour distributed so as to balance,
+as, for example:--If a cat has a black patch just _under_ one eye with a
+_little above_, the balance of colour would be maintained if the other
+eye had a preponderance of colour _above_ instead of _below_, and so
+with the nose, shoulders, or back, but it would be far better if the
+patches of colour were the same size and shape, and equal in position.
+It might be that a cat evenly marked on the head had a mark on the left
+shoulder with more on the right, with a rather larger patch on the right
+side of the loin, or a black tail would help considerably to produce
+what is termed "_balance_," though a cat of this description would lose
+if competing against one of entirely uniform markings.
+
+I have seen several that have been marked in a very singular way. One
+was entirely white, with black ears. Another white, with a black tail
+only. This had orange eyes, and was very pretty. Another had a black
+blaze up the nose, the rest of the animal being white. This had blue
+eyes, and was deaf. Another had the two front feet black, all else being
+white; the eyes were yellow-tinted green. All these, it will be
+observed, were perfect in the way they were marked.
+
+I give an illustration of a cat belonging to Mr. S. Lyon, of Crewe. It
+is remarkable in more ways than one, and in all probability, had it been
+born in "the dark ages" a vast degree of importance would have been
+attached to it, not only on account of the peculiar distribution of the
+colour and its form, but also as to the singular coincidence of its
+birth. The head is white, with a black mark over the eyes and ears
+which, when looked at from above, presents the appearance of a
+_fleur-de-lis_. The body is white, with a distinct black cross on the
+right side, or, rather, more on the back than side. The cross resembles
+that known as Maltese in form, and is clearly defined. The tail is
+black, the legs and feet white. Nor does the cat's claim to notice
+entirely end here, for, marvellous to relate, it was born on Easter
+Sunday, A.D. 1886. Now, what would have been said of such a coincidence
+had this peculiar development of Nature occurred in bygone times? There
+is just the possibility that the credulous would have "flocked" to see
+the wondrous animal from far and near; and even now, in these
+enlightened times, I learn from Mr. Lyon that the cat is not by any
+means devoid of interest and attraction, for, as he tells me, a number
+of persons have been to see it, some of whom predict that "luck" will
+follow, and that he and his household will, in consequence, _doubtless_
+enjoy many blessings, and that all things will prosper with him
+accordingly.
+
+Although my remarks are directed to "the white-and-black" cat, the same
+will apply to the "white-and-red, white-and-yellow, white-and-tabby,
+white-and-blue, or dun colour;" all these, and the foregoing, will most
+probably have to be exhibited in the "Any Other Colour" class, as there
+is seldom one at even the largest shows for peculiar markings with white
+as the _ground_ or principal colour.
+
+[Illustration: WHITE CAT.]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+SIAMESE CAT.
+
+
+Among the beautiful varieties of the domestic cat brought into notice by
+the cat shows, none deserve more attention than "The Royal Cat of Siam."
+In form, colour, texture, and length, or rather shortness of its coat,
+it is widely different from other short-haired varieties; yet there is
+but little difference in its mode of life or habit. I have not had the
+pleasure of owning one of this breed, though when on a visit to Lady
+Dorothy Nevill, at Dangstein, near Petersfield, I had several
+opportunities for observation. I noticed in particular the intense
+liking of these cats for "the woods," not passing along the hedgerows
+like the ordinary cat, but quickly and quietly creeping from bush to
+bush, then away in the shaws; not that they displayed a wildness of
+nature, in being shy or distrustful, nor did they seem to care about
+getting wet like many cats do, though apparently they suffer much when
+it is cold and damp weather, as would be likely on account of the
+extreme shortness of their fur, which is of both a hairy and a woolly
+texture, and not so glossy as our ordinary common domestic cat, nor is
+the tail, which is thin. Lady Dorothy Nevill informed me that those
+which belonged to her were imported from Siam and presented by Sir R.
+Herbert of the Colonial Office; the late Duke of Wellington imported the
+breed, also Mr. Scott of Rotherfield. Lady Dorothy Nevill thought them
+exceedingly docile and domestic, but delicate in their constitution;
+although her ladyship kept one for two years, another over a year, but
+eventually all died of the same complaint, that of worms, which
+permeated every part of their body.
+
+Mr. Young, of Harrogate, possesses a chocolate variety of this Royal
+Siamese cat; it was sent from Singapore to Mr. Brennand, from whom he
+purchased it, and is described as "most loving and affectionate," which
+I believe is usually the case. Although this peculiar colour is very
+beautiful and scarce, I am of opinion that the light gray or fawn colour
+with black and well-marked muzzle, ears, and legs is the typical
+variety, the markings being the same as the Himalayan rabbits. There are
+cavies so marked; and many years ago I saw a mouse similarly coloured.
+Mr. Young informs me that the kittens he has bred from his dark variety
+have invariably come the usual gray or light dun colour with dark
+points. I therefore take that to be the correct form and colour, and the
+darker colour to be an accidental deviation. In pug-dogs such a depth of
+colour would be considered a blemish, however beautiful it might be;
+even black pugs do not obtain prizes in competition with a true-marked
+light dun; but whatever colour the body is it should be clear and firm,
+rich and not clouded in any way. But I give Mr. Young's own views:
+
+"The dun Siamese we have has won whenever shown; the body is of a dun
+colour, nose, part of the face, ears, feet, and tail of a very dark
+chocolate brown, nearly black, eyes of a beautiful blue by day, and of a
+red colour at night! My other prize cat is of a very rich chocolate or
+seal, with darker face, ears, and tail; the legs are a shade darker,
+which intensifies towards the feet. The eyes small, of a rich amber
+colour, the ears are bare of hair, and not so much hair between the eyes
+and the ears as the English cats have. The dun, unless under special
+judges, invariably beats the chocolate at the shows. The tail is shorter
+and finer than our English cats.
+
+"I may add that we lately have had four kittens from the chocolate cat
+by a pure dun Siamese he-cat. All the young are dun coloured, and when
+born were very light, nearly white, but are gradually getting the dark
+points of the parents; in fact, I expect that one will turn chocolate.
+The cats are very affectionate, and make charming ladies' pets, but are
+rather more delicate than our cats, but after they have once wintered in
+England they seem to get acclimatised.
+
+"Mr. Brennand, who brought the chocolate one and another, a male, from
+Singapore last year, informs me that there are two varieties, a large
+and small. Ours are the small; he also tells me the chocolate is the
+most rare.
+
+"I have heard a little more regarding the Siamese cats from Miss Walker,
+the daughter of General Walker, who brought over one male and three
+females. It seems the only pure breed is kept at the King of Siam's
+palace, and the cats are very difficult to procure, for in Siam it took
+three different gentlemen of great influence three months before they
+could get any.
+
+"Their food is fish and rice boiled together until quite soft, and Miss
+Walker finds the kittens bred have thriven on it.
+
+"It is my intention to try and breed from a white English female with
+blue eyes, and a Siamese male.
+
+"The Siamese cats are very prolific breeders, having generally five at
+each litter, and three litters a year.
+
+"We have never succeeded in breeding any like our chocolate cat; they
+all come fawn, with black or dark brown points; the last family are a
+little darker on their backs, which gives them a richer appearance than
+the pale fawn. Hitherto we have never had any half-bred Siamese; but
+there used to be a male Siamese at Hurworth-on-Tees, and there were many
+young bred from English cats. They invariably showed the Siamese cross
+in the ground colour."
+
+From the foregoing it will be seen how very difficult it is to obtain
+the pure breed, even in Siam, and on reference to the Crystal Palace
+catalogues from the year 1871 until 1887, I find that there were
+_fifteen_ females and only _four_ males, and some of these were not
+entire; and I have always understood that the latter were not allowed to
+be exported, and were only got by those so fortunate as a most
+extraordinary favour, as the King of Siam is most jealous of keeping the
+breed entirely in Siam as royal cats.
+
+The one exhibited by Lady Dorothy Nevill (Mrs. Poodle) had three kittens
+by an English cat; but none showed any trace of the Siamese, being all
+tabby.
+
+Although Mr. Herbert Young was informed by Mr. Brennand that there is
+another and a larger breed in Siam, it does not appear that any of these
+have been imported; nor have we any description of them, either as to
+colour, size, form, or quality of coat, or whether they resemble the
+lesser variety in this or any respect, yet it is to be hoped that, ere
+long, some specimens may be secured for this country.
+
+Besides Mr. Herbert Young, I am also much indebted to the courtesy of
+Mrs. Vyvyan, of Dover, who is a lover of this beautiful breed, and who
+kindly sends the following information:
+
+"The original pair were sent from Bangkok, and it is believed that they
+came from the King's Palace, where alone the breed are said to be kept
+pure. At any rate they were procured as a great favour, after much delay
+and great difficulty, and since that time no others have been attainable
+by the same person. We were in China when they reached us, and the
+following year, 1886, we brought the father, mother, and a pair of
+kittens to England.
+
+"Their habits are in general the same as the common cat, though it has
+been observed by strangers, 'there is a pleasant wild animal odour,'
+which is not apparent to us.
+
+"Most of the kittens have a kink in the tail; it varies in position,
+sometimes in the middle, close to the body, or at the extreme end like a
+hook."
+
+This tallies with the description given by Mr. Darwin of the Malayan and
+also the Siamese cats. See my notes on the Manx cat. Mr. Young had also
+noted this peculiarity in "the Royal cat of Siam."
+
+Mrs. Vyvyan further remarks:
+
+"They are very affectionate and personally attached to their human
+friends, not liking to be left alone, and following us from room to room
+more after the manner of dogs than cats.
+
+"They are devoted parents, the old father taking the greatest interest
+in the young ones.
+
+"They are friendly with the dogs of the house, occupying the same
+baskets; but the males are very strong, and fight with great persistency
+with strange dogs, and conquer all other tom-cats in their
+neighbourhood. We lost one, however, a very fine cat, in China in this
+way, as he returned to the house almost torn to pieces and in a dying
+condition, from an encounter with some animal which we think was one of
+the wild cats of the hills.
+
+"We feed them on fresh fish boiled with rice, until the two are nearly
+amalgamated; they also take bread and milk _warm_, the milk having been
+boiled, and this diet seems to suit them better than any other. They
+also like chicken and game. We have proved the fish diet is not
+essential, as two of our cats (in Cornwall) never get it.
+
+"Rather a free life seems necessary to their perfect acclimatisation,
+where they can go out and provide themselves with raw animal food,
+'feather and fur.'
+
+"We find these cats require a great deal of care, unless they live in
+the country, and become hardy through being constantly out of doors. The
+kittens are difficult to rear unless they are born late in the spring,
+thus having the warm weather before them. Most deaths occur before they
+are six months old.
+
+"We have lost several kittens from worms, which they endeavour to vomit;
+as relief we give them raw chicken heads, with _the feathers on_, with
+success. We also give cod-liver oil, if the appetite fails and weight
+diminishes.
+
+"When first born the colour is nearly pure white, the only trace of
+'points' being a fine line of dark gray at the edge of the ears; a
+gradual alteration takes place, the body becoming creamy, the ears,
+face, tail, and feet darkening, until, about a year old, they attain
+perfection, when the points should be the deepest brown, nearly black,
+and the body ash or fawn colour, eyes opal or blue, looking red in the
+dark. After maturity they are apt to darken considerably, though not in
+all specimens.
+
+"They are most interesting and delightful pets. But owing to their
+delicacy and the great care they require, no one, unless a real cat
+_lover_, should attempt to keep them; they cannot with safety to their
+health be treated as common cats.
+
+"During 'Susan's' (one of the cats) illness, the old he-cat came daily
+to condole with her, bringing delicate 'attentions' in the form of
+freshly-caught mice. 'Loquat' also provided this for a young family for
+whom she had no milk.
+
+"Another, 'Saiwan,' is very clever at undoing the latch of the window in
+order to let himself out; tying it up with string is of no use, and he
+has even managed to untwist wire that has been used to prevent his going
+out in the snow. We have at present two males, four adult females, and
+five kittens." One of our kittens sent to Scotland last August, has done
+well.
+
+Mrs. Lee, of Penshurst, also has some fine specimens of the breed, and
+of the same colours as described. I take it, therefore, that the true
+breed, by consensus of opinion, is that of the dun, fawn, or
+ash-coloured ground, with black points. Other colours should be shown in
+the variety classes.
+
+The head should be long from the ears to the eyes, and not over broad,
+and then rather sharply taper off towards the muzzle, the forehead flat,
+and receding, the eyes somewhat aslant downwards towards the nose, and
+the eyes of a pearly, yet bright blue colour, the ears usual size and
+black, with little or no hair on the inside, with black muzzle, and
+round the eyes black. The form should be slight, graceful, and
+delicately made, body long, tail rather short and thin, and the legs
+somewhat short, slender, and the feet oval, not so round as the ordinary
+English cat. The body should be one bright, uniform, even colour, not
+clouded, either rich fawn, dun, or ash. The legs, feet, and tail black.
+The back slightly darker is allowable, if of a rich colour, and the
+colour softened, _not clouded_.
+
+[Illustration: PROPERLY MARKED SIAMESE CAT.]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE MANX CAT.
+
+
+The Manx cat is well known, and is by no means uncommon. It differs
+chiefly from the ordinary domestic cat in being tailless, or nearly so,
+the best breeds not having any; the hind legs are thicker and rather
+longer, particularly in the thighs. It runs more like a hare than a cat,
+the action of the legs being awkward, nor does it seem to turn itself so
+readily, or with such rapidity and ease; the head is somewhat small for
+its size, yet thick and well set on a rather long neck; the eyes large,
+round, and full, ears medium, and rather rounded at the apex. In colour
+they vary, but I do not remember to have seen a white or many black,
+though one of the best that has come under my notice was the latter
+colour. I have examined a number of specimens sent for exhibition at the
+Crystal Palace and other cat shows, and found in some a very short,
+thin, twisted tail, in others a mere excrescence, and some with an
+appendage more like a knob. These I have taken as having been operated
+upon when young, the tail being removed, but this may not be the case,
+as Mr. St. George Mivart in his very valuable book on the cat, mentions
+a case where a female cat had her tail so injured by the passage of a
+cart-wheel over it, that her master judged it best to have it cut off
+near the base. Since then she has had two litters of kittens, and in
+each litter one or more of the kittens had a _stump of tail_, while
+their brothers and sisters had tails of the usual length. But were there
+no Manx cats in the neighbourhood, is a query. This case is analogous to
+the statement that the short-tailed sheep-dog was produced from parents
+that had had their tails amputated; and yet this is now an established
+breed. Also a small black breed of dogs from the Netherlands, which is
+now very fashionable. They are called "Chipperkes," and have no tails,
+at least when exhibited. Mr. St. George Mivart further states that Mr.
+Bartlett told him, as he has so stated to myself, that in the Isle of
+Man the cats have tails of different lengths, from nothing up to ten
+inches. I have also been informed on good authority that the Fox Terrier
+dogs, which invariably have (as a matter of fashion) their tails cut
+short, sometimes have puppies with much shorter tails than the original
+breed; but this does not appear to take effect on sheep, whose tails are
+generally cut off. I cannot, myself, come to the same conclusion as to
+the origin of the Manx cat. Be this as it may, one thing is certain:
+that cross-bred Manx with other cats often have young that are tailless.
+As a proof of this, Mr. Herbert Young, of Harrogate, has had in his
+possession a very fine red female long-haired tailless cat, that was
+bred between the Manx and a Persian. Another case showing the strong
+prepotency of the Manx cat. Mr. Hodgkin, of Eridge, some time ago had a
+female Manx cat sent to him. Not only does she produce tailless cats
+when crossed with the ordinary cat, but the progeny again crossed also
+frequently have some tailless kittens in each litter. I have also been
+told there is a breed of tailless cats in Cornwall. Mr. Darwin states in
+his book on "The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication,"
+vol. i. p. 47, that "throughout an immense area, namely, the Malayan
+Archipelago, Siam, Pequan, and Burmah, all the cats have truncated tails
+about half the proper length, often with a sort of knob at the end."
+This description tallies somewhat with the appearance of some of the
+Siamese cats that have been imported, several of which, though they have
+fairly long and thin tails, and though they are much pointed at the end,
+often have a break or kink. In a note Mr. Darwin says, "The Madagascar
+cat is said to have a twisted tail." (See Desmares, in Encyclop. Nat.
+Mamm., 1820, p. 233, for some other breeds.) Mr. St. George Mivart also
+corroborates the statement, so far as the Malay cat is concerned. He
+says the tail is only half the ordinary length, and often contorted into
+a sort of knot, so that it cannot be straightened. He further states,
+"Its contortion is due to deformity of the bones of the tail," and there
+is a tailless breed of cats in the Crimea. Some of the Manx cats I have
+examined have precisely the kind of tail here described--thin, very
+short, and twisted, that cannot be straightened. Is it possible that the
+Manx cat originated from the Malayan? Or rather is it a freak of nature
+perpetuated by selection? Be this as it may, we have the Manx cat now as
+a distinct breed, and, when crossed with others, will almost always
+produce some entirely tailless kittens, if not all. Many of the Siamese
+kittens bred here have kinks in their tails.
+
+The illustration I give is that of a prize winner at the Crystal Palace
+in 1880, 1881, 1882, and is the property of Mr. J. M. Thomas, of
+Parliament Street. In colour it is a brindled tortoiseshell. It is eight
+years old. At the end of this description I also give a portrait of one
+of its kittens, a tabby; both are true Manx, and neither have a particle
+of tail, only a very small tuft of hair which is boneless. The hind
+quarters are very square and deep, as contrasted with other cats, and
+the flank deeper, giving an appearance of great strength, the hind legs
+being longer, and thicker in proportion to the fore legs, which are much
+slighter and tapering; even the toes are smaller. The head is round for
+a she-cat, and the ears somewhat large and pointed, but thin and fine in
+the hair, the cavity of the ear has _less hair within it_ (also a trait
+of the Siamese) than some other short-haired cats, the neck is long and
+thin, as are the shoulders. Its habits are the same as those of most
+cats. I may add that Mr. Thomas, who is an old friend of mine, has had
+this breed many years, and kept it perfectly pure.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+VARIOUS COLOURS.
+
+
+Those who have had much to do with breeding, and crossing of animals,
+birds, or plants, well know that with time, leisure, and patience, how
+comparatively easy it is to improve, alter, enlarge, or diminish any of
+these, or any part of them; and looking at the cat from this standpoint,
+now that it is becoming "a fancy" animal, there is no prophesying what
+forms, colours, markings, or other variations will be made by those who
+understand what can be done by careful, well-considered matching, and
+skilful selection. We have now cats with no tails, short tails, and some
+of moderate length, long tails bushy and hairy; but should a very long
+tail be in request, I have no doubt whatever but that in a few years it
+would be produced; and now that there is a cat club constituted for the
+welfare and improvement of the condition, as well as the careful
+breeding of cats, curious and unforeseen results are most likely to be
+attained; but whether any will ever excel the many beautiful varieties
+we now have, is a problem that remains to be solved.
+
+This concludes the numerous varieties of _colours_ and the proper
+markings of the domestic cat, as regards beauty and the points of
+excellence to be observed for the purposes of exhibition. These are
+distinct, and as such, nearly all have classes for each individual
+colour and marking, and therefore it is imperative that the owner should
+note carefully the different properties and beauties of his or her
+particular specimen, and also as carefully read the schedule of prizes
+with such attention as to be enabled to enter his or her pet in the
+proper class; for, it is not only annoying to the exhibitor but to the
+judge to find an animal sometimes of extraordinary merit placed in the
+"wrong class" by _sheer inattention_ to the _printed rules_ and
+instructions prepared by the committee or promoters of the show. It is
+exceedingly distasteful, and I may say almost distressing, to a judge
+to find a splendid animal wrongly entered, and so to feel himself
+compelled to "pass it," and to affix the words fatal to all chance of
+winning--"Wrong class." Again let me impress on exhibitors to be
+careful--very careful--in this matter--this matter of entry--for I may
+say it is one of the reasons which has led to my placing these notes on
+paper, though I have done so with much pleasure, and with earnest hope
+that they will be found of some value and service to the "uninitiated."
+
+Of course there are, as there must be, a number of beautiful shades of
+colour, tints, and markings that are difficult to define or describe;
+colours and markings that are intermediate with those noticed; but
+though in themselves they are extremely interesting, and even very
+beautiful, they do not come within the range of the classes for certain
+definite forms of lines, spots, or colourings, as I have endeavoured to
+point out, and, indeed, it was almost impossible to make a sufficient
+number of classes to comprehend the whole. Therefore it has been
+considered wisest and even necessary as the most conducive to the best
+interests of the exhibitor and also to simplify the difficulties of
+judging, and for the maintenance of the various forms of beauty of the
+cat, to have classes wherein they are shown under rules of colour,
+points of beauty and excellence that are "hard and fast," and by this
+means all may not only know how and in what class to exhibit, but also
+what their chance is of "taking honours."
+
+As I have just stated, there are intermediate colours, markings, and
+forms, so extra classes have been provided for these, under the heading
+of "any other variety of colour," and "any other variety not before
+mentioned," and "any cats of peculiar structure." In this last case, the
+cats that have abnormal formations, such as seven toes, or even nine on
+their fore and hind legs, peculiar in other ways, such as three legs, or
+only two legs, as I have seen, may be exhibited. I regard these,
+however, as malformations, and not to be encouraged, being generally
+devoid of beauty, and lacking interest for the ordinary observer, and
+they also tend to create a morbid taste for the unnatural and ugly,
+instead of the beautiful; the beautiful, be it what it may, is always
+pleasant to behold; and there is but little, if any, doubt in my mind
+but that the constant companionship of even a beautiful cat must have a
+soothing effect. Therefore, not in cats only, but in all things have the
+finest and best. Surround yourself with the elegant, the graceful, the
+brilliant, the beautiful, the agile, and the gentle. Be it what it may,
+animal, bird, or flower, be careful to have the best. A man, it is said,
+is made more or less by his environments, and doubtless this is to a
+great extent, if not entirely, a fact; that being so, the contemplation
+of the beautiful must have its quieting, restful influences, and tend to
+a brighter and happier state of existence. I am fully aware there are
+many that may differ from me, though I feel sure I am not far wrong when
+I aver there are few animals really more beautiful than a cat. If it is
+a good, carefully selected specimen, well kept, well cared for, in high
+condition, in its prime of life, well-trained, graceful in every line,
+bright in colour, distinct in markings, supple and elegant in form,
+agile and gentle in its ways, it is beautiful to look at and must
+command admiration. Yes! the contemplation of the beautiful elevates the
+mind, if only in a cat; beauty of any kind, is beauty, and has its
+refining influences.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+USEFULNESS OF CATS.
+
+
+In our urban and suburban houses what should we do without cats? In our
+sitting or bedrooms, our libraries, in our kitchens and storerooms, our
+farms, barns, and rickyards, in our docks, our granaries, our ships, and
+our wharves, in our corn markets, meat markets, and other places too
+numerous to mention, how useful they are! In our ships, however, the
+rats oft set them at defiance; still they are of great service.
+
+How wonderfully patient is the cat when watching for rats or mice,
+awaiting their egress from their place of refuge or that which is their
+home! How well Shakespeare in _Pericles_, Act iii., describes this keen
+attention of the cat to its natural pursuit!
+
+    The cat, with eyne of burning coal,
+    Now crouches from (before) the mouse's hole.
+
+A slight rustle, and the fugitive comes forth; a quick, sharp, resolute
+motion, and the cat has proved its usefulness. Let any one have a plague
+of rats and mice, as I once had, and let them be delivered therefrom by
+cats, as I was, and they will have a lasting and kind regard for them.
+
+A friend not long since informed me that a cat at Stone's Distillery was
+seen to catch two rats at one time, a fore foot on each. All the cats
+kept at this establishment, and there are several, are of the red tabby
+colour, and therefore most likely all males.
+
+I am credibly informed of a still more extraordinary feat of a cat in
+catching mice, that of a red tabby cat which on being taken into a
+granary at Sevenoaks where there were a number of mice, dashed in among
+a retreating group, and secured four, one with each paw and two in her
+mouth.
+
+At the office of _The Morning Advertiser_, I am informed by my old
+friend Mr. Charles Williams, they boast of a race of cats bred there for
+nearly half a century. In colour these are mostly tortoiseshell, and
+some are very handsome.
+
+The Government, mindful also of their utility, pay certain sums, which
+are regularly passed through the accounts quarterly, for the purpose of
+providing and keeping cats in our public offices, dockyards, stores,
+shipping, etc., thereby proving, if proof were wanting, their
+acknowledged worth.
+
+In Vienna four cats are employed by the town magistrates to catch mice
+on the premises of the municipality. A regular allowance is voted for
+their keep, and, after a limited period of active service, they are
+placed on the "retired list," with a comfortable pension.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There are also a number of cats in the service of the United States Post
+Office. These cats are distributed over the different offices to protect
+the bags from being eaten by rats and mice, and the cost of providing
+for them is duly inscribed in the accounts. When a birth takes place,
+the local postmaster informs the district superintendent of the fact,
+and obtains an addition to his rations.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A short time ago, the budget of the Imperial Printing Office in France,
+amongst other items, contained one for cats, which caused some merriment
+in the legislative chamber during its discussion. According to the
+_Pays_ these cats are kept for the purpose of destroying the numerous
+rats and mice which infest the premises, and cause considerable damage
+to the large stock of paper which is always stored there. This feline
+staff is fed twice a day, and a man is employed to look after them; so
+that for cats' meat and the keeper's salary no little expense is
+annually incurred; sufficient, in fact, to form a special item in the
+national expenditure.
+
+Mr. W. M. Acworth, in his excellent book, "The Railways of England,"
+gives a very interesting account of the usefulness of the cat. He says,
+writing of the Midland Railway: "A few miles further off, however--at
+Trent--is a still more remarkable portion of the company's staff, eight
+cats, who are borne on the strength of the establishment, and for whom a
+sufficient allowance of milk and cats' meat is provided. And when we say
+that the cats have under their charge, according to the season of the
+year, from one to three or four hundred thousand empty corn sacks, it
+will be admitted that the company cannot have many servants who better
+earn their wages.
+
+"The holes in the sacks, which are eaten by the rats which are not
+killed by the cats, are darned by twelve women, who are employed by the
+company."
+
+Few people know, or wish to know, what a boon to mankind is "The
+Domestic Cat." Liked or disliked, there is the cat, in some cases
+unthought of or uncared for, but simply kept on account of the
+devastation that would otherwise take place were rats and mice allowed
+to have undivided possession. An uncle of mine had some hams sent from
+Yorkshire; during the transit by rail the whole of the interior of one
+of the largest was consumed by rats. More cats at the stations would
+possibly have prevented such irritating damage.
+
+And further, it is almost incredible, and likewise almost unknown, the
+great benefit the cat is to the farmer. All day they sleep in the barns,
+stables, or outhouses, among the hay or straw. At eve they are seen
+about the rick-yard, the corn-stack, the cow and bullock yards, the
+stables, the gardens, and the newly sown or mown fields, in quest of
+their natural prey, the rat and mouse. In the fields the mice eat and
+carry off the newly-sown peas or corn, so in the garden, or the ripened
+garnered corn in stacks; but when the cat is on guard much of this is
+prevented. Rats eat corn and carry off more, kill whole broods of
+ducklings and chickens in a night, undermine buildings, stop drains, and
+unwittingly do much other injury to the well-being of the farmers and
+others. What a ruinous thing it would be, and what a dreadfully horrible
+thing it is to be overrun with rats, to say nothing of mice. In this
+matter man's best friend is the cat. Silent, careful, cautious, and
+sure, it is at work, while the owner sleeps, with an industry, a will,
+and purpose that never rests nor tires from dewy eve till rosy morn,
+when it will glide through "the cat hole" into the barn for repose among
+the straw, and when night comes, forth again; its usefulness scarcely
+imagined, much less known and appreciated.
+
+They who remember old Fleet Prison, in Farringdon Street, will scarcely
+believe that the debtors there confined were at times so neglected as to
+be absolutely starving; so much so, that a Mr. Morgan, a surgeon of
+Liverpool, being put into that prison, was ultimately reduced so low by
+poverty, neglect, and hunger, as to catch mice by the means of a cat for
+his sustenance. This is stated to be the fact in a book written by Moses
+Pitt, "The Cries of the Oppressed," 1691.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
+
+FEEDING.
+
+
+Adult cats require less food in proportion than kittens, for two
+reasons. One is this: a kitten is growing, and therefore extra bone,
+flesh, skin, hair, and all else has to be provided for; while in the
+adults, these are more or less acquired, and also they procure for
+themselves, in various ways in country or suburban localities, much live
+and other food, and no animal is the better for over or excessive
+feeding, especially if confined, or its chances of exercise contracted.
+
+I have tried many ways or methods of feeding, biscuits of sorts, liver,
+lights, horseflesh, bread and milk, rice, fish, and cat mixtures, but
+have always attained the best results by giving new milk as drink, and
+raw shin of beef for food, with grass, boiled asparagus stems,
+cabbage-lettuce, or some other vegetable, either cooked or fresh. Good
+horseflesh is much liked by the cat, and it thrives well on it. I do not
+believe in either liver or lights as a flesh or bone maker. Besides the
+beef, there are the "tit-bits" that the household cat not only usually
+receives, but looks for or expects.
+
+My dear friend, Mr. John Timbs, in "Things not Generally Known," avers
+that cats are not so fond of fish as flesh, and that the statement that
+they are is a fallacy. He says, put both before them and they will take
+the flesh first, and this I have found to be correct. I should only give
+fresh fish, as a rule, to a cat when unwell, more as an alternative than
+food.
+
+As raw meat or other raw food is natural to the cat, it is far the best,
+with vegetables, for keeping the body, coat, and skin in good condition
+and health, and the securing of a rich, bright, high colour and quality.
+On no account try to improve these by either medicinal liquids, pills,
+or condiments; nothing can be much worse, as reflection will prove. If
+the cat is healthy, it is at its best, and will keep so by proper food;
+if unwell, then use such medicines as the disease or complaint it
+suffers from requires, _and not otherwise_. Many horses and other
+animals have their constitutions entirely ruined by what are called
+"coat tonics," which are useless, and only believed in and practised by
+the thoughtless, gullible, and foolish. Does any one, or will any one
+take pills, powders, or liquids, for promoting the colour or texture of
+their hair; would any one be so silly? And yet we are coolly told to
+give such things to our animals. Granted that in illness medicine is of
+much service, in health it is harmful, and tends to promote disease
+where none exists.
+
+
+SLEEPING PLACES.
+
+I much prefer a round basket filled with oat straw to anything else;
+some urge that a box is better; my cats have a basket. It is well to
+sprinkle the straw occasionally with Keating's Powder or flour of
+sulphur, which is a preventive of insect annoyances, and "Prevention is
+better than cure."
+
+Never shut cats up in close cupboards for the night, there being little
+or no ventilation; it is most injurious, pure air being as essential to
+a cat as to a human being.
+
+Always have a box with dry earth near the cat's sleeping place, unless
+there is an opening for egress near.
+
+Do not, as a rule, put either collar or ribbon on your cat; though they
+may thereby be improved in appearance, they are too apt to get entangled
+or caught by the collar, and often strangulation ensues; besides which,
+in long-haired cats, it spoils their mane or frill. Of course at shows
+it is allowable.
+
+All cats, as well as other animals, should have ready access to a pan of
+clear water, which should be changed every day, and the pan cleaned.
+
+Fresh air, sunlight, and warm sunshine are good, both for cats and their
+owners.
+
+It is related of Charles James Fox that, walking up St. James's Street
+from one of the club-houses with the Prince of Wales, he laid a wager
+that he would see more cats than the Prince in his walk, and that he
+might take which side of the street he liked. When they reached the top,
+it was found that Mr. Fox had seen thirteen cats, and the Prince not
+one. The Royal personage asked for an explanation of this apparent
+miracle. Mr. Fox said: "Your Royal Highness took, of course, the shady
+side of the way as most agreeable; I knew the sunny side would be left
+for me, and _cats always prefer the sunshine_."
+
+A most essential requisite for the health of the cat is cleanliness. In
+itself the animal is particularly so, as may be observed by its constant
+habit of washing, or cleaning its fur many times a day; therefore, a
+clean basket, clean straw, or clean flannel, to lie on--in fact,
+everything clean is not only necessary, but is a necessity for its
+absolute comfort.
+
+Mr. Timbs says: "It is equally erroneous that she is subject to fleas;
+the small insect, which infests the half-grown kitten, being a totally
+different animal, exceedingly swift in running, but not salient or
+leaping like a flea."
+
+In this Mr. Timbs slightly errs. Cats _do_ have fleas, but not often,
+and of a different kind to the ordinary flea; but I have certainly seen
+them jump.
+
+In dressing the coat of the cat no comb should be used, more especially
+with the long-haired varieties; but if so, which I do not recommend,
+great care should be used not to drag the hair so that it comes out, or
+breaks, otherwise a rough, uneven coat will and must be the result.
+
+Should the hair become clotted, matted, or felted, as is sometimes the
+case, it ought to be moistened, either with oil or soft-soap, a little
+water being added, and when the application has well soaked in, it will
+be found comparatively easy to separate the tangle with the fingers by
+gently pulling out from the mass a few hairs at a time, after which wash
+thoroughly, and use a soft, long-haired brush; but this must be done
+with discretion, so as not to spoil the natural waviness of the hair, or
+to make it lie in breadths instead of the natural, easy,
+carelessly-parted flaky appearance, which shows the white or blue cat
+off to such advantage.
+
+
+WASHING.
+
+Most cats have a dislike to water, and as a rule, and under ordinary
+conditions, generally keep themselves clean, more especially the
+short-haired breeds; but, as is well known, the Angora, Persian, and
+Russian, if not taken care of, are sure to require washing, the more so
+to prepare them for exhibition, as there is much gain in the condition
+in which a cat comes before the judge.
+
+There are many cases of cats taking to the water and swimming to certain
+points to catch fish, or for other food, on record; yet it is seldom
+that they take a pleasure in playing about in it. I therefore think it
+well to mention that I had a half-bred black and white Russian, that
+would frequently jump into the bath while it was being filled, and sit
+there until the water rose too high for its safety. Thus cats may be
+taught to like washing.
+
+If a cat is to be washed, treat it as kindly and gently as is possible,
+speaking in a soothing tone, and in no way be hasty or sudden in your
+movements, so as to raise distrust or fear. Let the water be warm but
+not hot, put the cat in slowly, and when its feet rest on the bottom of
+the tub, you may commence the washing.
+
+Mr. A. A. Clarke, the well-known cat fancier, says: "I seldom wash my
+cats, I rather prefer giving them a good clean straw-bed, and attending
+to their general health and condition, and they will then very seldom
+require washing. I find that much washing makes the coat harsh and poor,
+and I also know from experience that it is 'a work of art' to wash a
+cat properly, and requires an artist in that way to do it. My plan is to
+prepare some liquid soap, by cutting a piece into shreds, and putting it
+into cold water, and then boiling it for an hour. I then have two clean
+tubs got ready, one to wash, the other to rinse in. Have soft water
+about blood heat, with a very small piece of soda in the washing-tub,
+into which I place the cat, hind-quarters first, having some one that it
+knows perfectly well, to hold and talk to the cat while the washing is
+going on. I begin with the tail, and thoroughly rubbing in the soap with
+my hands, and getting by degrees over the body and shoulders up to the
+ears, leaving the head until the cat is rinsed in the other tub, which
+ought to be half filled with warm soft water, into which I place the
+cat, and thoroughly rinse out all the soap, when at the same time I wash
+the head, and I then sit in front of the fire and dry with warm towels;
+and if it is done well and thoroughly, it is a good three hours' hard
+work."
+
+I would add to the foregoing that I should use Naldire's dog soap, which
+I have found excellent in all ways, and it also destroys any insect life
+that may be present.
+
+Also in washing, be careful not to move the hands in circles, or the
+hair will become entangled and knotty, and very difficult to untwist or
+unravel. Take the hair in the hands, and press the softened soap through
+and through the interstices, and when rinsing do the same with the
+water, using a large sponge for the purpose. After drying I should put
+the cat in a box lightly, full of oat straw, and place it in front of,
+or near a fire, at such distance as not to become too warm, and only
+near enough to prevent a chill before the cat is thoroughly dry.
+
+
+MATING.
+
+    Yet nature is made better by no mean,
+    But nature makes that mean: so, o'er that art,
+    Which, you say, adds to nature, is an art
+    That nature makes.
+
+                                    _Coriolanus, Act II. Scene I._
+
+This requires much and careful consideration, and in this, as well as in
+many other things, experience and theory join hands, while the knowledge
+of the naturalist and fancier is of great and superlative value; yet,
+with all combined, anything like certainty can never be assured,
+although the possession of pedigree is added, and the different
+properties of food, health, quality, and breed understood and taken into
+account. Still, much may be gained by continued observation and close
+study of the peculiar properties of colour, besides that of form. If,
+for instance, a really, absolutely _blue_ cat, without a shade of any
+other colour, were obtainable, and likewise a pure, clear, canary
+yellow, there is little doubt that at a distant period, a green would be
+the ultimate goal of success. But the yellow tabby is not a yellow, nor
+the blue a blue. There being, then, only a certain variety of colours in
+cats, the tints to be gained are limited entirely to a certain set of
+such colours, and the numerous shades and half-shades of these mixed,
+broken, or not, into tints, markings light or dark, as desired. To all
+colour arrangements, if I may so call them, by the mind, intellect, or
+hand of man, there is a limit, beyond which none can go. It is thus far
+and no further.
+
+There is the black cat, and the white; and between these are intervening
+shades, from very light, or white-gray, to darker, blue, dark blue,
+blackish blue, gray and black. If a blue-black is used, the lighter
+colours are of one tint; if a brown-black, they are another.
+
+Then in what are termed the sandies and browns, it commences with the
+yellow-white tint scarcely visible apart from white to the uninitiated
+eye; then darker and darker, until it culminates in deep brown, with the
+intervening yellows, reds, chestnuts, mahoganys, and such colours, which
+generally are striped with a darker colour of nearly their own shade,
+until growing denser, it ends in brown-black.
+
+The gray tabby has a ground colour of gray. In this there are the
+various shades from little or no markings, leaving the colour a brown or
+gray, or the gray gradually disappearing before the advance of the black
+in broader and broader bands, until the first is excluded and black is
+the result.
+
+The tortoiseshell is a mixture of colours in patches, and is certainly
+an exhibition of what may be done by careful selection, mating, and
+crossing of an animal while under the control of man, in a state of
+thorough domestication. What the almond tumbler is to the pigeon
+fancier, so is the tortoiseshell cat to the cat fancier, or the bizarre
+tulip to the florist. As regards colour, it is a triumph of art over
+nature, by the means of skilful, careful mating, continued with
+unwearying patience. We get the same combination of colour in the
+guinea-pig, both male and female, and therefore this is in part a proof
+that by proper mating, eventually a tortoiseshell male cat should soon
+be by no means a rarity. There are rules, which, if strictly followed
+under favourable conditions, ought to produce certain properties, such
+properties that may be desired, either by foolish (which generally it
+is) fashion, or the production of absolute beauty of form, markings in
+colours, or other brilliant effects, and which the true fanciers
+endeavour to obtain. It is to this latter I shall address my remarks,
+rather than to the reproduction of the curious, the inelegant, or the
+deformed, such as an undesirable number of toes, which are impediments
+to utility.
+
+In the first place, the fancier must thoroughly make up his mind as to
+the variety of form, colour, association of colours or markings by
+which he wishes to produce, if possible, perfection; and, having done
+so, he must provide himself with such stock as, on being mated, are
+likely to bring such progeny as will enable him in due time to attain
+the end he has in view. This being gained, he must also prepare himself
+for many disappointments, which are the more likely to accrue from the
+reason that, in all probability, he starts without any knowledge of the
+ancestry or pedigree of the animals with which he begins his operations.
+Therefore, for this reason, he has to gain his knowledge of any aptitude
+for divergence from the ordinary or the common they may exhibit, or
+which his practical experience discovers, and thus, as it were, build up
+a family with certain points and qualities before he can actually embark
+in the real business of accurately matching and crossing so as to
+produce the results which, by a will, undeviating perseverance, and
+patience, he is hoping to gain eventually--the perfection he so long,
+ardently, and anxiously seeks to acquire; but he must bear in mind that
+that, on which he sets his mark, though high, must come within the
+limits and compass of that which _is_ attainable, for it is not the
+slightest use to attempt that which is not within the charmed circle of
+possibilities.
+
+
+TORTOISESHELLS.
+
+I place these first on the list because, being an old pigeon fancier and
+somewhat of a florist, I deem these to be the breed wherein there is the
+most art and skill required to produce properly all the varied mottled
+beauty of bright colours that a cat of this breed should possess; and
+those who have bred tortoiseshells well know how difficult a task it is.
+
+In breeding for this splendid, gorgeous, and diversified arrangement of
+colouring, a black, or even a blue, may be used with a yellow or red
+tabby female, or a white male, supposing either or both were the
+offspring of a tortoiseshell mother. The same males might be used with
+advantage with a tortoiseshell female. This is on the theory of whole
+colours, and patches or portions of whole colours, without bars or
+markings when possible. In the same way some of the best almond tumbler
+pigeons are bred from an almond cock mated to a yellow hen. The
+difficulty here, until lately, has been to breed hens of the varied
+mottling on almond colour, the hen almost invariably coming nearly, if
+not quite yellow--so much so that forty to fifty years ago a yellow hen
+was considered as a pair to an almond cock, in the same way as the red
+tabby male is now regarded in respect to the tortoiseshell female; and
+it was not until at Birmingham, many years ago, when acting as judge, I
+refused to award prizes to them as such, that the effort was made, and a
+successful one, to breed almond-coloured hens with the same plumage as
+the cock--that is, the three colours. With cats the matter is entirely
+different, it being the male at present that is the difficulty, if a
+real difficulty it may be called.
+
+Mr. Herbert Young, a most excellent cat fancier and authority on the
+subject, is of opinion that if a tortoiseshell male cat could be found,
+it would not prove fertile with a tortoiseshell female. But of this I am
+very doubtful, because, if the red and the yellow tabby is so, which is
+decidedly a weaker colour, I do not see how it can possess more vitality
+than a cat marked with the _three_ colours; in fact the latter ought, in
+reality, to be more prolific, having black as one of the colours, which
+is a strong colour, blue being only the weak substitute, or with white
+_combined_. A whole black is one of the strongest colours and most
+powerful of cats.
+
+Reverting once again to the pigeon fancier by way of analogy, take, as
+an instance, what is termed the silver-coloured pigeon, or the yellow.
+These two, and duns, are, by loss of certain pigments, differently
+coloured and constituted (like the tortoiseshell among cats) from other
+varieties of pigeons of harder colours, such as blues, and blacks, or
+even reds. For a long time silver turbit cock pigeons were so scarce
+that, until I bred some myself, I had never seen such a thing; yet hens
+were common enough, and got from silver and blues. In the nestling
+before the feathers come, the young of these colours are without down,
+and are thus thought to be, and doubtless are, a weakly breed; yet there
+is no absolute diminution of strength, beyond that of colour, when
+silver is matched to silver; but dun with dun, these last go lower in
+the scale, losing the black tint, and not unfrequently the colour is
+yellow; or, matched with black, breed true blacks. I am, therefore, of
+opinion that a tortoiseshell male and female would, and should, produce
+the best of tortoiseshells, both male and female.
+
+It not unfrequently happens that from a tortoiseshell mother, in the
+litter of kittens there are male blacks and clear whites, and I have
+known of one case when a good blue and one where the mixed colours were
+blue, light red, and light yellow were produced, while the sisters in
+the litter were of the usual pure tortoiseshell markings. In such cases,
+generally, the latter only are kept, unless it is the blue, the others
+being too often destroyed. My own plan would be to breed from such black
+or white males, and if not successful in the first attempt, to breed
+again in the same way with the young obtained with such cross; and I
+have but little doubt that, by so doing, the result so long sought after
+would be achieved. At least, I deem it far more likely to be so than the
+present plan of using the red tabby as the male, which are easily
+produced, though very few are of high excellence in richness of ground
+tints.
+
+
+TORTOISESHELL-AND-WHITE.
+
+If tortoiseshell-and-white are desired, then a black-and-white male may
+be selected, being bred in the same way as those recommended for the
+pure tortoiseshell, or one without white if the female has white; but on
+_no account_ should an ordinary tabby be tolerated, but a red tabby
+female of deep colour, or having white, may be held in request, though
+I would prefer patches of colour not in any way barred. The gray tabby
+will throw barred, spotted, or banded kittens, mixed with tortoiseshell,
+which is the very worst form of mottling, and is very difficult to
+eradicate. A gray "ticking" will most likely appear between the dark
+colour, as it does between the black bars of the tabby.
+
+
+BLACK.
+
+The best black, undoubtedly, are those bred from tortoiseshell mothers
+or females. The black is generally more dense, and less liable to show
+any signs of spots, bands, or bars, when the animal is in the sun or a
+bright light; when this is so, it is fatal to a black as regards its
+chance of a prize, or even notice, and it comes under the denomination
+of a black tabby.
+
+If a black and a white cat are mated, let the black be the male, blacks
+having more stamina, the issue will probably be either white or black;
+and also when you wish the black to be perpetuated, the black male must
+be younger. In 1884, a black female cat was exhibited with five white
+kittens. I have just seen a beautiful black Persian whose mother was a
+clear white; this, and the foregoing example, prove either colour
+represents the same for the purpose of breeding to colour.
+
+For breeding black with white, take care that the white is the
+gray-white, and not the yellow-white; the first generally has orange or
+yellow eyes, and this is one of the required qualities in the black cat.
+If a yellow-white with blue eyes, this type of eye would be detrimental,
+and most likely the eyes of the offspring would have a green stain, or
+possibly be of odd colours.
+
+It should be borne in mind, that black kittens are seldom or ever so
+rich in colour when newly born, as they afterwards become; therefore, if
+without spots or bars, and of a deep self brown-black, they will in all
+possibility be fine in colour when they gain their adult coat. This the
+experienced fancier well knows, though the tyro often destroys that
+which will ultimately prove of value, simply from ignorance. An instance
+of the brown-black kitten is before me as I write, in a beautiful
+Persian, which is now changing from the dull kitten self brown-black on
+to a brilliant glossy, jetty beauty.
+
+
+BLUES.
+
+Blue in cats is one of the most extraordinary colours of any, for the
+reason that it is the _mixture_ of black which is no colour, and white
+which is no colour, and this is the more curious because black mated
+with white generally produces either one colour or the other, or breaks
+black and white, or white and black. The blue being, as it were, a
+weakened black, or a withdrawal by white of some, if not all, of the
+brown or red, varying in tint according to the colour of the black from
+which it was bred, dark-gray, or from weakness in the stamina of the
+litter. In the human species an alliance of the Negro, or African race,
+and the European, produces the mulatto, and some other shades of
+coloured skin, though the hair generally retains the black hue; but
+seldom or ever are the colours broken up as in animal life, the only
+instance that has come to my knowledge, and I believe on record, being
+that of the spotted Negro boy, exhibited at fairs in England by
+Richardson, the famous showman; but in this case both the parents were
+black, and natives of South Africa. The boy arrived in England in
+September, 1809, and died February, 1813. His skin and hair were
+everywhere parti-coloured, transparent brown and white; on the crown of
+his head several triangles, one within the other, were formed by
+alternations of the colour of the hair.
+
+In other domestic animals blue colour is not uncommon. Blue-tinted dogs,
+rabbits, horses of a blue-gray, or spotted with blue on a pink flesh
+colour, as in the naked horse shown at the Crystal Palace some years
+ago, also pigs; and all these have likewise broken colours of blue, or
+black, and white. I do not remember having seen any blue cattle, nor any
+blue guinea-pigs, but no doubt these latter will soon exist. When once
+the colour or break from the black is acquired, it is then easy to go on
+multiplying the different shades and varieties of tint and tone, from
+the dark blue-black to the very light, almost white-gray. In some places
+in Russia, I am told, blue cats are exceedingly common; I have seen
+several shown under the names of Archangel, and others as Chartreuse and
+Maltese cats. Persians are imported sometimes of this colour, both dark
+and light. Next kin to it is the very light-gray tabby, with almost the
+same hue, if not quite so light-gray markings. Two such mated have been
+known to produce very light self grays, and of a lovely hue, a sort of
+"morning gray"; these matched with black should breed blues. Old male
+black, and young female white cats, have been known to produce kittens
+this colour. There is a colony of farm cats at Rodmell, Sussex, from
+which very fine blues are bred. Light silver tabby males, and white
+females, are also apt to have one or so in a litter of kittens; but
+these generally are not such good blues, the colour being a gray-white,
+or nearly so, should the hair or coat be parted or divided, the skin
+being light. The very dark, if from brown-black, are not so blue, but
+come under the denomination of "smokies," or blue "smokies," with
+scarcely a tint of blue in them; some "smokies" are white, or nearly so,
+with dark tips to the hair; these more often occur among Persian than
+English cats, though I once had a smoky tabby bred from a black and a
+silver tabby. Importations of some of the former are often extremely
+light, scarcely showing any markings. These, and such as these, are very
+valuable where a self blue is desired. If these light colours are
+females, a smoke-coloured male is an excellent cross, as it already
+shows a weakened colour. For a very light, tender, delicate, light-gray
+long-haired self, I should try a white male, and either a rich blue, or
+a soft gray, extremely lightly-marked tabby.
+
+As a rule, all broken whites, such as black and white, should be
+avoided; because, as I explained at the commencement of these notes on
+blues, the blue is black and white _amalgamated_, or the brown withdrawn
+from the colouring, or, if not, with the colours breaking, or becoming
+black and white. If whole coloured blues are in request, then
+parti-colours, such as white and black, or black and white, are best
+excluded. Blue and white are easily attainable by mating a blue male
+with a white and black female.
+
+The best and deepest coloured of the blue short-haired cats are from
+Archangel. Those I have seen were very fine in colour, the pelage being
+the same colour to the skin, which was also dark and of a uniform
+lilac-tinted blue. Some come by chance. I knew of a blue English cat,
+winner of several prizes, whose parents were a black and white male
+mated with a "light-gray tabby" and white; but this was an exception to
+the rule, for strongly-marked tabbies are not a good cross.
+
+
+BROWN TABBY.
+
+For the purpose of breeding rich brown black-striped tabbies, a male of
+a rich dark rufous or red tabby should be selected, the bands being
+regular and not too broad, the lighter or ground colour showing well
+between the lines; if the black lines are very broad, it is then a
+black, striped with brown, instead of a brown with black, which is
+wrong. With this match a female of a good brown ground colour, marked
+with dense, not broad, black bands, having clear, sharply defined edges.
+Note also that the centre line of the back is a distinct line, with the
+brown ground colour on which it is placed being in no way interspersed
+with black, and at least as broad as the black line; by this cross
+finely-marked kittens of a brilliant colour may be expected. But if the
+progeny are not so bright as required, and the ground colour not glowing
+enough, then, when the young arrive at maturity, mate with a dark-yellow
+red tabby either male or female.
+
+Very beautiful brown tabbies are also to be found among the litters of
+the female tortoiseshell, allied with a dark-brown tabby with narrow
+black bars. It is a cross that may be tried with advantage for both
+variety and richness of colour, among which it will not be found
+difficult to find something worthy of notice.
+
+
+WHITE.
+
+Of English, or short-haired cats, the best white are those from a
+tortoiseshell mother, and as often some of the best blacks. These whites
+are generally of soft yellow, or sandy tint of white. Although they have
+pink noses, as also are the cushions of their feet, they are not
+Albinos, not having the peculiar pink or red eyes, nor are they
+deficient in sight. I have seen and examined with much care some
+hundreds of white cats, but have never yet seen one with pink eyes,
+though it has been asserted that such exist, and there is no reason why
+they should not. Still, I am inclined to think they do not, and the pale
+blue eyes, or the red tinted blue, like those of the Siamese, take the
+place of it in the feline race; neither have I ever seen a white horse
+with pink eyes, but I find it mentioned in one of the daily papers that
+among other presents to the Emperor of Russia, the Bokhara Embassy took
+with them ten thoroughbred saddle-horses of different breeds, one of
+them being a magnificent animal--a pure white stallion with _blue eyes_.
+
+The cold gray-white is the opposite of the black, and this knowledge
+should not be lost sight of in mating. It generally has yellow or light
+orange eyes. This colour, in a male, may be crossed with the
+yellow-white with advantage, when more strength of constitution is
+required; but otherwise I deem the best matching is that of two
+yellow-white, both with blue eyes, for soft hair, elegance, and beauty;
+but even a black male and a white female produce whites, and sometimes
+blacks, but the former are generally of a coarse description, and harsh
+in coat by comparison. I think the blue-eyed white are a distinct breed
+from the common ordinary white cat, nor do I remember any such being
+bred from those with eyes of yellow colour.
+
+
+ABYSSINIAN.
+
+To breed these true, it is well to procure imported or pedigree stock,
+for many cats are bred in England from ordinary tabbies, that so nearly
+resemble Abyssinian in colour as scarcely to be distinguished from the
+much-prized foreigners. The males are generally of a darker colour than
+the females, and are mostly marked with dark-brown bands on the
+forehead, a black band along the back which ends at the tip of the tail,
+with which it is annulated. The ticking should be of the truest kind,
+each hair being of three distinct colours, blue, yellow, or red, and
+black at the points, the cushions of the feet black, and back of the
+hind-legs. Choose a female, with either more red or yellow, the markings
+being the same, and, with care in the selection, there will be some very
+brilliant specimens. Eyes bright orange-yellow.
+
+
+ABYSSINIAN CROSSES.
+
+Curiously coloured as the Abyssinian cat is, and being a true breed, no
+doubt of long far back ancestry, it is most useful in crossing with
+other varieties, even with the Persian, Russian, Angora, or the
+Archangel, the ticking hues being easy of transmission, and is then
+capable of charming and delightful tints, with breadths of beautiful
+mottled or grizzled colouring, if judiciously mated. The light tabby
+Persian, matched with a female Abyssinian, would give unexpected
+surprises, so with the dark blue Archangel; a well-ticked blue would not
+only be a novelty, but an elegant colour hitherto unseen. A deep red
+tabby might result in a whole colour, bright red, or a yellow tint. I
+have seen a cat nearly black ticked with white, which had yellow eyes.
+It was truly a splendid and very beautiful animal, of a most _recherche_
+colour. Matched with a silver-gray tabby, a silver-gray tick is
+generally the sequence. A yellow-white will possibly prove excellent.
+Try it!
+
+
+WHITE AND BLACK.
+
+For white and black choose evenly marked animals, in which white
+predominates. I have seen three differently bred cats, white, with black
+ears and tails, all else being white, and been informed of others. I
+failed to notice the colour of the eyes which came under my own
+observation, for which I am sorry, for much depends on the colour of the
+eyes in selection; for though the parents are white and black, many gray
+and white, tabby and white, even yellow and white will appear among the
+kittens, gray being the original colour, and black the sport.
+
+
+BLACK AND WHITE.
+
+A deep brown, dense black ground, with a blaze up the face, white nose
+and lips, should be chosen--white chest and white feet. Get a female as
+nearly as possible so marked, and being a dense blue-black, both with
+orange eyes, when satisfactorily marked, and sable and white kittens may
+be expected.
+
+
+BLUE TABBY.
+
+A slate colour, or a blue male cat, mated with a strongly black-marked,
+though narrow-banded blue or gray tabby, is the best for dark blue
+tabbies, or a light-gray, evenly-marked female may be used. What a
+lovely thing a white cat, marked with black stripes, would be! It may be
+got.
+
+
+SPOTTED TABBY.
+
+For spotted tabby the best brown are those got by mating a spotted red
+tabby, the darker the better, and a brown and black spotted female.
+These should be carefully selected, not only for their ground colour,
+but also for the roundness, distinctness, blackness, and arrangements of
+their spots.
+
+For grays, blues, and light ash-coloured tabbies, the same care should
+be exercised, the only difference being the choice of ground colours.
+
+
+FANCY COLOURS.
+
+By other odd and fanciful combinations, many beautiful mottles and
+stripes may be secured, and strange, quaint, harmonious arrangements of
+lines and spots produced according to "fancy's dictates;" but the
+foregoing are the chief colours in request for exhibition purposes, and
+most of the colour marking. In any other colour classes, the beauties,
+whatever they may be, are chiefly the result of accident or sports,
+selected for such beauty, or in other ways equally interesting.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CAT AND KITTENS.
+
+
+Care and attention is necessary when the cat is likely to become a
+mother. A basket or box, half filled with sweet hay, or clean oat straw,
+with some flannel in the winter, is absolutely requisite, and a quiet
+nook or corner selected away from light, noise, and intrusion. Some
+prefer a box made like a rabbit-hutch, with sleeping place, and a barred
+door to one or both compartments which may be closed when thought
+necessary for comfort and quiet. The cat should be placed within, with
+food and new milk by or inside, and there be regularly fed for a few
+days, all pans and plates to be kept well washed, and only as much food
+given at a time as can be eaten at one meal, so that everything is clean
+and fresh. Cats, as I have before stated, delight in cleanliness,
+therefore this, nor any comfort, should not be forgotten or omitted, for
+so much depends on her health and the growth of her little family, with
+regard to their future well-being.
+
+The cat brings forth three times a year, and often more. The time of
+gestation is to sixty-three days, and the number of the kittens varies
+much. Some will have five to six at a birth, while others _never_ have
+more than two or three. I had a blue tabby, "The Old Lady," which never
+had more than _one_. The cat, however, is a very prolific animal, and,
+if of long life, produces a very numerous progeny. _The Derby Gazette_,
+December 10th, 1886, states:--"There is a cat at Cromford, the age of
+which is nineteen years. It belonged to the late Mr. Isaac Orme, who
+died a few months ago. The old man made an entry of all the kittens the
+cat had given birth to, which, up to the time of his death, numbered
+120. It has now just given birth to _one_ more. It will not leave the
+house where the old man died, except to visit a neighbouring house,
+where there is a harmonium; and when the instrument is being played, the
+cat will go and stand on its hind-legs beside the player."
+
+Cats live to various ages, the oldest I have seen being twenty-one
+years, and the foregoing is the greatest age at which I have known one
+to breed. But I am indebted to Mrs. Paterson, of Tunbridge Wells, for
+the information that Mr. Sandal had a cat that lived to the
+extraordinary age of twenty-four years. I have seen Mr. Sandal, and
+found that such was the case. It was a short-haired cat, and rather
+above the usual size, and tabby in colour.
+
+When littered, the kittens are weak, blind, deaf, helpless little
+things, and it appears almost impossible they can ever attain the supple
+grace and elegance of form and motion so much admired in the
+fully-developed cat.
+
+The state of visual darkness continues until the eighth or ninth day,
+during which the eyesight is gradually developing. After this they grow
+rapidly, and, at the age of a few weeks, the gamboling, frolicsome life
+of "kittenhood" begins, and they begin to feed, lap milk, if slightly
+warm, when placed in front of them.
+
+No animal is more fond and attentive than the cat; she is the most
+tender and gentle of nurses, watching closely every movement of her
+young. With the utmost solicitude she brings the choicest morsels of her
+own food, which she lays before them, softly purring, while with gentle
+and motherly ways she attracts them to the spot while she sits or
+stands, looking on with evident satisfaction, full of almost
+uncontrollable pleasure and delight, at their eager, but often futile
+attempts and endeavours to eat and enjoy the dainty morsel. Yet nothing
+is wasted, for after waiting what appears to her a reasonable time, and
+giving them every encouragement, and with the most exemplary patience,
+she teaches them what they should do, and how, by slowly making a meal
+of the residue herself, frequently stopping and fondling and licking
+them in the hope they will yet make another effort. What can be more
+sensitively touching than the following anecdote, sent to _The Animal
+World_ by C. E. N., in 1876? It is a little poem of everyday life, full
+of deep feeling and feline love.
+
+"I have a small tabby cat, very comely and graceful. Being very fond of
+her kitten, she is always uneasy if she loses sight of it if only for a
+short time. For the last six weeks, the mother, failing to recall the
+truant back by her voice, even returns to the kitchen for the lower
+portion of a rabbit's fore-leg, which has served as a plaything for some
+time. With this in her mouth, she proceeds to search for her lost one,
+crying all the time, and, putting it down at her feet, repeats her
+entreaties, to which the kitten, allured by the sight of its plaything,
+generally responds. Owing to its gambols in the open air during the
+inclement weather, the kitten was seized with an affliction of the
+throat; the mother, puzzled with the prostration of its offspring,
+brought down the rabbit's foot to attract attention. In vain; the kitten
+died. Even now the loving mother searches for the rabbit's foot, and
+brings it down."
+
+An instance of the peculiar foresight and instinct, so often observable
+in the cat, is related in _The Animal World_, October, 1882. Miss M.
+writes: "This house is very old, and big impudent rats often appear in
+the shop, so a cat is always kept on the premises. Pussy is about five
+years old, and is a handsome, light tortoiseshell, with a pretty face
+and coaxing ways. A month ago she had three kittens, one of which was
+kept; they were born in the drawing-room, by the side of the piano. When
+the two were taken away, pussy carried the one remaining to the
+fireplace, and made it a bed under the grate with shavings. When a
+fortnight old, both were removed downstairs to the room behind the shop.
+One day last week an enormous rat appeared; pussy spied him, and set up
+her back; but her motherly instinct prevailed. She looked round the
+shop, and, finding a drawer high up a little way open, she jumped with
+her kitten in her mouth, and dropped it into the drawer, after which she
+descended and fought a battle royal with the rat, which she soon
+despatched and carried to her mistress, then went back to the drawer and
+brought out her kitten."
+
+Here is another fact as regards the observation of cats, which possibly,
+in this respect, is not far different from some other domestic animals.
+"A gray and white cat, 'Jenny' (a house cat), had three kittens in the
+hollow stump of an old ash-tree, some distance from the house. There,
+from time to time, she took them food, and there nursed them. One day,
+looking from the window, I observed a very heavy storm was approaching,
+and also, what should I see but Mistress 'Jenny' running across the
+meadow as fast as she could, and, on her drawing nearer, I noticed that
+she had one of her kittens in her mouth. She ran past and put the kitten
+into a small outhouse, when she immediately hastened back, and returned
+bringing another of her kittens, which she put in the same place. Again
+she started for the wood, and shortly reappeared bringing her third and
+last kitten, though more slowly, seemingly very tired. I was just
+thinking of going to help her, when she suddenly quickened her pace and
+ran for the outhouse; just then a few drops of rain began to fall. In a
+few moments a deluge of water was falling, the lightning was flashing,
+the thunder crashed overhead and rumbled in the distance, but 'Jenny'
+did not mind, for she had her three kittens comfortably housed, and she
+and they were all nestled together in an apple basket, warm and dry.
+Surely she must have known, by instinct or observation, that the storm
+was coming."--From my Book of "_Animal Stories, Old and New_."
+
+Should it be deemed necessary to destroy some, if not all of the litter,
+which, unfortunately, is sometimes the case, it is not well to take away
+the whole at once; but it is advisable to let a day or two intervene
+between each removal; the mother will thus be relieved of much
+suffering, especially if one at least is left for her to rear, but two
+is preferable. Still, when the progeny are well-marked or otherwise
+valuable, and large specimens are required for show or other purposes,
+three kittens are enough to leave, though some advocate as many as five;
+but if this is done it is better to provide a foster-mother for two, for
+which even a dog will often prove a very good substitute for one of the
+feline race. In either case, slightly warm new milk should be given at
+least three times a day; the milk should not be heated, but some hot
+water put to it, and as soon as their teeth are sufficiently grown for
+them to be of use in mastication give some raw beef cut very small and
+fine. Some prefer chopped liver; I do not; but never give more than they
+can lap or eat at each meal. This liberal treatment will make a
+wonderful difference in their growth, and also their general health and
+strength; and being so fed makes them more docile. And it should be
+borne in mind that in a state of nature cats always bring raw food to
+their young as soon as they are able to eat; therefore raw meat is far
+the best to give them--their dentition proves this.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+KITTENS.
+
+
+Kittenhood, the baby time especially of country cats, is with most the
+brightest, sprightliest, and prettiest period of their existence, and
+perhaps the most happy. True, when first born and in the earliest era of
+their lives, they are blind, helpless little things, dull, weak, and
+staggering, scarcely able to stand, if at all, almost rolling over at
+every attempt, making querulous, fretful noises, if wakeful or cold, or
+for the time motherless. But 'tis not for long; awhile, and she, the
+fondest of mothers, is with them. They are nestled about her, or amid
+her soft, warm fluffy fur, cossetted with parental tenderness, caressed,
+nurtured, and, with low, sweet tones and fondlings, they are soothed
+again and again to sleep.--They sleep.--Noiseless, and with many a
+longing, lingering look, the careful, watchful, loving creature slowly
+and reluctantly steals away; soon to return, when she and her little
+ones are lost "in the land of dreams." And so from day to day, until
+bright, meek-eyed, innocent, inquiring little faces, with eager eyes,
+peep above the basket that is yet their home. One bolder than the others
+springs out, when, scared at its own audacity, as quickly, and oft
+clumsily, scrambles back, then out--in--and out, in happy, varied, wild,
+frolicsome, gambolsome play, they clutch, twist, turn, and wrestle in
+artless mimicry of desperate quarrelling;--the struggle over, in
+liveliest antics they chase and rechase in turn, or in fantastic mood
+play; 'tis but play, and such wondrous play--bright, joyous, and light;
+and so life glides on with them as kittens--frisky, skittish, playful
+kittens.
+
+A few more days, and their mother leads them forth, with many an anxious
+look and turn, softly calling in a subdued voice, they halting almost at
+every step; suddenly, oft at nothing, panic-stricken, quickly scamper
+back, not one yet daring to follow where all is so oddly strange and
+new, their natural shyness being stronger than the love of freedom.
+Again, with scared look and timid steps, they come, when again at
+nothing frightened, or with infantile pretence, they are off,
+"helter-skelter," without a pause or stay, one and all, they o'er and
+into their basket clamber, tumble in, turn about and stare with a more
+than half-bewildered, self-satisfied safety look about them. Gaining
+courage once more, they peer about, with dreamy, startled, anxious eyes,
+watching for dangers that never are, although expected. Noiseless comes
+their patient, loving mother; with what new delight they cling about
+her; how fondly and tenderly she tends them, lures, cossets, coaxes, and
+talks, as only a gentle mother-cat can--"There is no danger,
+no!--nothing to fear. Is she not with them; will she not guard, keep and
+defend them? There is a paradise out there; through this door; they must
+see it. Come, she will show them; come, have confidence! Now,
+then--come!" When followed by her three little ones, and they with much
+misgiving, she passes out--out into the garden, out among the lovely,
+blooming, fragrant roses, out among the sweet stocks and the
+damask-coloured gilly-flowers, the pink daisies, brown, red, and orange
+wallflowers, the spice-scented pinks, and other gay and modest floral
+beauties that make so sweet the soft and balmy breath of Spring. Out
+into the sunshine, almost dazed amid a flood of light, warmed by the
+glowing midday sun. Light above, light around and everywhere about;
+while the sweet-scented breezes come joy-laden with the happy wild
+birds' melodious songs; wearied with wonderment, under the
+flower-crowned lilacs they gather themselves to rest. How beautiful all
+is, how full of young delights; the odorous wind fans, soothes, and
+lulls them to rest, while rustling leaves softly whisper them to
+sleep--they and their loving mother slumber unconscious of all things,
+and with all things at peace. There, stretched in the warm sunshine
+asleep, possibly dreaming of their after-life when they are kittens no
+longer, they rest and--sleep.
+
+Their young, bright life has begun; how charming all is, how peaceful
+under the young, green leaves, bright as emeralds; about them
+flickering, chequering lights play with the never-wearying, restless
+shadows; they know of nothing but bliss, so happy, they enjoy
+all--sweet-faced, gentle-eyed and pretty. Happy, there is no other word.
+"Happy as a kitten." "Sprightly as a kitten." As they sleep they dream
+of delight, awake they more than realise their dreams.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+OF KITTENS IN GENERAL.
+
+
+Kittens usually shed their first teeth from five to seven months old,
+and seldom possess even part of a set of the small, sharp dentition
+after that time. When shown as kittens under six months old, and they
+have changed the _whole_ of their kittenhood teeth for those of the
+adult, it is generally considered a fairly _strong_ proof that their
+life is in excess of that age, and the judge is therefore certainly
+justified in disqualifying such exhibit, though sometimes, as in other
+domestic animals, there occurs premature change, as well as inexplicable
+delay.
+
+Kittens are not so cleanly in their habits as cats of a mature growth;
+this is more generally the case when they have been _separated from the
+mother-cat_, or when removed to some place that is strange to them, or
+when sufficient care is not taken, by letting them out of the house
+occasionally. When they cannot from various reasons be so turned out, a
+box should be provided, partly filled with dry earth, to which they may
+retire. This is always a requisite when cats or kittens are valuable,
+and therefore obliged to be kept within doors, especially in
+neighbourhoods where there is a chance of their being lost or stolen.
+
+It should also be borne in mind, that the present and future health of
+an animal, be it what it may, is subject to many incidences, and not the
+least of these is good and appropriate food, shelter, warmth, and
+cleanliness. It is best to feed at regular intervals. In confinement,
+Mr. Bartlett, the skilful and experienced manager of the Zoological
+Society's Gardens, at Regent's Park, finds that one meal a day is
+sufficient, and this is thought also to be the case with a full-grown
+cat, more especially when it has the opportunity of ranging and getting
+other food, such as mice, and "such small deer;" but with "young things"
+it is different, as it is deemed necessary to get as much strength and
+growth as possible. I therefore advocate several meals a day, at least
+three, with a variety of food, such as raw shin of beef, cut very small;
+bones to pick; fish of sorts, with all the bones taken out, or refuse
+parts; milk, with a little hot water; boiled rice or oatmeal, with milk
+or without it; and grass, if possible; if not, some boiled vegetables,
+stalks of asparagus, cabbage, or even carrots. Let the food be varied
+from time to time, but never omitting the finely-cut raw beef every day.
+I am not in favour of liver, or "lights," as it is called, either for
+cats or kittens. If horseflesh can be depended on, it is a very
+favourite and strengthening food, and may be given. The kitten should be
+kept warm and dry, and away from draughts.
+
+Also take especial care not in any way to frighten, tease, or worry a
+young animal, but do everything possible to give confidence and engender
+regard, fondness, or affection for its owner; always be gentle and yet
+firm in its training. Do not allow it to do one day uncorrected, that
+for which it is punished the next for the same kind of fault. If it is
+doing wrong remove it, speaking gently, _at the time_, and not _wait
+long after the fault is committed_, or they will not know what the
+punishment is for. Many animals' tempers are spoiled entirely by this
+mode of proceeding.
+
+Take care there is always a clean vessel, with pure clear water for them
+to drink when thirsty.
+
+[Illustration: MISS MOORE'S KITTEN, "CHLOE."]
+
+
+
+
+MANAGEMENT OF KITTENS AND CATS.
+
+These require quiet and kindly treatment. Do nothing quickly or
+suddenly, so as in any way to scare or frighten, but when speaking to
+them, let the voice be moderated, gentle, and soft in tone. Cats are not
+slow to understand kind treatment, and may often be seen to watch the
+countenance as though trying to fathom our thoughts. Some cats are of a
+very timorous nature, and are thus easily dismayed. Others again are
+more bold in their ways and habits, and are ever ready for cossetty
+attention; but treat both as you would be treated--kindly.
+
+As to food, as already noted, I have found raw beef the best, with milk
+mixed with a little hot water to drink--never boil it--and give plenty
+of grass, or some boiled vegetable, such as asparagus, sea-kale, or
+celery; they also are fond of certain weeds, such as cat-mint, and
+equisetum, or mares' or cats' tails, as it is sometimes called. If fish
+is given it is best mixed with either rice or oatmeal, and boiled,
+otherwise it is apt to produce diarrhoea.
+
+Horse-flesh may be given as a change, provided that it is not from a
+diseased animal; and should be boiled, and be fresh.
+
+Brown bread and milk is also good and healthy food; the bread should be
+cut in cubes of half an inch, and the warm milk and water poured on;
+only enough for one meal should be prepared at a time.
+
+Let the cat and kittens have as much fresh air as is possible; and if
+fed on some dainty last thing at night they will be sure to "come in,"
+and thus preserved from doing and receiving injury.
+
+If cats are in any way soiled in their coat, especially the long-haired
+varieties, and cannot cleanse themselves, they may be washed in warm,
+soapy water; but this is not advisable in kittens, unless great care is
+used to prevent their taking cold.
+
+Some cats like being brushed, and it is often an improvement to the
+pelage or fur if carefully done; but in all cases the brush should have
+soft, close hair, which should be rather long than otherwise.
+
+Do not let your cats or kittens wear collars or ribbons always,
+especially if they are ramblers, for the reason that they are liable to
+get caught on spikes of railings or twigs of bushes, and so starved to
+death, or strangled, unless discovered.
+
+For sending cats to an exhibition, a close-made basket is best, which
+will allow for ventilation, as fresh air is most essential; and have it
+sufficiently large to allow of the cat standing and turning about,
+especially if a long journey is before them. I have _seen_ cats sent to
+shows taken out of _small boxes_, _dead_, stifled to death--"poor
+things."
+
+Bear in mind that the higher and better condition your cat is in on its
+arrival at the show, the greater is the chance of winning.
+
+Do not put carpet or woollen fabrics in the basket, but plenty of good,
+sweet hay or oat-straw; this will answer all purposes, and does not get
+sodden.
+
+If you use a padlock for the fastening, _do not forget to send the key
+to the manager of the show_, as is sometimes the case.
+
+[Illustration: CAT CLUB CHALLENGE CUP.]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+POINTS BY WHICH CATS ARE JUDGED,
+
+AS SPECIFIED BY MYSELF.
+
+              _Revised and corrected to the present time._
+
+                           ... What you do,
+                           Still betters what is done.
+
+                                    _Winter's Tale, Act IV._
+
+
+THE TORTOISESHELL.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                15
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at
+     the base.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, and
+     lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              25
+
+     A mixture of three colours--black, red, and yellow--each to
+     be distinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not one
+     colour running into the other, but in small irregular
+     patches, of great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow to
+     preponderate over the black. If the colours are deep and
+     rich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is very
+     fine. White is a disqualification.
+
+FORM                                                                15
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and well-marked with
+     alternate patches of black, red, and yellow.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  15
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at
+     the base.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, and
+     lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              25
+
+     A mixture of three--black, red, and yellow--each to be
+     distinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not one
+     colour running into the other, but in small irregular patches
+     of great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow to
+     preponderate over the black. If the colours are deep and
+     rich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is very
+     fine.
+
+WHITE MARKING                                                       15
+
+     The fore-legs, breast, throat, lips and a circle round them,
+     with a blaze up the forehead, white; lower half of the
+     hind-legs white, nose and cushions of the feet white.
+
+FORM                                                                10
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and well-marked with
+     alternate patches of black, red, and yellow.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+WHITE. SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                15
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at apex, broad at the
+     base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Blue--a soft, turquoise blue--but yellow is permissible as
+     five points only, green a defect; large, round, and full.
+
+FUR                                                                 15
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              15
+
+     Yellow-white; gray-white, five points less.
+
+FORM                                                                15
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  15
+
+     Large, lithe, and elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening good health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+SELF-COLOUR, BLACK, BLUE, GRAY, OR RED SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                15
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow, rounded at apex, broad at the
+     base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange for black, orange-yellow for blue, deep yellow for
+     gray, and gold tinged with green for red. Large, round, and
+     full; very bright.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+FORM                                                                15
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line; neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+COLOUR                                                              25
+
+     Black, a jet, dense, brown-black, with purple gloss; blue, a
+     bright, rich, even, dark colour, or lighter, but even in
+     tint; gray, a bright, light, even colour; red, a brilliant
+     sandy or yellowish-red colour.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  15
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, lying close to the body, all
+     betokening good health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+BROWN AND ORDINARY TABBY, STRIPED, SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at apex, broad at the
+     base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange-yellow, slightly tinted with green, large, full,
+     round, and very lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     Deep, very rich reddish-brown, more rufous inside the legs
+     and belly; ears and nose a still deeper red-brown, the latter
+     at the tip edged with black. Ordinary tabby, dark gray, and
+     ticked.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            20
+
+     Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as the
+     ground colour shown between, so as to give a light and
+     brilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than the
+     colour space, it is a defect, being then black marked with
+     colour, instead of colour marked with black. The lines must
+     be clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct,
+     having no mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs marked
+     regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no way
+     blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,
+     cushions of feet, and backs of hind-legs, and the ear-points,
+     black.
+
+FORM                                                                10
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length,
+     not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with black
+     rings.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+CHOCOLATE, CHESTNUT, RED, OR YELLOW TABBY, STRIPED, SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at apex, broad at the
+     base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange, gold, or yellow, in the order of the above names,
+     large, round, full, and very lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     Deep, rich, reddish-brown, bright red, or yellow, in the
+     order as above, brighter inside the legs and belly; ears and
+     nose deeper colour, the latter at the tip red, edged with
+     chocolate.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            20
+
+     Dark, rich brown or chocolate, lines not too broad, scarcely
+     so wide as the ground colour shown between, so as to give a
+     light and brilliant effect; when the lines are broader than
+     the colour space it is a defect, being then light colour
+     markings on dark brown or chocolate, red or dark yellow,
+     instead of colour marked with deeper colour. Head and legs
+     marked regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in
+     no way blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and
+     continuous; lips, cushions of feet, and the back of
+     hind-legs, and the ear-points, dark. Yellow tabby, the
+     cushions of feet red, or light red.
+
+FORM                                                                10
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender,
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped, and deep, legs medium
+     length, not thick nor clumsy, feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with dark rings.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+ TOTAL                                                             100
+
+
+BLUE, SILVER, LIGHT GRAY, AND WHITE TABBY, STRIPED, SHORT-HAIR.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,
+     below tapering towards the lips; nose rather long than short;
+     ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at
+     the base.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange-yellow for blue tabby; deep, bright yellow for silver
+     or gray; large, full, round, and very lustrous.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     If blue, a rich, deep, yet bright colour; silver, a lighter,
+     yet bright tint; gray, very light; if a white tabby, ground
+     to be colourless; ears and nose a deep gray, the tip red,
+     edged with black.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            20
+
+     Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as the
+     ground colour shown between, so as to give a light and
+     brilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than the
+     colour space, it is a defect, being then black marked with
+     colour, instead of colour with black. The lines must be
+     clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct, having
+     no mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs marked
+     regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no way
+     blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,
+     cushions of feet, and the backs of hind-legs, and the
+     ear-points, black.
+
+FORM                                                                10
+
+     Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;
+     shoulders receding, well-sloped, and deep; legs medium
+     length, not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,
+     carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with black
+     rings.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,
+     clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,
+     all betokening full health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+Total                                                              100
+
+
+[Illustration: MR. BABB'S SPOTTED SILVER TABBY.]
+
+
+SHORT-HAIRED, SPOTTED TABBIES OF ANY COLOUR.
+
+These to be the same in all points of head, eyes, fur, form, colours,
+tail, size and condition as those laid down for the judging of
+short-haired tabby cats in general, with the exception, in whatever
+colour the markings are, or on whatever ground, they, instead of being
+in lines or bands, are to be broken up into clear, well-defined and
+well-formed spots, each spot to be separate, and distinct, and good,
+firm and dark in colour; these then count as many points as a
+finely-striped cat in its class.
+
+[Illustration: PROPERLY MARKED BLACK AND WHITE.]
+
+
+BLACK AND WHITE, GRAY-WHITE, RED AND WHITE, AND OTHER COLOURS AND WHITE.
+
+The self colour to count the same number of points as the ground colour
+in tabby, namely, twenty points, and the white _markings_ the same as
+the tabby markings, that is, twenty points. The other points also the
+same.
+
+The markings to be: lips, mouth and part of the cheek, including the
+whiskers, with a blaze up the nose, coming to a point between the eyes,
+white; throat and chest white, and pear-shaped in outline of colour; all
+four feet white.
+
+
+WHITE AND BLACK, WHITE AND GRAY, WHITE AND RED, WHITE AND ANY OTHER
+COLOUR.
+
+The colours and markings to count the same as the above. The ground
+colour being white, and markings the dark colour instead of white. In
+the markings they should be even or well-balanced, such as two black
+ears, the rest white; or two black ears, with black tail, and the rest
+white; or all white, with dark tail only. These are not very uncommon
+markings, but if so marked, they may also have a spot or two on the back
+or sides provided they balance in size of colour. But the simplicity of
+the former is the best.
+
+All other fancy colours and markings must be judged according to taste,
+and entered in the any other variety of colours for short-haired cats,
+such as strawberry colour, smokies, chinchillas, ticked, black tabbies
+and such fancy colours.
+
+
+ABYSSINIAN.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across the eyes, rather long than short, nose
+     medium length, all well-formed.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Orange-yellow, slightly tinged with green, large, round,
+     full, and bright.
+
+NOSE AND FEET                                                       10
+
+     Nose dark red, edged with black; tips and cushions of feet
+     black, also the back of the hind-legs.
+
+FUR                                                                 15
+
+     Soft, rather woolly hair, yet soft, silky, lustrous, and
+     glossy, short, smooth, even, and dense.
+
+EARS                                                                10
+
+     The usual size of the ordinary English cat, but a little more
+     rounded, with not much hair in the interior, black at the
+     apex.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     A rich, dun brown, ticked with black and orange, or darker on
+     lighter colours, having a dark or black line along the back
+     extending to the end of the tail, and slightly annulated with
+     black or dark colour. As few other marks as possible. Inside
+     of fore-legs and belly to be orange-brown. No white.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  10
+
+     Large; coat glossy and smooth, fitting close to the body;
+     eyes bright and clear.
+
+CARRIAGE AND APPEARANCE                                             10
+
+     Graceful, lithe, elegant, alert and quick in all its
+     movements, head carried up, tail trailing, in walk
+     undulating.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+N.B.--The Abyssinian Silver Gray, or Chinchilla, is the same in all
+points, with the exception of the ground colour being silver instead of
+brown. This is a new and beautiful variety.
+
+
+ROYAL CAT OF SIAM.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, broad across and between the eyes, tapering upwards
+     and somewhat narrow between the ears: forehead flat and
+     receding, nose long, and somewhat broad, cheeks narrowing
+     towards the mouth, lips full and rounded, ears rather large
+     and wide at base, with very little hair inside.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Very short, and somewhat woolly, yet soft and silky to the
+     touch, and glossy, with much lustre on the face, legs, and
+     tail.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     The ground or body colour to be of an even tint, slightly
+     darker on the back, but not in any way clouded or patched
+     with any darker colour; light rich dun is the preferable
+     colour, but a light fawn, light silver-gray, or light orange
+     is allowable; deeper and richer browns, almost chocolate, are
+     admissible if even and not clouded, but the first is the true
+     type, the last merely a variety of much beauty and
+     excellence; but the dun and light tints take precedence.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            20
+
+     Ears black, the colour not extending beyond them, but ending
+     in a clear and well-defined outline; around the eyes, and all
+     the lower part of the head, black; legs and tail black, the
+     colour not extending into or staining the body, but having a
+     clear line of demarkation.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Rather of almond shape, slanting towards the nose, full and
+     of a very beautiful blue opalesque colour, luminous and of a
+     reddish tint in the dusk of evening or by artificial light.
+
+TAIL                                                                 5
+
+     Short by comparison with the English cat, thin throughout, a
+     little thicker towards the base, without any break or kink.
+
+SIZE AND FORM                                                       10
+
+     Rather small, lithe, elegant in outline, and graceful, narrow
+     and somewhat long; legs thin and a little short than
+     otherwise; feet long, not so round as the ordinary cat; neck
+     long and small.
+
+CONDITION                                                           10
+
+     In full health, not too fat, hair smooth, clear, bright, full
+     of lustre, lying close to the body, which should be hard and
+     firm in the muscles.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+MANX, OR SHORT-TAILED CAT.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Small, round, but tapering towards the lips, rather broad
+     across the eyes, nose medium length, ears rather small, broad
+     at base and sloping upwards to a point.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     According to colour, as shown in other varieties.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.
+
+COLOUR                                                              15
+
+     To range the same as other short-haired cats, if self same as
+     self, if marked same as the marked varieties, with less
+     points, allowing for the tail points in this variety.
+
+FORM                                                                15
+
+     Narrow, long, neck long and thin, all to be graceful in line;
+     shoulders narrow, well-sloped; fore-legs medium length and
+     thin; hind-legs long in proportion and stouter built; feet
+     round and small.
+
+TAIL                                                                25
+
+     To have no tail whatever, not even a stump, but some true
+     bred have a very short, thin, twisted tail, that cannot be
+     straightened, this allowable, and is true bred; but thick
+     stumps, knobs, or short, thick tails _disqualify_.
+
+SIZE AND CONDITION                                                  15
+
+     Large, elegant in all its movements, hair smooth, clean,
+     bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body, all
+     betokening good health and strength.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+[Illustration: MR. CLARKE'S "MISS WHITEY."]
+
+
+
+
+WHITE, LONG-HAIRED CAT.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Round and broad across and between the eyes, of medium size;
+     nose rather short, pink at the tip; ears ordinary size, but
+     looking small, being surrounded with long hair, which should
+     also be long on the forehead and lips.
+
+EYES                                                                15
+
+     Large, full, round or almond-shape, lustrous, and of a
+     beautiful azure blue. Yellow admissible as five points only.
+     Green a defect.
+
+RUFF OR FRILL                                                       15
+
+     Large, very long, flowing, and lion-like, extending over the
+     shoulders, and covering the neck and chest thickly.
+
+FUR                                                                 15
+
+     Very long everywhere, mostly along the back, sides, legs, and
+     feet, making tufts between the toes, and points at the apex
+     of the ears.
+
+QUALITY OF FUR                                                      10
+
+     Fine, silky, and very soft in the Persian, with a slightly
+     woolly texture in the Angora, and still more so in the
+     Russian.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     In the Persian the hair long and silky throughout, but
+     somewhat longer at the base. Angora more like the brush of a
+     fox, but much longer in the hair. Russian equally long in
+     hair, but full tail, shorter and more blunt, like a tassel.
+
+SIZE, SHAPE, AND CONDITION                                          15
+
+     Large, small in bone, looking larger than it really is on
+     account of the length of hair. Body long, legs short, tail
+     carried low--not over the back, which is a fault. Fur clean,
+     bright and glossy, even and smooth, and flakey, which gives
+     an appearance of quality.
+
+COLOUR                                                              10
+
+     White, with a tender, very slightly yellow tint; cushions of
+     feet and tip of nose pink.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+
+
+BLACK, BLUE, GRAY, RED, OR ANY SELF COLOUR LONG-HAIRED CATS.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Round, and broad across and between the eyes, of medium size;
+     nose rather short and dark at tip, excepting in the red, when
+     it should be pink; ears ordinary size, but looking small,
+     being surrounded with long hair, which should also be long on
+     the forehead and lips.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     For black, orange; orange-yellow for blue; deep yellow for
+     gray; and gold, tinged with green, for red; large, round, or
+     almond-shaped, full and very bright.
+
+RUFF OR FRILL                                                       15
+
+     Large, very long, flowing, and lion-like, extending over the
+     shoulders, and covering the neck and chest thickly.
+
+FUR                                                                 15
+
+     Very long everywhere; mostly so along the back, sides, legs,
+     and feet, making tufts between the toes, and points at the
+     apex of the ears.
+
+QUALITY OF FUR                                                      10
+
+     Fine, silky, and very soft in the Persian, with slightly
+     woolly texture in the Angora, and still more so in the
+     Russian.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     In the Persian the hair long and silky throughout, but
+     somewhat longer at the base; Angora like the brush of a fox,
+     but longer in the hair; Russian equally long in hair but more
+     full at the end, tail shorter, rather blunt, like a tassel.
+
+SIZE, SHAPE, AND CONDITION                                          10
+
+     Large, small in bone, looking larger than it really is on
+     account of the length of the hair; body long, legs short;
+     tail carried low, not over the back, which is a fault; fur
+     clean and glossy, even, smooth, and flakey, which gives an
+     appearance of quality.
+
+COLOUR                                                              20
+
+     Black, dense, bright brown-black, with purple gloss; blue, a
+     bright, rich, even dark colour, or lighter, but even in tint;
+     gray, a bright, light, even colour; red, a brilliant, sandy,
+     or yellowish-red colour.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+BROWN, BLUE, SILVER, LIGHT GRAY, AND WHITE TABBY LONG-HAIRED CATS.
+
+                                                                POINTS
+HEAD                                                                10
+
+     Round and broad across and between the eyes, of medium size;
+     nose rather short; ears ordinary size, but looking small,
+     being surrounded with long hair, which should also be long on
+     the forehead and lips.
+
+EYES                                                                10
+
+     Orange-yellow for brown and blue tabby, very slightly tinted
+     with green; deep, bright yellow for silver; gray, and golden
+     yellow for white tabby; large, full, round, or almond-shaped,
+     and very lustrous.
+
+RUFF OR FRILL                                                       10
+
+     Large, very long, flowing, and lion-like, extending over the
+     shoulders, and covering the neck and chest thickly.
+
+FUR                                                                 10
+
+     Very long everywhere, mostly so along the back, sides, legs,
+     and feet, making tufts between the toes, and points at the
+     apex of the ears.
+
+QUALITY OF FUR                                                      10
+
+     Fine, silky, and very soft in the Persian, with slightly
+     woolly texture in the Angora, and still more so in the
+     Russian.
+
+TAIL                                                                10
+
+     In the Persian the hair long and silky throughout, but
+     somewhat longer at the base; Angora like the brush of a fox,
+     but longer in the hair; Russian equally long in the hair, but
+     more full at the end; tail shorter, rather blunt, like a
+     tassel.
+
+SIZE, SHAPE, AND CONDITION                                          10
+
+     Large, small in bone, looking larger than it really is on
+     account of the length of the hair; body long; legs short;
+     tail carried low, not over the back, which is a fault; fur
+     clean and glossy, even, smooth, and flakey, which gives an
+     appearance of quality.
+
+COLOUR                                                              15
+
+     Ground colour, deep, rich reddish-brown, more rufous on the
+     nose, ears, mane, and inside the legs and belly; tip of nose
+     red, edged with black; blue, bright, deep, rich, even, dark
+     colour; silver, lighter and equally even tint; and so light
+     gray; and white ground, pure white.
+
+MARKINGS                                                            15
+
+     Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as the
+     ground colour seen between, so as to give a light and
+     brilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than the
+     colour space, it is a defect, being then black marked with
+     colour, instead of colour marked with black. The lines must
+     be clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct,
+     having no mixture of the ground colour. Head, legs, and tail
+     regularly marked, the latter with rings, the lines on the
+     throat and chest being in no way blurred or broken, but
+     clear, graceful, and continuous; lips, cushions of feet, the
+     backs of the hind-legs and the ear-points black.
+
+                                                                   ---
+TOTAL                                                              100
+
+
+In chocolate, mahogany, red, or yellow long-haired tabbies, the markings
+and colours to be the same as in the short-haired cats; but in points to
+count the same as the last in all qualities.
+
+Spotted tabbies to count the same in all points, the only difference
+being that instead of stripes, the cats are marked with clear,
+well-defined spots.
+
+All fancy colours to be shown in the "any other variety of _colour_"
+class, and judged according to quality of coat, beauty, and rarity of
+colouring or marking. The small, thin, broken-banded tabby should go in
+this class, as also those with thin, light, wavy lines.
+
+All foreign, wild, or other cats of peculiar form to go into the class
+for "any other variety or species."
+
+[Illustration: "SYLVIE."]
+
+
+
+
+DISEASES OF CATS.
+
+
+Cats, like many other animals, both wild and domestic, are subject to
+diseases, several being fatal, others yielding to known curatives; many
+are of a very exhaustive character, some are epidemic, others are
+undoubtedly contagious--the two worst of these are what is known as the
+distemper and the mange. Through the kindness of friends I am enabled to
+give recipes for medicines considered as useful, or, at any rate,
+tending to abate the severity of the attack in the one, and utterly
+eradicate the other. Care should always be taken on the first symptoms
+of illness to remove the animal at once from contact with others. My
+kind friend, Dr. George Fleming, C.B., principal veterinary surgeon of
+the army, has courteously sent me a copy of a remedy for cat distemper
+from his very excellent work, "Animal Plagues: their History, Nature,
+and Prevention," which I give in full.
+
+
+CATARRHAL FEVERS.
+
+"Cats are, like some other of the domesticated animals, liable to be
+attacked by two kinds of Catarrhal Fever, one of which is undoubtedly
+very infectious--like distemper in dogs--and the other may be looked
+upon as the result of a simple cold, and therefore not transmissible.
+The first is, of course, the most severe and fatal, and often prevails
+most extensively, affecting cats generally over wide areas, sometimes
+entire continents being invaded by it. From A.D. 1414 up to 1832 no
+fewer than nineteen widespread outbreaks of this kind have been
+recorded. The most notable of these was in 1796, when the cats in
+England and Holland were generally attacked by the disease, and in the
+following year when it had spread over Europe and extended to America;
+in 1803, it again appeared in this country and over a large part of the
+European continent.
+
+"The symptoms are intense fever, prostration, vomiting, diarrhoea,
+sneezing, cough, and profuse discharge from the nose and eyes. Sometimes
+the parotid glands are swollen, as in human mumps. Dr. Darwin, of Derby,
+uncle to Charles Darwin, thought it was a kind of mumps, and therefore
+designated it _Parotitis felina_.
+
+"The treatment consists in careful nursing and cleanliness, keeping the
+animal moderately warm and comfortable. The disease rapidly produces
+intense debility, and therefore the strength should be maintained from
+the very commencement by frequent small doses of strong beef-tea, into
+which one grain of quinine has been introduced twice a day, a small
+quantity of port wine (from half to one teaspoonful) according to the
+size of the cat, and the state of debility. If there is no diarrhoea,
+but constipation, a small dose of castor oil or syrup of buckthorn
+should be given. Solid food should not be allowed until convalescence
+has set in. Isolation, with regard to other cats, and disinfection,
+should be attended to.
+
+"Simple Catarrh demands similar treatment. Warmth, cleanliness, broth,
+and beef-tea, are the chief items of treatment, with a dose of castor
+oil if constipation is present. If the discharge obstructs the nostrils
+it should be removed with a sponge, and these and the eyes may be bathed
+with a weak lotion of vinegar and water."
+
+"As regards inoculation for distemper," Dr. Fleming says, "it has been
+tried, but the remedy is often worse than the disease, at least as bad
+as the natural disease. _Vaccination_ has also been tried, but it is
+_valueless_. Probably inoculation with cultivated or modified virus
+would be found a good and safe preventative."
+
+I was anxious to know about this, as inoculation used to be the practice
+with packs of hounds.
+
+It will be observed that Dr. Fleming treats the distemper as a kind of
+influenza, and considers one of the most important things is to keep up
+the strength of the suffering animal. Other members of the R.C.V.S.,
+whom I have consulted, have all given the same kind of advice, not only
+prescribing for the sick animal wine, but brandy, as a last resource, to
+arouse sinking vitality. Mr. George Cheverton, of High Street, Tunbridge
+Wells, who is very successful with animals and their diseases, thinks it
+best to treat them homoeopathically. The following is what he
+prescribes as efficacious for some of the most dire complaints with
+which cats are apt to be afflicted.
+
+
+WORMS.
+
+For a full-grown cat give 3 grains of santonine every night for a week
+or 10 days; it might be administered in milk, or given in a small piece
+of beef or meat of any kind. After the course give an aperient powder.
+
+
+MANGE.
+
+The best possible remedies for this disease are arsenicum, 2^{x}
+trituration, and sulphur, 2^{x} trituration, given on alternate days, as
+much as will lie on a threepenny piece, night and morning, administered
+as above.
+
+A most useful lotion is acid sulphurous, 1 oz. to 5 oz. of water, adding
+about a teaspoonful of glycerine, and sponging the affected parts twice
+or thrice daily.
+
+
+COLDS.
+
+The symptoms are twofold, usually there is constant sneezing and
+discharge from the nose. Aconite, 1^{x} tincture, 1 drop given every 3
+hours in alternation with arsenicum, 3^{x} trituration, will speedily
+remove the disease. Should there be stuffing of the nose, and difficult
+breathing, give mercurius biniod., 3^{x} trituration, a dose every 3 or
+4 hours.
+
+
+COUGHS.
+
+The short, hard, dry cough will always give way to treatment with
+belladonna, 3^{x} trituration, 3 grains every 3 or 4 hours.
+
+For the difficult breathing, with rattling in the chest and bronchial
+tubes, with distressing cough, antimonium tartaric., 2^{x}, grains iij
+every 2, 3 or 4 hours, according to the severity of the symptoms.
+
+
+DISTEMPER.
+
+Early symptoms should be noted and receive prompt attention; this will
+often cut short the duration of the malady. The first indications
+usually are a disinclination to rest in the usual place, seeking a dark
+corner beneath a sofa, etc. The eyes flow freely, the nose after
+becoming hard and dry becomes stopped with fluid, the tongue parched,
+and total aversion to food follows. The breathing becomes short and
+laboured, the discharges are offensive, and the animal creeps away into
+some quiet corner to die--if before this its life has not been
+mercifully ended.
+
+On discovery of _first_ symptoms, give 2 drops aconite and arsenicum in
+alternation every 3 hours. When the nose becomes dry, and the eye
+restless and glaring, give belladonna.
+
+
+CANKER OF EAR.
+
+When internal, drop into the affected ear, night and morning, 3 or 5
+drops of the following mixture:
+
+Tincture of Hydrastis Canadensis        2 drachms.
+Carbolic Acid (pure)                    1/2    "
+Glycerine, to make up to                2 oz.
+
+If external, paint with the mixture the affected parts.
+
+
+APERIENT.
+
+Get a chemist to rub down a medium-size croton bean with about 40 grains
+of sugar of milk, and divide into four powders. One of these powders
+given in milk usually suffices. Large cats often require two powders.
+The dose might be repeated if necessary.
+
+     Dose, when drops are ordered, 2 drops.
+       "    "   trituration is ordered, 2 to 3 grains.
+
+
+REMEDIES AND STRENGTHENING MEDICINES.
+
+     Aconite, 1^{x} tincture. Arsenicum, 2^{x} trituration.
+     Antimonium tartaricum, 2^{x} trituration. Belladonna, 3^{x}
+     trituration. Mercurius biniodatus, 3^{x} trituration.
+     Hydrastis canadensis, [Greek: phi] tincture. Sulphur, 2^{x}
+     trituration. Santonine.
+
+Mr. Frank Upjohn, of Castelnau, Barnes, has also kindly forwarded me his
+treatment of some few of the cat ailments. Mindful of the old proverb
+that "In a multitude of counsellors there is wisdom," I place all before
+my friends, and those of the cat, that they may select which remedy they
+deem best:
+
+
+DISTEMPER.
+
+Take yellow basilicon, 1 oz.; flowers of sulphur, 1/2 oz.; oil of juniper,
+3 drachms. Mix for ointment. Then give sulphide of mercury, 3 grains,
+two or three times on alternate nights.
+
+
+PURGATIVE.
+
+Nothing like castor oil for purgation; half the quantity of syrup of
+buckthorn, if necessary, may be added.
+
+
+WORMS.
+
+Two or three grains of santonine in a teaspoonful of castor oil, for two
+or three days.
+
+
+CATARRH.
+
+Cold in the eyes and sneezing may be relieved by sweet spirits of nitre,
+1 drachm; minocrerus spirit, 3 drachms; antimony wine, 1 drachm; water
+to 1-1/2 oz. Mix. Give 1 teaspoonful every two or three hours.
+
+
+FLEAS, AND IRRITATION OF SKIN.
+
+Two drachms pure carbolic acid to 6 oz. of water well mixed for a
+lotion, and apply night and morning.
+
+
+EYE OINTMENT.
+
+Red oxide of mercury, 12 grains; spermaceti ointment, 1 oz. Mix.
+
+The above prescription was given to me many years ago by the late Dr.
+Walsh (Stonehenge), and I have found it of great service, both for my
+own eyes, also those of animals and birds. Wash the eyes carefully with
+warm water, dry off with a soft silk handkerchief, and apply a little of
+the ointment. Dr. Walsh informed me that he deemed it excellent for
+canker in the ear, but of that I have had no experience.
+
+
+FOR MANGE.
+
+In the early stages of mange, flowers of sulphur mixed in vaseline, and
+rubbed in the coat of the cat, is efficacious, giving sulphur in the
+milk, the water, and on the food of the patient; also give vegetable
+diet.
+
+Another remedy: give a teaspoonful of castor oil; next day give raw
+meat, dusted over with flowers of sulphur. Also give sulphur in milk.
+If there are any sore places, bathe with lotion made from camphorated
+oil in which some sulphur is mixed. Oil, 2 oz.; camphor, 1/4 oz.; sulphur,
+a teaspoonful.
+
+As a rule, when the animal is of value, either intrinsically or as a
+pet, the best plan is to consult a practitioner, well versed in the
+veterinary science and art, especially when the cat appears to suffer
+from some obscure disease, many of which it is very difficult to detect,
+unless by the trained and practised eye. Of all the ailments, both of
+dogs and cats, distemper is the worst to combat, and is so virulent and
+contagious that I have thought it well to offer remedies that are at
+least worthy of a trial, though when the complaint has firm hold, and
+the attack very severe, the case is generally almost hopeless,
+especially with high-bred animals.
+
+
+POISON.
+
+It is not generally known that the much-admired laburnum contains a
+strong poison, and is therefore an exceedingly dangerous plant. All its
+parts--blossoms, leaves, seeds, even the bark and the roots--are charged
+with a poison named _cytisin_, which was discovered by Husemann and
+Marms in 1864.
+
+A small dose of juice infused under the skin is quite sufficient to kill
+a cat or a dog. Children have died from eating the seeds, of which ten
+or twelve were sufficient to cause death. The worst of it is that there
+is _no remedy_, no antidote against this poison. How many cases have
+happened before the danger was discovered is of course only a matter of
+conjecture, as few would suspect the cause to come from the lovely plant
+that so delights the eye.
+
+It has, however, long been known to gamekeepers and others, and used by
+them to destroy "vermin." When quite a boy I remember an old uncle of
+mine telling me to beware of it even in gathering the blossom.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WILD CAT OF BRITAIN.
+
+
+The wild cat is said to be now extinct in England, and only found in
+some of the northern parts of Scotland, or the rocky parts of the
+mountains of the south, where I am informed it may yet occasionally be
+seen. The drawing I give above was made from one sent to the first
+Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871, by the Duke of Sutherland, from
+Sutherlandshire. It was caught in a trap by the fore-leg, which was much
+injured, but not so as to prevent its moving with great alacrity, even
+with agility, endeavouring frequently to use the claws of both fore-feet
+with a desperate determination and amazing vigour. It was a very
+powerful animal, possessing great strength, taking size into
+consideration, and of extraordinary fierceness.
+
+Mr. Wilson, the manager of the show, though an excellent naturalist,
+tried to get it out of the thick-barred, heavy-made travelling box in
+which it arrived, into one of the ordinary wire show-cages, thinking it
+would appear to better advantage; but in this endeavour he was
+unsuccessful, the animal resisting all attempts to expel it from the one
+into the other, making such frantic and determined opposition that the
+idea was abandoned. This was most fortunate, for the wire cages then in
+use were afterwards found unequal to confining even the ordinary
+domestic cat, which, in more than one instance, forced the bars apart
+sufficiently to allow of escape. As it was, the wild cat maintained its
+position, sullenly retiring to one corner of the box, where it scowled,
+growled, and fought in a most fearful and courageous manner during the
+time of its exhibition, never once relaxing its savage watchfulness or
+attempts to injure even those who fed it. I never saw anything more
+unremittingly ferocious, nor apparently more untamable.
+
+It was a grand animal, however, and most interesting to the naturalist,
+being, even then, scarcely ever seen; if so, only in districts far away
+and remote from the dwellings of civilisation. Yet I believe I saw one
+among the rocks of Bodsbeck, in Dumfriesshire, many years ago, though of
+this I am not certain, as it was too far away for accurate observation
+before it turned and stood at bay, and on my advancing it disappeared.
+The animal shown at the Crystal Palace was very much lighter in colour,
+and with less markings than those in the British Museum, the tail
+shorter, and the dark rings fewer, the lines on the body not much deeper
+in tint than the ground colour, excepting on the forehead and the inside
+of the fore-legs, which were darker, rather a light red round the mouth,
+and almost white on the chest--which appears to be usual with the wild
+cat; the eyes were yellow-tinted green, the tips of the ears, the lips,
+cushions of the feet, and a portion of the back part of the hind-legs,
+black; the markings were, in short, irregular thin lines, and in no way
+resembled those of the ordinary black-marked domestic tabby cat,
+possessing little elegance of line--in character it was bolder, having
+a rugged sturdiness, being stronger and broader built, the fore-arms
+thick, massive, and endowed with great power, with long, curved claws,
+the feet were stout, sinewy, and strong; altogether it was a very
+peculiar, interesting, and extraordinary animal. What became of it I
+never learned.
+
+In 1871 and 1872, a wild cat was exhibited at the Crystal Palace Cat
+Show, by the Earl of Hopetoun, aged three years, also some hybrid
+kittens, the father of which was a long-haired cat, the mother a sandy,
+by a wild cat out of a long-haired tabby, which proves, if proof were
+wanting, that such hybrids breed freely either with hybrids, the
+domestic, or the wild cat.
+
+Mr. Frank Buckland also exhibited a hybrid between the wild and tame
+cat.
+
+The Zoological Society, a pair of wild cats which did not appear to be
+British.
+
+In 1873, Mr. A. H. Senger sent a fine specimen of hybrid, between the
+domestic cat and Scotch wild cat.
+
+An early description of the wild cat in England is to be found in an old
+book on Natural History, and copied into a work on "Menageries,"
+"Bartholomoeus de Proprietatibus Rerum," which was translated into
+English by Thomas Berthlet, and printed by Wynkyn de Worde as early as
+1498. There is a very interesting description of the cat, which gives
+nearly all the properties of the wild animal in an odd and very amusing
+way. It states: "He is most like to the leopard, and hath a great
+mouthe, and saw teeth and sharp, and long tongue, and pliant, thin, and
+subtle; and lappeth therewith when he drinketh, as other beasts do, that
+have the nether lip shorter than the over; for, by cause of unevenness
+of lips, such beasts suck not in drinking, but lap and lick, as
+Aristotle saith and Plinius also. And he is a full lecherous beast in
+youth, swift, pliant, and merry, and leapeth, and riseth on all things
+that is tofore him; and is led by a straw, and playeth therewith, and is
+a right heavy beast in age, and full sleepy, and lieth slyly in wait for
+mice; and is ware where they bene more by smell than by sight, and
+hunteth and riseth on them in privy places; and when he taketh a mouse,
+he playeth therewith, and eateth him after the play; and is a cruel
+beast when he is wild, and dwelleth in woods, and hunteth there small
+wild beasts as conies and hares."
+
+The next appears in John Bossewell's "Workes of Armorie," folio, A.D.
+1597:
+
+     "This beaste is called a Musion, for that he is enimie to Myse
+     and Rattes. He is slye and wittie, and seeth so sharpely that he
+     overcommeth darknes of the nighte by the shyninge lyghte of his
+     eyne. In shape of body he is like unto a Leoparde, and hathe a
+     great mouth. He dothe delight that he enioyeth his libertye; and
+     in his youthe he is swifte, plyante, and merye. He maketh a
+     rufull noyse and a gastefull when he profereth to fighte with an
+     other. He is a cruell beaste when he is wilde, and falleth on his
+     owne feete from most high places: and vneth is hurt therewith.
+
+     "When he hath a fayre skinne, he is, as it were, prowde thereof,
+     and then he goeth faste aboute to be seene...."
+
+     Those who have seen the wild cat of Britain, especially in
+     confinement, will doubtless be ready to endorse this description
+     as being "true to the life," even to the "rufull noyse," or his
+     industry in the way of fighting. Yet even this old chronicler
+     mentions the fact of his being "wilde," clearly indicating a
+     similar animal in a state of domestication. Later on we find
+     Maister Salmon giving an account of the cat in his
+     strangely-curious book, "Salmon's Compleat English Physician; or,
+     the Druggist's Shop Opened," A.D. 1693, in which he relates that
+     marvellous properties exist in the brain, bones, etc., of the
+     cat, giving recipes mostly cruel and incredible. He describes
+     "Catus the Cat" in such terms as these:
+
+     "_The Cat of Mountain_, all which are of one nature, and agree
+     much in one shape, save as to their magnitude, the _wild Cat_
+     being larger than the _Tame_ and the _Cat of Mountain_ much
+     larger than the _wild Cat_. It has a broad Face, almost like a
+     Lyon, short Ears, large Whiskers, shining Eyes, short, smooth
+     Hair, long Tail, rough Tongue, and armed on its Feet, with
+     Claws, being a crafty, subtle, watchful Creature, very loving and
+     familiar with Man-kind, the mortal enemy to the Rat, Mouse, and
+     all sorts of Birds, which it seizes on as its prey. As to its
+     Eyes, Authors say that they shine in the Night, and see better at
+     the full, and more dimly at the change of the moon; as also that
+     the Cat doth vary his Eyes with the Sun, the Apple of its Eye
+     being long at Sun rise, round towards Noon, and not to be seen at
+     all at night, but the whole Eye shining in the night. These
+     appearances of the Cats' Eyes I am sure are true, but whether
+     they answer to the times of the day, I never observed." "Its
+     flesh is not usually eaten, yet in some countries it is accounted
+     an excellent dish."
+
+Mr. Blaine, in his excellent and useful work, the "Encyclopaedia of Rural
+Sports"--a book no sportsman should be without--thus discusses the
+origin of the domestic cat compared with the British wild cat:
+
+     "We have yet, however, to satisfy ourselves with regard to the
+     origin of the true wild cat (_Felis catus_, Linn.), which,
+     following the analogies of the _Felinae_ generally, are almost
+     exclusively native to countries warmer than our own. It is true
+     that occasionally varieties of the _Felinae_ do breed in our
+     caravans and menageries, where artificial warmth is kept up to
+     represent something like a tropical temperature; but the
+     circumstance is too rare to ground any opinion on of their ever
+     having been indigenous here--at least, since our part of the
+     globe has cooled down to its present temperature. It is,
+     therefore, more than probable that both the wild and the tame cat
+     have been derived from some other extra-European source or
+     sources. We say source or sources, for such admission begets
+     another difficulty not easily got over, which is this, that if
+     both of these grimalkins own one common root, in which variety
+     was it that the very marked differences between them have taken
+     place? Most sportsmen, we believe, suspect that they own one
+     common origin, and some naturalists also do the same, contending
+     that the differences observable between them are attributable
+     solely to the long-continued action of external agencies, which
+     had modified the various organs to meet the varied necessities of
+     the animals. The wild cat, according to this theory, having to
+     contend with powerful enemies, expanded in general dimensions;
+     its limbs, particularly, became massive; and its long and strong
+     claws, with the powerful muscular mechanism which operated on
+     them, fitted it for a life of predacity. Thus its increased size
+     enabled it to stand some time before any other dogs than
+     high-bred foxhounds, and even before them also, in any place but
+     the direct open ground. There exist, however, in direct
+     contradiction to this opinion, certain specialities proper to the
+     wild, and certain other to the domestic cat, besides the simple
+     expansion of bulk, which sufficiently disprove their identity. It
+     will be seen that a remarkable difference exists between the
+     tails of the two animals; that of the domestic being, as is well
+     known, long, and tapering elegantly to a point, whereas that of
+     the wild cat is seen to be broad, and to terminate abruptly in a
+     blunt or rounded extremity. Linnaeus and Buffon having both of
+     them confounded these two species into one, have contributed much
+     to propagate this error, which affords us another opportunity of
+     adding to the many we have taken of remarking on the vast
+     importance of comparative anatomy, which enables us to draw just
+     distinctions between animals that might otherwise erroneously be
+     adjudged to be dependent on external agencies, etc. Nor need we
+     rest here, for what doubt can be entertained on the subject when
+     we point at the remarkable difference between the intestines of
+     the two? _Those of the domestic are nine times the length of its
+     body_, whereas, in the _wild cat_, they are little more than
+     _three times as long as the body_."
+
+The food of the wild cat is said to consist of animals, and in the
+opinion of some, fish should be added. Why not also birds' eggs? Cats
+are particularly fond of the latter. In the event of their finding and
+destroying a nest, they invariably eat the eggs, and generally the
+shells.
+
+Much has been written as to the aptitude of the domestic cat at catching
+fish. If this be so, are fish necessarily a part of the food of the
+native wild cat? Numerous instances are adduced of our "household cat"
+plunging into water in pursuit of and capture of fish. Although I have
+spent much time in watching cats that were roaming beside streams and
+about ponds, there has never been even an attempt at "fishing." Frogs
+they will take and kill, often greedily devouring the small ones. Yet
+doubtless they will hunt, catch, and eat fish, for the fact has become
+proverbial.
+
+[Illustration: WILD CAT, BRITISH MUSEUM.]
+
+A writer in "Menageries" states: "There is no doubt that wild cats will
+seize on fish, and the passionate longing of the domestic cat after this
+food is an evidence of the natural desire. We have seen a cat overcome
+her natural reluctance to wet her feet, and take an eel out of a pail of
+water." Dr. Darwin alludes to this propensity: "Mr. Leonard, a very
+intelligent friend of mine, saw a cat catch a trout by darting on it in
+deep, clear water, at the Mill, Wexford, near Lichfield. The cat
+belonged to Mr. Stanley, who had often seen it catch fish."
+
+Cases have also been known of cats catching fish in shallow water,
+springing on them from the banks of streams and ponds; but I take this
+as not _the habit_ of the domestic cat, though it is not unusual.
+
+Gray, in a poem, tells of a cat's death through drowning, while
+attempting to take gold-fish from a vase filled with water.
+
+Of Dr. Samuel Johnson it is related, that his cat having fallen sick and
+refused all food, he became aware that cats are fond of fish. With this
+knowledge before him he went to the fishmonger's and bought an oyster
+for the sick creature, wrapped it in paper and brought the appetising
+morsel home. The cat relished the dainty food, and the Doctor was seen
+going on the same kindly errand every day until his suffering feline
+friend was restored to health.
+
+Still this is no proof that the _wild_ cat, in a pure state of nature,
+feeds on fish. Again, it is nothing unusual for domestic cats to catch
+and eat cockroaches, crickets, cockchafers, also large and small moths,
+but not so all. In domesticity some are almost omnivorous. But is the
+wild cat? Taking its anatomical structure into consideration, there is
+doubtless a wide distinction, both as regards food and habit.
+
+In Daniel's "Rural Sports," A.D. 1813, the wild cat is stated to be "now
+scarce in England, inhabiting the mountainous and woody parts. Mr.
+Pennant describes it as _four_ times the size of the house cat, but the
+head larger, that it multiplies as fast, and may be called the British
+_tiger_, being the fiercest and most destructive beast we have. When
+only wounded with shot they will attack the person who injured them, and
+often have strength enough to be no despicable enemy."
+
+Through the kind courtesy of that painstaking, excellent, observant, and
+eminent naturalist, Mr. J. E. Harting, I am enabled to reprint a portion
+of his lecture on the origin of the domestic cat, and which afterwards
+appeared in _The Field_. Although many of the statements are known to
+naturalists, still I prefer giving them in the order in which they are
+so skilfully arranged, presenting, as they do, a very garland of facts
+connected with the British wild cat (_Felis catus_) up to the present,
+and which I deem valuable from many points of view, but the more
+particularly as a record of an animal once abundant in England, where it
+has now apparently almost, if not quite, ceased to exist.
+
+
+"In England in former days, the wild cat was included amongst the beasts
+of chase, and is often mentioned in royal grants giving liberty to
+inclose forest land and licence to hunt there (extracts from several
+such grants will be found in the _Zoologist_ for 1878, p. 251, and 1880,
+p. 251). Nor was it for diversion alone that the wild cat was hunted.
+Its fur was much used as trimming for dresses, and in this way was worn
+even by nuns at one time. Thus, in Archbishop Corboyle's 'Canons,' anno
+1127, it is ordained 'that no abbess or nun use more costly apparel than
+such as is made of lambs' or _cats'_ skins,' and as no other part of the
+animal but the skin was of any use here, it grew into a proverb that
+'You can have nothing of a cat but her skin.'
+
+"The wild cat is believed to be now extinct, not only in England and
+Wales, but in a great part of the south of Scotland. About five years
+ago a Scottish naturalist resident in Stirlingshire (Mr. J. A. Harvie
+Brown) took a great deal of trouble, by means of printed circulars
+addressed to the principal landowners throughout Scotland and the Isles,
+to ascertain the existing haunts of the wild cat in that part of the
+United Kingdom. The result of his inquiries, embodying some very
+interesting information, was published in the _Zoologist_ for January,
+1881. The replies which he received indicated pretty clearly, although
+perhaps unexpectedly, that there are now no wild cats in Scotland south
+of a line drawn from Oban on the west coast up the Brander Pass to
+Dalmally, and thence following the borders of Perthshire to the junction
+of the three counties of Perth, Forfar and Aberdeen, northward to
+Tomintoul, and so to the city of Inverness. We are assured that it is
+only to the northward and westward of this line that the animal still
+keeps a footing in suitable localities, finding its principal shelter
+in the great deer forests. Thus we see that the wild cat is being
+gradually driven northward before advancing civilisation and the
+increased supervision of moors and forests. Just as the reindeer in the
+twelfth century was driven northward from England and found its last
+home in Caithness, and as the wolf followed it a few centuries later, so
+we may expect one day that the wild cat will come to be numbered amongst
+the 'extinct British animals.'
+
+"A recent writer in the new edition of the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica'
+(art. _Cat_) expresses the opinion that the wild cat still exists in
+Wales and in the north of England, but gives no proof of its recent
+occurrence there. From time to time we see reports in the newspapers to
+the effect that a wild cat has been shot or trapped in some
+out-of-the-way part of the country; but it usually turns out to be a
+large example of the domestic cat, coloured like the wild form. It is
+remarkable that when cats in England are allowed to return to a feral
+state, their offspring, in the course of generations, show a tendency to
+revert to the wild type of the country; partly, no doubt, in consequence
+of former interbreeding with the wild species when the latter was common
+throughout all the wooded portions of the country, and partly because
+the light-coloured varieties of escaped cats, being more readily seen
+and destroyed, are gradually eliminated, while the darker wild type is
+perpetuated. The great increase in size observable in the offspring of
+escaped domestic cats is no doubt due to continuous living on
+freshly-killed, warm-blooded animals, and to the greater use of the
+muscles which their new mode of life requires. In this way I think we
+may account for the size and appearance of the so-called 'wild cats'
+which are from time to time reported south of the Tweed.
+
+"Perhaps the last genuine wild cat seen in England was the one shot by
+Lord Ravensworth at Eslington, Northumberland, in 1853;[A] although so
+recently as March, 1883, a cat was shot in Bullington Wood,
+Lincolnshire, which in point of size, colour, and markings was said to
+be quite indistinguishable from the wild _Felis catus_. Bullington Wood
+is one of an almost continuous chain of great woodlands, extending from
+Mid-Lincolnshire to near Peterborough. Much of the district has never
+been preserved for game, and keepers are few and far between; hence the
+wild animals have enjoyed an almost complete immunity from persecution.
+Cats are known to have bred in these woods in a wild state for
+generations, and there is no improbability that the cat in question may
+have descended directly from the old British wild cat. Under all the
+circumstances, however, it seems more likely to be a case of reversion
+under favourable conditions from the domestic to the wild type.
+
+[A] "Trans. Tyneside Nat. Field Club," 1864, vol. vi. p. 123.
+
+"In Ireland, strange to say, notwithstanding reports to the contrary,
+all endeavours to find a genuine wild cat have failed, the so-called
+'wild cat' of the natives proving to be the 'marten cat,' a very
+different animal.
+
+"We thus come back to the question with which we started, namely, the
+question of origin of the domestic cat; and the conclusion, I think, at
+which we must arrive is, that although _Felis catus_ has contributed to
+the formation of the existing race of domestic cats, it is not the sole
+ancestor. Several wild species of Egyptian and Indian origin having been
+ages ago reclaimed, the interbreeding of their offspring and crossing
+with other wild species in the countries to which they have been at
+various times exported, has resulted in the gradual production of the
+many varieties, so different in shape and colour, with which we are now
+familiar."
+
+Before quitting the subject, I would point to the fact that when the
+domestic cat takes to the woods and becomes wild, it becomes much
+larger, stronger, and changes in colour; and there can be little doubt
+that during the centuries of the existence of the cat in England there
+must have been numberless crosses and intercrosses, both with regard to
+the _males_ of the domestic cat as with wild _females_, and _vice
+versa_; yet the curious fact remains that the wild cat still retains its
+peculiar colouring and form, as is shown by the skins preserved in the
+British Museum and elsewhere.
+
+Mr. Darwin, in his "Voyage of the Beagle," 1845 (p. 120), in his notes
+of the first colonists of La Plata, A.D. 1535, says, among other animals
+that he saw was "the common cat altered into a _large_ and _fierce_
+animal, inhabiting the rocky hills," etc.
+
+Another point on which I wish to give my impressions is the act of the
+cat in what is termed "sharpening its claws." Mr. Darwin notes certain
+trees where the jaguars "_sharpen their claws_," and mentions the scars
+were of different ages; he also thought they did this "_to tear off the
+horny points_." This, I believe, is the received opinion among
+naturalists; but I differ _entirely_ from this view of the practice. It
+is a fact, however, and worthy of notice, that all cats do so, even the
+domestic cat. I had _one_ of the legs of a kitchen table entirely torn
+to pieces by my cats; and after much observation I came to the
+conclusion that it has nothing whatever to do with _sharpening_ the
+claws, but is done to stretch the muscles and tendons of the feet so
+that they work readily and strongly, as the retraction of the claws for
+lengthened periods must tend to contract the tendons used for the
+purpose of extending or retracting; therefore the cats fix the points of
+their claws in something soft, and bear downwards with the whole weight
+of the body, simply to stretch and, by use, to strengthen the ligatures
+that pull the claws forward. It is also to be noted that even the
+domestic cat goes to one particular place or tree to insert the claws
+and drag forward the muscles--perhaps even in the leather of an
+arm-chair, a costly practice. Why one object is always selected is that
+they may not betray their presence by numerous marks in the
+neighbourhood, if wild, to other animals or their enemies. I have
+mentioned this to my brother, John Jenner Weir, F.L.S., and he concurs
+with me throughout.
+
+I find in Strutt's "Sports and Pastimes" that of the names applied to
+companies of animals in the Middle Ages, several are still in use,
+though many have become obsolete; and also a few of the beasts have
+ceased to exist in a wild state. Some were very curious, such as a
+_skulk_ of foxes, a _cete_ of badgers, a _huske_ or _down_ of hares, a
+_nest_ of rabbits, and a _clowder of cats_, and a _kindle of young
+cats_. Now cats are said to _kitten_, and rabbits _kindle_.
+
+The following shows the value of the cat nearly a thousand years ago; it
+is to be found in Bewick's "Quadrupeds": "In the time of Hoel the Good,
+King of Wales, who died in the year 948, laws were made as well to
+preserve as to fix the different prices of animals; among which the cat
+is included, as being at that period of great importance, on account of
+its scarcity and utility.
+
+"The price of a kitten, before it could see, was fixed at one penny;
+till proof could be given of its having caught a mouse, twopence; after
+which it was rated at fourpence, which was a great sum in those days,
+when the value of specie was extremely high. It was likewise required
+that it should be perfect in its sense of hearing and seeing, should be
+a good mouser, have its claws whole, and, if a female, be a careful
+nurse. If it failed in any of these good qualities, the seller was to
+forfeit to the buyer a third part of its value. If any one should steal
+or kill a cat that guarded the Prince's granary, he was either to
+forfeit a milch ewe, her fleece and lamb, or as much wheat as when
+poured on the cat suspended by its feet (its head touching the floor),
+would form a heap high enough to cover the tip of the former." Bewick
+remarks: "Hence we may conclude that cats were not originally natives of
+these islands, and from the great care taken to improve the breed of
+this prolific creature, we may suppose were but little known at that
+period."
+
+I scarcely think this the right conclusion, the English wild cat being
+anatomically different. In Hone's popular works it is stated that "Cats
+are supposed to have been brought into England from the island of Cyprus
+by some foreign merchants, who came hither for tin." Mr. Hone further
+says: "Wild cats were kept by our ancient kings for hunting. The
+officers who had charge of these cats seem to have had appointments of
+equal consequence with the masters of the king's hounds; they were
+called _Catatores_."
+
+Beaumont and Fletcher in _The Scornful Lady_ allude to the hunting of
+cats in the line,
+
+    "Bring out the _cat-hounds_, I'll make you take a tree."
+
+But although large and ferocious, the wild cat was not considered a
+match for some of the lesser animals, for in Salmon's "English
+Physician," 1693, we read that "The weasel is an enemy to ravens, crows,
+and _cats_, and although cats may sometimes set upon them, yet they can
+scarcely overcome them."
+
+Nevertheless, we find in Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813, that "_Wild
+cats_ formerly were an object of _sport_ to huntsmen. Thus, Gerard
+Camvile, 6 John, had special licence to hunt the hare, fox, and wild
+cat, throughout all the King's _forests_; and 23 Henry III., Earl
+Warren, by giving Simon de Pierpont a _goshawk_, obtained leave to hunt
+the buck, doe, hart, hind, hare, fox, goat, _cat_, or any other wild
+beast, in certain lands of Simon's. But it was not for diversion alone
+that this animal was pursued; for the _skin_ was much used by the nuns
+in their habits, as a _fur_."
+
+Still it appears from Mr. Charles Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle," that
+tastes vary. "Doctor Shaw was laughed at for stating the flesh of the
+lion is in great esteem, having no small affinity with veal, both in the
+colour, taste, and flavour. Such certainly is the case with the puma.
+The Guachos differ in their opinion whether the jaguar is good eating;
+but were unanimous in saying the _cat_ is _excellent_."
+
+It is also stated that the Chinese fatten and eat cats with considerable
+relish; but of this I can obtain no reliable information, some of my
+friends from China not having heard of the custom, if such it is.
+
+Again referring to the skin of the cat, _vide_ Strutt: "In the
+thirty-seventh year of the reign of Edward III., it was decreed, after
+enumerating the various kinds of cloth that were to be worn by the
+nobles, knights, dames, and others, that (Article 2) tradesmen,
+artificers, and men in office, called yeomen, their wives and children,
+shall wear no kind of furs excepting those of lambs, of rabbits, of
+_cats_, and of foxes." Further: "No man, unless he be possessed of the
+yearly value of forty shillings, shall wear any furs but black and white
+lambs' skins." Lambs' and cats' skins were equivalent in value and
+order.
+
+In the twenty-second year of this monarch's reign, all the former
+statutes "against excess in apparel" were repealed.
+
+My old friend Fairholt, in his useful work on costume, says of the
+Middle Ages: "The peasants wore cat skins, badger skins, etc."
+
+One of the reasons why the skin of cats was used on cloaks and other
+garments for trimming, being that it showed humility in dress, and not
+by way of affectation or vanity, but for warmth and comfort, it being of
+the lowest value of any, with the exception of lambs' skin and badgers';
+and adopted by some priests as well as nuns, when wishing to impress
+others with their deep sense of humility in all things, even to their
+wearing-apparel. The proof of which Strutt's "Habits of the
+Anglo-Normans," _circa_ twelfth century, fully illustrates:
+
+"William of Malmesbury, speaking of Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester,
+assures us that he avoided all appearance of pride and ostentation in
+his dress, and though he was very wealthy, he never used any furs finer
+than lambs' skin for the lining of his garments. Being blamed for such
+needless humility by Geoffrey, Bishop of Constans, who told him that 'He
+not only could afford, but even ought to wear those of sables, of
+beavers, or of foxes,' he replied: 'It may indeed be proper for you
+politicians, skilful in the affairs of the world, to adorn yourselves in
+the skins of such cunning animals; but for me, who am a plain man, and
+not subject to change my opinion, the skins of lambs are quite
+sufficient.' 'If,' returned his opponent, 'the finer furs are
+unpleasant, you might at least make use of those of the cat.' 'Believe
+me,' answered the facetious prelate, 'the lamb of God is much oftener
+sung in the Church than the cat of God.' This witty retort put Geoffrey
+to the blush, and threw the whole company into a violent fit of
+laughter."
+
+Of a very different character was the usage of the cat at clerical
+festivals. In Mill's "History of the Crusades," one reads with some
+degree of horror that "In the Middle Ages the cat was a very important
+personage in religious festivals. At Aix, in Provence, on the festival
+of the Corpus Christi, the finest he-cat of the country, wrapped like a
+child in swaddling clothes, was exhibited in a magnificent shrine to
+public admiration. Every knee was bent, every hand strewed flowers or
+poured incense; and pussy was treated in all respects as the god of the
+day. On the festival, however, of St. John (June 24), the poor cat's
+fate was reversed. A number of cats were put in a wicker basket, and
+thrown alive into the midst of a large fire, kindled in the public
+square by the bishop and his clergy. Hymns and anthems were sung, and
+processions were made by the priests and people in honour of the
+sacrifice."
+
+While the foregoing was about being printed, Mr. Edward Hamilton, M.D.,
+writing to _The Field_, May 11th, 1889, gives information of a wild cat
+being shot in Inverness-shire. I therefore insert the paragraph, as
+every record of so scarce an animal is of importance and value,
+especially when it is descriptive. He states: "A fine specimen of the
+wild cat (_Felis sylvestris_) was sent to me on May 3rd, trapped in
+Inverness-shire on the Ben Nevis range. It was too much decomposed to
+exhibit. Its dimensions were: from nose to base of tail, 1 foot 11
+inches; length of tail, 1 foot; height at shoulder, 1 foot 2 inches; the
+length of small intestine, 1 foot 8-1/2 inches; and the large intestine, 1
+foot 1 inch." It will be seen by these measurements that the animal was
+not so large as some that have been taken, though excelling in size many
+of the domestic varieties.
+
+
+
+
+CONCERNING CATS.
+
+
+CAT.--Irish, _Cat_; French, _Chat_; Dutch, _Kat_; Danish, _Kat_;
+Swedish, _Katt_; German, _Katti_ or _Katze_; Latin, _Catus_; Italian,
+_Gatto_; Portuguese and Spanish, _Gato_; Polish, _Kot_; Russian, _Kots_;
+Turkish, _Keti_; Welsh, _Cath_; Cornish, _Kath_; Basque, _Catua_;
+Armenian, _Gaz_ or _Katz_. In Armenic, _Kitta_, or _Kaita_, is a male
+cat.
+
+_Abram cat._--This I first thought simply meant a male cat; but I find
+in Nares, "Abram" is the corruption of "auburn," so, no doubt, a red or
+sandy tabby cat is intended.
+
+_A Wheen cat, a Queen cat (Catus femina)._--"Queen" was used by the
+Saxons to signify the female sex, in that "queen fugol" was used for
+"hen fowl." Farmers in Kent and Sussex used also to call heifers "little
+queens."
+
+_Carl cat._--A boar or he-cat, from the old Saxon carle or karle, a
+male, and cat.
+
+_Cat._--It was used to denote "Liberty." No animal is more impatient of
+restriction or confinement, nor yet _seeming_ to bear it with more
+resignation. The Romans made their goddess of Liberty holding a cup in
+one hand and a broken sceptre in the other, with a cat lying at her
+feet. Among the goddesses, Diana is said to have assumed the form of a
+cat. The Egyptians worshipped the cat as an emblem of the moon, not only
+because it was more active after sunset, but from the dilation and
+contraction of its orb, symbolical of the waxing and waning of the night
+goddess. But Bailey, in his dictionary, says cats see best as the sun
+approaches, and that their eyesight decays as it goes down in the
+evening. Yet, "on this account," says Mr. Thiselton Dyer, in his
+"English Folk-lore," "it was so highly esteemed as to receive
+sacrifices, and even to have stately temples erected to its honour.
+Whenever a cat died, Brand tells us, all the family shaved their
+eyebrows; and Diodorus Siculus relates that a Roman happening
+accidentally to kill a cat, the mob immediately gathered round the house
+where he was, and neither the entreaties of some principal men by the
+king, nor the fear of the Romans, with whom the Egyptians were then
+negotiating a peace, could save the man's life. In so much esteem also
+was it held, that on the death of its owner the favourite cat, or even
+kitten, was sacrificed, embalmed, and placed in the same sarcophagus."
+
+Some few years ago, Mr. E. Long, R.A., exhibited at the Royal Academy a
+very fine picture of Egyptians idol-making, idol worshippers and
+sellers; the lines from Juvenal being descriptive:
+
+    "All know what monsters Egypt venerates;
+    It worships crocodiles, or it adores
+    The snake-gorged ibis; and sacred ape
+    Graven in gold is seen ...Whole cities pray
+    To _cats_ and fishes, or the dog invoke."
+
+_Cat._--A metal tripod for holding a plate or Dutch oven before the
+fire. So called because, in whatever position it is placed, it is
+supported by the spokes; as it is said a cat will always light on its
+feet, so the plate-holder will stand firmly in any position. These old
+brass appliances have now gone out of use and are seldom seen, the new
+mode of "handing round" not requiring them. Another reason, doubtless,
+is the lowness of the fire compared with the stove of former years,
+which was high up in the bygone "parlour grate."
+
+_Cat._--A cross old woman was called "a cat"; or to a shrewish, the
+epithet was applied tauntingly.
+
+    "But will you woo this wild cat?"
+
+                      _Taming of the Shrew_, Act I., Scene 2.
+
+CAT.--A ship formed on the Norwegian model, having a narrow stern,
+projecting quarters, and a deep waist. It is strongly built, from four
+to six hundred tons' burden, and employed in the coal trade.
+
+_Cat._--A strong tackle, or combination of pulleys, to hook and draw in
+the anchor perpendicularly up to the cat-head of the ship.
+
+_Cat._--A small kind of anchor is sometimes called a cat or ketch; by
+the Dutch, "Kat."
+
+_Cat._--"At the edge of the moat, opposite the wooden tower, a strong
+penthouse, which they called a 'cat,' might be seen stealing towards the
+curtain, and gradually filling up the moat with facines and
+rubbish."--Read _Cloister and Hearth_, chap, xliii. (Davis' "Glossary.")
+
+_Catacide._--A cat-killer (BAILEY, 1726).
+
+_Catamount._--Cat of the mountain, the ordinary wild cat, when found on
+the mountains, among the rocks or woods.
+
+_Cat and trap._--A game or play (AINSWORTH). This is probably that known
+as "trap, bat, and ball," as on striking the trap, after the ball is
+placed on the lever, it is propelled upwards, and then struck by the
+batsman.
+
+_Catapult._--A military engine for battering or attacking purposes. A
+modern toy, by which much mischief and evil is done by unthinking boys.
+
+_Cat-bird._--An American bird, whose cry resembles that of a cat, the
+_Turdus felivox._
+
+_Cat-block._--A two or threefold block with an iron strap and large
+hook, used to draw up an anchor to the cat-head.
+
+_Cat-call._--"A tin whistle. The ancients divided their dramas into four
+parts: _pro'tasis_ (introduction), _epit'asis_ (continuation),
+_catas'tasis_ (climax), and _catas'trophe_ (conclusion or _denouement_).
+The cat-call is the call for the cat or _catastrophe._"--BREWER'S
+_Dictionary of Phrase and Fable._
+
+    "Sound, sound, ye viols; be the cat-call dumb."
+                                    DUNCIADE, I. 303.
+
+The modern imitation of "cat-calls" is caused by whistling with two
+fingers in the mouth, and so making an intensely shrill noise, with
+waulings imitating "catterwaulings." Also a shrill tin whistle, round
+and flat, set against the teeth.
+
+_Cat-eaten Street._--In London; properly "Catte Street" (STOW).
+
+_Caterpillar._--"_Catyrpelwyrm_ among fruit" is corrupted from old
+French _Chatte peleuse_ (PALSGRAVE, 1530). "Hairy cat;" the last part of
+the word was probably assimilated to _piller_, a robber or despoiler
+(PALMER'S _Folk Etymology_).
+
+_Caterwauling._--The wrawl of cats in rutting times; any hideous noise.
+Topsel gives _catwralling_, to "wrall;" "wrawl," to rail or quarrel with
+a loud voice; hence the Yorkshire expression, "raising a wrow," meaning
+a row or quarrel. There is also the archaic adjective _wraw_ (angry).
+Caterwaul, therefore, is the wawl or wrawl of cats; the _er_ being
+either a plural, similar to "childer" (children), or a corrupted
+genitive.--BREWER'S _Dictionary of Phrase and Fable._
+
+    "What a caterwawling do you keep here!"
+                       SHAKESPEARE, _Twelfth Night_, Act II., Scene 3.
+
+"To yawl.--To squall or scream harshly like an enraged cat."--HOLLOWAY
+(Norfolk).
+
+    "Thou must be patient; we came crying hither;
+    Thou knowest the first time that we smell air,
+    We _waul_ and cry."
+                                        _King John_, Act IV.
+
+_Cat-eyed._--Sly, gray eyes, or with large pupils, watchful.
+
+_Cat-fall._--A rope used in ships for hoisting the anchor to the
+cat-head.
+
+_Catfish._--A species of the squalus, or shark (_Felis marinus_). The
+catfish of North America is a species of _cottus_, or bull-head.
+
+_Catgut._--A corruption of "gut-cord." The intestines of a sheep,
+twisted and dried; not that of a cat, as generally supposed. Also, it is
+stated by some, the finer strings for viols were made from the cat. Mr.
+Timbs says the original reading in Shakespeare was "_calves'_-gut." "A
+sort of linen or canvas with wide interstices."--WEBSTER.
+
+_Cat-hamed._, or _hammed._--Awkward; sometimes applied to a horse with
+weak hind-legs, and which drops suddenly behind on its haunches, as a
+cat is said to do.
+
+_Cat-handed._--A Devonshire term for awkward.
+
+_Cat-harpings._--"Rope sewing to brace in the shrouds of the lower masts
+behind their respective yards, to tighten the shrouds and give more room
+to draw in the yards when the ship is close hauled."--_Marine
+Dictionary._
+
+_Cat-harping fashion._--Drinking crossways, and not as usual, over the
+left thumb. Sea term.--GROSE.
+
+_Cat-head._--"A strong beam, projecting horizontally over the ship's
+bows, carrying two or three sheaves, above which a rope, called the
+cat-fall, passes, and communicates with the cat-block."--_Marine
+Dictionary._
+
+_Cathood._--The time when a kitten is full grown, it is then a cat and
+has attained maturity, that is, cathood.
+
+_Cat-hook._--A strong hook fitted to the cat-block.
+
+_Cat-lap._--Weak tea, only fit for the cat to lap, or thin milk and
+water. In Kent and Sussex it is also often applied to small, _very_
+small beer; even thin gruel is called "cat-lap." Weak tea is also called
+"scandal-broth."
+
+_Cat-like._--Stealthy, slow, yet appertaining more to appearance.
+
+_Catlings._--Down, or moss, growing about walnut-trees, resembling the
+hair of a cat.
+
+_Cat o' Nine Tails._--So called from being nine pieces of cord put
+together, in each cord nine knots; and this, when used vigorously, makes
+several long marks not unlike the clawing or scratching of a cat,
+producing crossing and re-crossing wounds; a fearful and severe
+punishment, formerly too often exercised for trivial offences.
+
+_Cat_ or _dog wool._--"Of which cotte or coarse blankets were formerly
+made" (BAILEY). "Cot gase" (refuse wool). "Cat" no doubt was a
+corruption of "cot."
+
+_Cat-pear._--A pear, shaped like a hen's egg, that ripens in October.
+
+_Cat pellet._--The pop-gun of boys, one pellet of paper driving out the
+other. Davis in his "Glossary" thinks it means "tip-cat." Probably it
+may be the sharpened piece of wood, not the game, that is different
+altogether, he quotes.
+
+    "Who beats the boys from cat pellet, and stool ball."
+                                        _British Bellman_, 1648.
+
+_Cat-salt._--A salt obtained from butter.
+
+_Cat-salt._--"A sort of salt beautifully granulated, formed out of the
+bittern or leach brine, used for making hard soap."--_Encyclopaedia._
+
+_Cat's-eye._--A precious stone, resembling, when polished, the eye of a
+cat. It has lately become fashionable.
+
+A large collection of Burmese, Indian, and Japanese curiosities was
+lately sold by auction. The great attraction of the sale was "The Hindoo
+Lingam God," consisting of a chrysoberyl _cat's-eye_ fixed in a topaz,
+and mounted in a pyramidal base studded with diamonds and precious
+stones. This curious relic stood 2-1/4 inches in height. It was preserved
+for more than a thousand years in an ancient temple at Delhi, where acts
+of devotion were paid before it by women anxious to have children. The
+base is of solid gold, and around it are set nine gems or charms, a
+diamond, ruby, sapphire, _chrysoberyl cat's-eye_, coral, pearl,
+hyacinthine garnet, yellow sapphire, and emerald. Round the apex of this
+gold pyramid is a plinth set with diamonds. On the apex is a topaz 1
+10-16ths inch in length, and 9-16ths of an inch in depth, shaped like a
+horseshoe; in the centre of the horseshoe the _great chrysoberyl
+cat's-eye_ stands upright. This is 15-16ths of an inch in height, and
+dark brown in colour, and shaped like a pear. An extremely mobile
+opalescent light crosses the length of the stone in an oblique
+direction. When Bad Shah Bahadoor Shah, the last King of Delhi, was
+captured and exiled to the Andaman Isles, his Queen secreted this gem,
+and it was never seen again until, being distressed during the Mutiny,
+she sold it to the present owner. The gem was finally knocked down at
+L2,450 to Mr. S. J. Phillips, jeweller, New Bond Street.
+
+_Cat's-foot._--To live under the cat's foot, to be under the dominion of
+a wife, hen-pecked.
+
+_Cat's-foot._--A plant of the genus _Glechoma pes felinus_, ground ivy
+or gill.
+
+_Cat's-head apple._--A large culinary apple, considered by some in form
+to bear a resemblance to a cat's head. Philips in his poem "Cyder" thus
+describes it:
+
+    " ...The cat's head's weighty orb,
+    Enormous in growth, for various use."
+
+_Cat-silver._--An old popular name for mica or talc.
+
+_Cat-sleep._--A light doze, a watchful sleep, like that of a hare or of
+a cat who sits in front of a mouse-hole, a dozy or a sleeping
+wakefulness.
+
+_Cat's-paw._--Any one used by another for getting them out of a
+difficulty, and for no other reason, is made a cat's-paw of. The simile
+is from the fable of the monkey using the cat's paw to take his
+chestnuts out of the fire. A light breeze just ruffling the water in a
+calm is called a cat's-paw. Also a particular kind of turn in the bight
+of a rope made to hook tackle on.
+
+_Cat's-tail._ (_Typha latifolia_).--A kind of reed which bears a spike
+like the tail of a cat, which some call reed mace; its long, flat leaves
+are much used for the bottoms of chairs.
+
+_Cats'-tails._--Mares' tails (_equisetum_).
+
+_Cat-stane._--"Battle-stone. A monolith in Scotland (sometimes falsely
+called a Druidical stone). The Norwegian term, banta stein, means the
+same thing. Celtic--_cath_ (battle)."--BREWER'S _Dictionary of Phrase
+and Fable._
+
+_Cat-sticks._--Thin legs; compared to the thin sticks with which boys
+play at cat (Grose).
+
+_Catsup_ or _ketchup._--A corruption of the Eastern name of "Kitjap." Is
+then the syllable "cat" a pun on "kit" or "kitten" (a young cat)? Surely
+not.
+
+_Cattaria._--_Nepeta Cattaria._ _Mentha felina_, the herb cat-mint.
+
+_Cattery._--A place where cats are kept, the ordinary name when a person
+keeps a collection of cats.
+
+_Cattish._--Having stealthy ways, slow and cautious in movements,
+watchful.
+
+_Catwater._ (Plymouth).--"This is a remarkable instance of
+mistranslation. The castle at the mouth of the Plym used to be called
+the Chateau; but some one, thinking it would be better to Anglicise the
+French, divided the word into two parts: _chat_ (cat), _eau_
+(water)."--BREWER'S _Dictionary of Phrase and Fable._
+
+_Catwhin._--_Rosa spinosissima._ Burnet Rose is the name of the _plant_.
+
+_Cat with two tails._--The earwig. _Northumberland_; Holloway.
+
+_Gil cat._--A male cat; some say an old male. Nares says, an expression
+exactly analogous to "Jack ass;" the one being formerly called "Gil" or
+"Gilbert," as commonly as the other "Jack." "Tom cat" is now the usual
+term, and for a similar reason. "Tibert" is said to be the old French
+for "Gilbert." From "Tibert," "Tib," "Tibby," also was a common name for
+a cat. Wilkins, in his "Index to Philosophical Language," has "Gil"
+(male) cat in the same way as a male cat is called a "Tom" cat. In some
+counties the cock fowl is called a "Tom." It is unknown whence the
+origin of the latter term.
+
+_Grimalkin._--Poetical name for a cat (Bailey). "Mawkin" signifies a
+hare in Scotland (Grose). In Sussex a hare is often called "puss" or
+"pussy." "Puss" is also a common name for a cat.
+
+_Grinagog, the cat's uncle._--A foolish, grinning fellow. One who grins
+without reason (Grose). In Norfolk, if one say "she," the reply is,
+"Who's 'she'? The cat's aunt?"
+
+_Hang me in a bottle like a cat._--"BENEDICT. If I do, hang me in a
+bottle like a cat, and shoot at me, and he that hits me, let him be
+clapt on the shoulder and called Adam" (meaning Adam Bell, the famous
+archer).--_Much Ado About Nothing_, Act I.
+
+A note in the "Percy Reliques," vol. i., 1812, states: "Bottles were
+formerly of leather, though perhaps a wooden bottle might be here meant.
+It is still a diversion in Scotland (1812) to hang up a cat in a small
+cask or firkin, half filled with soot, and then a parcel of clowns on
+horseback try to beat out the ends of it, in order to show their
+dexterity in escaping before the contents fall on them."
+
+     From "Demandes Joyeuses" (amusing questions), 1511:
+
+     "_Q._ What is that that never was and never will be?
+
+     "_A._ A mouse nest in a cat's ear.
+
+     "_Q._ Why does a cat cross the road?
+
+     "_A._ Because it wants to get to the other side."
+
+_Mrs. Evans._--"A local name for a she-cat, owing, it is said, to a
+witch of the name of Evans, who assumed the appearance of a
+cat."--GROSE.
+
+_Nine lives like a cat._--"Cats, from their great suppleness and
+aptitude to fall on their feet, are commonly said to have nine lives;
+hence Ben Jonson, in 'Every Man in His Humour,' says: ''Tis a pity you
+had not ten lives--a cat's and your own.'"--THISELTON DYER'S _English
+Folk-lore._
+
+     "TYB. What wouldst thou have with me?
+
+     MER. Good king of cats, nothing but one of your nine lives."
+                                   _Romeo and Juliet_, III. I.
+
+Middleton says in "Blurt Master Constable," 1602:
+
+     "They have nine lives apiece, like a woman."
+
+_Pussy cats._--Male blossom of the willow.
+
+_Salt-cat_, or _salt-cate._--A mixture of salt, gravel, clay, old
+mortar, cumin seed, ginger, and other ingredients, in a pan, which is
+placed in pigeon lofts.
+
+_Sick as a Cat._--Cats are subject to sickness or vomiting for the
+purpose of throwing up indigestible matter, such as the fur of mice,
+feathers of birds, which would otherwise collect and form balls
+internally. For this reason they eat grass, which produces the desired
+effect; hence arises the phrase "as sick as a cat."
+
+_Tabby._--"An old maid; either from Tabitha, a formal antiquated name,
+or else from a tabby cat; old maids, by the rude, weak-minded, and
+vulgar, being often compared to cats. 'To drive tab,' to go out on a
+party of pleasure with wife and family."--GROSE'S _Glossary._
+
+    "The neighbour's old cat often
+        Came to pay us a visit;
+    We made her a bow and courtesy,
+        Each with a compliment in it.
+
+    After her health we asked,
+        Our care and regard to evince;
+    (We have made the very same speeches
+        To many an old cat since)."
+
+                 MRS. B. BROWNING (translation of "Heine").
+
+_Tip-cat._--A pleasant game for those engaged in it; not so, too often,
+for others, medical reports of late tending to show that many cases of
+the loss of sight have occurred.
+
+_To turn Cat in Pan._--This phrase has been a source of much contention,
+and many different derivations have been given; but all tend to show
+that it means a complete _turn over_, that is, to quit one side and go
+to the other, to turn traitor, to turncoat. "To turn cat in pan:
+_Praevaricor_" (Ainsworth). Bacon, in his Essays "On Cunning," p. 81,
+says: "There is a cunning which we in England call 'the turning of the
+cat in the pan,' which is when that a man says to another, 'he lays it
+as if another had said it to him.'" This is somewhat obscure in
+definition. Toone says: "The proverbial expression, 'to turn a cat in a
+pan,' denotes a sudden change in one's party, or politics, or religion,
+for the sake of being in the ascendant, as a cat always comes down on
+its legs, however thrown." The Vicar of Bray is quoted as simply a
+"turncoat," but this does _not_ affect the argument. I quite think, and
+in this others agree with me, that it has nothing to do with the _cat_,
+but was originally cate. In olden times, and until lately, it was the
+custom _to toss_ pancakes (to turn them over). It was no easy matter;
+frequently the _cake_ or _cate_ went in the fire or lodged in the
+chimney. To turn the cat or cate in the pan was to toss and _turn it
+completely over_, that is, from one side to the other. The meaning given
+to the phrase _helps to prove_ this view. I merely introduce this
+because so many have asked for an explanation as regards "the _cat_ in
+pan." I consider the "far-fetched" origins of the term are complete
+errors. It was a custom to toss pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, and it
+required great skill to do it well, cleanly, and completely. Some cooks
+were noted for it, and thought clever if it was done without injury to
+themselves or clothes.
+
+It appears from "The Westmoreland Dialect," by A. Walker (1790), that
+cock-fighting and "casting" of pancakes were then common in that county,
+thus: "Whaar ther wor tae be cock-feightin', for it war pankeak
+Tuesday," and "we met sum lads an' lasses gangin' to kest (cast) their
+pankeaks."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_To whip the cat._--"To practise the most pinching parsimony, grudging
+even the scraps and orts, or remnants of food given to the
+cat."--HOLLOWAY (_Norfolk_).
+
+A phrase applied to the village tailor going round from house to house
+for work.
+
+"To be drunk."--HEYWOOD'S _Philoconothista_, 1635, p. 60.
+
+An itinerant parson is said to "whip the cat."
+
+"A trick practised on ignorant country fellows, vain of their strength,
+by laying a wager with them that they may be pulled through a pond by a
+cat. The bet being made, a rope is fixed round the waist of the party to
+be catted, and the end thrown across the pond, to which the cat is also
+fastened by a pack-thread, and three or four sturdy fellows are
+appointed to lead and 'whip the cat.' These, on a signal being given,
+seize the end of the cord, and, pretending to whip the cat, haul the
+astonished booby through the water."--GROSE, 1785.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following are culled from the well-known and useful book, Jamieson's
+"Scottish Dictionary":
+
+_Cat._--A small bit of rag, rolled up and put between the handle of a
+pot and the hook which suspends it over the fire, to raise it a
+little.--_Roxb._
+
+_Cat._--A handful of straw, with or without corn upon it, or of reaped
+grain, laid on the ground by the reaper without being put into a sheaf
+(_Roxb., Dumfr._). Perhaps from the Belg. word _katt-en_, to throw, the
+handful of corn being cast on the ground; whence _kat_, a small anchor.
+
+_Cat._--The name given to a bit of wood, a horn, or anything which is
+struck in place of a ball in certain games.
+
+_To Cat a Chimney._--To enclose a vent by the process called _Cat and
+Clay_ (_Teviotd._).
+
+_Cat and Clay._--The materials of which a mud wall is constructed in
+many parts of S. Straw and clay are well wrought together, and being
+formed into pretty large rolls, are laid between the different wooden
+posts by means of which the wall is formed, and carefully pressed down
+so as to incorporate with each other, or with the twigs that are
+sometimes plaited from one post to another (_S._).
+
+_Cat and Dog._--The name of an ancient sport (_S._). It seems to be an
+early form of _Cricket._ (Query, is this the same as Cat and Trap?)
+
+_Catband._--1. The name given to the strong hook used on the inside of a
+door or gate, which, being fixed to the wall, keeps it shut. 2. A chain
+drawn across a street for defence in time of war. Germ., _kette_, a
+chain, and _band_.
+
+_Cat-fish, Sea-cat._--The sea-wolf (_S._). _Anarhicas lupus_ (LINN.)
+Sw., _haf-cat_--_i.e._ sea-cat.--SIBBALD.
+
+_Cat-gut._--Thread fucus, or sea laces. _Fucus filum_ (LINN.), _Orkney_,
+"Neill's Tour."
+
+_Cat-Harrow._--"_They draw the Cat-Harrow_"--that is, they thwart one
+another.--_Loth. Ang._, LYNDSEY.
+
+_Cat-heather._--A finer species of heath, low and slender, growing more
+in separate, upright stalks than the common heath, and flowering only at
+the top (_Aberd._).
+
+_Cat-hole._--1. The name given to the loop-holes or narrow openings in
+the wall of a barn (_S._). 2. A sort of niche in the wall of a barn, in
+which keys and other necessaries are deposited in the inside, where it
+is not perforated.
+
+_Cat-hud._--The name given to a large stone, which serves as a back to a
+fire on the hearth in the house of a cottager (_Dumfr._). Sw. G.,
+_kaette_, denotes a small cell or apartment, which corresponds to the
+form of the country fireside; also a bed; a pen. _Hud_ might seem allied
+to Teut. _huyd-en_, _conservare_, as the stone is meant to guard this
+enclosure from the effects of the fire.
+
+_Catling._--Small catgut strings for musical instruments, also a kind of
+knife used in surgery.
+
+_Cat-loup._--1. A very short distance as to space (_S._); q. as far as a
+cat may leap (HOGG). 2. A moment; as, "I'se be wi' ye in a
+_catloup_"--_i.e._, instantly. "I will be with you as quickly as a cat
+can leap."
+
+_Catmaw._--"To tumble the _catmaw_," to go topsy-turvy, to tumble (_S.
+B._).
+
+_Catmint._--An herbaceous plant (_Mentha felina_), that cats delight to
+roll on.
+
+_Cat's Carriage._--The same play that is otherwise called the "King's
+Cushion," q.v. (_Loth._).
+
+_Cat's Cradle._--A plaything for children, made of pack-thread on the
+fingers of one person, and transferred from them to those of another
+(_S._).
+
+_Cat's Crammocks._--Clouds like hairs streaming from an animal's tail
+(_Shetland_).
+
+_Cat's Hair._--1. The down that covers unfledged birds (_Fife_); synon.
+_Paddockhair_. 2. The down on the face of boys before the beard grows
+(_S._). 3. Applied also to the thin hair that often grows on the bodies
+of persons in bad health (_S._).
+
+_Cat-siller._.--The mica of mineralogists (_S._); the _katzen silber_ of
+the vulgar in Germany. Teut., _katten silver_, _amiantus_, _mica_,
+_vulgo argentum felium_; Kilian.
+
+_Cat's Lug._--The name given to the _Auricula ursi._--LINN.
+(_Roxburgh._).
+
+_Cat's Stairs._--A plaything for children, made of thread, small cord,
+or tape, which is so disposed by the hands as to fall down like steps of
+a stair (_Dumfr._, _Gall._).
+
+_Catstone._--One of the upright stones which support a grate, there
+being one on each side (_Roxb._). Since the introduction of Carron
+grates these _stones_ are found in kitchens only. The term is said to
+originate from this being the favourite seat of the _cat._ _See_
+Catstone (English).
+
+_Catstone-head._--The flat top of the Catstone (_ibid._).
+
+_Catsteps._--The projections of the stones in the slanting part of a
+gable (_Roxb._). _Corbie-steps_, synon.
+
+_Cat's-Tails._--Hare's Tail Rush (_Eriophorum vaginatum_). LINN.
+_Mearns_; also called _Canna-down_, Cat Tails (_Galloway_).
+
+_Catten-Clover._, _Cat-in-Clover._--The Lotus (_South of S._). Sw.,
+_Katt-klor_ (Cat's Claws).
+
+_Catter._--1. Catarrh (BELLENDEN). 2. A supposed disease of the fingers
+from handling cats.
+
+_Catterbatch._--A broil, a quarrel (_Fife_). Teut., _kater_, a he-cat,
+and _boetse_, rendered _cavillatio, q._, "a cat's quarrel."
+
+_Catwittit._--Harebrained, unsettled; _q._, having the _wits_ of a _cat_
+(_S._).
+
+_Kittie._--A North-country name for a cat, male or female.
+
+_Kitling._--Sharp; kitten-like.
+
+    "His _kitling_ eyes begin to run
+    Quite through the table where he spies
+    The horns of paperie butterflys."
+
+                         HERRICK, _Hesperides_.
+
+_Kittenhood._--State of being a kitten.
+
+    "For thou art as beautiful as ever a cat
+    That wantoned in the joy of kittenhood."
+
+                                     SOUTHEY.
+
+_Kittenish_, kitten-like.
+
+"Such a kittenish disposition in her, I called it; ...the love of
+playfulness."--RICHARDSON.
+
+_Kit_, or _kitten._--A young cat. A young cat is a kitten until it is
+full-grown, then kittenhood ceases.
+
+A school-boy being asked to describe a _kitten_, replied: "A _kitten_ is
+chiefly remarkable for rushing like mad at nothing whatever, and
+generally stopping before it gets there."
+
+_Puss gentleman._--An effeminate man.--DAVIS, _Glossary._
+
+    "I cannot talk with civet in th' room,
+    A fine puss gentleman that's all perfume."
+
+                     COWPER'S _Conversations._
+
+
+
+
+CAT
+
+PROVERBS.
+
+
+_A BLATE cat makes a proud mouse_ (Scotch). An idle, or stupid, or timid
+foe is never feared.
+
+_A cat has nine lives, a woman has nine lives._ In Middleton's _Blurt
+Master Constable_, 1602, we have: "They have nine lives apiece, like a
+woman."
+
+_A cat may look at a king._ In Cornwall they say a cat may look at a
+king if he carries his eyes about him.
+
+"A Cat may Look at a King," is the title of a book on history, published
+in the early part of the last century. On the frontispiece is the
+picture of a cat, over it the inscription, "A cat may look at a king,"
+and a king's head and shoulders on the title-page, with the same
+inscription above.
+
+_A cat's walk_, a little way and back (Cornwall). No place like home.
+Idling about.
+
+_A dead cat feels no cold._ No life, no pain, nor reproach.
+
+_A dog hath a day._--HEYWOOD. In Essex folks add: _And a cat has two
+Sundays._ Why?
+
+The shape of a good greyhound:
+
+     A head like a snake, a neck like a drake, A back like a beam,
+     sided like a bream, A _foot like a cat_, a tail like a rat.
+
+_Ale that would make a cat talk._ Strong enough to make even the dumb
+speak.
+
+    "A spicy pot,
+      Then do's us reason,
+    Would make a cat
+      To talk high treason."--D'URFEY.
+
+_A half-penny cat may look at a king_ (Scotch). A jeering saying of
+offence--"One is as good as another," and as a Scotchman once said, "and
+better."
+
+_A muffled cat is no good mouser._--CLARKE, 1639. No good workman wears
+gloves. By some is said "muzzled."
+
+_A piece of a kid is worth two of a cat._ A little of good is better
+than much that is bad.
+
+_A scalded cat fears cold water._ Once bit always shy. What was may be
+again.
+
+_As cat or cap case_.
+
+    "Bouser I am not, but mild sober Tuesday,
+    _As catte in cap case_, if I like not St. Hewsday."
+
+                                _The Christmas Prince_, 1607.
+
+_As gray as Grannum's cat._--HAZLITT. So old as to be likely to be
+doubly gray.
+
+_As melancholy as a cat._--WALKER. The voice of the cat is melancholy.
+
+_As melancholy as a gib-cat_ (Scotch). As an old, worn-out
+cat.--JOHNSTON.
+
+    "I am as melancholy as a gib-cat or a lugged bear."[B]
+                                               SHAKESPEARE.
+
+[B] A lugged bear is a bear with its ears cut off, so that when used for
+baiting there is less hold for the dogs.
+
+Gib-cat; an old, lonely, melancholy cat.
+
+_Before the cat can lick her ear._ "Nay, you were not quite out of
+hearing ere the cat could lick her ear."--_Oviddius Exultans_, 1673, p.
+50. That is never.
+
+Dun, besides being the name of one who arrested for debt in Henry VII.'s
+time, was also the name of the hangman before "Jack Ketch."--GROSE.
+
+    "And presently a halter got,
+    Made of the best strong teer,
+    And ere a cat could lick her ear,
+    Had tied it up with so much art."
+
+             1664, COTTON'S _Virgile_, Book 4.
+
+_By biting and scratching dogs and cats come together._--HEYWOOD.
+Quarrelling oft makes friends.
+
+_Care clammed a cat._--SIR G. C. LEWIS'S "Herefordshire Glossary."
+Clammed means starvation; that is, care killed the cat; for want of food
+the entrails get "clammed."
+
+_Care killed the cat, but ye canna live without it._ To all some
+trouble, though not all take heed. None know another's burden.
+
+_Care will kill a cat._
+
+    "Then hang care and sorrow,
+    'Tis able to kill a cat."--D'URFEY.
+
+Alluding to its tenacity of life and the carking wear of care.
+
+_Cats after kind good mouse hunt._--HEYWOOD. Letter by F. A. touching
+the quarrel between Arthur Hall and Melch Mallorie, in 1575-6, repr. of
+ed. 1580, in "Misc^{y}. Antiq. Anglic." 1816, p. 93. "For never yet was
+good cat out of kinde."--_English Proverbs_, HAZLITT.
+
+_Cats and Carlins sit in the sun._ When work is done then warmth and
+rest.
+
+_Cats eat what hussies spare._ Nothing is lost. Also refers to giving
+away, and saying "the cat took it."
+
+_Cats hide their claws._ All is not fair that seems so. Trust not to
+appearances.
+
+_Cry you mercy, killed my cat._--CLARKE, 1639. Better away, than stay
+and ask pardon.
+
+_Every day's no yule; cast the cat a castock._ The stump of a cabbage,
+and the proverb means much the same thing as "Spare no expense, bring
+another bottle of _small beer_."--DENHAM'S _Popular Sayings_, 1846.
+
+
+OF FALSE PERSONS.
+
+_He bydes as fast as a cat bound with a sacer._ He does as he likes;
+nothing holds him.
+
+
+OF WITTIE PERSONS.
+
+_He can hold the cat to the sun._ Bold and foolish enough for anything.
+
+
+INCONSTANT PERSONS.
+
+_He is like a dog or a cat._ Not reliable.
+
+_He looks like a wild cat out of a bush._ Fiercely afraid.
+
+_He's like a cat; fling him which way you will, he'll not hurt._ Some
+are always superior to misfortune, or fortune favours many.
+
+_He's like a singed cat, better than he's likely._ He's better than he
+looks or seems.
+
+_He stands in great need that borrows the cat's dish._--CLARKE, 1639.
+The starving are not particular. The hungry cannot choose.
+
+_He lives at the sign of the cat's foot._ He is hen-pecked, his wife
+scratches him.--RAY.
+
+_He wald gar a man trow that the moon is made of green cheis, or the cat
+took the heron._ Never believe all that is laid to another.
+
+_Honest as the cat when the meat is out of reach._ Some are honest, but
+others not by choice.
+
+_How can the cat help it when the maid is a fool?_ Often things lost,
+given, or stolen, are laid to the cat.
+
+_If thou 'scap'st, thou hast cat's luck_, in Fletcher's _Knight of
+Malta_, alluding to the activity and caution of the cat, which generally
+stands it in good stead.
+
+_I'll not buy a cat in a poke._ F., _Chat en Poche_. See what you buy;
+bargain not on another's word.
+
+_Just as quick as a cat up a walnut-tree._--D'URFEY. To climb well and
+easily. To be alert and sudden.
+
+_Let the cat wink, and let the mouse run._ For want of watching and care
+much is lost.--HAZLITT'S "Dodsley," i. 265. The first portion is in the
+interlude of "The World and the Child," 1522.
+
+_Like a cat he'll fall on his legs._ To succeed, never to fail, always
+right.
+
+_Like a cat round hot milk._ Wait and have; all things come to those who
+wait.
+
+_Little and little the cat eateth the stickle._--HEYWOOD. Constant
+dropping weareth a stone.
+
+_Long and slender like a cat's elbow._--HAZLITT. A sneer at the
+ill-favoured.
+
+_Love me, love my cat._--This refers to one marrying; in taking a wife
+he must take her belongings. Or, where you like, you must avoid
+contention.
+
+_Never was cat or dog drowned that could see the shore._ To know the way
+often brings a right ending.
+
+_None but cats and dogs are allowed to quarrel here._ All else agree.
+
+_No playing with a straw before an old cat._--HEYWOOD, 1562. Every
+trifling toy age cannot laugh at.--"Youth and Folly, Age and Wisdom."
+
+_Rats walk at their ease if cats do not them meese._--WODROEPHE, 1623.
+Rogues abound where laws are weak.
+
+_Send not a cat for lard._--GEORGE HERBERT. Put not any to temptation.
+
+_So as cat is after kind._ Near friends are dearest. Birds of a feather
+flock together.
+
+_Take the chestnuts out of the fire with the cat's paw._ Making use of
+others to save oneself.
+
+_That comes of a cat will catch mice._ What is bred in the bone comes
+out in the flesh. Like father, like son.
+
+_The cat and dog may kiss, but are none the better friends._ Policy is
+one thing, friendship another.
+
+_The cat invites the mouse to her feast._ It is difficult for the weak
+to refuse the strong.
+
+_The cat is in the cream-pot._ Any one's fault but hers. A row in the
+house (Northern).
+
+_The cat is hungry when a crust contents her._ Hunger is a good sauce.
+
+_The cat is out of kind that sweet milk will not lap._ One is wrong who
+forsakes custom.--"History of Jacob and Esau," 1568.
+
+_The cat, the rat, and Lovel the dog, rule England under one hog._--"A
+Myrrour for Magistrates," edition 1563, fol. 143. This couplet is a
+satire on Richard III. (who carried a boar on his escutcheon) and his
+myrmidons, _Cat_esby, _Rat_cliffe, and Lovell.
+
+_The cat would eat fish, and would not wet her feet._--HEYWOOD, 1562.
+
+    "Fain would the cat fish eat,
+    But she is loth to wet her feet."
+    "What cat's averse to fish?"--GRAY.
+
+Dr. Trench has pointed out the allusion to this saying in _Macbeth_,
+when Lady Macbeth speaks of her husband as a man,
+
+    "Letting I dare not, wait upon I would,
+    Like the poor cat i' the adage."
+
+_The cat sees not the mouse ever._--HEYWOOD. Those that should hide, see
+more than they who seek. The fearful eye sees far.
+
+_The liquorish cat gets many a rap._ The wrong-doer escapes not.
+
+_The more you rub a cat on the back, the higher she sets her tail._
+Praise the vain and they are more than pleased. Flattery and vanity are
+near akin.
+
+_The mouse lords it where the cat is not._--MS., 15th century. The
+little rule, where there are no great.
+
+_The old cat laps as much as the young._--CLARKE. One evil is much like
+another.
+
+_They agree like two cats in gutter._--HEYWOOD. To be less than friends.
+
+_They argue like cats and dogs._ That is to quarrel.
+
+_Thou'lt strip it, as Stack stripped the cat when he pulled her out of
+the churn._ To take away everything.
+
+_Though the cat winks awhile, yet sure he is not blind._ To know all and
+pretend ignorance.
+
+_To grin like a Cheshire cat._ Said to be like a cheese cat, often made
+in Cheshire; but this is not very clear, and the meaning doubtful.
+
+_To go like a cat on a hot bake-stone._ To lose no time. To be swift and
+stay not.
+
+_To keep a cat from the tongs._ To stop at home in idleness. It is said
+of a youth who stays at home with his family, when others go to the wars
+abroad, in "A Health to the Gentlemanly Profession of Serving Men,"
+1598.
+
+_Too late repents the rat when caught by the cat._ Shun danger, nor dare
+too long.
+
+_To love it as a cat loves mustard._ Not at all. To abhor.
+
+_Two cats and a mouse, two wives in one house, two dogs and one bone,
+never agree._ No peace when all want to be masters, or to possess one
+object.
+
+_Well might the cat wink when both her eyes were out._
+
+    "Sumwhat it was sayeth the proverbe old,
+    That the cat winked when here iye was out."
+
+                       _Jack Juggler_, edit. 1848, p. 46.
+
+Those bribed are worse than blind.
+
+"_Well wots the cat whose beard she licketh._"--SKELTON'S _Garlande of
+Laurel_, 1523.
+
+"Wel wot nure cat whas berd he lickat."--WRIGHT'S _Essays_, vol. i. p.
+149.
+
+"The cat knoweth whose lips she licketh."--HEYWOOD, 1562.
+
+The first appears the most correct.
+
+_What the good wife spares the cat eats._ Favourites are well cared for.
+
+_When candles are out all cats are gray._ In the dark all are alike.
+This is said of beauty in general.
+
+_When the cat is away the mice will play._--"The Bachelor's Banquet,"
+1603. Heywood's "Woman Killed with Kindness," 1607. When danger is past,
+it is time to rejoice.
+
+_When the weasel and the cat make a marriage, it is very ill presage._
+When enemies counsel together, take heed; when rogues agree, let the
+honest folk beware.
+
+_When the maid leaves the door open, the cat's in fault._ It is always
+well to have another to bear the blame. The way to do ill deeds oft
+makes ill deeds done.
+
+_Who shall hang the bell about the cat's neck?_--HEYWOOD, 1562.
+
+    "Who shall ty the bell about the cat's necke low?
+    Not I (quoth the mouse), for a thing that I know."
+
+The mice at a consultation held how to secure themselves from the cat,
+resolved upon hanging a bell about her neck, to give warning when she
+was near; but when this was resolved, they were as far to seek; for who
+would do it?--R. Who will court danger to benefit others?
+
+A Douglas in the olden time, at a meeting of conspirators, said he would
+"bell the cat." Afterwards the enemy was taken by him, he retaining the
+cognomen of "Archibald Bell-the-cat."
+
+_You can have no more of a cat than its skin._ You can have no more of a
+man but what he can do or what he has, or no more from a jug than what
+it contains.
+
+
+
+
+THE CAT OF SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+Shakespeare mentions the cat forty-four times, and in this, like nearly
+all else of which he wrote, displayed both wonderful and accurate
+knowledge, not only of the form, nature, habits, and food of the animal,
+but also the inner life, the disposition, what it was, of what capable,
+and what it resembled. How truly he saw either from study, observation,
+or intuitively knew, not only the outward contour of "men and things,"
+but could see within the casket which held the life and being, noting
+clearly thoughts, feelings, aspirations, intents, and purposes, not of
+the one only, but that also of the brute creation.
+
+How truthfully he alludes to the peculiar eyes of the cat, the fine mark
+that the pupil dwindles to when the sun rides high in the heavens! Hear
+Grumio in _The Taming of the Shrew:_
+
+     And so disfigure her with it, that she shall have no more
+     eyes to see withal than a cat.
+
+As to the food of the cat, he well informs us that at this distant
+period domestic cats were fed and cared for to a certain extent, for
+besides much else, he points to the fact of its love of milk in _The
+Tempest_, Antonio's reply to Sebastian in Act II., Scene 1:
+
+                              For all the rest,
+    They'll take suggestion as a cat laps milk.
+
+And in _King Henry the Fourth_, Act IV., Scene 2, of its pilfering ways,
+Falstaff cries out:
+
+    I am as vigilant as a cat to steal cream.
+
+While Lady Macbeth points to the uncertain, timid, cautious habits of
+the cat, amounting almost to cowardice:
+
+    Letting I dare not wait upon I would,
+    Like the poor cat i' the adage.
+
+and in the same play the strange superstitious fear attached to the
+voice and presence of the cat at certain times and seasons:
+
+    Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed.
+
+The line almost carries a kind of awe with it, a sort of feeling of
+"what next will happen?" He noted, also, as he did most things, its
+marvellous powers of observation, for in _Coriolanus_, Act IV., Scene 2,
+occurs the following:
+
+    Cats, that can judge as fitly.
+
+and of the forlorn loneliness of the age-stricken male cat in _King
+Henry the Fourth_, Falstaff, murmuring, says:
+
+    I am as melancholy as a gib cat.
+
+He marks, too, the difference of action in the lion and cat, in a state
+of nature:
+
+    A crouching lion and a ramping cat.
+
+Of the night-time food-seeking cat, in _The Merchant of Venice_, old
+Shylock talks of the
+
+    ...Slow in profit, and he sleeps by day
+    More than the wild cat.
+
+In the same play Shylock discourses of those that have a natural horror
+of certain animals, which holds good till this day:
+
+    Some men there are love not a gaping pig,
+    Some, that are mad if they behold a cat.
+
+and further on:
+
+    As there is no firm reason to be rendered
+    Why he cannot abide a gaping pig,
+    Why he, a harmless necessary cat.
+
+Note the distinction he makes between the wild and the domestic cat; the
+one, evidently, he knew the value and use of, and the other, its
+peculiar stealthy ways and of nature dread. In _All's Well that Ends
+Well_, he gives vent to his dislike; Bertram rages forth:
+
+    I could endure anything before but a cat,
+    And now he's cat to me.
+
+The feud with the wild cat intensifies in _Midsummer Night's Dream_;
+'tis Lysander speaks:
+
+    Hang off, thou cat, thou burr, thou vile thing.
+
+And Gremio tells of the untamableness of the wild cat, which he deems
+apparently impossible:
+
+    But will you woo this wild cat?
+
+Romeo, in _Romeo and Juliet_, looks with much disfavour, not only on
+cats but also dogs; in fact, the dog was held in as high disdain as the
+cat:
+
+    And every cat and dog,
+    And every little mouse, and every unworthy thing.
+
+Here is Hamlet's opinion:
+
+    The cat will mew, the dog will have his day.
+
+In _Cymbeline_ there is:
+
+    In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs.
+
+The foregoing is enough to show the great poet's opinion of the cat.
+
+
+
+
+SUPERSTITION AND WITCHCRAFT.
+
+
+A very remarkable peculiarity of the domestic cat, and possibly one that
+has had much to do with the ill favour with which it has been regarded,
+especially in the Middle Ages, is the extraordinary property which its
+fur possesses of yielding electric sparks when hand-rubbed or by other
+friction, the black in a larger degree than any other colour, even the
+rapid motion of a fast retreating cat through rough, tangled underwood
+having been known to produce a luminous effect. In frosty weather it is
+the more noticeable, the coldness of the weather apparently giving
+intensity and brilliancy, which to the ignorant would certainly be
+attributed to the interference of the spiritual or superhuman. To
+sensitive natures and nervous temperaments the very contact with the fur
+of the black cat will often produce a startling thrill or absolutely an
+electric shock. That carefully observant naturalist, Gilbert White,
+speaking of the frost of 1785, notes: "During those two Siberian days my
+parlour cat was so electric, that had a person stroked her, and been
+properly insulated, the shock might have been given to a whole circle of
+people."
+
+Possibly from this lively fiery sparkling tendency, combined with its
+noiseless motion and stealthy habits, our ancestors were led in the
+happily bygone superstitious days to regard the unconscious animal as a
+"familiar" of Satan or some other evil spirit, which generally appeared
+in the form of a black cat; hence witches were said to have a black cat
+as their "familiar," or could at will change themselves into the form of
+a black cat with eyes of fire. Shakespeare says, "the cat with eyne of
+burning coal," and in Middleton's _Witch_, Act III., Hecate says:
+
+    I will but 'noint, and then I'll mount.
+(_A Spirit like a cat descends. Voice above._)
+    There's one come down to fetch his dues.
+(_Later on the Voice calls._) Hark! hark! the cat sings a brave treble in
+        her own language.
+(_Then_ HECATE.) Now I go, now I fly,
+    Malkin, my sweet spirit, and I, etc.
+
+NOTE.--Almost the same words are sung in the music to _Macbeth_.
+
+"One of the frauds of witchcraft," says Timbs, "is the witch pretending
+to transform herself into a certain animal, the favourite and most usual
+transformation being a _cat_; hence cats were tormented by the ignorant
+vulgar."
+
+"_Rutterkin_ was a famous cat, a cat who was 'cater'-cousin to the
+great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandmother of
+Grimalkin, and first cat in the caterie of an old woman who was tried
+for bewitching a daughter of the Countess of Rutland in the beginning of
+the sixteenth century. The monodis connects him with cats of great
+renown in the annals of witchcraft, a science whereto they have been
+allied as poor old women, one of whom, it appears, on the authority of
+an old pamphlet entitled 'Newes from Scotland,' etc., printed in the
+year 1591, 'confessed that she took a cat and christened it, etc., and
+that in the night following, the said cat was conveyed into the middest
+of the sea by all these witches sayling in their Riddles, or Cives, and
+so left the said cat right before the towne of Leith in Scotland. This
+done, there did arise such a tempest at sea as a greater hath not been
+seen, etc. Againe it is confessed that the said christened cat was the
+cause of the kinges majestie's shippe, at his coming forthe of Denmarke,
+had a contrarie winde to the rest of the shippes then being in his
+companie, which thing was most straunge and true, as the kinges majestie
+acknowledgeth, for when the rest of the shippes had a fair and good
+winde, then was the winde contrairie, and altogether against his
+majestie,' etc."[C]
+
+[C] Hone's "Every-day Book," vol. i.
+
+"In some parts black cats are said to bring good luck, and in
+Scarborough (Henderson's 'Folk-lore of the Northern Counties'). A few
+years ago, sailors' wives were in the habit of keeping one, thinking
+thereby to ensure the safety of their husbands at sea. This,
+consequently, gave black cats such a value that no one else could keep
+them, as they were nearly always stolen. There are various proverbs
+which attach equal importance to this lucky animal, as, for example:
+
+    Whenever the cat o' the house is black,
+    The lasses o' lovers will have no lack.
+
+"And again:
+
+    Kiss the black cat,
+    An' 'twill make ye fat;
+    Kiss the white ane,
+    'Twill make ye lean.
+
+"In Scotland there is a children's rhyme upon the purring of the cat:
+
+    Dirdum drum,
+    Three threads and a thrum;
+    Thrum gray, thrum gray!
+
+"In Devonshire and Wiltshire it is believed that a May cat--or, in other
+words, a cat born in the month of May--will never catch any rats or
+mice, but, contrary to the wont of cats, will bring into the house
+snakes, and slow-worms, and other disagreeable reptiles. In
+Huntingdonshire it is a common saying that 'a May kitten makes a dirty
+cat.' If a cat should leap over a corpse, it is said to portend
+misfortune. Gough, in his 'Sepulchral Monuments,' says that in Orkney,
+during the time the corpse remains in the house, all the cats are locked
+up, and the looking-glasses covered over. In Devonshire a superstition
+prevails that a cat will not remain in a house with an unburied corpse;
+and stories are often told how, on the death of one of the inmates of a
+house, the cat has suddenly made its disappearance, and not returned
+again until after the funeral. The sneezing of the cat, says Brand
+('Popular Antiquities,' 1849, vol. iii., p. 187), appears to have been
+considered as a lucky omen to a bride who was to be married on the
+succeeding day.
+
+"'In Cornwall,' says Hunt, 'those little gatherings which come on
+children's eyelids, locally called "whilks," and also "warts," are cured
+by passing the tail of a black cat nine times over the place. If a ram
+cat, the cure is more certain. In Ireland it is considered highly
+unlucky.'"[D]
+
+[D] Mr. T. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore."
+
+Sailors are very superstitious as regards cats. If a black cat comes on
+board, it is a presage of disaster; if the ship's cat is more lively
+than ordinary, it is a sign of wind; but if the cat is accidentally
+drowned, then there is consternation, which does not wear off until the
+vessel is safe in harbour.
+
+Lady Wilde, in her "Irish Legends," gives a cat story quite of the fairy
+type, and well in keeping with many of witchcraft and sorcery. "One
+dark, cold night, as an old woman was spinning, there came three taps at
+her door, and not until after the last did she open it, when a pleading
+voice said: 'Let me in, let me in,' and a handsome black cat, with a
+white breast, and two white kittens, entered. The old woman spun on, and
+the cats purred loudly, till the mother puss warned her that it was very
+late, that they wanted some milk, and that the fairies wanted her room
+that night to dance and sup in. The milk was given, the cats thanked
+her, and said they would not forget her kindness; but, ere they vanished
+up the chimney, they left her a great silver coin, and the fairies had
+their ball untroubled by the old woman's presence, for the pussy's
+warning was a gentle hint."
+
+If a kitten comes to a house in the morning, it is lucky; if in the
+evening, it portends evil of some kind, unless it stays to prevent it.
+
+A cat's hair is said to be indigestible, and if one is swallowed death
+will ensue (Northern).
+
+Milton, in his "Astrologaster," p. 48, tells us: "That when the cat
+washes her face over her eares we shall have great store of raine."
+
+Lord Westmoreland, in a poem "To a cat bore me company in confinement,"
+says:
+
+       ----Scratch but thine ear,
+    Then boldly tell what weather's drawing near.
+
+The cat sneezing appears to be a lucky omen to a bride.
+
+It was a vulgar notion that cats, when hungry, would eat coals; and even
+to this day, in some parts there is a doubt about it. In "The Tamer
+Tamed, or, Woman's Pride," Izamo says to Moroso, "I'd learn to eat coals
+with a hungry cat"; and in "Boduca," the first daughter says, "They are
+cowards; eat coals like compelled cats."
+
+"The crying of cats, ospreys, ravens, or other birds upon the tops of
+houses in the night time are observed by the vulgar to presignify death
+to the sick."--Brand.
+
+There is also a superstition that cats will suck the breath of infants.
+Nothing could be more ridiculous. The formation of the cat's mouth is
+not well adapted for such action, the under jaw being shorter than the
+upper, which is one reason why it _laps_ fluids instead of drinking.
+Cats will creep into cradles, but for no other purpose than that of
+sleep, the bed and clothes being warm and soft, and of course
+comfortable; yet instead of doing harm, they help to keep the child's
+temperature more even in cold weather. Of course, if they lie on the
+infant, it is a different matter.
+
+
+
+
+WEATHER NOTIONS.
+
+
+"Signs of Foul Weather," by Dr. Erasmus Darwin. In a poem, the
+well-known relative of the eminent Charles Darwin describes the various
+natural indications of coming storms. Among the animals and birds he
+notes the cat:
+
+    Low o'er the grass the swallow wings;
+    The cricket, too, how sharp he sings;
+    Puss on the hearth, with velvet paws,
+    Sits wiping o'er his whiskered jaws.
+
+"In England," says Mr. T. F. Thiselton Dyer, "the superstitious still
+hold the cat in high esteem, and oftentimes, when observing the weather,
+attribute much importance to its various movements. Thus, according to
+some, when they sneeze it is a sign of rain; and Herrick, in his
+'Hesperides,' tells us how:
+
+    True calendars as pusses eare,
+    Wash't o're to tell what change is neare.
+
+"It is a common notion that when a cat scratches the legs of a table, it
+is a prognostic of change of weather. John Swan, in his 'Speculum Mundi'
+(Cambridge, 1643), writing of the cat, says: 'She useth therefore to
+wash her face with her feet, which she licketh and moisteneth with her
+tongue; and it is observed by some that if she put her feet beyond the
+crown of her head in this kind of washing, it is a signe of rain.'
+Indeed, in the eyes of the superstitious, there is scarcely a movement
+of the cat which is not supposed to have some significance.
+
+"Cats are exceedingly fond of valerian (_V. officinalis_), and in
+Topsell's 'Four-footed Beasts' (1658, p. 81), we find the following
+curious remarks: 'The root of the herb valerian (called _Phu_), is very
+like to the eye of a cat, and wheresoever it groweth, if cats come
+thereunto, they instantly dig it up for the love thereof, as I myself
+have seen in mine own garden, for it smelleth moreover like a cat.'
+There is also an English rhyme on the plant _marum_ to the following
+effect:
+
+    If you see it,
+      The cats will eat it;
+    If you sow it,
+      The cats will know it.
+
+"In Suffolk, cats' eyes are supposed to dilate and contract with the
+flow and ebb of the tide. In Lancashire the common people have an idea
+that those who play much with cats never have good health."[E]
+
+[E] Mr. T. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore."
+
+If tincture of valerian is sprinkled on a plant or bush the neighbouring
+cats roll and rub themselves on or against it, often biting and
+scratching the plant to pieces.--H. W.
+
+In Lancashire it is regarded as unlucky to allow a cat to die in a
+house. Hence,[F] when they are ill they are usually drowned.
+
+[F] Harland and Wilkinson, "Lancashire Folk-lore," p. 141.
+
+At Christ Church, Spitalfields, there is a benefaction for the widows of
+weavers under certain restrictions, called "cat and dog money." There is
+a tradition in the parish that money was given in the first instance to
+cats and dogs.[G]
+
+[G] Edwards's "Old English Customs," p. 54.
+
+If a cat tears at the cushions, carpet, and other articles of furniture
+with its claws, it is considered a sign of wind. Hence the saying, "the
+cat is raising the wind."
+
+Mr. Park's note in his copy of Bourn and Brand's "Popular Antiquities,"
+p. 92, says: "Cats sitting with their tails to the fire, or washing with
+their paws behind their ears, are said to foretell a change of weather."
+
+In Pules' play of "The Novice" is the line:
+
+    Ere Gil, our cat, can lick her ear.
+
+This is from Brand, and I do not think it refers to the weather, but to
+an impossibility.
+
+
+
+
+A CAT-CLOCK.
+
+
+The following curious incident is to be found in Huc's "Chinese Empire":
+
+     "One day, when we went to pay a visit to some families of Chinese
+     Christian peasants, we met, near a farm, a young lad, who was
+     taking a buffalo to graze along our path. We asked him carelessly
+     as we passed whether it was yet noon. The child raised his head
+     to look at the sun, but it was hidden behind thick clouds, and he
+     could read no answer there. 'The sky is so cloudy,' said he; 'but
+     wait a moment;' and with these words he ran towards the farm, and
+     came back a few minutes afterwards with a cat in his arms. 'Look
+     here,' said he, 'it is not noon yet;' and he showed us the cat's
+     eyes by pushing up the lids with his hands. We looked at the
+     child with surprise; but he was evidently in earnest, and the
+     cat, though astonished, and not much pleased at the experiment
+     made on her eyes, behaved with most exemplary complaisance. 'Very
+     well,' said we, 'thank you;' and he then let go the cat, who made
+     her escape pretty quickly, and we continued our route. To say the
+     truth, we had not at all understood the proceeding, but did not
+     wish to question the little pagan, lest he should find out that
+     we were Europeans by our ignorance. As soon as we reached the
+     farm, however, we made haste to ask our Christians whether they
+     could tell the clock by looking into the cat's eyes. They seemed
+     surprised at the question, but as there was no danger in
+     confessing to them our ignorance of the properties of the cat's
+     eyes, we related what had just taken place. That was all that was
+     necessary; our complaisant neophytes immediately gave chase to
+     all the cats in the neighbourhood. They brought us three or four,
+     and explained in what manner they might be made use of for
+     watches. They pointed out that the pupils of their eyes went on
+     constantly growing narrower until twelve o'clock, when they
+     became like a fine line, as thin as a hair, drawn perpendicularly
+     across the eye, and that after twelve the dilatation
+     recommenced."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Archbishop Whately once declared that there was only one noun in
+English which had a real vocative case. It was 'cat,' vocative 'puss.' I
+wonder if this derivation is true (I take it from a New York journal):
+When the Egyptians of old worshipped the cat they settled it that she
+was like the moon, because she was more bright at night, and because her
+eyes changed just as the moon changes--from new, to crescent, and to
+full. So they made an idol of the cat's head, and named it _pasht_,
+which meant the face of the moon. _Pasht_ became pas, pus,
+puss."--_Church Times_, March 8th, 1888.
+
+
+
+
+"PUSS IN BOOTS" (_Le Chat Botte_)
+
+
+Is from the "Eleventh Night" of Straparola's Italian fairy tales, where
+Constantine's cat procures his master a fine castle and the king's
+heiress, first translated into French in 1585. Our version is taken from
+that of Charles Perrault. There is a similar one in the Scandinavian
+nursery tales. This clever cat secures a fortune and a royal partner for
+his master, who passes off as the Marquis of Carabas, but is in reality
+a young miller, without a penny in the world.
+
+The above is from Dr. Brewer's "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," and
+goes far to prove the antiquity of what is generally believed to be a
+modern story, many believing it to be one of the numberless pleasant,
+amusing, and in a sense instructive nursery or children's stories of the
+present time.
+
+
+
+
+SIGNS.
+
+
+D'Urfey, in his poem on Knole, speaks of "The Cats" at Sevenoaks.
+
+"The Cat" or "Cats" is by no means a common sign. The subject is well
+alluded to in "The Cat, Past and Present," from the French of M.
+Champfleury, translated by Mrs. Cashel Hoey, at page 33. A sign is
+pictured from the Lombards' quarter, Paris. It is there over a
+confectioner's shop, and is a cat seated, or rather two, a sign being
+placed on either side of the corner. Underneath one is "Au Chat," the
+other, "Noir." I may add the work is a most excellent and amusing
+collection of much appertaining to cats, and is well worthy of a place
+in the cat-lover's library.
+
+In Larwood and Hotten's "History of Sign-boards," a work of much
+research and merit, occurs the following: "As I was going through a
+street of London where I had never been till then, I felt a general damp
+and faintness all over me which I could not tell how to account for,
+till I chanced to cast my eyes upwards, and found I was passing under a
+sign-post on which the picture of a _cat_ was hung." This little
+incident of the cat-hater, told in No. 538 of _The Spectator_, is a
+proof of the presence of cats on the sign-board, where, indeed, they are
+still to be met with, but very rarely. There is a sign of "The Cat" at
+Egremont, in Cumberland, a "Black Cat" at St. Leonard's Gate, Lancaster,
+and a "Red Cat" at Birkenhead; and a "Red Cat" in the Hague, Holland, to
+which is attached an amusing story worthy of perusal.
+
+"The Cat and Parrot" and "The Cat and Lion" apparently have no direct
+meaning, unless by the former may be inferred that if you lap like a cat
+of the liquids sold at the hostelry, you will talk like a parrot; yet,
+according to Larwood and Hotten, it was a bookseller's sign.
+
+"The Cat and Cage" and "The Cat in Basket" were signs much in vogue
+during the frost fair on the Thames in 1739-40, a live cat being hung
+outside some of the booths, which afterwards was not infrequent at other
+festive meetings. What the exact origin was is not quite apparent.
+
+"'Cat and Fiddle,' a public-house sign, is a corruption either of the
+French _Catherine la fidele_, wife of Czar Peter the Great of Russia, or
+of _Caton le fidele_, meaning Caton, governor of Calais."--DR. BREWER'S
+_Dictionary of Phrase and Fable_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Cat and Fiddle._--"While on the subject of sign-boards," says a writer
+in Cassell's "Old and New London," vol. i., p. 507, "we may state that
+Piccadilly was the place in which 'The Cat and Fiddle' first appeared as
+a public-house sign. The story is that a Frenchwoman, a small shopkeeper
+at the eastern end soon after it was built, had a very faithful and
+favourite cat, and that in the lack of any other sign she put over her
+door the words, 'Voici un Chat fidele.' From some cause or other the
+'Chat fidele' soon became a popular sign in France, and was speedily
+Anglicised into 'The Cat and Fiddle,' because the words form part of one
+of our most popular nursery rhymes. We do not pledge ourselves as to the
+accuracy of this definition."
+
+"In Farringdon (Devon) is the sign of 'La Chatte Fidele,' in
+commemoration of a faithful cat. Without scanning the phrase too nicely,
+it may simply indicate that the game of _cat_ (trap-ball) and a _fiddle_
+for dancing are provided for customers."
+
+Yet, according to Larwood and Hotten's "History of Sign-boards," there
+is yet another version, and another, of the matter, for it is stated, "a
+little hidden meaning is there in the 'Cat and Fiddle,' still a great
+favourite in Hampshire, the only connection between the animal and the
+instrument being that the strings are made from cats' entrails (_sic_),
+and that a small fiddle is called a _kit_, and a small cat a _kitten_;
+besides, they have been united from time immemorial in the nursery
+rhyme:
+
+    Heigh diddle diddle,
+    The Cat and the fiddle."
+
+Amongst the other explanations offered is the one that it may have
+originated with the sign of a certain _Caton Fidele_, a staunch
+Protestant in the reign of Queen Mary, and only have been changed into
+the cat and fiddle by corruption; but if so it must have lost its
+original appellation very soon, for as early as 1589 we find "Henry
+Carr, signe of the _Catte and Fidle_ in the olde Chaunge." Formerly
+there was a "_Cat and Fiddle_ at Norwich, the Cat being represented
+playing on a fiddle, and a number of mice dancing round her."
+
+_Cat and Bagpipes._--Was not uncommon in Ireland, this instrument being
+the national one in place of the fiddle.
+
+When doctors disagree, who shall decide? Thus I leave it.
+
+_Cat and Mutton_, from Cassell's "Old and New London," vol. iv., p. 223:
+
+"Near the Imperial Gas Works, Haggerston, is Goldsmith's row; this was
+formerly known as Mutton Lane, a name still given to that part of the
+thoroughfare bordering on the southern extremity of London Fields, where
+stands a noted public-house rejoicing in the sign of the 'Cat and
+Mutton' affixed to the house, and _two_ sign-boards, which are rather
+curious. They have upon them the following doggerel lines:
+
+    Pray Puss do not tare,
+    Because the Mutton is so rare.
+
+    Pray Puss do not claw,
+    Because the Mutton is so raw.
+
+_Cat and Wheel._--Most likely to be a corruption of Catherine Wheel;
+there was a sign of this name in the Borough, Southwark.
+
+In France some signs are still more peculiar, as a "Cat Playing at
+Raquet" (_Chatte qui pelote_), "Fishing Cat" (_La Chatte qui peche_),
+"The Dancing Cat," and the well-known "Puss in Boots."
+
+"Whittington and his Cat" is by no means uncommon, and was not unknown
+in the early part of the seventeenth century. Somewhere I remember
+having seen "Whittington's Cat" without the master, which, I suppose,
+arose from the painter not knowing how to portray "Sir Richard."
+
+"_Cat and Kittens._--A public-house sign, alluding to the pewter pots so
+called. Stealing these pots is termed 'Cat and kitten sneaking.' We
+still call a large kettle a _kitchen_, and speak of a soldier's _kit_
+(Saxon, _cytel_, a pot, pan, or vessel generally)."--BREWER'S
+_Dictionary of Phrase and Fable_.
+
+May not this sign be intended to mean merely what is shown, "The Cat and
+Kittens," indicative of comfort and rest? Or may it have been "Cat and
+_Chitterlings_," in allusion to the source from which fiddlestrings were
+said to be derived?
+
+_Cat and Tortoise._--This seems to have no meaning other than at a
+tavern extremes meet, the fast and the slow, the lively and the stolid;
+or it is possibly a corruption of something widely different.
+
+
+
+
+THE LAW ON CAT KILLING.
+
+
+An "Articled Clerk," writing to _The Standard_ with regard to the
+illegality of killing cats, states: "It is clearly laid down in 'Addison
+on Torts,' that a person is not justified in killing his neighbour's
+cat, or dog, which he finds on his land, unless the animal is in the act
+of doing some injurious act which can only be prevented by its
+slaughter.
+
+"And it has been decided by the case of 'Townsend v. Watken' 9 last 277,
+that if a person sets on his lands a trap for foxes, and baits it with
+such strong-smelling meat as to attract his neighbour's dog or cat on to
+his land, to the trap, and such animal is thereby killed or injured, he
+is liable for the act, though he had no intention of doing it, and
+though the animal ought not to have been on his land."
+
+
+
+
+DEAD CATS.
+
+
+Lifeless cats have been from time immemorial suggestive of foolish
+hoaxing, a parcel being made up, or a basket with the legs of a hare
+projecting, directed to some one at a distance, and on which the charge
+for carriage comes to a considerable sum, the _fortunate_ recipient
+ultimately, to his great annoyance, finding "his present" was nothing
+else but "a dead cat." Dead cats, which not infrequently were cast into
+the streets, or accidentally killed there, were sometimes used as
+objects of sport by the silly, low-minded, and vulgar, and it was
+thought a "clever thing" if they could deposit such in a drawing-room
+through an open window, or pitch the unfortunate animal, often crushed
+and dirty, into a passing carriage; but "the time of times" when it was
+considered to be a legitimate object to use was that of either a borough
+or county election, cats and rotten eggs forming the material with which
+the assault was conducted in the event of an unpopular candidate for
+honours attempting to give his political views to a depreciatory mob
+surrounding the hustings. An anecdote is recorded in Grose's "Olio" of
+Mr. Fox, who, in 1784, was a candidate for Westminster, which goes far
+to show what dirty, degrading, disgusting indignities the would-be
+"_people's_ representative" had to endure at that period, and with what
+good humour such favours of popular appreciation, or otherwise, were
+received:
+
+"During the poll, a dead cat being thrown on the hustings, one of Sir
+Cecil Wray's party observed it stunk worse than _a fox_; to which Mr.
+Fox replied there was nothing extraordinary in that, considering it was
+a 'poll cat.'"
+
+This is by no means the only ready and witty answer that has been
+attributed to Mr. Fox, though not bearing on the present subject.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE CAT AS A TORMENTOR.
+
+
+Shakespeare, in "Lucrece," says:
+
+    "Yet foul night-waking cat, he doth but dally,
+    While in his holdfast foot the weak mouse panteth."
+
+In an essay on "The Art of Ingeniously Tormenting" (1753), the cat is
+alluded to in the frontispiece--a cat at play with a mouse, below which
+is the couplet:
+
+    The cat doth play,
+    And after slay.
+
+           _Child's Guide_.
+
+Giovanni Batista Casti, in his book, "Tre Giuli" (1762), likens the cat
+to one who lends money, and suddenly pounces on the debtor:
+
+    Thus sometimes with a mouse, ere nip,
+    The cat will on her hapless victim smile,
+    Until at length she gives the fatal grip.
+
+Again, John Philips, in the latter part of the seventeenth century, in
+his poem of "The Splendid Shilling," referring to debtors, writes:
+
+    Grimalkin to Domestick Vermin sworn
+    An everlasting Foe, with watchful Eye
+    Lies nightly brooding o'er a chinky Gap
+    Protending her fell Claws, to thoughtless Mice
+    Sure Ruin.
+
+
+
+
+HERALDRY, ETC.
+
+
+A cat (hieroglyphically) represents false friendship, or a deceitful,
+flattering friend.
+
+The cat (in heraldry) is an emblem of liberty, because it naturally
+dislikes to be shut up, and therefore the Burgundians, etc., bore a cat
+on their banners to intimate they could not endure servitude.
+
+"It is a bold and daring creature and also cruel to its enemy, and never
+gives over till it has destroyed it, if possible. It is also watchful,
+dexterous, swift, pliable, and has good nerves--thus, if it falls from a
+place never so high, it still alights on its feet; and therefore may
+denote those who have much forethought, that whatsoever befalls them
+they are still on their guard."
+
+"In coat armour they must always be represented as full-faced, and not
+showing one side of it, but both their eyes and both their ears.
+_Argent_ three cats in pale _sable_ is the coat of the family of Keat of
+Devonshire."
+
+Many families have adopted the cat as their emblem. In "Cats, Past and
+Present," several are noted. In Scotland, the Clan Chattan bore as their
+chief cognizance the wild cat, and called their chief "Mohr au Chat,"
+the great wild cat. Nor is the name uncommon as an English surname,
+frequently appearing as Cat, Catt, Catte; but the most strange
+association of the name with the calling was one I knew in my old
+sporting days of a _gamekeeper_ whose name was Cat.
+
+
+
+
+PERFORMING CATS.
+
+
+Cats, unlike dogs, are not amused by, nor do they in any way take an
+interest in what are termed "tricks." Performing dogs will sit about
+their master watching anxiously for their turn, and they have been known
+on more than one occasion to slip before the dog that has next jump
+through the hoop or over a stick, barking merrily, exulting in having
+excelled the other; generally they await with intense eagerness the
+agility of the others and strenuously try to surpass them. Possibly this
+is so from the long time the dog has been under the dominion of man, and
+_taught_ by him how to be of service, either in _hunting_, _sporting_,
+_shepherding_, _watching_; in a sense his friend, though more his bond
+or slave, even to dragging carts, waggons, and sleighs, to fetch and
+carry, even to smuggle. _Long teaching_, _persistent teaching from time
+immemorial_ has undoubtedly had its due effect, and in some instances,
+if not all, has been _transmitted_, such as in the pointer and setter,
+which particular sections have been known to require little or no
+present training, taking to their duties naturally, receiving but little
+guidance as to how much, when, and where such instinctive qualities are
+required.
+
+With the cat it is widely different. Beyond being the "necessary" cat,
+the pet cat or kitten, it never has been an object of interest, beyond
+that of keeping from increase those veritable plagues, rats and mice;
+the enormous use it has thus been to man has had but scant
+acknowledgment, never thoroughly appreciated, vastly underrated, with
+but little attention not only to its beauty, nor in modifying its nature
+to the actual _requirements_ of civilisation. The cat through long ages
+has had, as it were, to shift for itself; with the _few_ approved, with
+the _many_ not only neglected, but in bygone days, and with some even in
+the present, it has been, and is looked on as a thing that is not to be
+cared for, or domesticated, but often absolutely ill-treated, not
+because there has been wrong done, but because it is _a cat_. I heard a
+man of "gentle blood" once say that there was no good in a cat, and the
+only use they were, as far as _he_ could see, was as an animal to try
+the courage of his terriers upon.
+
+Happily all are not alike, and so the cat survives, and by the present
+generation is petted and noticed with a growing interest. Though long
+closely connected with man in many ways, still, as I have before said,
+it has been left to itself to a certain degree. In no way, or but
+slightly, has it been guided; and thus, as a domestic animal, it has
+become what it is--one repelling most attempts to make it of the same
+kind of value as the dog; its great powers of observation, coupled with
+timidity, make a barrier to its being trained into that which its nature
+dislikes; and its natural and acquired repugnance to confinement and
+tuition prevent it--at least at present--from being "the humble
+servant," as the dog, "past and present," has been and is.
+
+Studying closely the habits of the cat for years, as I have, I believe
+there is a natural sullen antipathy to being taught or restrained, or
+_made_ to do anything to which its nature or feelings are averse; and
+this arises from long-continued persecution and no training. Try, for
+instance, to make a cat lie still if it wants to go out. You may hold it
+at first, then gently relinquish your grasp, stroke it, talk to it,
+fondle it, until it purrs, and purrs with seeming pleasure, but it
+_never once forgets it is restrained_, and _the first_ opportunity it
+will make a sudden dash, and is--gone.
+
+However, all animals, more or less, may be trained, and the cat, of
+course, is among them, and a notable one. By bringing them up among
+birds, such as canaries, pigeons, chickens, and ducklings, it will
+respect and not touch them, while those wild will be immediately
+sacrificed.
+
+One of the best instances of this was a small collection of animals and
+birds in a large cage that used to be shown by a man by the name of
+Austin, and to which I have already referred. This man was a lover and
+trainer of animal life, and an adept. His "Happy Family" generally
+consisted of a cat or two, some kittens, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea
+pigs, an owl, a kestrel falcon, starlings, goldfinches, canaries,
+etc.--a most incongruous assembly. Yet among them all there was a
+_freedom of action_, a self-reliance, and an air of happiness that I
+have never seen in "performing cats." Mr. Austin informed me that he had
+been a number of years studying their different natures, but that he
+found the cats the most difficult to deal with, only the most gentle
+treatment accomplishing the object he had in view. Any fresh
+introduction had to be done by degrees, and shown outside first for some
+time. It was quite apparent, however, that the cats were _quite at their
+ease_, and I have seen a canary sitting on the head of the cat, while a
+starling was resting on the back. But all are gone--Austin and his
+pets--and no other reigns in his stead.
+
+Occasionally one sees, at the corners of some of the London streets, a
+man who professes to have _trained_ cats and birds; the latter,
+certainly, are clever, but the former have a frightened, scared look,
+and seem by no means comfortable. I should say the tuition was on
+different lines to that of Austin. The man takes a canary, opens a cat's
+mouth, puts it in, takes it out, _makes_ the cat, or cats, go up a short
+ladder and down another; then they are _told_ to fight, and placed in
+front of each other; but fight they will not with their fore-paws, so
+the _master_ moves their paws for them, _each looking away_ from the
+other. There is no training in this but _fear_. There is an innate
+timidity, the offspring of long persecution, in the cat that prevents,
+as a rule, its performing in public. Not so the dog; time and place
+matter not to him; from generation to generation he _has been used to
+it_.
+
+In "Cats Past and Present," by Champfleury, there are descriptions of
+performing cats, and one Valmont de Bomare mentions that in a booth at
+the fair of St. Germain's, during the eighteenth century, there was a
+cat concert, the word "Miaulique," in huge letters, being on the
+outside. In 1789 there is an account of a Venetian giving cat concerts,
+and the facsimile of a print of the seventeenth century picturing a cat
+showman.
+
+"In 1758, or the following year, Bisset, the famous animal trainer,
+hired a room near the Haymarket, at which he announced a public
+performance of a 'CATS' OPERA,' supplemented by tricks of a horse, a
+dog, and some monkeys, etc. The 'Cats' Opera' was attended by crowded
+houses, and Bisset cleared a thousand pounds in a few days. After a
+successful season in London, he sold some of the animals, and made a
+provincial tour with the rest, rapidly accumulating a considerable
+fortune."--MR. FROST'S _Old Showman_.
+
+"Many years ago a concert was given at Paris, wherein cats were the
+performers. They were placed in rows, and a monkey beat time to them.
+According as he beat the time so the cats mewed; and the historian of
+the FACT relates that the diversity of the tones which they emitted
+produced a very ludicrous effect. This exhibition was announced to the
+Parisian public by the title of _Concert Miaulant."--Zoological
+Anecdotes._
+
+Another specimen of _discipline_ is to be found in "Menageries." The
+writer says: "Cats may be taught to perform tricks, such as leaping over
+a stick, but they always do such feats unwillingly. There is at present
+an exhibition of cats in Regent Street, who, at the bidding of their
+master, an Italian, turn a wheel and draw up water in a bucket, ring a
+bell; and in doing these things begin, continue, and stop as they are
+commanded. But the _commencez_, _continuez_, _arretez_ of their keeper
+is always enforced with a threatening eye, and often with a severe blow;
+and the poor creatures exhibit the greatest reluctance to proceed with
+their unnatural employments. They have a subdued and piteous look; but
+the scratches upon their master's arms show that _his_ task is not
+always an easy one."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Of performing cats on the stage, there have been several "companies" of
+late in London, one of which I went to see at the royal Aquarium,
+Westminster; and I am bound to say that the relations between master and
+cats were on a better footing than any that have hitherto come under my
+notice. On each side of the stage there were cat kennels, from which the
+cats made their appearance on a given signal, ran across, on or over
+whatever was placed between, and disappeared quickly into the opposite
+kennels. But about it all there was a decided air of _timidity_, and an
+eagerness to _get the performance over_, and _done with it_. When the
+cats came out they were caressed and encouraged, which seemed to have a
+soothing effect, and I have a strong apprehension that they received
+some dainty morsel when they reached their destination. One ran up a
+pole at command, over which there was a cap at the top, into which it
+disappeared for a few seconds, evidently for some reason, food
+_perhaps_. It then descended. But before this supreme act several cats
+had crossed a bridge of chairs, stepping only on the backs, until they
+reached the opposite house or box into which to retire. The process was
+repeated, and the performance varied by two cats crossing the bridge
+together, one passing over and the other under the horizontal rung
+between the seat and the top of the chair. A long plank was next
+produced, upon which was placed a row of wine-bottles at intervals; and
+the cats ran along the plank, winding in and out between the bottles,
+first to the right, then to the left, without making a mistake. This
+part of the performance was varied by placing on the top of each bottle
+a flat disc of thick wood; one of the cats strode then from disc to
+disc, without displacing or upsetting a bottle, while the other animal
+repeated its serpentine walk on the plank below. The plank being
+removed, a number of trestles were brought in, and placed at intervals
+in a row between the two sets of houses, when the cats, on being called,
+jumped from trestle to trestle, varying the feat by leaping through a
+hoop, which was held up by the trainer between the trestles. To this
+succeeded a performance on the tight rope, which was not the least
+curious part of the exhibition. A rope being stretched across the arena
+from house to house, the cats walked across in turn, without making a
+mistake. Some white rats were then brought and placed at intervals along
+the rope, when the cats, re-crossing from one end to the other, strode
+over the rats without injuring them. A repetition of this feat was
+rendered a little more difficult by substituting for rats, which sat
+pretty quietly in one place, several white mice and small birds, which
+were more restless, and kept changing their positions. The cats
+re-crossed the rope, and passed over all these obstacles without even
+noticing the impediments placed in their way, with one or two
+exceptions, when they stopped, and cosseted one or more of the white
+rats, two of which rode triumphantly on the back of a large black cat.
+
+Perhaps the most odd performance was that of "Cat Harris," an imitator
+of the voice of cats in 1747.
+
+"When Foote first opened the Haymarket Theatre, amongst other projects
+he proposed to entertain the public with imitation of cat-music. For
+this purpose he engaged a man famous for his skill in mimicking the
+mewing of the cat. This person was called 'Cat Harris.' As he did not
+attend the rehearsal of this odd concert, Foote desired Shuter would
+endeavour to find him out and bring him with him. Shuter was directed
+to some court in the Minories, where this extraordinary musician lived;
+but, not being able to find the house, Shuter began a cat solo; upon
+this the other looked out of the window, and answered him with a cantata
+of the same sort. 'Come along,' said Shuter; 'I want no better
+information that you are the man. Foote stays for us; we cannot begin
+the cat-opera without you.'"--CASSELL'S _Old and New London_, vol. iv.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CAT-RACING IN BELGIUM.
+
+
+"On festival days, parties of young men assemble in various places to
+shoot with cross-bows and muskets, and prizes of considerable value are
+often distributed to the winners. Then there are pigeon-clubs and
+canary-clubs, for granting rewards to the trainers of the fleetest
+carrier-pigeons and best warbling canaries. Of these clubs many
+individuals of high rank are the honorary presidents, and even royal
+princes deign to present them banners, without which no Belgian club can
+lay claim to any degree of importance." But the most curious thing is
+cat-racing, which takes place, according to an engraving, in the public
+thoroughfare, the cats being turned loose at a given time. It is thus
+described: "Cat-racing is a sport which stands high in popular favour.
+In one of the suburbs of Liege it is an affair of annual observance
+during carnival time. Numerous individuals of the feline tribe are
+collected, each having round his neck a collar with a seal attached to
+it, precisely like those of the carrier-pigeons. The cats are tied up in
+sacks, and as soon as the clock strikes the solemn hour of midnight the
+sacks are unfastened, the cats let loose, and the race begins. The
+winner is the cat which first reaches home, and the prize awarded to its
+owner is sometimes a ham, sometimes a silver spoon. On the occasion of
+the last competition the prize was won by a blind cat."--_Pictorial
+Times_, June 16th, 1860.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CAT IMAGES.
+
+
+Those with long memories will not have forgotten the Italian with a
+board on his head, on which were tied a number of plaster casts, and
+possibly still seem to hear, in the far away time, the unforgotten cry
+of "Yah im-a-gees." Notably, among these works of art, were models of
+cats--such cats, such expressive faces; and what forms! How droll, too,
+were those with a moving head, wagging and nodding, as it were, with a
+grave and thoughtful, semi-reproachful, vacant gaze! "Yah im-a-gees" has
+passed on, and the country pedlar, with his "crockery" cats, mostly red
+and white. "Sure such cats alive were never seen?" but in burnt clay
+they existed, and often _adorned_ the mantel-shelves of the poor. What
+must the live cat sitting before the fire have thought--if cats
+think--when it looked up at the stolid, staring, stiff and stark
+new-comer? One never sees these things now; nor the cats made of
+paste-board covered with black velvet, and two large brass spangles for
+eyes. These were put into dark corners with an idea of deception, with
+the imbecile hope that visitors would take them to be real flesh and
+bone everyday black cats. But was any one ever taken in but--the maker?
+Then there were cats, and cats and kittens, made of silk, for selling at
+fancy fairs, not much like cats, but for the _purposes_ good. Cats
+sitting on pen-wipers; clay cats of burnt brick-earth. These were
+generally something to remember rather than possess. Wax cats also, with
+a cotton wick coming out at the top of the head. It was a saddening
+sight to see these _beauties_ burning slowly away. Was this a "remnant"
+of the burning of the live cats in the "good old times?" And cats made
+of rabbits' skins were not uncommon, and far better to give children to
+play with than the tiny, lovable, patient, live kitten, which, if it
+submit to be tortured, it is well, but if it resent pain and suffering,
+then it is beaten. There is more ill done "from want of thought than
+want of heart."
+
+But kittens have fallen upon evil times, ay, even in these days of
+education and enlightenment. As long as the world lasts probably there
+will be the foolish, the gay, unthinking, and, in tastes, the
+ridiculous. But then there are, and there ever will be, those that are
+always craving, thirsting, longing, shall I say _mad_?--for something
+_new_. Light-headed, with softened intellects who must--_they_ say _they
+must_--have some excitement or some novelty, no matter what, to talk of
+or possess, though all this is ephemeral, and the silliness only lasts a
+few hours. Long or short, they are never conscious of these absurdities,
+and look forward with all the eagerness of doll-pleased infancy for
+another--craze. The world is being denuded of some of its brightest
+ornaments and its heaven-taught music, in the slaughter of birds, to
+gratify for scarcely a few hours the insane vanity, that is now rife in
+the ball-room--fashion.
+
+What has all this to do with cats? Why, this class of people are not
+content, they never are so; but are adding to the evil by piling up a
+fresh one. It is the kitten now, the small, about two or three weeks old
+kitten that is the "fashion." Not long ago they were killed and stuffed
+for children to play with--better so than alive, perhaps; but now they
+are to please children of a larger _growth_, their tightly filled
+skins, adorned with glass eyes, being put in sportive attitudes about
+portrait frames, and such like uses. It is comical, and were it not for
+the stupid bad taste and absurdity of the thing, one would feel inclined
+to laugh at _clambering_ kitten skins about, and supposed to be peeping
+into the face of a languor-struck "beauty." Who buys such? Does any one?
+If so, where do they go? Over thirty kittens in one shop window. What
+next, and--next? Truly frivolity is not dead!
+
+From these, and such as these, turn to the models fair and proper; the
+china, the porcelain, the terra cotta, the bronze, and the silver, both
+English, French, German, and Japanese; some exquisite, with all the
+character, elegance, and grace of the living animals. In these there has
+been a great advance of late years, Miss A. Chaplin taking the lead.
+Then in bold point tracery on pottery Miss Barlow tells of the animal's
+flowing lines and non-angular posing. Art--true art--all of it; and art
+to be coveted by the lover of cats, or for art alone.
+
+But I have almost forgotten the old-time custom of, when the young
+ladies came from school, bringing home a "sampler," in the days before
+linen stamping was known or thought of. On these in needlework were
+alphabets, numbers, trees (such trees), dogs, and cats. Then, too, there
+were cats of silk and satin, in needlework, and cats in various
+materials; but the most curious among the young people's accomplishments
+was the making of tortoiseshell cats from a snail-shell, with a smaller
+one for a head, with either wax or bread ears, fore-legs and tail, and
+yellow or green beads for eyes. Droll-looking things--very. I give a
+drawing of one. And last, not least often, the edible cats--cats made of
+cheese, cats of sweet sponge-cake, cats of sugar, and once I saw a cat
+of jelly. In the old times of country pleasure fairs, when every one
+brought home gingerbread nuts and cakes as "a fairing," the gingerbread
+"cat in boots" was not forgotten nor left unappreciated; generally
+fairly good in form, and gilt over with Dutch metal, it occupied a place
+of honour in many a country cottage home, and, for the matter of that,
+also in the busy town. If good gingerbread, it was saved for many a
+day, or until the holiday time was ended and feasting over, and the next
+fair talked of.
+
+But, after all "said and done," what a little respect, regard, and
+reverence is there in our mode to that of the Egyptians! They had three
+varieties of cats, but they were all the same to them; as their pets, as
+useful, beautiful, and typical, they were individually and nationally
+regarded, their bodies embalmed, and verses chaunted in their praise;
+and the image of the cat then--a thousand years ago--was a deity. What
+do they think of the cat now, these same though modern Egyptians?
+Scarcely anything. And we, who in bygone ages persecuted it, to-day give
+it a growing recognition as an animal both useful, beautiful, and worthy
+of culture.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LOVERS OF CATS.
+
+
+"The Turks greatly admire Cats; to them, their alluring Figure appears
+preferable to the Docility, Instinct, and Fidelity of the Dog. Mahomet
+was very partial to Cats. It is related, that being called up on some
+urgent Business, he preferred _cutting off_ the Sleeve of his Robe, to
+_waking_ the Cat, that lay upon it _asleep_. Nothing more was necessary,
+to bring these Animals into high Request. A Cat may even enter a Mosque;
+it is caressed there, as the Favourite Animal of the Prophet; while the
+Dog, that should dare appear in the Temples, would _pollute_ them with
+his Presence, and would be punished with instant _Death_."[H]
+
+[H] Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813.
+
+I am indebted to the Rev. T. G. Gardner, of St. Paul's Cray, for the
+following from the French:
+
+"A recluse, in the time of Gregory the Great, had it revealed to him in
+a vision that in the world to come he should have equal share of
+beatitude with that Pontiff; but this scarcely contented him, and he
+thought some compensation was his due, inasmuch as the Pope enjoyed
+immense wealth in this present life, and he himself had nothing he could
+call his own save one pet cat. But in another vision he was censured;
+his worldly detachment was not so entire as he imagined, and that
+Gregory would with far greater equanimity part with his vast treasures
+than he could part with his beloved puss."
+
+CATS ENDOWED BY LA BELLE STEWART.--One of the chief ornaments of the
+Court of St. James', in the reign of Charles II., was "La Belle
+Stewart," afterwards the Duchess of Richmond, to whom Pope alluded as
+the "Duchess of R." in the well-known line:
+
+    Die and endow a college or a cat.
+
+The endowment satirised by Pope has been favourably explained by Warton.
+She left annuities to several female friends, with the burden of
+maintaining some of her cats--a delicate way of providing for poor and
+probably proud gentlewomen, without making them feel that they owed
+their livelihood to her mere liberality. But possibly there may have
+been a kindliness of thought for both, deeming that those who were dear
+friends would be most likely to attend to her wishes.
+
+Mr. Samuel Pepys had at least a gentle nature as regards animals, if he
+was not a lover of cats, for in his Diary occurs this note as to the
+Fire of London, 1666:
+
+     "_September 5th._--Thence homeward having passed through
+     Cheapside and Newgate Market, all burned; and seen Antony Joyce's
+     house on fire. And took up (which I keep by me) a piece of glass
+     of Mercer's chapel in the street, where much more was, so melted
+     and buckled with the heat of the fire like parchment. I did also
+     see a poor cat taken out of a hole in a chimney, joining the wall
+     of the Exchange, with the hair all burned off its body and yet
+     alive."
+
+Dr. Jortin wrote a Latin epitaph on a favourite cat:[I]
+
+[I] Hone's "Every-day Book," vol. i.
+
+
+                         IMITATED IN ENGLISH.
+
+     "Worn out with age and dire disease, a cat, Friendly to all,
+     save wicked mouse and rat, I'm sent at last to ford the
+     Stygian lake, And to the infernal coast a voyage make. Me
+     _Proserpine_ receiv'd, and smiling said, 'Be bless'd within
+     these mansions of the dead. Enjoy among thy velvet-footed
+     loves, Elysian's sunny banks and shady groves.' 'But if I've
+     well deserv'd (O gracious queen), If patient under sufferings
+     I have been, Grant me at least one night to visit home again,
+     Once more to see my home and mistress dear, And purr these
+     grateful accents in her ear: "Thy faithful cat, thy poor
+     departed slave, Still loves her mistress, e'en beyond the
+     grave."'"
+
+"Dr. Barker kept a Seraglio and Colony of Cats. It happened, that at the
+Coronation of George I. the Chair of State fell to his Share of the
+Spoil (as Prebendary of Westminster) which he sold to some Foreigner;
+when they packed it up, one of his favourite Cats was inclosed along
+with it; but the Doctor pursued his treasure in a boat to Gravesend and
+recovered her safe. When the Doctor was disgusted with the _Ministry_,
+he gave his _Female_ Cats, the Names of the _Chief Ladies_ about the
+Court; and the _Male-ones_, those of the _Men in Power_, adorning them
+with the Blue, Red, or Green Insignia of Ribbons, which the Persons they
+represented, wore."[J]
+
+[J] Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813.
+
+Daniel, in his "Rural Sports," 1813, mentions the fact that, "In one of
+the Ships of the Fleet, that sailed lately from Falmouth, for the West
+Indies, went as Passengers a Lady and her _seven Lap-dogs_, for the
+Passage of _each_ of which, she paid _Thirty Pounds_, on the express
+Condition, that they were to _dine_ at the Cabin-table, and lap their
+_Wine_ afterwards. Yet these happy dogs do not engross the _whole_ of
+their good Lady's Affection; she has also, in Jamaica, FORTY CATS, and a
+Husband."
+
+"The Partiality to the _domestic_ Cat, has been thus established. Some
+Years since, a Lady of the name of Greggs, died at an advanced Age, in
+Southampton Row, London. Her fortune was _Thirty Thousand Pounds_, at
+the Time of her Decease. _Credite Posteri!_ her _Executors_ found in her
+House _Eighty-six living_, and _Twenty-eight dead Cats_. Her Mode of
+Interring them, was, as they died, to place them in different Boxes,
+which were heaped on one another in Closets, as the _Dead_ are described
+by Pennant, to be in the Church of St. Giles. She had a black Female
+Servant--to Her she left One hundred and fifty pounds _per annum_ to
+keep the _Favourites_, whom she left _alive_."[K]
+
+[K] Daniel's "Rural Sports," 1813.
+
+The Chantrel family of Rottingdean seem also to be possessed with a
+similar kind of feeling towards cats, exhibiting no fewer than
+twenty-one specimens at one Cat Show, which at the time were said to
+represent only a small portion of their stock; these ultimately became
+almost too numerous, getting beyond control.
+
+_Signor Foli_ is a lover of cats, and has exhibited at the Crystal
+Palace Cat Show.
+
+_Petrarch_ loved his cat almost as much as he loved Laura, and when it
+died he had it embalmed.
+
+_Tasso_ addressed one of his best sonnets to his female cat.
+
+_Cardinal Wolsey_ had his cat placed near him on a chair while acting in
+his judicial capacity.
+
+_Sir I. Newton_ was also a lover of cats, and there is a good story told
+of the philosopher having two holes made in a door for his cat and her
+kitten to enter by--a _large_ one for the cat, and a _small_ one for the
+kitten.
+
+_Peg Woffington_ came to London at twenty-two years of age. After
+calling many times unsuccessfully at the house of John Rich, the manager
+of Covent Garden, she at last sent up her name. She was admitted, and
+found him lolling on a sofa, surrounded by twenty-seven cats of all
+ages.
+
+The following is from the _Echo_, respecting a lady well known in her
+profession: "Miss Ellen Terry has a passionate fondness for cats. She
+will frolic for hours with her feline pets, never tiring of studying
+their graceful gambols. An author friend of mine told me of once reading
+a play to her. During the reading she posed on an immense tiger-skin,
+surrounded by a small army of cats. At first the playful capers of the
+mistress and her pets were toned down to suit the quiet situations of
+the play; but as the reading progressed, and the plot approached a
+climax, the antics of the group became so vigorous and drolly excited
+that my poor friend closed the MS. in despair, and abandoned himself to
+the unrestrained expression of his mirth, declaring that if he could
+write a play to equal the fun of Miss Terry and her cats, his fortune
+would be made."
+
+_Cowper_ loved his pet hares, spaniel, and cat, and wrote the well-known
+"Cat retired from business."
+
+_Gray_ wrote a poem on a cat drowned in a vase which contained
+gold-fish.
+
+_Cardinal Richelieu_ was a lover of the cat.
+
+_Montaigne_ had a favourite cat.
+
+Among painters, Gottfried Mind was not only fond of cats, but was one
+of, if not the best at portraying them in action; and in England no one
+has surpassed Couldery in delineation, nor Miss Chaplin in perfection of
+modelling. I am the fortunate possessor of several of her models in
+terra cotta, which, though small, are beautiful in finish. Of one, Miss
+Chaplin informed me, the details were scratched in with a pin, for want
+of better and proper tools.
+
+
+
+
+GAMES.
+
+
+CAT'S CRADLE OR CATCH CRADLE.
+
+Dr. Brewer, in his "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," thinks this "the
+corrupt for cratch cradle or manger cradle, in which the infant Saviour
+was laid. Cratch is the French _creche_ (a rack or manger), and to the
+present hour the racks which stand in the fields for cattle to eat from
+are called _cratches_." Of this, however, I am doubtful, though there is
+much reason in his suggestion. In Sussex and Kent, when I was a boy, it
+was commonly played among children, but always called cat's, _catch_, or
+scratch cradle, and consisted generally of two or more players. A piece
+of string, being tied at the ends, was placed on the fingers, and
+crossed and re-crossed to make a sort of cradle; the next player
+inserted his or her fingers, quickly taking it off; then the first
+catching it back, then the second again, then the first, as fast as
+possible, _catching_ and taking off the string. Sometimes the sides were
+caught by the teeth of the players, one on each side, and as the hands
+were relaxed the faces were apart, then when drawn out it brought the
+faces together; the string being let go or not, and caught again as it
+receded, was according to the will of the players, the catching and
+letting go affording much merriment. When four or five played, the
+string rapidly passed from hand to hand until, in the rapidity of the
+motion, one missed, who then stood out, and so on until only one was
+left, winning the game of cat's, _catch_, or scratch cradle. It was
+varied also to single and double cradle, according to the number of
+crossings of the string. Catch is easily converted into _cat's_, or it
+might be so called from the _catching_ or clawing at, to get and to
+hold, the entanglement.
+
+
+CAT-TRAP, BAT, AND BALL.[L]
+
+With the form of the trap our readers are, doubtless, acquainted; it
+will only be necessary for us to give the laws of the game. Two
+boundaries are equally placed at some distance from the trap, between
+which it is necessary for the ball to pass when struck by the batsman;
+if it fall outside either of them he loses his innings. Innings are
+drawn for, and the player who wins places the ball in the spoon of the
+trap, touches the trigger with the bat, and, as the ball ascends from
+the trap, strikes it as far as he can. One of the other players (who may
+be from two to half-a-dozen) endeavours to catch it. If he do so before
+it reaches the ground, or hops more than once, or if the striker miss
+the ball when he aims at it, or hits the trigger more than once without
+striking the ball, he loses his innings, and the next in order, which
+must previously be agreed on, takes his place. Should the ball be fairly
+struck, and not caught, as we have stated, the out-player, into whose
+hand it comes, bowls it from the place where he picks it up, at the
+trap, which if he hit, the striker is out; if he miss it the striker
+counts one towards the game, which may be any number decided on. There
+is also a practice in some places, when the bowler has sent in the ball,
+of the striker's guessing the number of bats' lengths it is from the
+trap; if he guess within the real number he reckons that number toward
+his game, but if he guess more than there really are he loses his
+innings. It is not necessary to make the game in one innings.
+
+
+PUSS IN THE CORNER.[L]
+
+[L] The Boy's Own Book.
+
+This is a very simple, but, at the same time, a very lively and amusing
+game. It is played by five only; and the place chosen for the sport
+should be a square court or yard with four corners, or any place where
+there are four trees or posts, about equidistant from each other, and
+forming the four points of a square. Each of these points or corners is
+occupied by a player; the fifth, who is called Puss, stands in the
+centre. The game now commences; the players exchange corners in all
+directions; it is the object of the one who stands out to occupy any of
+the corners which may remain vacant for an instant during the exchanges.
+When he succeeds in so doing, that player who is left without a corner
+becomes the puss. It is to be observed, that if A and B attempt to
+exchange corners, and A gets to B's corner, but B fails to reach A's
+before the player who stands out gets there, it is B and not A who
+becomes Puss.
+
+
+CAT AND MOUSE.
+
+This is a French sport. The toys with which it is played consist of two
+flat bits of hard wood, the edges of one of which are notched. The game
+is played by two only; they are both blindfolded and tied to the ends of
+a long string, which is fastened in the centre to a post, by a loose
+knot, so as to play easily in the evolutions made by the players. The
+party who plays the mouse occasionally scrapes the toys together, and
+the other, who plays the cat, attracted by the sound, endeavours to
+catch him.
+
+
+CAT AND MOUSE-HUNTING.
+
+The game of "Hunt the Slipper" used frequently to be called "Cat and
+Mouse-hunting." It is generally played with a slipper, shoe, or even a
+piece of wood, which was called the mouse, the centre player being the
+cat, and trying to catch or find the mouse. The "Boy's Own Book" thus
+describes the game, but _not_ as Cat and Mouse: "Several young persons
+sit on the ground in a circle, a slipper is given them, and one--who
+generally volunteers to accept the office in order to begin the
+game--stands in the centre, and whose business it is to 'chase the
+slipper by its sound.' The parties who are seated pass it round so as to
+prevent, if possible, its being found in the possession of any
+individual. In order that the player in the centre may know where the
+slipper is, it is occasionally tapped on the ground and then suddenly
+handed on to right or left. When the slipper is found in the possession
+of any one in the circle, by the player who is hunting it, the party on
+whom it is found takes the latter player's place."
+
+
+TIP-CAT.
+
+Is a game played with sticks of a certain length and a piece of wood
+sharpened off at each end, which is called the "cat." A ring is made on
+the ground with chalk, or the pointed part of the cat, which is then
+placed in the centre. One end being smartly struck by the player, it
+springs spinning upwards; as it rises it is again struck, and thus
+knocked to a considerable distance. It is played in two ways, one being
+for the antagonist to guess _how many sticks length_ it is off the ring,
+which is measured, and if right he goes in; or he may elect to pitch the
+cat, if possible, into the ring, which if he succeeds in doing, he then
+has the pleasure of knocking the wood called the cat recklessly, he
+knows not whither, until it alights somewhere, on something or some one.
+
+
+CAT I' THE HOLE.[M]
+
+[M] Jamieson's "Scottish Dictionary."
+
+The name of a game well known in Fife, and perhaps in other counties. If
+seven boys are to play, six holes are made at certain distances. Each of
+the six stands at a hole, with a short stick in his hand; the seventh
+stands at a certain distance, holding a ball. When he gives the word, or
+makes the sign agreed upon, all the six must change holes, each running
+to his neighbour's hole, and putting his stick in the hole which he has
+newly seized. In making this change, the boy who has the ball tries to
+put it into the empty hole. If he succeeds in this, the boy who had not
+his stick (for the stick is the _cat_) in the hole for which he had run
+is put out, and must take the ball. When the _Cat_ is _in the Hole_, it
+is against the laws of the game to put the ball into it.
+
+
+
+
+NURSERY RHYMES AND STORIES.
+
+
+These are as plentiful as blackberries, and are far too numerous to be
+treated of here. Some are very old, such as "Puss in Boots,"
+"Whittington and his Cat," "Hey, diddle, diddle!" etc. Some have a
+political meaning, others satirical, others amusing, funny, or
+instructive, while a few are unmeaning jangles. "Dame Trot and her
+Wonderful Cat," "The Cat and the Mouse," and, later, "The White Cat,"
+"The Adventures of Miss Minette Cattina," are familiar to many of the
+present time. Of the older stories and rhymes there are enough to fill a
+book; not of or about the cat in particular, possibly; but even
+that--the old combined with those of modern date--might be done; and for
+such information and perusal the "Popular Rhymes," by J. O. Halliwell,
+will be found very interesting, space preventing the subject being
+amplified here. Nor do they come within the scope and intention for
+which I have written respecting the cat.
+
+
+
+
+FISHING CATS.
+
+
+Having just come across a communication made to _The Kelso Mail_, in
+1880, by a correspondent giving the signature of "March Brown," bearing
+on the subject to which I have already alluded ("Fishing Cats"), I deem
+it worthy of notice, corroborating, as it does, the statement so often
+made, and almost as often denied, that cats are adept fishers, not only
+for food, but likewise for the sport and pleasure they so derive. The
+writer says that "for several years it has been my happy fortune to fish
+the lovely Tweed for salmon and trout. From Tweed Well to Coldstream is
+a long stretch, but I have fished it all, and believe that though other
+rivers have their special advantages, there is not one in Britain which
+offers such varied and successful angling as the grand Border stream.
+Many have been the boatmen whom I have employed whilst fishing for
+salmon, and all were fairly honest, except in the matter of a little
+poaching. Some had the complaint more fiercely than others, and some so
+bad as to be incurable. One of the afflicted (Donald by name) was an
+excellent boatman by day; as to his nocturnal doings I deemed it best
+not to inquire, except on those occasions when he needed a holiday to
+attend a summons with which the police had favoured him. Now any one who
+has studied the proclivities of poachers, knows that they have wonderful
+powers over all animals who depend upon them, such as dogs, cats,
+ferrets, tame badgers, otters, etc., etc. Donald's special favourite was
+a lady-cat, which followed him in his frequent fishings, and took deep
+interest in the sport. Near to his cottage on the river-bank was a dam
+or weir, over which the water trickled here and there a few inches deep.
+In the evenings of spring and summer Donald was generally to be found
+fishing upon this favourite stretch with artificial fly for trout, and,
+being an adept in the art, he seldom fished in vain. Pretty puss always
+kept close behind him, watching the trail of the mimic flies till a fish
+was hooked, and then her eagerness and love of sport could not be
+controlled, and so soon as the captive was in shoal water, in sprang
+puss up to the shoulders, and, fixing her claws firmly in the fish,
+brought it to the bank, when, with a caress from Donald, she again took
+her place behind him till another trout was on the line, and the sport
+was repeated. In this way did puss and her master pass the evenings,
+each proud of the other's doings, and happy in their companionship. Such
+was the affection of the cat for her master, that she could not even
+bear to be separated from him by day. Donald had charge of a ferry
+across the river, and no sooner did a bell at the opposite side of the
+stream give notice that a passenger was ready to voyage across, than
+down scampered puss to the boat, and, leaping in, she journeyed with her
+master to the further side, and again returned, gravely watching each
+stroke of the oar. Many a voyage did she thus daily make, and I
+question, with these luxurious boatings and the exciting fishing in the
+evenings, if ever cat was more truly happy. The love of fishing once
+developed itself to the disturbance of my own sport. With careful
+prevision, my boatman had, in the floods of November and December,
+secured a plentiful supply of minnows, to be held in readiness till
+wanted in my fishings for salmon in the ensuing February and March. The
+minnows were placed in a well two or three feet deep, and the cold
+spring water rendered them as tough as angler could desire. All went
+well for the first few days of the salmon fishing; the minnows were
+deemed admirable for the purpose, and the supply ample for our needs;
+but this good fortune was not to last. One morning the boatman reported
+a serious diminution of stock in the well, and on the following day
+things were still worse. Suspicion fell on more than one honest person,
+and we determined to watch late and early till the real thief was
+discovered. When the guidwife and bairns were abed, the boatman kept
+watch from the cottage window, and by the aid of a bright moon the
+mystery was soon solved. At the well-side stood puss, the favourite of
+the household; with arched back and extended paw she took her prey. When
+an unfortunate minnow approached the surface, sharp was the dash made by
+puss, arm and shoulder were boldly immersed, and straightway the victim
+lay gasping on the bank. Fishing in this manner, she soon captured
+half-a-dozen, and was then driven away. From that evening the well was
+always covered with a net, which scared puss into enforced honesty. By
+nature cats love dry warmth and sunshine, whilst they hate water and
+cold. Who has not seen the misery of a cat when compelled to step into a
+shallow pool, and how she examines her wet paw with anxiety, holding it
+up as something to be pitied? And yet the passion of destructiveness is
+so strong within them as to overcome even their aversion to water."
+
+The following still more extraordinary circumstance of a cat fishing in
+the sea, appeared in _The Plymouth Journal_, June, 1828: "There is now
+at the battery on the Devil's Point, a cat, which is an expert catcher
+of the finny tribe, being in the constant habit of diving into the sea,
+and bringing up the fish alive in her mouth, and depositing them in the
+guard-room for the use of the soldiers. She is now seven years old, and
+has long been a useful caterer. It is supposed that her pursuits of the
+water-rats first taught her to venture into the water, to which it is
+well known puss has a natural aversion. She is as fond of the water as a
+Newfoundland dog, and takes her regular peregrinations along the rocks
+at its edge, looking out for her prey, ready to dive for them at a
+moment's notice."--ED.
+
+
+
+
+CATS AND HORSES.
+
+
+From time immemorial cats have been kept in stables, and when this is
+the case there is generally a friendly feeling between one or other of
+the horses and the cat or cats. Such I have known with the heavy,
+ponderous cart-horse and his feline companion; such was the case in my
+stable, and so in many others. Cats are as a rule fond of horses, and
+the feeling is generally reciprocated. Several of our "race winners"
+have had their favourites at home, among others the well-known
+"Foxhall." "Many famous horses have had their stable cats, and the
+great, amiable Foxhall has adopted a couple of kittens, if it would not
+be more correct to say that they have adopted him. A pretty little white
+and a tabby, own brothers, live in Foxhall's box, and when Hatcher, his
+attendant, has rubbed him over, and put on his clothing, he takes up the
+kittens from the corner of the box where they have been waiting, and
+gently throws them on Foxhall's back. They are quite accustomed to the
+process, and, catching hold, soon settle down and curl themselves up
+into little fluffy balls, much to their own satisfaction and to the good
+horse's likewise, to judge from the way in which he turns and watches
+the operation."
+
+In Lawrence's "History of the Horse," it is stated that the celebrated
+Arabian stallion, Godolphin, and a black cat were for many years the
+warmest friends. When the horse died, in 1753, the cat sat upon his
+carcase till it was put under ground, and then, crawling slowly and
+reluctantly away, was never seen again till her dead body was found in a
+hay-loft. Stubbs painted the portraits of the Arabian and the cat. There
+was a hunter in the King's stables at Windsor, to which a cat was so
+attached, that whenever he was in the stable the creature would never
+leave her usual seat on the horse's back, and the horse was so well
+pleased with the attention that, to accommodate his friend, he slept, as
+horses will sometimes do, standing.
+
+
+
+
+"GRAMMER'S CAT AND OURS."
+
+BY JOHN TABOIS TREGELLAS.
+
+
+John Tabois Tregellas (1792-1865), born at St. Agnes. The greatest
+master of the niceties of the Cornish dialect, in which he wrote
+largely, both in prose and verse. The piece quoted from is included in a
+volume of miscellanies published by Mr. Netherton, Truro, and happily
+indicates the marked difference between the modern dialect of Cornwall
+and that of Devon, illustrated in "Girt Ofvenders an' Zmal." The hero of
+"Grammer's Cat" was a miner named Jim Chegwidden.
+
+    To wash his hands and save the floshing,
+    Outside the door Jim did his washing,
+    But soon returned in haste and fright--
+    "Mother, aw come! and see the sight;
+    Up on our house there's such a row,
+    Millions of cats es up there now!"
+    Jim's mother stared, and well she might;
+    She knew that Jim had not said right.
+    "'Millions of cats,' you said; now worn't it so?"
+    "Why, iss," said Jim, "and I beleeve ut too;
+    Not millions p'rhaps, but thousands must be theere,
+    And fiercer cats than they you'll never hear;
+    They're spitting, yowling, and the fur is flying,
+    Some of 'em's dead, I s'pose, and some is dying;
+    Such dismal groans I'm sure you never heard,
+    Aw, mother! ef you ded, you'd be affeered."
+    "Not I," said Jinny; "no, not I, indeed;
+    A hundred cats out theere, thee'st never seed."
+    Said Jim, "I doan't knaw 'zackly to a cat,
+    They must be laarge wauns, then, to do like that;
+    They maake such dismal noises when they're fighting,
+    Such scrowling, and such tearing, and such biting."
+    "Count ev'ry cat," says Jinny, "'round and 'round;
+    Iss, rams and yaws, theer caan't be twenty found."
+    "We'll caall 'em twenty, mother, ef 'twill do;
+    Shut all the cats, say I; let's have my stew."
+    "No, Jimmy, no!--no stew to-night,
+    'Tell all the cats es counted right."
+    "Heere goes," said Jim; "lev Grammer's cat go fust
+    (Of all the thievish cats, he es the wust).
+    You knaw Mal Digry's cat, he's nither black nor blue,
+    But howsomever, he's a cat, and that maakes two;
+    Theer's that theer short-tailed cat, and she's a he,
+    Short tail or long now, mother, that maakes three;
+    Theer's that theer grayish cat what stawl the flour,
+    Hee's theere, I s'pose, and that, you knaw, maakes fower;
+    Trevenen's black es theere, ef he's alive,
+    Now, mother, doan't 'ee see, why, that maakes five;
+    That no-tailed cat, that wance was uncle Dick's,
+    He's sure theere to-night, and that maakes six;
+    That tabby cat you gove to Georgey Bevan,
+    I knaw _his_ yowl--he's theere, and that maakes seven;
+    That sickly cat we had, cud ait no mait,
+    She's up theere too to-night, and she maakes 'ight;
+    That genteel cat, you knaw, weth fur so fine,
+    She's surely theere, I s'pose, and that maakes nine;
+    Tom Avery's cat es theere, they caall un Ben,
+    A reg'lar fighter he, and he maakes ten;
+    The ould maid's cat, Miss Jinkin broft from Devon,
+    I s'pose she's theere, and that, you knaw, maakes 'leven;
+    Theere's Grace Penrose's cat, got chets, 'tes awnly two,
+    And they're too young to fight as yet; so they waan't do.
+    Iss, 'leven's all that I can mind,
+    Not more than 'leven you waan't find;
+    So lev me have my supper, mother,
+    And let the cats ait one another."
+       "No, Jimmy, no!
+        It shaan't be so;
+    No supper shu'st thou have this night
+    Until the cats thee'st counted right;
+    Go taake the lantern from the shelf,
+    And go and count the cats thyself."
+        See hungry Jimmy with his light,
+    Turned out to count the cats aright;
+    And he who had Hugh Tonkin blamed
+    Did soon return, and, much ashamed,
+    Confessed the number was but two,
+    And both were cats that well he knew.
+        Jim scratched his head,
+        And then he said--
+    "Theere's Grammer's cat and ours out theere,
+    And they two cats made all that rout theere;
+    But ef two cats made such a row,
+    'Tes like a thousand, anyhow."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LOST.
+
+
+How beautiful she was in her superb calmness, so graceful, so mild, and
+yet so majestic! Ah! I was a younger man then, of course, than I am now,
+and possibly more impressionable; but I thought her then the most
+perfect creature I had ever beheld. And even now, looking back through
+the gathering mists of time and the chilling frosts of advancing age,
+and recalling what she was, I endorse that earlier sentiment--she lives
+in my memory now, as she lived in my presence then, as the most perfect
+creature I ever beheld.
+
+I had gone the round of all the best boarding-houses in town, when, at
+last, I went to Mrs. Honeywold's, and there, in her small, unpretending
+establishment, I, General Leslie Auchester, having been subdued, I
+trust, to a proper and humble state of mind by my past experiences,
+agreed to take up my abode.
+
+And it was there I first met her! Hers was the early maturity of
+loveliness, perfect in repose, with mild, thoughtful eyes, intelligent
+and tender, a trifle sad at times, but lighting up with quick brilliancy
+as some new object met her view, or some vivid thought darted its
+lightning flash through her brain--for she was wonderfully quick of
+perception--with an exquisite figure, splendidly symmetrical, yet
+swaying and supple as a young willow, and with unstudied grace in every
+quick, sinewy motion.
+
+She spent little upon dress (I was sure she was not wealthy); but though
+there was little variety, her dress was always exquisitely neat and in
+perfect good taste, of some soft glossy fabric, smooth as silk and
+lustrous as satin, and of the softest shade of silver-gray, that colour
+so beautiful in itself, and so becoming to beautiful wearers; simply
+made, but fitting with a nicety more like the work of nature than of art
+to every curve and outline of that full and stately figure, and finished
+off round her white throat with something scarcely whiter.
+
+She never wore ornaments of any kind, no chain, no brooch, no ring or
+pin. She had twins--two beautiful little blue-eyed things, wonderfully
+like herself--little shy, graceful creatures, always together, always
+playful. She never spoke of her own affairs, and affable as she was, and
+gentle in manner, there was something about her which repelled
+intrusion.
+
+When, after some weeks' residence there, I had gained the good-will of
+my simple-minded but kindly little landlady, I cautiously ventured to
+ask her to gratify my not, I think, unnatural curiosity; but I found, to
+my surprise, she knew but little more than I did myself.
+
+"She came to me," she said, "just at the edge of the evening, one cold
+rainy night, and I could not refuse to give her shelter, at least for
+the night, or till she could do better. I did not think of her
+remaining; but she is so pretty and gentle, and innocent-looking, I
+could not turn her out of my house--could I, now? I know I am silly in
+such ways; but what could I do?"
+
+"But is it possible," I said, "that she has remained here ever since,
+and you know nothing more about her?"
+
+"No more than you do yourself, general," said Mrs. Honeywold. "I do not
+even know where she lived before she came here. I cannot question her,
+and now, indeed, I have become so fond of her, I should not be willing
+to part with her; and I would not turn her and her little ones out of my
+house for the world!"
+
+Further conversation elicited the fact that she was not a boarder, but
+that she and her little ones were the dependents upon Mrs. Honeywold's
+charity.
+
+One fine summer day I had made an appointment with a friend to drive out
+to his place in the suburbs and dine with him, returning in the evening.
+When I came down in the afternoon, dressed for my excursion, I went into
+the dining-room to tell Mrs. Honeywold she need not wait for me. As I
+came back through the parlour, _she_ was there alone. She was sitting on
+the sofa. A book lay near her, but I do not think she had been reading.
+She was sitting perfectly still, as if lost in reverie, and her eyes
+looked heavy with sleep or thought. But as I passed out of the room I
+looked back. I saw she had risen to her feet, and standing with her
+graceful figure drawn up to its full height, she was looking after me,
+with a look which I flattered myself was a look of interest. Ah, how
+well I remember that look!
+
+The day had been a beautiful one, though sultry; but in the early
+evening we had a heavy thunder-shower, the violence of the summer rain
+delaying my return to town for an hour or two; and when the rain ceased,
+the evening was still starless, cloudy, and damp; and as I drove back to
+town I remember that the night air, although somewhat freshened by the
+rain, was warm, and heavy with the scent of unseen flowers.
+
+It was late when I reached the quiet street where I had taken up my
+abode, and as I mounted the steps I involuntarily felt for my latch-key,
+but to my surprise I found the hall-door not only unfastened, but a
+little way opened.
+
+"Why, how is this, Mrs. Honeywold?" I said, as my landlady met me in the
+hall. "Do you know that your street-door was left open?"
+
+"Yes," she said, quietly, "I know it."
+
+"But is it safe?" I asked, as I turned to lock the door; "and so late,
+too."
+
+"I do not think there is any danger," she said. "I was on the watch; I
+was in the hall myself, waiting."
+
+"Not waiting for me, I hope?" said I; "that was surely unnecessary."
+
+"No, not for you," she answered. "I presume you can take care of
+yourself; but," she added, in a low voice, "she is out, and I was
+waiting to let her in."
+
+"Out at this time of night!--that seems strange. Where has she gone?"
+
+"I do not know."
+
+"And how long has she been gone?" I asked, as I hung up my hat.
+
+"I cannot tell just what time she went out," she said; "I know she was
+in the garden with the little ones, and came in just before tea. After
+they had had their suppers and gone to bed I saw her in the parlour
+alone, and when I came into the room again she was gone, and she has not
+returned, and I----"
+
+"Oh, then she went out before the rain, did she?"
+
+"Yes, sir; some time before the rain."
+
+"Oh, then that explains it; she was probably caught out by the rain, and
+took shelter somewhere, and has been persuaded to stay. There is nothing
+to be alarmed at; you had better not wait up another moment."
+
+"But I don't like to shut her out, general; I should not sleep a wink."
+
+"Nonsense, nonsense!" I said. "Go to bed, you silly woman; you will hear
+her when she comes, of course, and can come down and let her in." And so
+saying, I retired to my own room.
+
+The next morning at breakfast, I noticed that my landlady was looking
+pale and troubled, and I felt sure she had spent a sleepless night.
+
+"Well, Mrs. Honeywold," I said, with assumed cheerfulness, as she handed
+my coffee to me, "how long did you have to sit up? What time did she
+come in?"
+
+"She did not come in all night, general," said my landlady, in a
+troubled voice. "She has not come home yet, and I am very anxious about
+it."
+
+"No need of that, I trust," I said, reassuringly; "she will come this
+morning, no doubt."
+
+"I don't know. I wish I was sure of that. I don't know what to make of
+it. I don't understand it. She never did so before. How she could have
+stayed out, and left those two blessed little things all night--and she
+always seemed such a tender, loving mother, too--I don't understand it."
+
+When I returned at dinner-time I found matters still worse. She had not
+returned. My poor landlady was almost in hysterics, though she tried
+hard to control herself.
+
+To satisfy her I set off to consult the police. My mission was not
+encouraging. They promised to do their best, but gave slight hopes of a
+successful result.
+
+So sad, weary, and discouraged, I returned home, only to learn there
+were no tidings of the missing one.
+
+"I give her up now," said my weeping landlady; "I shall never see her
+again. She is lost for ever; and those two poor pretty little
+creatures----"
+
+"By the way," I said, "I wanted to speak to you about them. If she never
+does return, what do you purpose to do with them?"
+
+"Keep them!" said the generous and impulsive little woman.
+
+"I wanted to say, if she does not return, I will, if you like, relieve
+you of one of them. My sister, who lives with me, and keeps my house, is
+a very kind, tender-hearted woman. There are no children in the house,
+and she would, I am sure, be very kind to the poor little thing. What do
+you say?"
+
+"No, no!" sobbed the poor woman; "I cannot part with them. I am a poor
+woman, it is true, but not too poor to give them a home; and while I
+have a bit and a sup for myself they shall have one too. Their poor
+mother left them here, and if she ever does return she shall find them
+here. And if she never returns, then----"
+
+_And she never did return_, and no tidings of her fate ever reached us.
+If she was enticed away by artful blandishments, or kidnapped by cruel
+violence, we knew not. But I honestly believe the latter. Either way, it
+was her fatal beauty that led her to destruction; for, as I have said
+before, she was the most perfect creature, the most beautiful Maltese
+cat, that I ever beheld in my life! I am sure she never deserted her two
+pretty little kittens of her own accord. And if--poor dumb thing--she
+was stolen and killed for her beautiful fur, still I say, as I said at
+first, she was "more sinned against than sinning."--C. H. GRATTAN, in
+_Tit-Bits_.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+                                                        PAGE
+
+Abyssinian cats,                                          58
+
+Angora cats,                                              21
+
+Antipathy to cats,                                        11
+
+Aperient,                                                151
+
+Archangel blue cat,                                       66
+
+
+
+"Bartholomoeus de Proprietatibus Rerum,"
+  Extract from,                                          156
+
+Bewick's "Quadrupeds," Extract from,                     166
+
+Black-and-white cats,                                     68
+
+Black cats,                                               64
+
+Blue cats,                                                66
+
+Blue small-banded tabby,                                  60
+
+"Boduca," Extract from,                                  199
+
+"Bogey",                                                  37
+
+British wild cat,                                         38
+
+Brown tabby cats,                                         48
+
+
+Canker of ear,                                           150
+
+Cat and kittens,                                         109
+
+Catarrh,                                            148, 152
+
+Catarrhal fevers,                                        147
+
+Cat as a tormentor, The,                                 209
+
+Cat-clock, A,                                            202
+
+"Cat Harris",                                            216
+
+Cat images,                                              219
+
+Cat of Shakespeare, The,                                 193
+
+Cat-racing in Belgium,                                   218
+
+Cats and fish,                                           159
+
+Cats and horses,                                         236
+
+Cats at The Morning Advertiser Office,                    88
+
+Cats in Vienna,                                           88
+
+Cats reared by dogs,                                      11
+
+Cats take note of time,                                    9
+
+"Chipperkes",                                             81
+
+"Chloe",                                                 119
+
+Chocolate Siamese,                                        74
+
+Cleanliness,                                             119
+
+Colds,                                                   149
+
+Concerning cats,                                         170
+
+Coughs,                                                  150
+
+Curious long-haired cat,                                  34
+
+Cytisin,                                                 153
+
+
+Daniel's "Rural Sports," Extracts from,        161, 167, 225
+
+Darwin's, Mr. Charles, "Voyage of the Beagle,"
+  Extract from,                                          167
+
+Dead cats,                                               208
+
+Deaf cat, A,                                              17
+
+"Dinah",                                                  23
+
+Diseases of cats,                                        147
+
+Distance cats will travel,                                10
+
+Distemper,                                          150, 151
+
+Distemper, Inoculation for,                              148
+
+
+Electricity in cats' fur,                                195
+
+"Encyclopaedia of Rural Sports," Extract from,            158
+
+"English Folk-lore," Extracts from,                 197, 200
+
+Eye ointment,                                            152
+
+
+Feeding cats,                                             91
+
+First Cat Show, The,                                       3
+
+Fishing cats,                                            233
+
+Fleas,                                                   152
+
+Fleet Prison, Debtors in,                                 90
+
+Fox, Charles James, Anecdote of,                          93
+
+
+Games,                                                   228
+
+General management,                                       91
+
+Gentleness and kindness,                                  10
+
+Glossary,                                         170 to 184
+
+Government cats,                                          88
+
+"Grammer's Cat and Ours",                                237
+
+
+Habits,                                                    6
+
+Hamilton, Mr. E., Letter to The Field,                   169
+
+"Happy Family," The,                                 12, 213
+
+Harting, Mr. J. E., on the origin of the domestic cat,   162
+
+Heraldry, etc.,                                          210
+
+Hone's "Every-day Book," Extract from,                   196
+
+Horses fond of cats,                                     236
+
+Hybrid cats,                                              55
+
+
+Imperial Printing Office, France, Cats in,                88
+
+Inoculation for distemper,                               148
+
+Irritation,                                              152
+
+
+Jamieson's "Scottish Dictionary," Extracts from,         181
+
+Jealousy of cats,                                          8
+
+Johnson, Dr. Samuel, and his cat,                        161
+
+
+Killing cats, The law on,                                207
+
+Kindness and gentleness,                                  10
+
+Kittens,                                                 114
+
+
+"Lambkin",                                                33
+
+"Lambkin No. 2",                                          36
+
+Law on cat-killing, The,                                 207
+
+Long-haired cats,                                         16
+
+Lost,                                                    240
+
+Lovers of cats,                                          223
+
+
+Management,                                              120
+
+Mange,                                              149, 152
+
+Manx cats,                                                80
+
+Mating,                                                   96
+
+Midland Railway, Cats on the staff of the,                89
+
+Mill's "History of the Crusades," Extract from           169
+
+"Mimie"                                                   25
+
+
+Nevill, Lady Dorothy                                      74
+
+Nursery rhymes and stories                               232
+
+
+Observation of cats                                        7
+
+Origin of the domestic cat                               162
+
+
+Performing cats                                          211
+
+Persian cats                                              24
+
+Plague of mice                                            14
+
+Points of Excellence:
+  Abyssinian                                             135
+  Black-and-white, gray-white, red-and-white,
+    and other colours and white                          134
+  Black, blue, gray, red, or any
+    self-colour long-haired                              142
+  Blue, silver, light gray, and
+    white tabby, striped, short-hair                     131
+  Brown and ordinary tabby,
+    striped, short-hair                                  128
+  Brown, blue, silver, light gray,
+    and white tabby long-haired                          144
+  Chinchilla  136
+  Chocolate, chestnut, red, or
+    yellow tabby, striped, short-hair                    130
+  Chocolate, mahogany, red,
+    and yellow long-haired                               145
+  Manx, or short-tailed                                  138
+  Royal Cat of Siam                                      137
+  Self-colour, black, blue, gray,
+    or red short-hair                                    127
+  Short-haired, spotted tabbies
+  of any colour                                          133
+  Siamese                                                137
+  Tortoiseshell                                          123
+  Tortoiseshell-and-white                                125
+    White-and-black, white-and-gray,
+    white-and-red, white
+    and any other colour                                 135
+  White, long-haired                                     140
+  White, short-hair                                      126
+
+Poison                                                   153
+
+Proverbs                                                 185
+
+Purgative                                                151
+
+"Puss in Boots"                                          203
+
+
+Rats, mice, and cats                                      15
+
+Remedies                                          147 to 153
+
+Royal cat of Siam, The                                    73
+
+Russian cats                                              30
+
+
+Salmon's "Compleat English Physician,"  Extract from     157
+
+Sharpening claws                                         165
+
+Short-haired white cats                                   62
+
+Siamese cats                                              73
+
+Signs                                                    204
+
+"Signs of Foul Weather," Extract from                    200
+
+Singular attachments                                      11
+
+Skin, Irritation of the                                  152
+
+Sleeping-places                                           92
+
+Smith's, Mr., prize he-cat                                39
+
+Spotted silver tabby                                     133
+
+Spotted tabbies                                           54
+
+Strengthening medicines                                  151
+
+Strutt's "Habits of the Anglo-Normans,"
+   Extracts from                                    167, 168
+
+Superstition,                                            195
+
+"Sylvie",                                                 24
+
+
+Tabby, derivation of the word,                            52
+
+"The Old Lady",                                           13
+
+"The Tamer Tamed," Extract from,                         199
+
+"Tiger",                                                  20
+
+"Tim",                                                    27
+
+Tormentor, The cat as a,                                 209
+
+Tortoiseshell-and-white cats,                             44
+
+Tortoiseshell cats,                                       39
+
+Trained cats,                                             12
+
+
+United States Post Office, Cats in the,                   88
+
+Usefulness of cats,                                       87
+
+
+Various colours,                                          84
+
+Vyvyan, Mrs., on Siamese cats,                            76
+
+
+Washing cats,                                             94
+
+Weather notions,                                         200
+
+Well-trained cats,                                        13
+
+White-and-black cats,                                     70
+
+White cats,                                               62
+
+Wild cat of Britain,                                 38, 154
+
+Witchcraft,                                              195
+
+"Works of Armorie," Extracts from,                       157
+
+Worms,                                              149, 152
+
+
+"You dreadful man!",                                      19
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS, CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS.
+
+
+  +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+  |                                                              |
+  | Transcriber's note:-                                         |
+  |                                                              |
+  | The symbols ^{x} represent the superscript x.                |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page 235 has been corrected to 239 in the Illustration index.|
+  |                                                              |
+  | Punctuation errors were corrected.                           |
+  |                                                              |
+  | The following printer's suspected spelling                   |
+  | errors have been addressed.                                  |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page 91 alterative changed to alternative                    |
+  | as an alternative than food                                  |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page 111 ancedote changed to anecdote                        |
+  | than the following anecdote                                  |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page 129 narrrowing changed to narrowing                     |
+  | and narrowing towards the end                                |
+  |                                                              |
+  +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Our Cats and All About Them, by Harrison Weir
+
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