Ri'iiiarks Coiict-niiii^- Uic Texas Wild Cat. i8i 



Occasionally the wild cat would steal off and ])row] around 

 the premises, but would soon return to join its com- 

 panions. Almost from the time of its capture it became very 

 playful, and was fond of being taken into the lap of some 

 member of the family. Little Bessie was its special favorite, 

 and from her it received the name of Joan, which, in one re- 

 spect, was quite appropriate, for we know that the Maid of 

 Orleans was an accomplished fighter. Upon its arrival at 

 Lebanon, and up to the time of its death, it manifested this 

 playful disposition. Nothing would please Joan better than 

 to have a romp with children, or some animal that had the 

 courage to approach within playing distance. But few dogs, 

 however, would venture near her, and the domestic cat never. 

 Her long sharp claws often imparted to her playful pranks an 

 unpleasant sensation, and the person who courted lively sport 

 with the cat, would often draw off, washing that he had gone 

 at it "with gloves." At the approach of night she would 

 often seem lonesome, and was very fond of being brought 

 into the house with the family. This was frequently done, to 

 the great amusement of all present. After a general tear 

 around the room, she would go for the house cat, frightening 

 it nearly out of its wits. And next would be a rough and 

 tumble play with the dog, one of her Texas companions. It 

 was amusing to see how she would manage to spring upon 

 the dog, which was more than twice her weight, and throw 

 him sprawling upon the floor. The dog would often get 

 mad and become furious, while the cat would show no real 

 temper. It could be seen, how'ever, by the little flying tufts 

 of hair that the dog w^as being severely punished. The fracas 

 would generally end by the dog drawnng off for repairs. The 

 cat was always disposed to continue the sport, and it was only 

 by being taken upon the lap of some member of the family 

 that it w^ould quiet down. 



Bessie would often carry Joan around in her arms, and occas- 

 ionally lead her out upon the street, to the great delight— and 

 sometimes fright — of the town children. She had a special 

 fondness for the wolf, but this animal, though quite pla5'ful, 

 kept very shy of her catship. 



Judging from what I witnessed, respecting the disposition 

 and habits of this particular cat, I am disposed to think that 

 our opinions concerning the wild cat have been, in many re- 



