CHAPTER V 



THE STORY OF MY CATS 



IF THIS swinging-process fails entirely 

 when its object is to make the insect lose 

 its bearings, what influence can it have upon 

 the Cat? Is the method of whirling the ani- 

 mal round In a bag, to prevent Its return, 

 worthy of confidence? I believed In it at 

 first, so close-allied was it to the hopeful idea 

 suggested by the great Darwin. But my faith 

 is now shaken : my experience with the insect 

 makes me doubtful of the Cat. If the former 

 returns after being whirled, why should not 

 the latter?. I therefore embark upon fresh 

 experiments. 



And, first of all, to what extent does the 

 Cat deserve his reputation of being able to 

 return to the beloved home, to the scenes of 

 his amorous exploits, on the tiles and in the 

 hay-lofts? The most curious facts are told 

 of his instinct; children's books on natural his- 

 tory abound with feats that do the greatest 

 credit to his prowess as a pilgrim. I do not 

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