52 ANIMALS OP NORTH AMERICA. 



taken to trace it ; nor is it yet settled from what race of 

 the feline tribe it has been derived. Some suppose that 

 the Bay Lynx was its parent; and that domestication 

 for a long series of years has produced the difference 

 between them. But the Bay Lynx is of a uniform grey 

 color, with a short tail, and two or three times as large 

 as our tame cat. The length of the tail, it is true, is 

 no criterion, since we have a tame variety nearly destitute 

 of this appendage ; but that domestication should produce a 

 diminution of size is opposed to general observation and 

 experience with respect to other animals. That the cat was 

 a domestic animal among the ancient Egyptians, is proved by 

 feline mummies being found in the catacombs of that people ; 

 and as that is sufficient to prove the high and honorable 

 antiquity of the race, we shall leave all further inquiries 

 concerning the genealogy of Puss to those who have more 

 time and patience. 



