206 OUR HOME PETS 



The Persian cat is born to the happiest fate 

 of any of his family, for, according to the 

 tales of travellers, he is, in his native land, 

 not only loved and cherished, not only well 

 treated and admired, but thoroughly respect- 

 ed, and he has an acknowledged position and 

 rights. In form the bewitching Persian does 

 not greatly differ from the Angora, but the tail 

 is much more effective, for the longest and 

 the thickest-set hairs being at the tip, they 

 form a magnificent plume, which the dignified 

 owner carries proudly erect, waving in the 

 air as he moves. In his splendid silky coat 

 is not a trace of woolliness, and it clothes the 

 graceful creature from the tips of his ears to 

 the well " feathered " toes. 



Unless some undreamed-of feline marvel 

 shall yet be discovered, this animal must for- 

 ever be regarded as the perfect flower of the 

 domestic cat family. Not only does he easily 

 surpass all his competitors in beauty and grace, 

 but he possesses charms of disposition and 

 manner and dignity of bearing; and while 

 most affectionate and loving, is still self-re- 

 specting and independent. 



The Persian may be seen in many colors. 



