PREFACE 



" What is aught, but as 'tis valued ? " 



Troihis 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 hfe 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 houses, buildings, cul- 

 tivated 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 



