VI PREFACE. 



training, have made the Cat self-reHant ; and from this 

 emanates the marvellous powers of observation, the con- 

 centration of which has produced a state analogous to 

 reasoning, not unmixed with timidity, caution, wildness, 

 and a retaliative nature. 



But should a new order of things arise, and it is 

 nurtured, petted, cosseted, talked to, noticed, and trained, 

 with mellowed firmness and tender gentleness, then in but a 

 few generations much evil that bygone cruelty has stamped 

 into its often wretched existence will disappear, and it 

 will be more than ever not only a useful, serviceable 

 helpmate, but an object of increasing interest, admiration, 

 and cultured beauty, and, thus being of value, profitable. 



Having said this much, I turn to the pleasurable duty 

 of recording my deep sense of the kindness of those warm- 

 hearted friends who have assisted me in " my labour of 

 love," not the least among these being those publishers, 

 who, with a generous and prompt alacrity, gave me 

 permission to make extracts, excerpts, notes, and quotations 

 from the following high-class works^ their property. 

 My best thanks are due to Messrs. Longmans & Co. ; 

 Blaine's " Encyclopaedia of British Sports ; " Allen & Co. ; 

 Rev. J. F. Thiselton Dyer's "English Folk-lore;" 

 Cassell & Company (Limited), Dr. Brewer's "Dictionary of 

 Phrase and Fable," and " Old and New London ; " Messrs. 

 Chatto «&: Windus, "History of Sign-boards;" Mr. J. 

 Murray, Jamieson's " Scottish Dictionary," and others. I 

 am also indebted to Messrs. Walker & Boutal, and The 

 Phototype Company, for the able manner in which they 

 have rendered my drawings ; and for the careful printing, 

 to my good friends Messrs. Charles Dickens & Evans. 



HARRISON WEIR. 



"IDDESLEIGH," SeVENOAKS, 



May Sth, 1889. 



