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LONG-HAIRED CATS. 



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LONG-HAIRED CATS. 



These are very diversified, both in form, colour, and the 

 quality of the hair, which in some is more woolly than in 

 others ; and they vary also in the shape and length of the 

 tail, the ears, and size of eyes. There are several varieties — 

 the Russian, the Angora, the Persian, and Indian. Forty or 

 fifty years ago they used all to be called French cats, as they 

 were mostly imported from Paris — more particularly the 

 white, which were then the fashion, and, if I remember rightly, 

 they, as a rule, were larger than those of the present day. 

 Coloured long-haired cats were then rare, and but little cared 

 for or appreciated. The pure white, with long silky hair, 

 bedecked with blue or rose-colour ribbon, or a silver collar 

 with its name inscribed thereon or one of scarlet leather 

 studded with brass, might often be seen stretching its full lazy 

 length on luxurious woollen rugs — the valued, pampered pets 

 of "West End "life. 



