266 The Book of Cats. 



While upon the subject of the theatre, I might 

 add that it is a rule behind the scenes — a rule, 

 however, very seldom enforced, if I am properly 

 informed — that a Cat which crosses the scene when 

 the curtain is raised shall be put to death. Such 

 an unappropriate appearance has, before now, 

 spoilt the finest tragedy. I think there is a story 

 by Colonel Addison bearing upon an incident of 

 this kind. 



The Old Catch :— 



*' When a good housewife sees a rat 

 In a trap in the morning taken, 

 With pleasure her heart goes pitte-pitte-pat, 

 For revenge of loss of bacon ; 

 Then she throws it to the Dog or Cat, 

 To be worried, eat, or shaken," 



tolerably well indicates the popular notion of a 

 Cat's duties, and the idea of keeping one for a 

 pet, as birds are kept, would be thought by many 

 a monstrous absurdity. By the way, it is said 

 that the best way to get rid of English rats is not 

 to get a Dog or Cat to kill them, but to purchase 

 two or three Australian rats, and let them loose 

 among them. They are to be purghased in 

 London, and realise a high price from those who 

 have faith in their frightening propensities, which I 

 confess I have not. 



