The Book of Cats. 269 



curious, too, that once in a place of safety, it never 

 seeks to leave it, or loses sight of its enemy. A 

 Cat on the safe side of an area railing will sit 

 down and coolly watch a dog barking furiously 

 at it. 



" Its care and solicitude for its offspring are 

 excessive and touching. If attacked while rearing 

 them, it will not run away, but stand and defend 

 them against any odds ; like the hare in similar 

 circumstances, the Cat evinces immense power and 

 courage, no matter how formidable the enemy may 

 be. Of course the females of all animals possess 

 more or less of this quality." 



Cats have a much better time of it in France 

 than here. A year or two since, the budget of 

 the Imperial Printing Office in France, amongst 

 other items, contained one for Cats, which caused 

 some merriment in the Legislative Chamber 

 during its discussion. According to the Pays, 

 these Cats are kept for the purpose of destroying 

 the numerous rats and mice which infest the 

 premises, and cause considerable damage to the 

 large stock of paper which is always kept there. 

 This feline staff is fed twice a day, and a man is 

 employed to look after them, so that for Cats'- 

 meat and the keeper's salary no little expense is 



