THE DOMESTIC CAT. 145 



birth of Cats, and in particular to the head of a 

 black Cat,, for the recovery of sicknesses of various 

 kinds. 



It is not to be denied that Cats have some bad 

 propensities, and that their natural disposition is not 

 so mild and generous as that of our other domestic, 

 the Dog. If injured or offended, the Cat will not 

 crouch at our feet, in submission to our authority, 

 but will often boldly stand forward in its own de- 

 fence. It seldom happens that the Cat will com- 

 mence a fray; but when, by being attacked, it 

 is roused to fury, it has often proved a for- 

 midable opponent. Its countenance^ which pre- 

 viously had expressed only mildness and content, 

 entirely changes its character, and becomes in the 

 highest degree* ferocious. The eyes seem on fire : 

 the teeth are exposed : the animal hisses with vehe- 

 mence, and seems to spit at the object of its anger. 

 The hair at the same times bristles on end ; the ears 

 are thrown back ; the tail is swelled with perpen- 

 dicular bristles; the 'back is elevated into a curve; 

 and the animal utters, at intervals, the most violent 

 and dreadful cries of rage. 



But when Cats are undisturbed, when they are 

 suffered to repose in quiet on our hearths, or 

 without injury to frequent our habitations, they 

 exhibit many pleasing traits of character. Their 

 purring is very expressive of contentment and 

 happiness, of their affection, and sometimes of 

 their desires or inclinations. They have another 



L mode 



