THE DOMESTIC CAT. 149 



when fed, instead of taking provisions out of the 

 ha 1 d, they prefer picking up bits from the ground. 

 These they divide almost wholly with their side 

 teeth, and swallow entire all such pieces as will 

 easily pass down their gullet. 



Few of the more perfect animals are so tenacious 

 of life as the present species. They are, in this 

 respect, proverbial; and (as it is vulgarly believ- 

 ed) can sustain nine times the injuries that would 

 kill any other animal. These creatures can like- 

 wise support life for a very long time without 

 food. An instance of this occurred in the year 

 1781, in a Cat being shut up, by accident, and 

 having no nourishment for twenty-four days, at 

 the end of which, though dreadfully emaciated, she 

 was found still alive. 



From the nocturnal mode of life of Cats, and 

 their frequently climbing after 'their prey to great 

 heights, they are endued with the singular pro- 

 perty of generally alighting on their feet whenever 

 they happen to fall. The instant they lose their 

 hold, the animals bend their spine, and make a 

 mechanical movement, as if to save themselves. 

 The consequence is a kind of half turn in the air, 

 which restores to their body the proper centre of 

 gravity, and necessarily makes them fall on their 

 feet. Many other animals of this tribe, several 

 of the Weesels, and even the Fox, are reported to 

 have the same faculty. 



Although Cats are not able to see objects in 

 L 3 perfect 



