262 THE FIRESIDE SPHINX 



by close captivity, and grateful possibly for a little 

 notice. 



Such exceptional cases, however, count for little 

 in the history of the cat. If disposed to be social, 

 she will accord her good-will to any animal she fan- 

 cies ; if disposed to be motherly, she will adopt and 

 rear a puppy, a rat, or a young pigeon ; but as a rule 

 she is sufficient to herself, is never bored by her 

 own company, and preserves an immaculate freedom 

 from enthusiasm, sympathy, or benevolence. She 

 can be taught to live in amity with both birds and 

 beasts, and even to tolerate indecent liberties of 

 the "Happy Family" order, — sparrows hopping 

 on her head, and white mice frisking foolishly at 

 her feet. She can also be taught to ride a wheel, 

 and jump through hoops of fire. These things de- 

 note the nadir of her degradation ; and happily she 

 lends herself with such ill grace to exhibitions of 

 this order, that, notwithstanding our base relish for 

 all that is out of nature, they are not of very com- 

 mon occurrence. 



Some amiable naturalists would have us believe 

 that there is no especial hostility between cat and 

 dog, — only a trifling jealousy, fostered by man. 

 They quote instances of marked affection, and tell 

 pretty stories about big Newfoundlands that pro- 

 tect small kittens, and wise old tabbies that rear 

 and educate foolish and motherless puppies. As 



