LETTER XXVI. 



:mul of which the habits and propensities are exposed 

 to daily observation, would be superfluous : we may, 

 however, observe, that although cats cannot absolute- 

 ly see in the dark, as is often asserted, yet they see 

 much better in the twilight, or when it is dusky, than 

 in the broad day-light. During the day the pupil of 

 this animal's eye is contracted, but in the dusk it re- 

 sumes its natural roundness. It then enjoys perfect 

 'vision, and takes advantage of it to discover and seize 

 its prey. 



The nocturnal meetings of these creatures seem a 

 curious peculiarity. They call one another together 

 by loud cries, and sometimes meet in great numbers. 

 When they are met, they look at one another in a 

 menacing manner, writhe themselves in a thousand 

 threatening postures, and, without any apparent cause, 

 11 y upon one another with the most furious rage, with 

 teeth and claws indiscriminately wounding and lace- 

 rating one another. 



These furious engagements never happen but in 

 the night: they sometimes continue several hours, 

 and the most horrid squalls accompany them through 

 the whole time of their duration. 



The cat is fond of certain perfumes, and is particu- 

 larly attracted by the smell of valerian : it has a re- 

 markable aversion to uiire and water, and is a hand- 

 some, cleanly and agreeable creature. 



The perseverance of the cat in watching its prey 

 is remarkable, and indeed extraordinary. This ani- 

 mal loves to bask in the sun-shine, and is exceedingly 

 tond of sitting by a warm fire, so that from these cir- 

 cumstances one might naturally suppose it, to be un- 

 able to bear the cold; and yet', in watching its prey, 

 it will frequently sit motionless several hours together 

 among snow in the severest weather. 



Some naturalists have treated the cat somewhat 

 "hardly in their descriptions, and have represented it 

 as insensible of kindness, and incapable of attach- 

 ment, which is certaiidy a mistake. It is as much 

 attached to its master as any other animal, except the 

 dog, "d expresses its affections by the most engaging 



