=THE CAT 



Catus, the Cat 



As to the Cat's Eyes, authors say that they 

 shine in the Night, and see better at the full, and 

 more dimly at the change of the Moon. Also that 

 the Cat doth vary his Eyes with the Sun ; the Pupil 

 being round at Sunrise, narrow towards Noon, and 

 not to be seen at all at Night, but the whole Eye 

 shining in the darkness. These appearances of the 

 Cat's Eyes I am sure are true; but whether they 

 answer to the time of the Day, I have never ob- 

 served. It is a crafty, subtle, watchful Creature, 

 very loving and familiar with Mankind; but the 

 mortal Enemy of the Rat, Mouse, and every sort 

 of Bird, which it seizes on as its Prey. Its flesh 

 is not generally eaten, yet in some Countries is 

 esteemed an excellent dish. 



The Compleat English Physician, 1693, 



William Salmon. 



76 



