CHAPTER XIX 



THE LONG-HAIRED WHITE CAT 



I DO not propose in these sketches to go into the question 

 of the origin of the Cat, as so many books have appeared 

 going into details of this kind, but rather to say a few 

 words of the several varieties seen at our shows, with 

 short descriptions of each, and plain directions as to the 

 qualities to be sought for. 



To my mind, the White is one of the most beautiful 

 of the Long Hairs, and when pure in tint, in full coat, and 

 with the pale blue eyes which should be a sine qua non in 

 this variety, is an ornament fit for the palace of a 

 emperor. 



Unfortunately, cats of this colour have a great 

 tendency to be more or less hard of hearing, many I 

 have met with of my own and belonging to others being 

 totally deaf ; and this is awkward in many ways, particu- 

 larly if not kept in a cattery, and is such a drawback that 

 I would advise any intending purchaser to make sure of 

 the hearing capabilities of any they may be offered. 



Of course these require to be kept scrupulously clean, 

 and must not be allowed liberty to roam at random and 



