THE DOMESTIC CAT. 189 



Of the e^e and fur of the cat. 



seems, at length, to be convinced of the real na- 

 ture of the image." 



It is generally supposed, that cats can see in 

 the dark. This is not absolutely the case; but 

 they can certainly see with much less light than 

 most other quadrupeds, owing to the peculiar 

 structure of their eyes, the pupils of which are 

 capable of being contracted or dilated in propor- 

 tion to the degree of light by which they are af- 

 fected. The pupil of the eye during the day is 

 perpetually contracted, and it is with difficulty 

 that it can see by a strong light: but in the twi- 

 light the pupil resumes its natural roundness, the 

 animal enjoys perfect vision, and embraces the 

 favourable opportunity of discovering and seiz* 

 ing its prey. 



The fur of this animal being generally clean 

 and dry, readily yields electric sparks when rub- 

 bed; and if a clean and perfectly dry cat be 

 placed, in frosty weather, on a stool with glass 

 feet or insulated by any other means, and rubbed 

 for a short time in contact with the wire of a 

 coated vial, the vial by this means will become 

 effectually charged. 



In former times cats were held in so great esti- 

 mation in Britain, that their preservation was 

 considered of the utmost importance. Hence, 

 in the reign of Howel the Good, Prince of Wales, 

 who died A. D. 948, laws were made, to fix the 

 prices of different animals ; among which the cat 

 was included, as being, at that early period, of 



