OF THE ANIMALS OF CIIASP]. 267 



be endowed with the instinct of destructiveness, in 

 the highest possible degree. On what grounds, I 

 shall presently explain. 



When yet a boy, I witnessed an incident in point, 

 which made an impression on me that can never be 

 effaced. An nncle, resident in Beaufort, received 

 from his overseer in the country, a present of a 

 young wild-cat. It was very young indeed was 

 evidently but a few days old and scarcely 

 exceeded in size the common domestic kitten. It 

 was treated with care, and when able to run about 

 the yard, a small box was fitted up for its recep- 

 tion ; from which it sallied forth at pleasure to take 

 the liberty of the grounds. It was now observed, 

 while yet a tiny thing, creeping after the poultry, 

 and endeavouring to spring upon them. To check 

 this disposition, a cord was fastened round his 

 neck, and a clog attached to the end, so that when 

 he made his spring, the weight would draw him 

 back, and prevent his doing mischief. 



My uncle one day invited several of his friends, 

 to witness this development of natural propensity in 

 his savage pet. The kitten, with his clog attached, 

 was let out of the box ; and it was curious to observe 

 with what stealthy pace he approached the spot 

 where the poultry were feeding. They scarcely 



seemed to notice the diminutive thing that was 

 17 



