THE WILD CAT. 47 



among subjects that were worthy of having a price set 

 on them. Yet such was the case. In the tariff of 

 values set down in the Statute of Howel Dda, about 

 the beginning of the tenth century, a cat is reckoned 

 equal in value to every tree after a thorn-tree, among 

 which the oak and the elm, (the native or wych elm, 

 which is excellent timber, and one of the trees of 

 which bows were made,) are included. The Statute 

 runs to this effect : 



" A kitten before it can see, its value is one penny ; 

 " After it can see, and till it has caught a mouse, 



two-pence. 

 " After it has caught a mouse, four-pence." 



The wood-cat does not confine its depredations to 

 mousing, but in places that are near its haunts, kills 

 poultry and lambs and kids, and is even said to 

 destroy sheep, when they are in a weakly condition. 

 As it keeps to the woods and rocky places, the grouse 

 and mountain hares are safe from it ; but it makes 

 great havoc among the coppice birds. It is rather a 

 dangerous animal to catch in a trap, as it is very 

 tenacious of life; and the moment it is loosened, it 

 springs, and fastens with great fury. For the same 

 reason it is dangerous to wound or even to irritate it ; 

 and if it cannot be killed outright, the safest way is to 

 let it alone. 



There is one season at which the wood-cat becomes 

 a determined mouser, more especially on the lower 

 slopes, and in the coppices among the Scottish moun- 

 tains. When the hazel-nuts ripen and begin to drop, 

 they attract great numbers of the field mouse, (mus 



