'THE RAPHAEL OF CATS." 



105 



silky as to tempt a caressing stroke from the spectator. Travellers, therefore, made it a point to visit 

 him, and to obtain, if possible, his drawings, which even .sovereigns coveted, and amateurs treasured 

 carefully in their portfolios. 



Symptoms of madness having appeared among the cats of Berne in the year 1809, orders were issued 

 for their destruction, to Mind's extreme distress. lie cherished his dear Minette in secret ; but hi* 



s I*/!* 



M 



THE SKRVAL CAT. 



sorrow for tlie death of 800 cats, actually immolated to the public safety, was inexpressible ; nor was 

 he e\ er completely consoled. To soothe his regret, he began to paint cats with increased diligence, and 

 In Amused the long evenings of the ensuing winter in cutting ehesnuts into the miniature figures i if 

 cats and bears. With such astonishing address were these (rifles executed, that, notwithstanding his 

 dexterity, he was Unable to supply the demand for them. 



