viii THE BOOK OF THE CAT. 



that veteran, Harrison Weir, for his kindly encouragement, and I feel I cannot 

 do better than quote from his letter, received on the completion of my work- 

 enclosing a few remarks for my preface : 



" Miss Frances Simpson has kindly dedicated her labour of love, the fascinating 

 BOOK OF THE CAT, to me, and truly the honour is great. Words cannot 

 convey my feelings, but out of its fulness the heart speaketh Thanks ! I 

 carry my mind back to the long, long ago, when the cat was a god or ideal, 

 and worshipped. Then later, ' our gentle Will ' called it ' the harmless, 

 necessary cat,' and that it has ever been, and more than that to many. It 

 is a lonely home without a cat ; and for awhile and I hope for long cats are 

 the fashion. Thirty years ago it was apparent to me that cats were not valued 

 at their true worth, and then I suggested a show of cats! Let anyone try to 

 start anything new, though novelty is said to charm ! Many were the gibes, 

 jokes, and jeers that were thrown at me then. But nothing succeeds like 

 success. Now, if I may without offence say a few words as to present-day 

 shows, it is that they have not answered my expectations. Why ? Because 

 particular breeds are catered for and run after. Why such breathless talk all 

 about long-haired cats, be they blues or silvers ? This is not cat breeding. 

 I want, I wish, and, if I live, I hope to see far more of the ' harmless, necessary 

 cat ' at our shows ; for a high-class short-haired cat is one of the most perfect 

 animals ever created. 



" Far more I might, and perhaps am expected to add ; but my life's work is 

 well-nigh done. He who fights honourably the good fight sinks at last. Miss 

 Frances Simpson has rendered me her debtor ; and others, beside myself, will 

 tender her grateful thanks for her work in the cause of the cat and for the 

 welfare of the fancy. Adieu ! " 



Mr. Harrison Weir's words are precious to me, and now that my " labour 

 of love " is ended I can only re-echo his wish and express a hope that the 

 many pages I have devoted to the " harmless, necessary cat," whose fireside 

 friendship I have enjoyed all the years of my life, may awaken and arouse a 

 greater interest in and admiration for these gentle, complex creatures, who in return 

 for a little understanding will give a great deal of love. 



FRANCES SIMPSON. 

 KENSINGTON, 



August, 1903. 



