88 



THE BOOK OF THE CAT. 



any catty centre have but little opportunity 

 of finding a sale for their surplus stock. I 

 would suggest photography as one means of 

 making known the perfections of their pussies. 

 A start in the right direction has been made 

 by Mr. Landor, of Ealing, whose clever pictures 

 of kittens are so well known. He is willing to 

 take portraits of pretty, fluffy kits and good 

 cats on special terms, provided he retains the 

 copyright of such photographs. It is always 



into particulars, and, if possible, to send a 

 photograph. It is best to give the faults and 

 failings as well as the good points, so that 

 disappointment and disagreement may not 

 follow between the purchaser and seller. 

 Buyers should endeavour to learn something 

 about the person from whom they purchase 

 their cats ; and it as well to ask not only for 

 age and full pedigree, but whether the cat has 

 been exhibited, and if it has taken any honours, 



" MISCHIEF. 



(Photo: Mrs. S. F. Clarke.) 



handy to have a good photograph to send by 

 post when endeavouring to dispose of our pets, 

 and by such means fanciers may be spared 

 the trouble and risk of sending their valuable 

 kittens on approval. 



Naturally, for unknown cat fanciers it is 

 more difficult to effect sales through advertise- 

 ment, and in their case it is necessary to offer 

 to send on approval at buyer's risk and cost ; 

 and if an application is made from an entire 

 stranger, then the purchase money should be 

 deposited in the hands of some reliable and 

 independent third person. Some fanciers en- 

 tirely decline to send their cats on approval, 

 and then it is very requisite to enter fully 



and at which shows. It sometimes happens 

 that valuable animals may be picked up for 

 low prices at shows ; but there is always a risk, 

 and this is especially the case . with young 

 kittens, who more easily contract any disease. 

 In buying a cat or kitten it is always advisable 

 to make inquiries as to the way in which it has 

 been fed, so as to continue the same regimen 

 for at least a few days. The pedigree of a 

 cat or kitten should be sent at the time of 

 purchase, and it is much easier to fill this in 

 on a properly drawn out form, and certainly 

 it is pleasanter to receive the particulars thus 

 intelligently written out. I give a copy of 

 the forms I drew out for the use of blue Persian 



