38 CAENIVORA. 



the outside bell was rung it would get up from its warm 

 position on the hearth and run under the table. It 

 probably did this as a dog was sometimes brought into 

 the house. 



The cat loves warmth, both of the sun or of the fire, 

 and is one of the animals attached to civilization 

 throughout the globe. 



Every one knows its wonderful agility in catching 

 mice, small birds, etc., and the way in which it plays 

 with its prey, allowing it to escape a few feet or inches, 

 and then pouncing on it again. 



In some animals the showing of a rather poaching 

 propensity asserts itself. We knew a rather small cat 

 to travel about half a mile and bring back a young 

 rabbit or other prey, leaping two high fences on its 

 return journey. 



Its powers of dropping or falling from a height are 

 also wonderful. This is probably owing to the elasticity 

 of its limbs, and the freedom with which its skin moves 

 over its body. "We have seen a cat jump out of a loft 

 some twelve feet or more high, a'nd alight on a granite 

 paving without seeming to have worse effects than a 

 few rolls over. 



The food of the cat usually consists of small birds, 

 mice, etc. It is extremely fond of fish and game, and 

 will occasionally kill or capture moles and frogs, but 

 will not eat them. In the domesticated state its usual 

 diet is horseflesh. Its propensity for fish even over- 

 comes its dislike of water. It has been known to fish 

 by means of its paw. The cat will eat grass and 

 Indian corn, and is active enough to kill the agile 

 squirrel. 



A favourite position of the cat is sitting on its 

 haunches or hind legs, with its tail curled round it ; 



