int DOMESTIC CAT. ^^/f 



ihjure the diversion of the sportsman than most spe- 

 cies of naturally wild vermin. In Monshalm Thrift, a 

 large cover belonging to Sir H. St. John Mildmay, 

 sixteen of these animals were killed by a pack of 

 Fox-houndsin four days drawing the cover for Foxes. 

 They are usually caught in traps, having the bait 

 sprinkled with Valerian, and Valerian scattered in 

 and about the traps *, 



The colours of the domestic cat-J- are very va- 

 rious. Its manners and dispositions seem to be en^ 

 tirely changed by education ; and although it does 

 not exhibit the affectionate attachment of the Dog, 

 yet it is not destitute of either gentleness or grati- 

 tude. — A very singular example of this is recorded 

 in Mr. Pennant's Account of London. Henry 

 Wriothsly, earl of Southampton, the friend and 

 companion of the earl of Essex in his fatal insur- 

 rection, having been some time confined in the 

 Tower, was one day surprised by a visit from his 

 favourite Cat ; which, says tradition, reached its 

 master by descending the chimney of his apart- 

 ment :|:. In proof of the sagacity of these animals, 

 I shall adduce the following instances. — A friend c^ 

 mine possessed a Cat and a Dog, which, not being 

 able to live together in peace, had several contenti- 

 ous struggles for the mastery ; and in the end, the 



* Daniel, i. 363. t Chat Domestic. Buffun. 



X Although this anecdote is brought tbrward on the authority of 

 Mr. Pennant, I must contei& that it sccuis too absurd to be allcved 

 any degree of credit. 



