THE CAT TO-DAY 275 



suades him to say that cats sow broadcast the 

 germs of deadly disease, and that they are beyond 

 measure dangerous pets in the nursery, being sub- 

 ject to all the maladies that can be passed over 

 to the little children who caress them. If well 

 aroused, the scientific gentleman will even warm 

 so far to his subject as to suggest that the entire 

 feline population of New York or of San Francisco 

 shall be exterminated as a drastic precautionary 

 measure, stoutly maintaining that " the world could 

 get along very well without cats." This is true, 

 but if we once estabhsh a "Society for Doing 

 Without," — Mr. Barrie proposed it to our consid- 

 eration long ago — we are not likely to leave much 

 room for reporters or bacteriologists. 



Utilitarianism is but a base foundatidn for esteem. 

 The cat's true place is by our glowing hearths, not 

 in cold-storage warehouses, nor in printing offices ; 

 her true mission is to delight the eye, and afford 

 reserved and restful companionship, not to guard 

 our belongings, nor look after our personal safety. 

 As the old lazy cat of Florian's fable remarks to 

 the lean, laborious one, 



" Va, le secret de reussir, 

 C'est d'8tre adroit, non d'etre utile." 



Pussy's adroitness is equalled only by her delicacy 

 and tact. Her cleanliness and her careful attention 

 to her toilet show respect for herself and for us. 



