CATS— GREAT AND SMALL 151 



north of Scotland, one of the last authentic records of its appearance 

 further south being about 1840 in Yorkshire. Another example was 

 seen somewhere about the same time in North Wales, and a few 

 years afterwards one was said to have been secured in Oxfordshire. 

 Outside the British Islands, the Wild Cat is found in many parts of 

 Europe and Asia, whilst, of course, there are various other species 

 "of small felines known as ' Wild Cats ' found almost all over the 

 world where Cats are found at all — i. e. except in Madagascar and 

 the Australian region." 



It is small wonder that in such a game-preserving and stock- 

 rearing country, the Wild Cat should have become almost extermin- 

 ated in Britain, for there can be no question as to its misdeeds 

 among various furred and feathered creatures, and also lambs. 

 Whilst it should be emphasized that genuine Wild Cats are now 

 few and far between in the old country, it should be pointed out that 

 the wild and domesticated Cats are known to interbreed, whilst in 

 Fig. 115 an example is given of a, wild kitten, a cross between a 

 Wild Cat from Scotland and the Egyptian or Fettered Cat. 



Lynx-like in general appearance, the wild species is a striking- 

 looking animal, having a body which at once gives one the impres- 

 sion of a remarkable combination of strength and activity. The 

 large, bushy tail is seen to advantage in Fig. 114. The coloration 

 varies, but generally the thick, close fur may be stated to be yellow, 

 banded with darker shades, with black rings on the tail and a 

 black line along the back. It is also black on the soles of the 

 feet. 



The litter is produced during early Summer, five or six kittens 

 being born either in the forsaken "earth" of our old friend the 

 Badger, or in the seclusion of a hollow tree. 



It is ferocious, savage and untamable, and although at one time 

 it was considered to be the ancestor of our own domestic pussy, it 

 is now agreed that the Egyptian Cat is more nearly related to the 

 well-known pet animals which, when properly looked after, make 

 such desirable companions. The Wild Cat of Europe has an ancient 

 history in Britain, being one of the oldest mammalian inhabitants 

 we have, but, curious to relate, it has not been known to occur in 

 Ireland. Few writers appear to be able to say a good word for this 

 ferocious Carnivore, and Mr. Pennant has stated that it "may. be 

 called the British Tiger; it is the fiercest and most destructive 

 beast we have, making dreadful havoc amongst our poultry. 



