THE CA.T. 



In the apothecaries' shop-windows of a century or two 

 ago might have been seen a label, on which was inscribed, 

 " Ammgia cati syhestris." This, dear reader, simply meant 

 that wild cat's fat might be obtained within, as a certain cure 

 for lameness, epilepsy, &c. 



There appears to be little doubt, however, that as a minister 

 to certain of the ills to which flesh is heir, the cat is not to be 

 despised ; especially in oases where electricity is of good service. 

 The electrical character of the cat is a very well ascertained 

 fact. A cold bright day is the best time to convince oneself 

 of the truth of this. Not only wfll a craokHng be heard, and 

 a spark seen, but, if the experiment be properly conducted, a 

 positive shock may be obtained. The animal should be placed 

 on the knees, the operator placing one hand on its breast, while 

 the other hand is engaged stroking the fur of her back. In a 

 short time crackling will be heard, and sparks seen, and the 

 person stroking the cat experiences a smart shock above the 

 wrists. I do not state this on my own experience — I have tried 

 it several times but never with any decided success. I am con- 

 vinced, however, that the fault lay with me and not with the 

 cat. The Rev. J. Gr. Wood attests that the above given direc- 

 tions, if faithfully followed, will be followed by satisfactory 

 results, and gives an instance of the electricity of the cat as 

 exhibited in his clever and interesting cat "Pret." If a hair 

 of her mistress's head were laid on Pret's back, the cat would 

 writhe about on the floor and put her body into violent con- 

 tortions, and would endeavour with ail her might to shake off 

 the object of her fears. Even the mere pointing of a finger at 

 her side was sufficient to make her far bristle up and set her 

 trembling, though the obnoxious finger were at a distance of 

 six inches from her body." 



The same gentleman goes on to express an opinion that on 

 account of the superabundance of electricity which is developed 

 in the cat, the animal is found very usefiil to paralyzed persons, 

 who instinctively encourage the approach of a cat and derive 

 a gentle benefit from its touch. Those who are afilicted with 

 rheumatism often find their sufferings alleviated by the presence 

 of one of these electrically gifted animals. 



OBIGIN OP THE DOMESTIC CAT. 



The origin of the domestic cat is not at all clearly ascer- 

 tained. By many writers it is asserted to be a variety of the 

 wild oat of Europe and Northern Asia ; and a talented writer 



