264 WILD TRAITS IN TAME ANIMALS. 



ceasing and vigilant attention to its fur and skin 

 in order to prevent the lodgment of detrimental 

 parasites ; and the habit remains, although, 

 thanks to human protection and sanitation, the 

 domestic cat can now do its daily rounds without 

 gathering many persecutors of this order. 



I must confess ignorance as to the history of, 

 and the part played by, the vocal capabilities of 

 the cat in the economy of feline life. Why a 

 solitary animal which does not engage in faction 

 fights which render a rallying cry necessary, ex- 

 pends so much breath in squalls and howls when 

 face to face with a foe, and why its love ditties 

 should be of such a hideous and blood-curdling 

 character, I must leave for some future naturalist 

 to determine. 



