Strange Associates. 63 
the foster-mother being, besides, a notoriously keen ratter— 
was witnessed by several persons whose credibility is beyond 
all question. It is not at all certain how far conscious “ bene- 
volence” prompted the cat, or to what extent she was impelled 
by the physiological necessity of relieving herself of her milk. 
Those who are charitably disposed will certainly give her the 
benefit of the doubt. 
T have lately become acquainted with a tom cat whose gentle- 
ness goes some way towards redeeming the character of his 
species for savagery, and it would be unfair to omit mention of 
his exceptional temperament. He is the property—so far as a 
cat can be considered the property of any one—of a medical 
friend. By no means devoid of the power and will to use his 
claws and teeth upon a boisterous bull terrier, his behaviour 
towards a pet dove belonging to the children is certainly asto- 
nishing to all who have witnessed it. The bird, a common 
African dove, with the black ring round the neck, usually par- 
ticularly timid, was introduced into the house when the cat was 
about two years old, and might be supposed to have its preda- 
tory instincts fully developed. In consequence of constant 
handling the dove became exceedingly tame, ranging the house 
at will, following the cook everywhere, and sleeping among the 
cinders under the grate, where its plumage became blackened 
until one could hardly tell what manner of bird it was. It now 
successfully disputes possession of the kitchen with the cat. 
Tom dares make no movement without the consent of the dove 
who will frequently drive him from the fire with furious assault 
and battery of its wings. 
When in more gracious moods, however, the dove will allow 
the cat to eat off the same plate with it, and, in default of 
a more suitable object of amatory attentions, will march round 
and round the cat, pirouetting and cooing as though it thought 
its natural enemy capable of appreciating the proffered homage. 
These two may frequently be seen on the supper table, drinking 
milk together out of a saucer, in amicable companionship. 
Domestication brings about some singular modifications of 
