302 



NATURAL HISTORY READER. 



least erect. Thus far, the attitude and movements are 

 nearly the same as when the animal is prepared to spring 

 on its prey, and when, no doubt, it feels savage. But 

 when preparing to fight there is this difference : the ears 

 are closely pressed backward ; the mouth is partially opened, 

 showing the teeth ; the forefeet are occasionally struck out 

 with protruded claws ; and the animal occasionally utters a 

 fierce growl. These actions naturally express the intent of 

 attacking the enemy. 



10. Let us now look at a cat in a directly opposite 

 frame of mind, while feeling affectionate and caressing her 

 master, and mark how opposite her attitude is in every 

 respect. She now stands ujjright, with her back slightly 

 arched, which makes her hair appear rather rough, but it 

 does not bristle ; her tail, instead of being extended and 

 lashed from side to side, is held quite stiff, and perpendicu- 

 larly upward ; her ears are erect and pointed ; her mouth 

 is closed ; and she rubs against her master with a purr in- 

 stead of a growl. 



