203 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The Domestic CAT 



differs from the Wild-Cat, in being fomewhat lefs ; and, 

 inflead of being uniformly the fame, is diftinguifhed by 

 a great variety of {hades and colouring. 



To defcribe an animal fo well known, might feem a 

 fuperfluous tail: We mall only, therefore, felect fuch of 

 its peculiarities as are leaft obvious, and may have efca- 

 ped the notice of inattentive obfervers. 



It is generally remarked, that Cats can fee in the dark ; 

 but, though this is not abfolutely the cafe, yet it is cer- 

 tain that they can fee with much lefs light than moft 

 other animals, owing to the peculiar ftruclure of their 

 eyes, the pupils of which are capable of being contracted 

 or dilated in proportion to the degree of light by which 

 they are affected. The pupil of the Cat, during the day, 

 is perpetually contracted ; and it is with difficulty that it 

 can fee by a ftrong light : But in the twilight, the pupil 

 refumes its natural roundnefs, the animal enjoys perfect 



