52 
ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA. 
taken to trace it ; nor is it yet settled from what race of 
the feline tribe it has been derived. Some suppose that 
the Bay Lynx was its parent ; and that domestication 
for a long series of years has produced the difference 
between them. But the Bay Lynx is of a uniform grey 
color, with a short tail, and two or three times as large 
as our tame cat. The length of the tail, it is true, is 
no criterion, since we have a tame variety nearly destitute 
of this appendage ; but that domestication should produce a 
diminution of size is opposed to general observation and 
experience with respect to other animals. That the cat was 
a domestic animal among the ancient Egyptians, is proved by 
feline mummies being found in the catacombs of that people ; 
and as that is sufficient to prove the high and honorable 
antiquity of the race, we shall leave all further inquiries 
concerning the genealogy of Puss to those who have more 
time and patience. 
