THE CAT’S WHISKERS. 
39 
light it is reduced to a mere line. It also 
dilates greatly upon any sudden excitement. 
It is owing to this great sensibility to light 
that cats are able to see very well in places 
which would appear perfectly dark to you 
and me. The sense of hearing is very acute, 
as you may easily satisfy yourself by ex¬ 
periment.” 
“What is the use of their whiskers?” 
asked Annie. 
“ They are supposed to be of service in 
warning them of obstacles, and thus en¬ 
abling them to pass noiselessly through 
brushwood and thickets, where the sound 
even of a breaking twig would give warning 
to their prey. You will observe that they 
extend to the width of the body, and seem 
very sensitive. The bristles above the eyes 
have the same use, and preserve the eyes 
themselves from injury. 
“ The gait of all the cat-tribe is graceful, 
and in the larger kinds majestic, and all 
their motions are agile and free. In young 
kittens, especially, the spine seems to be made 
of something more elastic than India-rubber. 
They usually lie in wait for their prey in 
situations which it frequents; and nothing 
