Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-12-08
REASONING CATS.


chapter upon the cats Of his acouaintance-
a chapter in which humor and natural history
are ngrceahly mingled together; he was ev-
IDENTIFY close observer of the habits of poor
puss, and took much delight in the whims,
frolics, and pecuiiarites of his favoritcs.-
Proofs OF the dompstication and strong at
tachment Of the cat might he adduccd al
nuusedm. The story of Nj. Somnini and his
iuvorite cat may be recoected, as n case in
point This animal" he writes, twas my
principal amusement for several wears how
vividly was the expression Of his attachment
depict, upen her couutenance how many
times haze her tender caresses made me for
get my troubles, and c0nsoled ne in my mis-
fortunes! My beautiful and interesting com.
aniOn at length perished after several days
of suffering. during which / never rorsook
her. her eyes, constantly fixed on me. were at
length eXtngnlshed; and her loss has rent
my heart with grief" Amongst the admir-
ers Of the sleek and gentle cat may he men
toned Mohommed, Rousseau, Petrarch, Jon.
son, Cowrer, and we know not how many
other hustrious names Madame llelveiius,
had favoritc cat. which, at the death Of her
mistress, wandered about her chamber new
ing most piteously and utter the body was
consigned to the grave, it was found stretch
ed upon the tomb, liIeless. having expired
from excess Of grief. The Earl Of Sout hanp-
ton-conlpanion Of Essex in the fatal ins,ir-
rectlon--baving been confined some time in
the Tower, was one day surprised by visit
! from his pet cat, which is said to have reach
ed its master by descending the chimney Of
his apartment. The following anecdote of
combined attachment and sagacity rivals any
thing that has been told of the dog, and pla
ces poor pussy in a much more favorable light
than current opinion would allow. IN the
summer OF 1900, a physician Of Lyons was
requested TO inquire into IL murder that had
been committed on woman Of that ri!y.---
lie accordingly went to the residence Of the
deceased, where he found her extended life
less on the hoor, weltering in her blood. y
large white cat was mounted on the cornice
of the cupboard, at the further end of the
apartment. where he seemed to have taken
refuge. He sat motioness. with his eyes fix
ed on the corpse and his attitude and ooks
expressing h"rr"r and alright. The follow
ing morning the animal WAS found in precise.
" the same state; aud when the room was
filled with officers of justice, he sllll remained
apparently transtiXsd to the spot. As soon
however, US the suspected parties Were
brought IN, his yes glared with increased tu.
ry, his halr hris,!ed. and lie darted precip
lately irnm the room. The conntenance oil
the assassins were Disconnected, and they
now for the first time during the whole course
OF The horrid transactions, felt their atrocious
au,nciiy iorsake .bem.
We might Instance cases in which the rea
sonIng process was evidently exhibited but
let the following, related by DIR. Smellie, in
genuity of performance was combined with
Sagaclty, suffice a cat 'requcnted II closet
the door OF which was fastened by common
iron latch window was situated near the
door when the door was shut the cat gave
herself no uneaslness, ior so soon as she was
tired OF her confinement. she mounted on the