Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-11-29
SIAMESE CATS.
4 Ncw Species of Biue Blood and
Rare Beauty.
Chicago Chronicle)

Chicago chronicleD
The Prince of Orleans, during his last
visit 10 Siam, was very graciously re-
ceived by the King. In exchanging the
parting courtesiss the Siamese ruler, as
a special token Of higl regard. IN which
he held the Prince. gave him three SUI
perb specimens OF the royal Slam cats.
\ man who had always seen 10 the wants
OF these arstocratic feines was de-
tailed TO accompany the gift to France
As soon as they arrived in Paris the
Prince gave the precious cats in charge
of NJ. Milne Edwards. superintendent OF
this department in Jardin des Plantes.
They have been installed in very COM
modlous quarters, and are taking kindly
TO their change OF home. There has
been an addition to the family since its
arrival. and very respectable sum has
been offered for the kittens. which, how
eyer. are not for sale.
They are really extremely handsome
specimens OF the cat tribe. being OF very
pure blood. Their pedigree which. unfor-
tunately, ia written in Siamese. Is a ter
rifcally long one. In appearance these
royal cats look somewhat different from
the ordinary plebean ones. Their bodies
ire a little more elongated not having
that tendency 10 roundness so noticeable
IN the ordinary house-cat An awkward
cat is an impossibiiity, and the royal kiki
= the very ideal of graceful movement
they seem to be particularly strong in
bone and muscle. which gives them the
appearance of a pocket edition Of curl
)usly colored tigers The family OF these
eats is striking example Of what good
breeding will accomplish All OF them are
exactly alike. except that the females are
a little larger than the males. They are
30 Il Ia. al k..t. - oil.
fawn IN the body. and having their
masks. or faces. Of glossy dark choco-
late shade. The tipa OF their tails. the
ears, and feet, are also this color which
gives them a decidedly aristocratic APP
Dearance. Their eyes are In very strlk-
ng contrast to those Of our domestica-
ted animal. being Of a dark blue color.
The pupils are jet black, but susceptible
% the most violent changes. according
% the humor OF the animal. Sometimes
the pupil looks like a superb amethyst,
and then, again. II takes the hue of a
fiery carbuncle.
They seem TO be OF much more gentle
and socilble disposition than is generally
found among the oat-tribe. They rarely
ever use their claws or teeth against
anybody, unless greatly irritated or
frightened. They are thorough aristocrats
In the fullest sense OF the word. No mat
ter how much the Persian and other spe-
eies OF their kind endeavor 10 obtain So
clal recognition from the royal siamese.
they always receive mosI unmistakable
snub instead If well-dressed visitor. be
IL gentleman or lady, comes up to their
cage they are always graciously received
by these cat-snobs, but should person
approach whose attire is NOT up to their
standard. they make furious EFFORTS TO
scratch sAch a presumptuous individual.
The cats have not as yet become tho
roughly soclimated. and are very suscept-
bile TO colds That they are expensive
oets there can be no doubt. as from 1000
20 5000 francs has been offered and re-
used for some OF the kitties.