A race of civilized beings descended from these great cats would
have been rich in hermits and solitary thinkers. The recluse would
not have been stigmatized as peculiar, as he is by us simians. They
would not have been a credulous people, or easily religious. False
prophets and swindlers would have found few dupes. And what generals
they would have made! what consummate politicians!

Don't imagine them as a collection of tigers walking around on their
hind-legs. They would have only been like tigers in the sense that
we men are like monkeys. Their development in appearance and
character would have been quite transforming.

Instead of the small flat head of the tiger, they would have had
clear smooth brows; and those who were not bald would have had
neatly parted hair--perhaps striped.

Their mouths would have been smaller and more sensitive: their
faces most dignified. Where now they express chiefly savageness,
they would have expressed fir and grace.

They would have been courteous and suave. No vulgar crowding
would have occurred on the streets of their cities. No mobs.
No ignominious subway-jams.

Imagine a cultivated coterie of such men and women, at a ball,
dancing. How few of us humans are graceful. They would have
all been Pavlowas.


Like ants and bees, the cat race is nervous. Their temperaments are