Comments on: The Deadly Mr. Whiskers http://www.clockpunk.com/2008/the-deadly-mr-whiskers/ Field Sounds: a podcast of field recordings regarding the research of Dr. Julius T. Roundbottom, steampunk naturalist. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:04:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Professor Codwillip F.D. http://www.clockpunk.com/2008/the-deadly-mr-whiskers/comment-page-1/#comment-261 Professor Codwillip F.D. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:12:13 +0000 http://www.clockpunk.com/?p=296#comment-261 My Dear Dr. Roundbottom. It may elucidate you to learn of my own particular studies on Felis catus in my position as Professor Emeritus in the Faerieology department of Stoddington College in Houthinghamshirewood Green. Faeries, and similar pseudo-mythical creatures such as boggarts and brownies and their ilk, appear to share some incipient magical protection from non-magical species. Man in particular finds it exceedingly difficult to capture, or even observe such creatures in their native habitat (as you well know). How is it then that Felis catus have such facility at faerie extermination? It has long been thought that cats are gifted with some sort of sympathetic magic which might explain why they are so often associated with paranormal activities. However, I believe, based on my research, that Felis catus do not posess incipient magik, but rather, they have the ability to absorb magik of all sorts, much as the mongoose can absorb the deadly poison of the cobra. When they choose, paranormal energy forms have no affect on them whatsoever. Thus, they are perfect companions for practitioners of the black arts, as they tend to absorb the magik of their master's enemies. This is my theory, anyway. If proven to be true, it would explain their abilities to pounce upon faeries of every ilk, even those that experienced faeriologists, such as myself, have never been able to capture, no matter how hard I try. I once lost an entire fortnight when I accidentally stumbled into a faerie ring in Cornwall. If not for the catfoot charm I always carry with me, I feel it is possible that I would be still dancing with the faeries today, instead of writing you this missive. I suggest that you try to get on the good side of this Mr. Whiskers, for if you do, you will benefit from its protection. If that fails, you might consider letting an Indian snakefaerie loose in your domicile. I hear that the consumption of their vital bodily fluids has a strange effect on Felis Catus. Namely: transforming them into vegetarians. My Dear Dr. Roundbottom.
It may elucidate you to learn of my own particular studies on Felis catus in my position as Professor Emeritus in the Faerieology department of Stoddington College in Houthinghamshirewood Green.
Faeries, and similar pseudo-mythical creatures such as boggarts and brownies and their ilk, appear to share some incipient magical protection from non-magical species. Man in particular finds it exceedingly difficult to capture, or even observe such creatures in their native habitat (as you well know). How is it then that Felis catus have such facility at faerie extermination?
It has long been thought that cats are gifted with some sort of sympathetic magic which might explain why they are so often associated with paranormal activities. However, I believe, based on my research, that Felis catus do not posess incipient magik, but rather, they have the ability to absorb magik of all sorts, much as the mongoose can absorb the deadly poison of the cobra. When they choose, paranormal energy forms have no affect on them whatsoever. Thus, they are perfect companions for practitioners of the black arts, as they tend to absorb the magik of their master’s enemies. This is my theory, anyway. If proven to be true, it would explain their abilities to pounce upon faeries of every ilk, even those that experienced faeriologists, such as myself, have never been able to capture, no matter how hard I try.
I once lost an entire fortnight when I accidentally stumbled into a faerie ring in Cornwall. If not for the catfoot charm I always carry with me, I feel it is possible that I would be still dancing with the faeries today, instead of writing you this missive.
I suggest that you try to get on the good side of this Mr. Whiskers, for if you do, you will benefit from its protection. If that fails, you might consider letting an Indian snakefaerie loose in your domicile. I hear that the consumption of their vital bodily fluids has a strange effect on Felis Catus. Namely: transforming them into vegetarians.

]]> By: Julius T. Roundbottom http://www.clockpunk.com/2008/the-deadly-mr-whiskers/comment-page-1/#comment-248 Julius T. Roundbottom Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:26:27 +0000 http://www.clockpunk.com/?p=296#comment-248 Yes, of course, Mr. Puttenham. These ermines are a menace, there is no doubt about it. However, I would hestitate to call them domesticates. They appear to be barely tame, and would fall more into the basic calls of invasive species, I suspect. Then again, I suppose some would question the domesticated status of felines on the same argument. Yes, of course, Mr. Puttenham. These ermines are a menace, there is no doubt about it. However, I would hestitate to call them domesticates. They appear to be barely tame, and would fall more into the basic calls of invasive species, I suspect. Then again, I suppose some would question the domesticated status of felines on the same argument.

]]> By: Alexander Puttenham, Esq. http://www.clockpunk.com/2008/the-deadly-mr-whiskers/comment-page-1/#comment-247 Alexander Puttenham, Esq. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:21:25 +0000 http://www.clockpunk.com/?p=296#comment-247 With such discourse over feline and canine habits, would the esteemed doctor be interested in extending this line of research to other animals? It has come to my attention that the current trend of fancy ermines known as "ferrets", popular with ladies of high breeding, are rather unforgiving in their predations. With such discourse over feline and canine habits, would the esteemed doctor be interested in extending this line of research to other animals? It has come to my attention that the current trend of fancy ermines known as “ferrets”, popular with ladies of high breeding, are rather unforgiving in their predations.

]]> By: Julius T. Roundbottom http://www.clockpunk.com/2008/the-deadly-mr-whiskers/comment-page-1/#comment-246 Julius T. Roundbottom Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:56:43 +0000 http://www.clockpunk.com/?p=296#comment-246 I believe the impact of canines to be slightly overexaggerated by Oddington et al, but no bias is intended. Strict leash laws on all dogs in the City keep their ecological damage to a minimum. No such law restricts the movements of felines here, and so they are able to roam free, murdering and devouring everything in their path, particularly my study subjects. Why indeed does man breed these destructive species? I suspect the truth is that any organism removed from its natural habitat becomes destructive. Nature is a careful balancing act, and we humans tip the scales wildly wherever we go. I believe the impact of canines to be slightly overexaggerated by Oddington et al, but no bias is intended. Strict leash laws on all dogs in the City keep their ecological damage to a minimum. No such law restricts the movements of felines here, and so they are able to roam free, murdering and devouring everything in their path, particularly my study subjects.

Why indeed does man breed these destructive species? I suspect the truth is that any organism removed from its natural habitat becomes destructive. Nature is a careful balancing act, and we humans tip the scales wildly wherever we go.

]]> By: Dr. Venitus http://www.clockpunk.com/2008/the-deadly-mr-whiskers/comment-page-1/#comment-245 Dr. Venitus Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:53:10 +0000 http://www.clockpunk.com/?p=296#comment-245 I am shocked, shocked I tell you! Dr. Roundbottom cleanly lays out an educated argument for the dangers of cats to the local populations, but then clearly disregards the even greater body of evidence that dogs are as much, if not a greater threat! Fuller, Fuller, Anditon and Mulch: An Introspection into Canine Destruction Venus & Barber: The Fifth Plague of Dogs Oddington: Farewell to Voles - A Study of the Extinction of All Life upon Lighthouse Rock. I could go on, but the body of evidence clearly shows that by nature, any of man's domesticated animals change their environment, possibly for man's betterment. Even the humble cow has been accused (or will be, if Tobias Merril ever manages to publish) of driving off potential rivals for her food. But to focus upon the cat, as if it were the sole focus of all man's destruction? That smacks of bias. It does make me wonder, though. Why is it that man breeds all these destructive species? I am shocked, shocked I tell you! Dr. Roundbottom cleanly lays out an educated argument for the dangers of cats to the local populations, but then clearly disregards the even greater body of evidence that dogs are as much, if not a greater threat!
Fuller, Fuller, Anditon and Mulch: An Introspection into Canine Destruction
Venus & Barber: The Fifth Plague of Dogs
Oddington: Farewell to Voles – A Study of the Extinction of All Life upon Lighthouse Rock.

I could go on, but the body of evidence clearly shows that by nature, any of man’s domesticated animals change their environment, possibly for man’s betterment. Even the humble cow has been accused (or will be, if Tobias Merril ever manages to publish) of driving off potential rivals for her food.

But to focus upon the cat, as if it were the sole focus of all man’s destruction? That smacks of bias.

It does make me wonder, though. Why is it that man breeds all these destructive species?

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