the chinese or lop-eared cat is most interesting, because it provides proof that by continual disuse of an organ, the organ withers. with the chinese cat the hearing and ears have deteriorated. michel says the chinese, not only admire the cat in porcelain, but also value it for culinary reasons. the cats are regarded as special morsels and enjoyed particularly with noodles or with rice. this cat is bred particularly for the purpose of meat production, and is a preferred chinese morsel; this is not unusual if one considers that the chinese consume much the sight of which revolts the stomachs of europeans. the poor creature is confined in small bamboo cages and fattened like a goose on plentiful portions. there is extensive trade with other parts of asia and the canny chinese allow no tomcats to be exported so there is no interference in this lucrative source of income.