_Tortoiseshell Tom Cat._--I am pretty certain that I once saw in "N. & Q."
an inquiry whether there ever was a well-authenticated instance of a
tortoiseshell tom cat. The inclosed advertisement, which I have cut from
_The Times_ of the 19th January, 1853, will perhaps give some of your
readers an opportunity of testing the fact:
"To be sold, a real Tortoiseshell Tom Cat. This natural rarity is
fifteen months old and eight lbs. weight. Apply to John Sayer, Mr.
Bennison's, bookseller, Market-Drayton, Salop."