[Excerpt] Perhaps the most difficult cat to breed and rear in this country [England] is the Siamese. Some fanciers declare these cats cannot stand our climate, and others attribute their great delicacy to these terrible pests - worms - to which this breed is very subject. Certain it is that breeders of Siamese have much to contend with and many disappointments to suffer. The Royal Cat of Siam, so called from the original breed being kept in the Palace of the King of Siam, is one of the most fascinating cats to keep as a pet. They have wonderful intelligence, and seem to have great powers of attaching themselves to human beings. In colouring they resemble pug dogs. When born they are nearly white, and gradually turn a pale fawn. Their ears, muzzle, tail and legs should deepen to a dense brown chocolate colour. The markings of the ears should be sharp and distinct. The eyes should be a lovely bright blue, large and round. On the question as to whether the tail of a Siamese should be kinked or not kinked, no two opinions appear to agree, though H. M. the King of Siam is quoted as saying they ought not to be. A rather strange characteristic of this breed is the tendency to darken in coat as they grow in age. For this reason it is well to have the classes at shows divided according to age. Siamese cats may be said to be in their prime at a year old; after this their colouring becomes blurred.

Body colour: as light and even as possible, cream being the most desirable, but fawn also admissible, with streaks, bars, blotches, or other body markings.... (can't read, but assume to be "forbidden")

Points: i.e., mask, ears, legs and feet, and tail, dark and clearly defined, of the shade known as "seal-brown."

Mask: complete - i.e., connected by tracings with the ears, neither separated by a pale ring as in kittens, nor blurred and indistinct, the desideratum being to preserve "the marten-face," an impression greatly aided by a good mask.

Eyes: Bright and decided blue.

Shape:Body rather long, legs proportionately slight.

Head:Rather long and pointed.

General appearance:With points emphasized above, a somewhat curious and striking-looking cat - graceful, elegant, of medium size; if weighty not showing bulk, as this would detract from the admired svelte appearance. In type, in every particular, the reverse of the ideal shorthaired domestic cat, and with properly preserved contrasts of colour, a very handsome animal, often also distinguished by a kink in the tail.