The cat enjoys taking a snooze on a sunny windowsill.

[H]e was frequently present at the breakfast-table and conversazioni of Sir Joseph Banks, and instructed several persons of eminence in the classics.

a low-studded room

Old pigtailed seamen would tell of horseshoes found in the meat casks; of curious barkings and neighings heard in the slaughter-houses; and of negroes who disappeared near the victualling yards, to be seen no more.