Final answer:
The question pertains to the evolution of mail delivery systems, the introduction of rural free delivery, and the influence of the Persian courier system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage about Felix trying and failing to train cats as postal workers highlights the challenges and evolution of mail delivery systems throughout history. From the Persian courier system, renowned for its speed and reliability, to the rural free mail delivery initiated in 1896, the methods of sending and receiving mail have significantly transformed. The Persian system was so efficient that it inspired the unofficial motto of the U.S. Postal Service, emphasizing the commitment of couriers to complete their rounds regardless of the weather conditions. The romanticized portrayal of countryside life in the 1900s and the advent of rural delivery brought about equality in mail rights between city dwellers and rural residents, showing the importance of mail service in daily life.
The mural Country Post by Doris Lee, for example, depicts the joy and significance of receiving mail in the rural areas, where postal delivery was a wholesome exercise in the open air. The narrative about Felix's unsuccessful attempt with cats humorously underscores that not all ideas for improving mail delivery were practical or successful.