Accessing a hidden variable with super

Question

Hello,
I have three classes:
-Animal
-Mammal (derives from Animal)
-Cat (derives from Mammal)
Each have a variable called "age". How do I access the "age" value of Animal from Cat? (In other words can I go up TWO levels from Cat?) I tried "super.super.age" but the compiler balks.
Thanks in advance,
Balteo

Answer 1

revised...
JLS 8.3 Hiding by Fields
A hidden field can be accessed by using a qualified name (if it is static) or by using a field access expression (�15.11) that contains the keyword super or a cast to a superclass type. See �15.11.2 for discussion and an example.
JLS 8.4.6.1 Overriding (by Instance Methods)
An overridden method can be accessed by using a method invocation expression (�15.12) that contains the keyword super. Note that a qualified name or a cast to a superclass type is not effective in attempting to access an overridden method; in this respect, overriding of methods differs from hiding of fields. See �15.12.4.9 for discussion and examples of this point.
JLS 8.4.6.2 Hiding (by Class Methods)
A hidden method can be accessed by using a qualified name or by using a method invocation expression (�15.12) that contains the keyword super or a cast to a superclass type. In this respect, hiding of methods is similar to hiding of fields.