The Scottish Naturalist. 3 



possess, Home Pets of the Cage-bird class. It may give addi- 

 tional interest to, and confidence in, Miss Buist's anecdotes, to 

 mention that she is a daughter of the late Dr. George Buist, 

 of Bombay, and formerly of Cupar-Fife, — long well known in 

 the literary and scientific world of India, England, and Scotland. 

 Miss Buist wrote me, in October 1874, — " If I can be of the 



slightest service to you, I should esteem it a pleasure to be so. 

 I have written out several anecdotes of animal 



sagacity, never hitherto published, and for the authenticity of 

 which I can personally vouch, thinking they might be of interest 

 to you, to do with as you deem best. If they would be of the 

 least use, I would be very pleased to have them turned to 

 account. ... I have written them in a very great hurry, 

 and consequently the account in your own words would be far 

 preferable to mine as they now stand." Nevertheless, for obvi- 

 ous reasons, I prefer giving Miss Buist's anecdotes in her ipsis- 

 sima verba — without any sort of " trimming" by a second 

 party. 



I. — " A tiny dog, belonging to a relative, was a perfect epitome 

 in itself of the marvellous instinct, or "mind in the lower 

 animals" found broadcast in nature. It was a very small, 

 smooth, fawn-coloured terrier, so devotedly attached to his 

 master, and obedient to his slightest wish, that no temptation 

 could suffice to lure him at any time from his duty. Nettle 

 was its owner's inseparable shadow as faithful friend. On 

 one occasion, to test the dog's fidelity, a conspiracy was entered 

 into between the master and a great favourite of Nettle's, to try 

 and tempt Nettle, and prove whether he was or not to be shaken 

 in his trustworthiness. The former, accordingly, leaving his 

 coat and hat in the hall, charged his canine guard to keep it, 

 allowing none to carry off the property ; and Nettle, with many 

 intelligent comprehending wags of his tail, calmly settled to 

 that office. Next arrived on the scene Nettle's especial crony, 

 his dear master's dearest friend, and coaxingly caressed 

 the tiny watchman, whistled to him, and tried to inveigle him 

 away with every conceivable bait. But Nettle was true 

 to his post. He watched and wagged and yelped all 

 friendliness and gratitude, yet he would not be moved 

 a hairsbreadth off his charge, so strictly confided to his 

 sagacity. At last a hand was laid on the hat, and Nettle, in 

 agony, dared not bite his dear master's dearest friend as he 

 would a stranger, nor even illuse his property, although to save 



