46 THE STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



The working classes here share with sailors in the superstition respecting 

 Cats, and believe that ill-luck is certain to attend any person who kills 

 one. It is much to be regretted the same feeling does not prevail in 

 regard to Magpies; or, what would be still better, the disposition towards 

 each reversed. 



It is not uncommon for Cats to return home after being taken long 

 distances. Knowing this, I ought not to have placed any reliance upon 

 the proposed plan; but feeling happy in the idea of being rid of them, I 

 was not particular as to the way; so telling him to do what he pleased 

 with them so as my garden was freed from their presence, I proceeded 

 to join my family circle, congratulating myself upon being thus relieved 

 from two of the worst of my tormentors, and claiming approval from the 

 individual members of my family for having so cleverly managed this 

 affair. 



The night passed tranquilly, undisturbed by Le tintarnarre horrible. In 

 the morning all seemed right, and I had the satisfaction of walking round 

 my gardens without seeing anything of my enemies; the morning passed 

 without anything occurring to disturb pleasing reflections; the midday meal 

 passed over, and taking my accustomed seat at the window commanding 

 a view of the garden — Eh! what! surely it cannot be; yes, true enough, 

 there crouched one of the Cats in a favourite situation, blinking in the 

 sun with an easy indifference, as if nothing had happened! Though greatly 

 mortified at his appearance, I comforted myself in the hopes that one at 

 least was gone, and the worst, inasmuch as it was La Chatte, with Les 

 Chattee in immediate prospect. Night passed sans tintarnarre affreuoc, and 

 the next morning, with no signs of the absentee. The day had nearly 

 passed, and I was beginning to feel somewhat at ease, when in came a 

 servant from the garden, with the disagreeable intelligence of the return 

 of the other Cat. Rising from my seat, and going despondingly to the 

 window, there sure enough was madame seated under a shrub, upon the 

 watch for prey, intent as usual. 



Pardon this rambling digression, and pray expunge it if you think fit 

 to do so; but really these enemies to my peace so occupy my mind at 

 present, that I could not help offering a few remarks upon them. 



The Swallow tribes are now manifesting a disposition to leave us. On 

 the morning of the 8th. instant, House Martins assembled in great numbers 

 upon the roof of the villa adjoining this; there was a perfect charm in 

 their twittering, and although all were speakers there appeared no difference 

 of opinion, for suddenly they all dispersed, clearly of one mind, distributing 

 themselves about the meadows around, with quick gyrations, collecting 

 food as usual. Notwithstanding the researches of many indefatigable 

 naturalists, we are still imperfectly informed upon the movements of these 



