The Mason-bees 



attach much importance to these stones : they 

 come from casual observers, uncritical folk 

 given to exaggeration. It is not everybody 

 who can talk about animals correctly. When 

 some one not of the craft gets on the subject 

 and says to me, "Such or such an animal is 

 black," I begin by finding out if it does not 

 happen to be white ; and many a time the truth 

 Is discovered in the converse proposition. 

 Men come to me and sing the praises of the 

 Cat as a travelling expert. Well and good: 

 we will now look upon the Cat as a poor tra- 

 veller. And that would be the extent of my 

 knowledge If I had only the evidence of books 

 and of people unaccustomed to the scruples 

 of scientific examination. Fortunately, I am 

 acquainted with a few Incidents that will stand 

 the test of my Incredulity. The Cat really de- 

 serves his reputation as a discerning pilgrim. 

 Let us relate these incidents. 



One day — it was at Avignon — there ap- 

 peared upon the garden-wall a wretched- 

 looking Cat, with matted cqat and protru- 

 ding ribs; so thin that his back was a jagged 

 ridge. He was mewing with hunger. My 

 children, at that time very young, took pity 

 on his misery. Bread soaked In milk was of- 



IIO 



