154 ANECDOTES OF ANIMALS. 



LETTER XIX. 



FROM EMILY TO CAROLINE. 



DEAR CAROLINE, 



London is not the field for natural history, 

 nor did I expect^ in this region of bustle and visits, 

 to collect any instances of the sagacious faculties of 

 the brute creation; but where the mind is intent 

 on any single pursuit, there is no place so barren but 

 may yield some supply of knowledge, nor any com- 

 pany so insignificant but may afford some gleanings 

 worth preserving. 



We joined a large family party a few days ago 

 at my uncle's, where the younger part of the com- 

 pany was excused from the slavery of the card-table, 

 and indulged with the enjoyment of free conversa- 

 tion. Amongst this cheerful group was a West- 

 minster scholar, who related a curious fact of a blind 

 beggar, who frequently solicits charity in that neigh- 

 bourhood^ particularly in Dean's Yard, accompanied 

 by a dog, who is really a valuable friend to this 

 poor man. He serves him as a guide, and conducts 



