AFFECTION OF A LINNET. 215 



the use of the rod. Mrs. Saville often says^, that 

 blows never eradicated a vicious propensity: they 

 teach the dear innocents to deceive from fear, but 

 not to con'ect themselves ; and since she has been a 

 parent, she has never been known to give even a 

 hasty slap. The amiable character of my dear Ra- 

 chel is the best proof of the excellence of her senti- 

 ments on this subject. The equality of her own tem- 

 per enables her to govern that of others, without the 

 necessity of recurring to severity. But I have almost 

 lost sight of my original subject — the virtuous dispo- 

 sition of animals. I have already given you an in- 

 stance of gratitude, I will now entertain you with 

 one of affection. 



In the spring of 1803, Miss T. in compliance with 

 the request of a little boy, who had attempted to 

 rear a nest of grey linnets, took the only survivor 

 under her protection. For some days she kept the 

 little bird in her bosom, to supply the warmth of 

 its nest, and fed it frequently with the most deli- 

 cate and nourishing food ; and at night, instead of 

 placing it in a cage, she laid it on the pillow, close 

 to her face, and rose at daybreak to give it food. 

 In short, she accomplished her task by the most 

 assiduous care, and soon had the satisfaction of 

 seeing her little charge able to feed itself and sit 

 on the perch. This kindness was repaid by the 



