IS 



of meat brought to the table, however it was cooked, but one day when the cover 

 was lifted he became furious with excitement, bit my hand, jumped down, and 

 rushed across to his box. The dish held a roasted hare, which he seemed to recog- 

 nise at once by instinct. But strange to say, somewhat inverting the customary 

 order of things, he was very fond of red-currant jelly himself whenever it was 

 ofiEered to him. 



After dinner he would wash his face, and clean all his fur, using both paws 

 like a squirrel, then he would fold his paws under him, and lie down in a corner 

 near the fire by my father's chair, and go to sleep. 



It has been said that hares never close their eyes in sleep, but Tiney always 

 did so. No ordinary noise or movement would frighten him. He seemed to rely 

 chiefly on his sense of smell, and if he discovered anything new in the room, he 

 was not satisfied until he had thoroughly smelt it over. In his habits he was scru- 

 pulously clean, and was never troubled with any insects in his fur. A pet cat, 

 which was often in the room with him, at first used to chase and frighten him into 

 his box, a retreat ever in readine.<i3 for him, but they soon got accustomed, and 

 ceased to notice each other ; and thus Tiney's life went on through the year. 



On the 21st of June, 1881, two other little hares were picked up in the mowing 

 grass and brought into the house, and were about the same age, and were fed and 

 brought up in the same way. They presented, too, very similar variation in 

 character, the one being lively, affectionate, and wild with fun as night came on ; 

 coming when called by his name, and licking my face and hands with much 

 satisfaction to himself ; whilst the other was more shy and reserved in disposition. 

 When put out of the house into a pen three weeks afterwards, the excitable little 

 creature was found dead the next morning. Little Puss missed her companion 

 very much for a time, but at length became contented and happy, and grew rapidly. 

 The jealousy shown by Tiney to little Puss was quite curious ; he took every 

 opportunity of striking at the poor little thing with its forepawa and trying to bite 

 it if she came near him, and became quite sulky if Puss was patted or played with 

 in his presence. 



On leaving home for three or four weeks Puss was kept in the pen and became 

 very wild, and would scarcely allow herself to be caught, and would bite and 

 scream at anyone who attempted to catch her ; but on my return she recognized 

 my voice, crouched down in her old corner to be picked up, smelt and licked my 

 hands, and was quite pleased to be fondled. 



Tiney met with a very sudden end. He was found dead in hia pen December 

 19th, 1881, with his neck dislocated. It is supposed he met with an accident in 

 jumping, which he was apt to indulge in very wildly during night. 



Puss seemed to mope and decline from Tmey's death. She remained very 

 quiet and affectionate, but refused all food, even the most tempting delicacies, 

 got thinner, and more thin, until she died on my lap about a month afterwards. 

 Thus perished my pets. 



" I kept them for their humour's sake 

 For they would oft beguile 

 My heart of thoughts that made it ache, 

 Aod force me to a smile." — CowPER. 



