OUR PETS. 147 



any poultry lie could lay hold of, — the coatimondi. He 

 was generally kept fastened by a long chain to a kennel, 

 and though as affectionate and gentle as a dog to those he 

 knew, yet he would allow no strange dog to come near him, 

 and used to spring at small birds when they came within 

 reach. However, the bantam became recognised, as the 

 dog had previously been, as a companion, and they fed to- 

 gether, and there never seemed the smallest disagreement 

 between them. Frequently, however, one finds among 

 animals a preference for human society to that of their own 

 kind. This is shewn, not merely by dogs, in whom we 

 almost expect to find this friendship, but by birds, espe- 

 cially those brought up from the nest. They seem restless 

 and unhappy when left alone, or only with other animals, 

 and shew a marked satisfaction at the return of any one 

 they are attached to, as well as a desire to attract attention 

 and get a kind word or caress. There is a diff'erence in 

 this respect between not only the different species of 

 animals, but also between the individuals of the same 

 species : some are more confiding and affectionate naturally 

 than others, as all pet lovers, from Cowper and his hares 

 downwards, can testify. Among birds, the raven, jackdaw, 

 some pigeons, the bullfinch, siskin, green-linnet, and chaf- 

 finch are remarkable for this personal attachment. I 

 believe I should say some ravens only, for individuality of 

 character is strongly marked in this bird, and there is 

 always a kind of independence about any I have known, 

 that tends to keep them from the somewhat pertinacious 

 style of aftection shewn by the jackdaw. Indeed you are 



