1 6 FEATHERED FRIENDS. 



feeding insectivorous birds than it is. I refer to the 

 silkworm, which is much appreciated in the aviary 

 especially when about half-grown, as well as in the 

 pupa and moth stages of its existence: of the eggs, 

 too, many birds are very fond, and these as well as 

 the dried imagines may be preserved for a long time 

 and will serve capitally for winter feeding. The former 

 require no preparation, and the latter only a slight 

 damping before they are given to the birds. 



I have purposely postponed the ending of my tale 

 as long as possible, for I cannot bear even to think 

 about it, but as I have undertaken to tell it, I resume. 



We had a cat, a yellow tabby, a fine enough animal 

 in its way, and not by any means a savage, though 

 endued with a natural feline appetite for mice and 

 birds. One day some one (perhaps myself) left the 

 greenhouse door open, and the Nightingale, my precious 

 Joey, found his way into the drawing-room, where no 

 doubt he enjoyed himself very much, for he was passion- 

 ately fond of exploring unknown nooks and corners. 

 Sandy was partial to the apartment, too, for there was 

 a soft woollen hearth-rug in it, and either he must have 

 come in, or been lying there unperceived, for presently 

 a commotion, followed by agonizing shrieks, was heard and 

 on one of the inmates running to see what was the matter, 

 the cat was met darting out with something in his mouth. 

 He rushed off, but was pursued and captured on the 

 stairs, where he was forced to relinquish his hold of 



