1 6 OUR HOME PETS 



freaks and lively frolics, I do not know his 

 equal. The mocking-bird is nearest like him 

 in these respects. I will engage that no house 

 that possesses a cat-bird at liberty will ever 

 lack entertainment or suffer from ennui. 



The Baltimore oriole is an exceedingly dec- 

 orative bird. He is susceptible to kindness, 

 and if taken young and kept alone, becomes 

 very tame and friendly. He does not sing ex- 

 cept in the spring, nor does he show so much 

 intelligence as the thrush family. He is, how- 

 ever, inquisitive, and he delights to pick things 

 to pieces, especially lace, and fabrics in which 

 the threads are distinct. He will pry into un- 

 accustomed places, behind and under furniture, 

 creep through blinds or gratings, and pick 

 holes in the wall-paper. He is interesting, and 

 one readily becomes attached to him. 



Bluebirds are charming in a house, gentle, 

 always uttering their sweet little warble, and 

 bringing to mind the orchards and 



" the long sweet hours 

 That follow the fragrant feet of June." 



They are affectionate and easily tamed, and 

 half a dozen will live amicably together. Never 



