SOME PECULIAR PETS 253 



like Howells's feminine characters, still have a 

 strong feeling of distaste to him. Nothing can 

 be imagined more dainty, graceful, and alto- 

 gether captivating than the tricks and manners 

 of this humble resident within our walls. Once 

 allay the poor little creature's fears of his big, 

 clumsy, human proprietors, and his delight- 

 some qualities are apparent. Frisky in move- 

 ment, droll in conceits, and eccentric of action, 

 he is a never-ending source of entertainment. 

 Moreover, he is as teachable as the rat, abso- 

 lutely neat in his ways, and most loving to his 

 friends. 



A singing mouse which is not so great a 

 rarity as one would suppose from the newspaper 

 fuss that is sometimes made over one has an 

 added attraction as a pet. The singing is no 

 doubt similar to that of the marmoset, and re- 

 sembles the canary song a good deal smothered. 



All these little creatures should be tamed, 

 and attached to people by their affections, and 

 not kept as prisoners in a cage. In the former 

 case they display their peculiar characteristics, 

 and take perfect care of their coats, while in 

 the latter they require constant watching and 

 attention, and show no individuality whatever. 



