WELCOME THE COMING GUEST 



shade our own dining-room. In this neighbor- 

 hood are several large, rough flower-pot saucers, 

 with their frequently renewed fresh-water sup- 

 plies. This, for the bathing accommodation of 

 my feathered visitors, although even in winter 

 they are not without drinking opportunities. 

 Elevated posts are always recommended for the 

 distribution of one's bounty to birds, and you will 

 remember that, in making you acquainted with 

 the workings of my window-sill restaurant, I 

 laid great stress on the necessity for choosing a 

 site where the little pensioners would be secure 

 from the attacks of prowling enemies. Yet when 

 spring comes, I scatter my provisions out on the 

 grass under the maples without the slightest fear 

 of marauders; for the warmer season table d'hote 

 boasts of a formidable guardian, in the shape of 

 a vigilant little Chihuahuan; and such is the 

 power of valor that all the cats of the neighbor- 

 hood flee in terror before this redoubtable little 

 creature; three pounds and a half of dog! Dur- 

 ing the winter my little Mexican takes her out- 

 ings in the middle of the day only ; and these are 

 either short, brisk expeditions for the sake of ex- 

 ercise, or excursions taken in protecting arms; 

 therefore, in cold weather she cannot fill any out- 



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