72 NATtJftAlIST's CABINET. 



Aversion to dogs and cats. 



fidelity to me, coming every night to sleep on 

 my window ; it grew so familiar as to seem to> 

 take singular pleasure in my company. It at- 

 tended constantly at dinner; sat on a corner of 

 the table, and very often caressed me with it 

 head and bill, emitting a weak sharp cry, which, 

 however, it sometimes softened. It is true that 

 I alone had this privilege. It one day followed 

 roe when I was on horseback, more than two 

 leagues, flying above my head. 



" It had an aversion both to dogs and cats ; not 

 that it was in the least afraid of them ; but had 

 often tough battles with them, and always came 

 off victorious. I had four very strong cats, 

 Trhich I collected into my garden with my buz- 

 zard : I threw to them a bit of raw flesh; the 

 nimblest cat seized it ; the rest pursued ; but the 

 tird darted upon her body, bit her ears with 

 his bill, and squeezed her sides with his talons 

 so forcibly, that she was obliged to relinquish 

 her prize. Often another cat snatched it the 

 instant it dropped; but she suffered the same 

 treatment, till the buzzard got entire possession 

 of the plunder. He was so dexterous in his de- 

 fence, that when he perceived himself assailed 

 at once by the four cats, he took wing, and ut- 

 tered a cry of exultation. At last, the cats, cha- 

 grined with* their repeated disappointment, would 

 no longer contend. 



" This buzzard had a singular antipathy : h 

 not suffer a red cap on the head of any of 



