THE COUNTRY HOME [chapter 



and eggs, besides boring holes in our roofs, to nest 

 in our attics. 



I am puzzled whether to exclude the cat as the 

 most malign and mischievous of all creatures, or to 

 admit her to our country family as the most be- 

 nign, helpful, and lovable of all animals, really 

 fit to be a household deity, as she was in Egypt. 

 Boxer is surely a very useful fellow, clearing the 

 house of mice and the barn of rats. There is a 

 certain poise and dignity about this animal, and a 

 masterly bearing, if we can only keep him within his 

 appropriate limits. He guards my oat bin and my 

 storage rooms admirably. I could sing his praises 

 cheerfully, for he really has also an affection for 

 me — nearly all animals take to me, and the rest 

 take after me. But in bird season Boxer invariably 

 goes into a huge warren, ten feet square, which he 

 is compelled to use for his palace during the sum- 

 mer — that is, through the whole of the bird-nesting 

 period. In September he has once more his free- 

 dom to range the property. In no other possible 

 way can I prevent the demolition of my catbird 

 and robin nests and the slaughter of the innocents. 

 He does not like confinement; but, then, he has room 

 and shelter, with plenty of food, and comes out 



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