4 THE HOME OF A NATURALIST. 



went into the Naturalist's pockets ; and what pockets 

 they were ! They bulged out on each side ; and their 

 owner, when wandering about his fields, was usually 

 attended by a motley throng of those who knew well 

 what those pockets contained. Running about his 

 feet after the manner of Skye-terriers was Eough, who 

 had lost one eye, and never could bear the smallest 

 allusion to his misfortune. Dogs do not parade their 

 infirmities, nor will their self-respect permit them to 

 claim either charity or indulgence because of misfortune. 

 One or two cats stealthily kept pace with their master's 

 slow step, seemingly unconcerned in all around, but 

 very wide awake internally. An ox with its large 

 tender eyes would appeal for a caress ; while a pony 

 would be shoving its frowsy brow against its master's 

 shoulder, munching crusts with great satisfaction. 

 Dickhalyer, a splendid gamecock, usually stalked 

 dignifiedly by the Naturalist's side, as one who thought, 

 and in his own way said : " You and I are reasoning 

 beings, and must set an example of decorum to the 

 lower animals." A flock of pigeons would hover over 

 his head, sometimes alighting on any available part of 

 his person. A hooded crow, in his handsome gentle- 

 manly uniform of black and grey, accompanied the 

 procession, taking notes. Some ducks would join it 

 at intervals, though these not unfrequently quarrelled 

 with the cats. Even gulls and cormorants occasionally 

 helped to swell the group. 



Benjamin, slight and pretty, with large thoughtful 

 eyes, and the overwise ways of a boy whose life is 



