OUR PETS. 6s 



vouch for its accuracy in every particular. Our old 

 cook was a most expert dresser of the fine Shetland 

 shawls so well known and so much prized. It is 

 quite an accomplishment to be able to dress these 

 delicate fabrics, and none but a Shetlander can do it 

 properly. The shawl, having been washed and slightly 

 starched, is stretched over the bleaching green, a few 

 inches from the ground, with a multitude of wooden 

 pegs like pencils, and allowed to dry in the sun. 

 Grabble would sit on some wall at a little distance, 

 intently watching the proceedings of the old cook, who 

 particularly detested him, and with whom he had a 

 standing feud. Then he would fly off, and presently 

 return with the very filthiest and wettest clod he could 

 find, and of set purpose drop it upon the outstretched 

 shawl, thereby rousing the righteous indignation of 

 poor Meggy, who gave expression to her wrathful and 

 outraged feelings in language much more forcible than 

 choice ; all which did not in the least affect Grabble 

 or disturb his equanimity. In these ways, however, he 

 got to be such a nuisance that it became necessary on 

 bleaching days, or when a shawl was being dressed, to 

 make sure he was not at large, else the bleaching or 

 dressing was certain to prove labour lost. But then he 

 soon got so exceedingly cunning and adroit in avoid- 

 ing capture, that it was often impossible to secure and 

 confine him. At last, as we could fall upon no plan of 

 curing him of his thievish and mischievous propensities, 

 we were obliged, most reluctantly, to part with our 

 poor Grabbie, who was sent to a friend in the south. 



E 



