78 THE HOME OF A NATURALIST. 



wings, he seemed for the first time to realise that the 

 sea, which was not far distant, was a place he had a 

 legitimate right to know something about, and that 

 possibly he might find something there worth seeking. 

 Toby was not the sort of fellow to hesitate from any 

 fear of the unexplored region he saw before him. He 

 was always bold and prompt in action. To our con- 

 sternation, he made a grand plunge into the air, and 

 flew off direct to the sea. We all thought he had 

 taken final leave of us, for he had never before been 

 known to roam beyond a hundred yards from the house. 

 It seemed hopeless to follow ; yet follow we did down 

 to the beach in the direction we had seen him take. 

 Our boat was hauled down, and for several hours we 

 rowed about the bay, thinking, if we could only fall 

 in with him, he was so tame and confident, he would 

 come to our familiar call. But our search was fruit- 

 less; and we were obliged to return home discouraged 

 and sorrowful. What, then, was our surprise and joy 

 to find our favourite sitting on his accustomed perch, 

 as happy and comfortable as possible, — his outspread 

 wings, quiet, self-satisfied air, and general appearance 

 of content, proving to us, who knew his manners so 

 well, that his cruise, although a short one, had certainly 

 as a hunting, or rather fishing expedition, been highly 

 successful. After that, Toby went daily to the sea 

 and catered for himself; and we were very glad he 

 did so, for it relieved our pets' larder very considerably. 

 Toby was very fond of the kitchen fireside, and not 

 unfrequently found his way into the dining-room in 



