192 BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. 



so capricious at times, as to perform certain acts appa- 

 rently from contradiction. It seems at all times ex- 

 ceedingly desirous of being noticed, watching my eye 

 during all its little pranks, to see if I observe it. If I am 

 inattentive to its sports, it seems to have no pleasure in 

 them, immediately desists, and lays itself down to re- 

 pose. It is so lively, that the moment I awake it, 

 however sound its sleep may be, it instantly resumes 

 its gambols with as much spirit as before it slept. It 

 never is out of temper, except when much teazed, or 

 when under confinement, which it detests ; in which 

 case it displays its displeasure by a kind of low mur- 

 mur, quite opposed to the sound of its voice when 

 pleased. 



" This little creature can distinguish my voice amid 

 twenty others, and springs over every one in the room 

 till it has found me. Nothing can exceed the lively 

 and pleasing way it caresses me with its two little 

 paws : it frequently pats me on the chin, in a manner 

 that expresses the utmost fondness. This, with a 

 thousand other kindnesses, convinces me of the since- 

 rity of its attachment. He is quite aware of my in- 

 tention, when dressed to go out, and then it is with 

 much difficulty I can rid myself of him. On these 

 occasions he will conceal himself behind a cabinet near 



