ANIMAL PETS, IN AND OUT OF DOORS 6i 



they are such genuine favourites ; indeed, it is interesting to observe 

 how baby animals of many different kinds always attract attention. 

 It is much the same with young birds, and I have noticed over and 

 over again that photographs of young birds, when shown at my 

 lectures, invariably appeal to an audience more than pictures of 

 adult birds and representations of nests and eggs. The moment 

 that one lets his hearers into a few of the secrets of baby birds, such 

 as the early life of the young Cuckoo as a worthy example, greater 

 interest is displayed. Truly the ways of all young creatures, includ- 

 ing human beings, are vastly interesting, and attract considerable 

 attention from those who can appreciate their winsomeness. 



As regards the Dingo, although the Australian Government 

 have not encouraged it because of the depredations it carries out 

 among sheep and poultry, it is a favourite animal among the native 

 tribes, but has never really become properly domesticated. It is 

 treated well, but in spite of this frequently runs away from its owner, 

 and does not return. 



We cannot^ of course, accord a place in this book to the many 

 kinds of domestic Dogs, even if we dismiss them by referring to a 

 few of the more important among them, but mention should be 

 made of the wonderful pets, guardians and companions that may be 

 found among our domestic breeds of to-day. 



That the Dog has for long occupied a prominent position in the 

 world of animal life is ably demonstrated by the pictures from facile 

 brush and pen that have been contributed by eminent artists and 

 writers. A more faithful animal than a trustworthy Dog probably 

 does not exist, and Man has not been slow to so train his canine 

 friend as to make it of service in many directions. True enough, 

 there are Dogs and Dogs. Many of the poor little miserable out- 

 casts one finds stranded must have possessed owners whose love for 

 the brute creation was of the basest kind, but the finest thorough- 

 bred, or the most perplexing mongrel, evinces commendable traits 

 in its character if treated aright, and will learn to become a faithful 

 hound worthy to occupy an honoured place in any household. 



On the other hand, we have met people who are just a trifle too 

 doggy, as it were ! We are not writing of those who go in for 

 showing Dogs, breeding them, and so on, but certain curious 

 individuals who do not seem able to discriminate between a Dog 

 and a human being. I have some strong ideas on the subject of our 

 relationship with the lower animals, and have already expressed a 



