THE COUNTRY HOME [CHAPTER 
and eggs, besides boring holes in our roofs, to nest 
in our attics. 
I am puzzled whether to exclude the cat as the 
most malign and mischievous of all creatures, or to 
admit her to our country family as the most be- 
nign, helpful, and lovable of all animals, really 
fit to be a household deity, as she was in Egypt. 
Boxer is surely a very useful fellow, clearing the 
house of mice and the barn of rats. There is a 
certain poise and dignity about this animal, and a 
masterly bearing, if we can only keep him within his 
appropriate limits. He guards my oat bin and my 
storage rooms admirably. I could sing his praises 
cheerfully, for he really has also an affection for 
me — nearly all animals take to me, and the rest 
take after me. But in bird season Boxer invariably 
goes into a huge warren, ten feet square, which he 
is compelled to use for his palace during the sum- 
mer — that is, through the whole of the bird-nesting 
period. In September he has once more his free- 
dom to range the property. In no other possible 
way can I prevent the demolition of my catbird 
and robin nests and the slaughter of the innocents. 
He does not like confinement; but, then, he has room 
and shelter, with plenty of food, and comes out 
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