PREFACE 



Every normal child, of whatever race or creed, is born 

 with an innate love for wild things. If allowed to languish 

 from lack of intelligent parental interest and supervision, 

 this natural instinct is gradually lost or degenerates into 

 the unintentional cruelty of ignorance. Properly fostered 

 and developed, it is certain to exert a beneficent influence on 

 the trend of developing character. Given scope and sym- 

 pathetic guidance, the young mind is trained to observe and 

 appreciate the subtle ways of nature, an accomplishment 

 which, in later years, will prove, if nothing more, a welcome 

 diversion. The sterling qualities of kindness, responsibility 

 and regularity are acquired, and many of the problems which 

 perplex the adolescent adjust themselves normally by con- 

 stant contact with reproductive life. 



By necessity, the choice of creatures mentioned in this 

 book has been arbitrary. The scope of the word " pet " 

 may seem, in some cases, to have been stretched, and in 

 others restricted, but no species has been included or omitted 

 without careful consideration. To give, in a single volume, 

 full and efficient directions for the treatment of so many 

 diverse creatures, means that the space devoted to each 

 must be no greater than necessary. For this reason, rare 

 or particularly delicate members of the various groups have 

 been excluded. Such animals as the lamb, calf, colt, etc., 

 have not been mentioned, as their care generally is well 

 understood by those in a position to keep them. On the 

 other hand, many of the birds, such as the pheasants, cranes 

 and waterfowl, cannot be considered as pets in the sense 



