Concerning Cats 



his paw, he swooped down upon the tortoise-shell. It 

 was only for a little while, but when the little battle 

 was over, both cats lay dead upon the pavement. 

 Pierre had laid down his life to avenge Jeanne's 

 death, and the little Mam'zelle mourns both her 

 pets." 



Another pathetic attachment between a cat and 

 a bird existed in the home of Ex-Governor Smith 

 of Vermont, at St. Albans. 



They had a tame magpie, at one time, known as 

 Peter, a remarkably intelligent bird who could talk as 

 well as a parrot. He was allowed his freedom, and 

 wandered over the beautiful place at will; but his 

 elysium was not quite perfect. He lacked a com- 

 panion in joy. Peter was nothing if not sociably 

 inclined, and after a little he cast about him for a 

 suitable consort. The cat had a family of small 

 kittens just beginning to play about the grounds, and 

 their frolicsome ways appealed to the fun-loving 

 bird. He determined to make friends with them, 

 and for some days studied on the best means of 

 introducing his own desirable charms to their notice. 

 Finally, one day, as the group was lying in the sun- 

 shine, rejoicing at the maternal founts, Peter stole softly 

 up behind them and softly pecked at the tips of their 

 tails. The kittens scattered in terror, and the mother 

 cat, astonished at his impudence, acted as chairman 

 of a suddenly improvised committee of safety. But 

 Peter was not discouraged. He waited until the 



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