A Winter Visi/or. 



55 



close to them, and partaking of the comforts of a warm fireside. 

 As soon as spring- appeared he betook himself to the garden, but 

 again, at the approach of winter, had recourse to his old shelter 

 and his old friends, who received him very cordially. But his 

 being favoured by them did not prevent his taking great liber- 

 ties with them ; he would frequently amuse himself with wash- 

 ing in the bowl which was set for the dog to drink out of, and 

 whilst he was thus employed he showed marks of the greatest 

 indignation if either of his companions presumed to interrupt 

 him. He died, poor fellow, in the asylum he had chosen, by 

 being choked with something which he had picked up from 

 the floor. During his confinement he acquired an artifical 

 taste as regarded his food, and preferred crumbs of bread to 

 anything else. 



