278 
POSSIBLE PETS. 
■ 
The number of animals which with ordinary tact 
and kindness can be tamed by man is so great, that 
the range of possible pets would seem almost co- 
extensive with the limits of the animal world. But 
tame tigers must, as a rule, remain a luxury for 
Sultans and Sarah Bernhardts, and the sociable bear 
be left to the professional gentlemen who make a 
living from his society. We say “ as a rule,” not with- 
out reason, because there is hardly any limit to an 
Englishman’s fancy for pets. The writer was requested 
last year to act as a friendly broker to bid for the 
bear which found its way so often to the London 
Police Courts after being exhibited before the Queen 
at Windsor. The would-be purchaser was a worthy 
butcher before whose shop the bear was being ex- 
hibited, while the writer heard its history from the 
genial and dirty foreigner who owned it. cf Sir,” said 
the butcher, “excuse the liberty; but would you 
kindly ask that Frenchman what he will take for the 
bear ? ” “ Certainly,” we replied, “ if you wall say 
why you want it ; is it for professional purposes ? ” 
