The Bessemer indicator., 1893-10-21

OF the tribe (unless we except tho
black, who is not no often seen). and
he is Intelligent ard affectionate.
Tho red squirrel Is one OF the most
lively OF a wonderfully active family,
and Is exceedingly inventive in
pranks. The chipmunk. though
frisky enough, is said to be the least
interesting Of his race, and the flying
squirrel is rather quiet for one OF his
kind, and entertaining only at night
As htnted above, all rodents re-
quire Watching, for their teeth grow
rapidly, and something to gnaw is q
necessity Of their existence. This,
indeed, Is one renson why captivity
in . cage Is so distasteful to them
II 1s impossible to secure sufficient
exercise for their teeth. The whole
family Is said to be unusually fond OF
music; some of them become so Gb-
sorbed in listening 70 the notes of an
instrument, or oven to whistling,
that they lose consciousness of dam
ger. and may be caught without
trouble. l would not advise. how
ever. that ono's hand be employed to
seize a squirrel. for he might como
to his senses and use his teeth.
Another rodent, the rat, is not
popular with petitioners in general.
but persons who have overcome tho
repugnanco which our race feels for
his--Frank Buckland. Of England, for
instance-insist that he ls, above all
other little animals, amusing and On
tertaining. He ia full OF gambols as
= kitten and scrupulously neat in tho
care OF his person, washing and
brushing his fur Us carefully as cat.
Though not over-dainty in feeding
when he is wild and has to live hy
his wits, he is particular and notionai
to the last degree when he is cared
for and able to choose. The rat is
peculiarly amenable to instruction,
readily learns to perform tricks OF
all sorts, and, what may seem most
singular in one against whom every
mans hand is raised, he becomes
warmly attached to the friend who
cares for him.
A winsome pet is tho common
brown mouse; and now fancy hear
the most vigorous protests from my
readers. who, though they do not
shrek and take rofuge on chairs and
tables like Howell's feminine charac-
tors, still have strong feeling Of
distaste to him, writes Olive Thorne
Miller In Harper's Bazar. Nothing
can be imagined moro dainty, grace
full and altogether captivating than
the tricks and manners OF this hum
BILE resident within our walls. Onco
allay the poor little creatures fears
OF his big. clumsy human prosecutors,
and his delightsome qualities are ap-
parent Frisky in movement, droll
in conceits and eccentric in action,
he is a never-ending source Of en-
tertainment Moreover, he is as
teachable as the rat, absolutely neat
in his ways and most loving to his
friends.
A singing mouse. which is not so
great 9 rarity as one would suppose
from the newspaper fuss that is some
times made over one, has an added
attraction as pet The singing is
no doubt similar to tha3 OF the mar
moset, and resembles the canary
song q good deal smothered.
All these little creatures should be
tanned and attached to people by
their affections, and not kept as pris-
oners In a cage. In the former case
they display their peculiar charac-
teristics, and take perfect care of their
coats. while in the latter they require
constant watching and attention, and
show no individuality whatever. 1t
is not . pet that is kept In cage. it
Is a prisoner, and prisoner In his
unnatural and unhappy life can never
afford much pleasure.
Whatever beast Is kept 1t should
have its own quarters, in which it is
at home and free from intrusion. and
to which 1t can retire when it
chooses. The home should be kept
clean and sweet by frequent changes
OF bedding and the use of soap and
water. No one has a right to keep
an animal In confinement who finds
IL too much trouble to attend to its
health and comfort. 1t should be
regularly fed on food that is most
healthful for it, and what is quito as
essential to its happiness and conse
quently to It's health, it should be
anybody. / am certain many ami
mails and birds suffer and die in our
homes from pure loneliness and from
being regarded by their human
neighbors as creatures OF an alto
gether different nature. Whereas
the truth is, II one will but cultivate
their acquaintance, he will be as
tonished to see how the dullest and
most stupid will wake out OF its ap-
parent torpor and show understand
ing and character.
know family very fond Of pets.
in which tho creatures show most
extraordinary individuality. Their
cats do things no cat was ever known
to do; their parrots and other birds
show what We cali human nature In
wonderful degree, and their dogs
almost talk Tho reason is plain;
the animal or bird Is made one Of the
family. IL is talked to and petted As
we'll 80 cared for. Its intelligence do
velops and the beast becomes very
like the human being. Watched
with loving eyes, the actions Of the
pet are understood and responded to,
and ono Is surprised to see almost q
common language established be-
tween the two races. II is won
derful and beautiful study. and that
family has more pleasure and real
companionship with its pets than any
other know.
Is's paAsrsnt After You're Married.
He---Well, What have you thercr
Ghe-TNo Of your old lattars my