The Tortoise.-I have just purchased a very fine tortoise. At present he is in a state of lethargy; but that, no doubt, is usual at this season. Can any of your readers tell me what these animals consider as luxuries? I am naturally anxious to make him "happy" in his new quarters.-J. J., Gloucester. general management, I have succeeded in keep-jected to this process, became so tame after two ing my birds in good health; whilst others have operations, that I can now carry it up and down the lost theirs in great numbers. One person who house on my finger, and I hope before long to hear it had thirty canaries last Autumn, at the present sing while perched on the edge of a cup at teatime has not one left. They have all died. Out time-a seat it is very fond of, as it has plenty of of eighteen, I have only lost one; and that was good picking from many little fingers. I will one I had received from London a few days before conclude, by mentioning a plan I have adopted its death. Your receipt for cold, huskiness, in- for keeping the feet of my birds free from dirt, viz., fluenza, wheezing, or whatever else it may be covering the perches with green baize. This called, I have frequently tried; and the boiled I do by winding a narrow strip of baize spirally milk has been successful in every case but one. round the perch. Before I tried this plan, I found An asthmatical old fellow, who I am afraid it almost impossible to keep their feet clean, though nothing will cure, sits on his perch like a roll of I used every means I could think of. This anfeathers, puffing, blowing, and occasionally swers admirably; I have taken two cages, exactly screaming; yet he eats, drinks, and sleeps alike, and put three birds in each. One had the well. Having noticed many inquiries in OUR perches covered, and the other had not. They were JOURNAL for directions as to taming birds, cleaned at similar intervals; yet all three birds I extract the following from "Bechstein's Cham- in one cage had to be frequently taken out to have ber Birds," and may add, that I have repeatedly their feet cleaned, while the others with covered tried the experiment with various degrees of suc- perches never had a particle of dirt on their feet.— cess, according to the natural temper and disposi- ALPHA, Liverpool. tion of the birds. "A siskin, canary, goldfinch, or chaffinch, is taken (either of which admits of being tamed in half an hour); or a bullfinch or nightingale, which is more difficult and takes longer to tame. In proportion to its wildness, more or less of the inner web of the pinion feathers is cut away; taking care that the bird shall have sufficient power left to fly from the hand without injury, and the natural shape be not affected. It is then smeared near the nostrils with essence of bergamot (or any other powerful essential oil), by which it is rendered for a short time so insensible, that it can be subjected to the training. This consists chiefly in accustoming it to sit tranquilly on the finger, in teaching it to hop from one finger to another, and in preventing it from flying away. It may, it is true, fly away a few times; but this it will not continue to do, especially if taken into a dark place behind a curtain, and it is thus also secured from the risk of injury by flying against the walls or windows. If it at once sit quiet, the finger of the other hand is held beneath it in front, and it is made to step from one to the other; when, the distance being gradually increased, it will speedily hop to it. This being accomplished, the chief difficulty is over; for, if once the bird hop quietly from one finger to the other, it will, on recovering from its insensibility, and observing that its trainer does it no harm, speedily familiarise itself with all kinds of tricks. If it is wished to teach it to eat out of the mouth, it must be kept for a time in the cage without food; and then when sitting upon the finger, its favorite food must be held to it on the tip of the tongue. Hunger soon teaches it to peck. Such tame birds learn also speedily to sing upon the finger. To accomplish this, nothing more is necessary than to induce it, by certain tones, motions, and fondling. The chaffinch will do so, if at its singing time "Yaik, yaik," is piped to it, and its neck patted; and the bullfinch, also, if stimulated by friendly looks and a motion to and fro of the upper part of the body. But it is still further requisite to observe in this process of training, that to be effectual it should be continued for a longer time than is here laid down. May we not presume that the bird will, in the course of a few weeks, do that freely which has been taught, or rather forced upon it in this short space of time ?"-One bird that I sub Tale as a Substitute for Glass.-I notice in your Second Volume, page 379, an inquiry by John E., Camberwell, relative to Talc. This differs from glass, inasmuch as it is a natural product, found among schistous, serpentine, and clayslate rocks. It varies in color, from silvery white to green, greyish and blackish green, and red. It easily separates into layers; and though not very elastic, will bear a blow better than a pane of glass of equal size and thickness. Though it exhibits generally a pearly lustre, I do not like it so well as glass; and I doubt much if it could be had in sufficient quantity, and at so low a rate, as that commodity. Among the many and divers forms in which it occurs, there are three which stand conspicuous. Crystallised Talc occurs in rhomboidal masses, and presents a straight clearage. The usual color is white; often inclining to light green. This is found in serpentine rocks in Saxony, Tyrol, Silesia, Cornwall (in England), and Glen-tilt (in Scotland). Massive Talc is less elastic than the foregoing; and often quite opaque. It is found in micaceous schist, and gneiss. The color is frequently apple-green. This is a common form. Indurated Talc is massive; of a grey or greenish color, with a curved clearage. It occurs in primitive formations, as clay-slate, in many countries of Europe. It is also found in Banffshire, and the Shetland Islands. I have been informed by a Russian friend, that he has seen it very commonly used in his country in lieu of glass; but it must be borne in mind that the latter article was very expensive at that time-particularly in the demesne of the Czar.-D. A beautiful Discovery, connected with the Cocoons of the Silk-worm.-I send you, my dear Sir, some very curious particulars, which have just been brought under my notice; and which I consider of sufficient importance to warrant their insertion in OUR OWN JOURNAL. Physiologists, it would appear, have long since discovered that certain coloring matters, if administered to animals along with their food, possessed the property of entering into the system and tingeing the bones. In this way the bones of swine have been tinged purple by madder; and instances are on record of other animals being similarly affected. No attempt, however, was made to turn this beautiful discovery to account until lately, when Mr. Roulin speculated on what might have been the consequences of administering colored articles of food to silkworms, just before spinning their cocoons. His first experiments were conducted with indigo, which he mixed in certain proportions with the mulberry leaves serving the worms for food. The result of this treatment was succcessful-he obtained blue cocoons. Prosecuting still further his experiments, he sought a red coloring matter, capable of being eaten by silkworms without injury resulting. He had some difficulty to find such a coloring matter, at first, but eventually alighted on the Bignonia chica. Small portions of this plant having been added to the mulberry leaves, the silkworms consumed the mixture, and produced red-colored silk. In this manner the experimenter, who is still prosecuting his researches, hopes to obtain silk, as secreted by the worm, of many other colors. This is truly a wonderful age, Mr. Editor. Not a day passes without the discovery of something new and useful.-HEARTS-EASE, Hants. The House-Marten-its Perseverance under Difficulties. In the summer of 1851, a pair of martens commenced their nest in front of our house-immediately over a flower-border which had been considerably injured by the refuse of the nests of the preceding year. Everything was resorted to to frighten them away; and the halfbuilt habitation destroyed. No sooner, however, was this done, than they recommenced operations on the same spot; and the persevering little creatures were about their work for the fourth time when I procured a ladder, and having reached the site, well covered it with lard. This prevented their building materials adhering. After well examining the place, nothing daunted, they moved just far enough to escape the grease; and, in a place equally objectionable, constructed their new abode. I then attached four strings to the corners of a small board, and suspended it under the nest (in the manner of a hanging bookshelf). This answered every purpose. The neatness of the flower-border was preserved, and the little brood were reared as happily as though no untoward circumstance had taken place. Last summer, perceiving a commotion amongst some martens, I discovered that a pair of house-sparrows had driven them out, and taken possession of their nests. This was an aggression that called for punishment. Taking my gun from its resting place, I shot both the intruders, when the martens soon returned to their abode. Unfortunately, however, in a few days, another pair of sparrows served them the same trick. Again came forth the instrument of destruction. On this occasion I killed the hen sparrow only; her wary husband had taken the hint, and decamped. I saw him no more. The martens seemed to understand all about it. They again took possession, and remained with us till summoned by their tribe to revisit the shores of Africa.-J. J., Gloucester. Ravages by Insects. Your interesting correspondent, Puss, who seeks to learn the name of the caterpillar, whose ravages in Sutton Park caused her so much surprise-is informed that it was most probably either that of Yponomeuta Eronymella, or Yponomeuta Padella. However, not having seen the caterpillar, and not knowing what trees it fed upon, I cannot speak oracularly. If Puss should see anything of the kind in the coming season, let her forward me a few of the offenders through you; and she shall be enlightened by return of post. I gather from her lively style that she is an "early bird," and a dear lover of nature. If so, let her commence her entomological studies by carefully observing the caterpillars in question. By rising at five o'clock, whilst yet the dew is spangling on their webs, she will see them all at work; and enjoy the sight. The wondrous manœuvres of the larvæ, meeting and passing on the same silken cord, will delight her not a little. Their ascent, descent, and perfect understanding of the routine prescribed them, exceeds belief unless witnessed. Puss, whilst making her observations next summer, will no doubt think of OLD BOMBYX. He will only add, that close scrutiny will verify the fact of these caterpillars being excellent barometers, during the brief period of their existence.-BOMBYX ATLAS. Naturalists (so called), and their Exclusiveness.-I am sorry, Mr. Editor, to see occasion for the able article in your last month's JOURNAL, signed "A Strolling Dabbler." I must, however, approve of its having been inserted, and as cordially agree with the concluding editorial note thereon. I had always fondly hoped, that such excellent publications as the Naturalist, and OUR OWN JOURNAL, would have secured and increased that (I may say) "freemasonry "of kindness, and good feeling, which should bind lovers of natural history together. Sorry am I, that my hope has not been altogether a happy one. Now, I feel strongly the ill-natured remark of MR. GRAY (so ably pointed out by your correspondent as occurring at page 262 of the Naturalist); inasmuch as I myself have not sufficient time to take up the study entirely as a science," but more as an instructive amusement. 1 must still think, as I have stated in that work, that an interchange of Local Notes and Incidents in a popular magazine, cannot but aid the advancement of the science, and tend to further inquiry on, and the investigation of, many subjects which would otherwise be lost sight of.-JOHN GARLAND, M. Ent. Soc. &c.-Dorchester. [It will readily be believed that our Correspondence with reference to MR. GRAY's coarse and ill-natured comments on his fellow laborers in the field of science, is voluminous. To prove, however, our great dislike of returning evil for evil, we withhold ALL but the above very temperate remonstrance. If MR. GRAY, of whom we know nothing, be a gentleman in the usual acceptation of the word, he will appreciate our delicacy. If otherwise, we shall yet have the pleasure of proving, that the feelings of a gentleman inhabit our own breast. We have had a pardonable laugh or two at his expense; and to these we shall confine ourself. The poisoned arrow he aimed at OUR heart, fell wide of its mark--very. We do love Nature; and above all things, MR GRAY, we love GOOD-NATURE. We shall never sneer at any individual, however humble, who seeks to become acquainted with that which God throws open to ALL; and we are content to leave you 'ALONE in your glory."] I Rooks, are they Enemies or Friends?-There can be no doubt that rooks, and birds generally, do some damage to wheat-fields; yet, in the case of rooks, I think their benefits to the farmer so far The Mutilated Jackdaw.-When you recorded exceed the injuries they do him, that with the in OUR JOURNAL of January, the atrocity com- exception of the stock he keeps on his farm, I imamitted by some miscreant (name unfortunately gine there is no live animal which comes upon it unknown), who had cut (nearly) off the lower which benefits him so much as the rooks. I admandible of a playful jackdaw-you imagined mit that they eat grain both at seed-time and harthe poor bird would die." So, from the account vest, and that they are destructive to potatoes; but given, did we all. Wonderful however is it to for how many weeks in the year are they fed upon relate, that it still lives! The annexed appeared the produce of the farmer? Suppose we say two in the Hampshire Advertiser, of March 12.-"An months (which is a liberal allowance, seeing that Unnaturalist.—Under this side-head we inserted at the time they are eating wheat and potatoes, they in our paper of the 1st of January, a paragraph | are also feeding upon other things when they can supplied by a correspondent, narrating the mon- obtain them); what do they feed upon the remainstrous cruelty of some wretch who had mutilated a ing ten months? What, but grubs, worms, insects, jackdaw by cutting off nearly half of its lower and their larvæ? I once endeavored to estimate bill. The poor bird belonged to Mr. Rideout, of the amount of insect-food destroyed by the No. 7, Mount-place, Blechynden-terrace. It was rooks in a rookery near the town where I allowed its liberty, and had made acquaintance was born (belonging to W. Vavasour, Esq.) where with all the neighborhood-calling at the win- it was supposed there were 10,000 rooks. dows, and receiving the tid-bits kept in store for reckoned that each bird ate a pound of food per him by many persons. Our paragraph was trans-week; so that, for five-sixths of the year, they mitted to KIDD'S JOURNAL, in which it appeared, accompanied with the condemnatory remarks such an abominable act naturally called forth. MR. KIDD's lady correspondent recommended, as the most merciful act to "Poor Jack," to have him killed. We have very great pleasure in stating, that the patient kindness of Miss Rideout has rendered the fatal catastrophe unnecessary. We called, a few days ago, to inquire after Jack," and found him "at home" and in excellent health and spirits. He was called for by name from the garden; flew to the wrist of the messenger, and was placed on the table at which his mistress sat. Jack knew very well what was to follow, and showed his pleasure by a variety of funny movements. His mistress then crumbled portions of biscuit, and fed "Jack" from her lips. Some bits were placed on the table, and he was told to show the visitor that he could eat-he did so with evident reluctance at the trouble, having to lay his side-face on the table; but he can eat nevertheless. The mutilated bill exhibits no signs of growth. Jack is allowed his liberty, but his wings are somewhat pruned to curtail his flights. He calls at the houses of his acquaintances; and his "story" having created a greater interest for him even than before, his patrons and patronesses feed him like his mistress. He returns home early in the evening, and flies to his cage, the door of which is never closed; but he does not pay his morning visits till after he has taken his breakfast at home."-I hope, my dear Sir, this poor bird will show an excess of instinct, by avoiding for the future the fiend who so exulted in torturing him. I only wish that the name of the monster were known to me-how soon would I put you in possession of it!-HEARTS-EASE, Hants. [Oh, Hearts-ease! you are an angel. Thank you for the wish you show, to serve the cause of true humanity. Will MISS RIDEOUT kindly say, lived entirely upon worms, insects, and their larvæ. Here, then (assuming my data to be correct), there is no less a quantity than 200 tons of destructive vermin eaten by the birds of a single rookery. And when we consider that the larvae of some of these insects (those of the cockchafer and some others) are in the larvæ state for three years; and are devourers of the farmers' crops the whole of that time-we may find it difficult to realise the amount of destruction which is prevented by the rooks. In some countries, they are eaten up by the grubs of the cockchafer; but here (thanks to the rooks) it is not even known as a destructive insect. The first Lord Ribblesdale was a great friend to the rooks; and I have heard this partiality thus accounted for, viz., that many years ago a flight of locusts visited Craven and threatened to do much damage; but that the rooks came by thousands from all parts of the country, and attacked the locusts so vigorously and successfully, that they were soon exterminated. When we come to reflect on the great portion of the year during which they eat nothing but insect food, we must admit that the benefits they confer upon the farmers in the aggregate, far exceed the injuries they inflict.— T. G., Clitheroe. The Loss of the "Queen Victoria" Steamer, off the Irish Coast.-I think, my dear Sir, that the remarks of the diver, who was asked to go down a second time into the cabin of this ill-fated vessel are well worthy of being immortalised in OUR OWN JOURNAL. They are few, but forcible. And oh! How full of "terrible reality!" The following was received by electric telegraph:-"The plate had previously been saved by the diver, but nothing can induce him to go down a second time; for he says that the scene which presented itself in the cabin was the most horrible he had ever witnessed. He relates that on his going down the cabin stairs, he thought that he had entered a wax work exhibition-the corpses never having moved from their positions since the vessel went down. There were eighteen or twenty persons in the cabin, all of whom seemed to be holding conversation with each other; and the general appearance of the whole scene was so life-like, that he was almost inclined to believe that some were yet living. From their various positions and countenances, it is evident that they could have no idea of the disaster which was hastening them to so untimely an end. This accounts for the non-finding of the bodies."-To read this statement of literal facts, while seated comfortably at home, is appalling-truly. But what must the actual sight have been, when vividly presented to the eyes of that diver? Well might he refuse again to witness it!-EMILY P., Carshalton. " Ardent Spirits, Beer, Tobacco, &c.-As you have spoken your mind so often, so nobly, and so plainly, Mr. Editor, on the use of these most filthy abominations, I make no apology for sending you some statistical facts bearing on the general question. Neither you nor I shall ever succeed in removing the evil; but we have a right to keep on hinting" at the inevitable consequences resulting from a parley with the enemy. Very recently a Parliamentary paper has been published, in return to a motion made by Mr Hume, showing the number of persons taken into custody for drunkenness and disorderly conduct by the metropolitan police-with similar returns relating to the city of London, and to Edinburgh and Glasgow. From this, we arrive at the following gloomy facts; and get "an idea" of what is still going on daily. In 1831, when the metropolitan population amounted to 1,515,585, there were 31,353 persons arrested for drunkenness, and 10,383 for disorderly conduct. Of the drunkards, 11,605 were women, and 19,748 were men. Among the persons who conducted themselves in a disorderly manner, there were 7,287 women and 3,096 men. In 1841, when the population had increased to 2,068,107, the numbers were for drunkenness 15,006, and for disorderly conduct 15,810. There were among the drunkards 5,123 females, and 9,883 males; and among the disorderly, 7,913 women and 7,897 men. In the same year, the city police took up 2,313 persons for drunkenness, and 802 persons for disorderly conduct - among a population, as shown by the census returns, of 123,563 persons. In 1851, when the population of the metropolitan districts had increased to 2,399,004, the total number of persons arrested for drunkenness had decreased to 10,668; 6,207 of whom were men, and 4,461 women; and the total of disorderly persons arrested was 6,138; 2,556 of whom were men, and 3,762 women. In the city the numbers were, in 1851-drunkards arrested, 280; disorderly persons arrested, 681. Edinburgh, with 140,000 inhabitants in 1841, shows 4,824 arrests for drunkenness and disorderly conduct in that year; and in 1851, when the population was 166,000, the arrests were only 2,793; while in Glasgow, with 333,651 inhabitants in 1851, there were 10,012 arrests. I do not ask you, Mr Editor, to grant me more space. My communication is a multum in parvo that needs no extension !-CIVIS. it Sea-Anemone.-I have read your very interesting paper on polypes, (see p. 28) and now send you a brief description of the manner in which I treated a sea-anemone, which may not, perhaps, be unacceptable. The specimen that I was fortunate enough to obtain, was found at Aberyst with. Its size, when closed, was nearly that of the echinite (commonly called the " sea urchin"), and it resembled a flattened ball of exceedingly transparent and colorless jelly, having merely a dark spot in the centre. Being highly delighted with my treasure, and feeling certain that it was a living mass, the idea of wishing to prolong its existence and to have an opportunity of seeing fully develop itself, was but natural. With a view to facilitate this, I secured a considerable quantity of fresh sea-water, and had it carefully bottled and corked. I then procured a very large Seidlitzwater glass; and nearly filling it, I placed the anemone in it. For two days it remained seemingly motionless, but it then occurred to me to place the glass in the full blaze of the sun; when, to my great delight, in about ten minutes, I observed a tremulous motion, and, in about a quarter of an hour, the whole of the tentacula expanded. What a most beautiful sight presented itself! The hitherto colorless mass had assumed the vivid color and perfect appearance of a fine scarlet French anemone! So long as it was in the sun, it continued expanded, but would immediately commence withdrawing into itself, so soon as I removed it into the shade. Sometimes, it would remain for days together enclosed, when left to itself. I never could discover that it had the slightest disposition to eat ; and I conclude that it lived entirely upon the natural supply of nourishment in the sea-water, which I usually changed about once in ten days. When I passed it into other hands, although it had been several weeks in my possession, it seemed perfectly healthy; and I have no doubt it would have existed till the stock of water was exhausted.WATER-LILY. Cupid" and the Revenue.-The god of love is a wag. He first sets the heart on fire; and then makes people "pay" handsomely for the pleasure he excites. It is the only "tax they pay without a groan! "Never" says the report, since the introduction of the Penny Postagerate, has there been so great an amount of correspondence passing through the Post-office at St. Martin's-le-Grand, as there was on Monday, Feb. 14; that being what was called the 'Feast of St. Valentine,' or, in more modern parlance, 'St. Valentine's Day.' Never was there so great an accumulation of correspondence in the earlier part of the morning. No fewer than 40,000 letters had to be delivered within the circle of the London district post alone by the first despatch; and at ten o'clock, the number had increased to 65,000,-a quantity hitherto unprecedented. At eight o'clock in the evening, it appeared that not less than 350,000 letters had been sorted during the day, upon many of which not less than one shilling postage was charged, the major part of which were taken in. Taking these at the rate in the mass of 14d each postage (a very moderate average), the sum charged to the revenue would amount to £2,604 38. 4d.; this, in fact, being only a moiety of the amount returned to the daily sheet by the returns of the provincial officers. During the duty, the men were regaled with roast beef and vegetables, according to annual custom."-T. W. [Our correspondent has sent us the "dry facts." What of the heaving bosoms, agonising smarts, broken hearts, doubts, hopes, fears, misgivings, may-bes, perhaps-es, and those hidden imaginings that haunt the frenzied brain, &c., &c.? Many a daring act was braved on that auspicious morn; many were the arrows discharged from as many fatal bows-the issue of which wHo shall dare to contemplate? Not we!] The Love for Birds. It is worthy of remark that many animals, birds in particular, hold a very strong power over many a stout and manly heart. There exists between them an indefinable sympathy, broken only by death. An interesting case in point, recurs to my memory. A few years since, a vessel, laden with linseed, was coming up our river to discharge her cargo at the port. In her course, she ran ashore on some brush-work in the river; and as the tide receded, it was evident to all on board that she must capsize. Just as the order was given for all to get into the boat, alongside, the captain rushed frantically towards the cabin, where hung his pet goldfinch (provincially called the red-cap). Dashing his hand maniacally through the skylight, he reached the cage. He withdrew the latter; and with it, his bird! Who shall paint his horror? The destruction of his vessel was nothing. Where was his companion of many a long voyage? He was cold, stiff-lifeless! The water bursting into the vessel, had filled the cabin with foul air. Goldy's lungs had imbibed the poison. He was rescued just too late! The sorrows of that jolly Jack Tar may not be told, but surely his heart was in the right place! C. P., Boston, Lincolnshire. [The attachments you speak of, are indeed singular. We have known many such. No person living can appreciate better than ourself, the intensity of love inhabiting the hearts of some of these little creatures. We have had many pets and lost them. The "parting scene" was sad indeed!] Pieris Rapsa.-This very morning, Tuesday, Feb. 22, Pieris Rapse was on the wing. Pray insert this "curious fact," as I am inclined to think it a remarkably early appearance for this country. Only once have I noted it at an earlier date, viz., when I was in Switzerland, Feb. 16, 1849.-BOMBYX ATLAS. Instinct and Reason exhibited in the Horse.Mr. Gustavus Murray, who rented the farm of Rosskeen, of M'Leod of Callboll, Ross-shire, N.B., had two very handsome black mares, which were companions in harness. The one was called "Peggy," and the other "Bell." In the spring of 1836 each of them produced a foal; which like themselves were handsome, black animals. Many a gentleman, and many a farmer, paused to admire them while they were grazing in view of the road. One day "Peggy" was observed not to graze; but to move languidly about. The fore " But, man was, in consequence, ordered to bring her and her foal home. This having been done, and the farrier having arrived, she was pronounced to be dangerously ill. Despite all that could be done for her, she died next day. The men were ordered to give her a decent burial. While doing this," Bell" was observed to stand towards the park fence; silently and earnestly gazing at that distant and melancholy operation. Did she know that 'Peggy" was sick? Did she dread that "Peggy" was dead? Let the sequel show. After "Peggy" was duly interred, "Bell" set up a loud and sonorous neigh; which she repeated as long as the men were in view. What could she mean by that neighing? At a consultation which was then held, as to the disposal of the orphan foal; one of the servants suggested to try "Bell" with it. A few doubts were at first expressed; but the trial was ordered to be made. Bell" was sent for. How unusually quiet she stood to be caught! she actually thrust her head into her bridle! With what a melancholy, yet stately step did she walk home! Her very gait told that she guessed she was about to take some extraordinary responsibility upon herself. With some caution she was introduced to her companion's foal; but she was not to be guided by cold caution. Whoever has seen an aunt press a sister's orphan child to her bosom, can picture to himself the rapture with which "Bell" kissed that foal; stretched herself out, and invited him to his natural food. He with some reluctance accepted the proffered boon. Her own foal looked just as any child would look, on seeing a stranger put to his mother's breast-quite dumb-founded. quick as thought, away he ran to her other side; and there stood "Bell" with a foal right and left! Could you but have seen the look which she at that time directed towards her master! In it you could easily read, that she not only knew Peggy was dead; but that her foal needed a protectress; and that protectress she determined she would herself be. Was there not herein something higher than instinct? Yes, there was a reasoning power exhibited, even superior to that evinced by some human beings. What else but reason could have told her that "Peggy's" sickness terminated in death? Or what else could have told her that the animal which had that day been buried was her friend and companion? And what else could have told her, that "Peggy" being dead, her foal required a nurse? Reasoning powers, of a high order, could alone tell her all this, and teach her to adopt that foal and rear it with her own. Moreover, there must be some means by which animals convey their ideas from one to another. For, after the first reluctance exhibited by the orphan foal was surmounted, he showed signs of determination to follow “ Bell" as though she were his mother. In about an hour after she was brought in, she was sent out to the park attended by both foals. If the two mares were noticed before; the one mare, nursing the two foals, was now doubly noticed. Few passed the road without paying a tribute of respect to "Bell." She was fully alive to the importance of the charge which she undertook; and well did she discharge it; for towards the close of the season, none but the farm |