52 THE CAT AND THE CANARY.

slowly about, and mewing piteously. After the funeral, the
faithful cat made her escape from the house, and was at
length found stretched out lifeless above the grave of her
mistress, having died of a broken heart.

 

The instances I have given—and I might give many
more—prove the strong affection which cats are able to feel,
and show that they are well deserving of kind treatment.
When we see them catch birds and mice, we must remember
that it is their nature to do so, as in their wild state they

have no other means of getting food.

 

THE CAT AND THE CANARY.

Animas of different kinds often form curious friendships.
What do you think of the cat which of her own accord be-
came the protector of a pet canary, instead of eating it up ?

The cat and the bird belonged. to the mother-in-law of
Mrs. Lee, who has given us many delightful stories of ani-
mals. The canary was allowed to fly about the room when
the cat was shut out; but one day their mistress, lifting her
head from her work, saw that the cat had by some means
got in, and, to her surprise, there was the canary perched
fearlessly on the back of Pussy, who seemed highly pleased
with the trust placed in her. By the silent language with
which animals convey their ideas to each other, she had been
able to make the canary understand that she would nos
hurt it. ;

After this, the two were allowed to be constantly to-
gether, to the great pleasure of both. One morning, how-