Chapter I: Preface

The study of birds (and a most delightful study too) is steadily on the increase, and a great deal of good is being done. A great deal more might be done if older people would take more pains in impressing upon all children never to harm in any way our feathered friends.

I have prepared this little book of simple true tales, not for the literary critic to pull to pieces, but simply to give pleasure to all lovers of pets, hoping it may be of some help to those who wish to tame and train their birds or cats.

I especially want it to teach children to love and be kind to all living creatures God has put upon the earth. He has never put anything here that has not some use, no matter how some may fear and hate the lower animals.

Never hurt anything, and only kill when it is necessary, and then do it in the quickest and most humane way.

I shall be glad to hear from any children who have pets, and will aid them all I can in taming and training them.

Caroline Crowninshield Bascom.

19 Green St., Seneca Falls, N. Y.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
I. Little Billee 11
II. Taffy and Tricksey 36
III. Dewey 52
IV. Trinata 71
V. Cady 87
VI. Some Transient Patients 102
VII. Judy and Ned 116
VIII. Dona Marina 125
IX. Bobbinette and Bobby—Two Orphans 139

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE
Bobbinette, Bobby, Dick, Dona Marina, Blondell and Miss Bascom
(_Page 163_) _Frontispiece_
Taffy 18
Tricksey 43
Dewey Ready for His Bath 60
Cady Taking His Singing Lesson 94
Blondell 122
Bobbinette and Bobby 152
Blonde, Bobby, Bobbinette, Brunette, and Blondell 162

THE BIRD HOSPITAL