age,
except down the front of its throat, where the repeated attacks of the
small birds in showing their usual enmity towards the cuckoo, had
stripped off the feathers. The poor bird was only skin and bone, nearly
dying from lack of food and persecution, and made no resistance when I
brought him in to see if I could act the part of foster-mother.
Finely-mixed raw meat and brown bread seemed to me the best substitute
for his insect diet--but he _was_ an awkward baby to feed--though
sinking for want of nourishment he would not open his great beak, and
every half-hour he had to be fed sorely against his will with many
flapping of his wings and other protests of his bird nature. He would
not stay quiet in any sort of cage, but when allowed to perch on the rim
of a large basket quite free, he remained happily enough by the hour
together. After a few days he grew into a vigorous, active bird, flying
round the room, and too wild to be retained with safety He was
therefore let loose, and soon flew quite out of sight. I should hope he
was quite able to support himself by his own exertions. I must say he
showed no gratitude for my benevolent succour in his time of need.

[Illustration: YOUNG CUCKOO ATTACKED BY BIRDS]

[Illustration]

THE TAMING OF OUR PETS.

Since the love of animal and bird pets seems so universal, both amongst
rich and poor, it is well that the desire to keep creatures in captivity
should be wisely directed, and that young people especially should be
led to think of the things that are requisite to make their pets live
and prosper in some degree of happiness.

I have often been consulted by some sweet, impulsive child about its
"pet robin" or "dear little swallow," as to why it did not seem to eat
or feel happy? and have found the poor victims quietly starving to
death on a diet of oats, canary seed, or even green leaves, the infant
mind not feeling quite sure what the "pretty birdies" lived upon.

It is needless to say we might as well try to keep a bird on pebbles as
give hard grain to a soft-billed insect-eating bird; but this kind of
cruelty is constantly practised simply from ignorance. I would therefore
endeavour to give a few general rules for the guidance of those who have
a new pet of some kind, which they wish to domesticate and tame.

To begin with animals; suitable food, a comfortable home, means of
cleanliness, and exercise are essential to their health and comfort.
These four requi