As I entered my room the other afternoon, I saw a picture that any artist might have been proud to paint. Dona Marina was lying stretched out full length on the foot of my bed, with her new baby kittens, Scozza and Fava, lying beside her; all were in Dreamland. On the brass rod at the foot perched Bobbinette and Bobby, the latter singing at the top of his voice, while Bobbinette listened.
I feel sure if John Burroughs knew my birds, he would change his mind about birds not thinking and reasoning.
Many people know birds and their habits in a wild state, but really know nothing of them as pets in the house.
I am told Mr. Burroughs does not advocate domesticating wild birds; neither do I, if they are old, well, and strong, but, on the contrary, if they are injured, and are only easy prey for small boys and cats, I firmly believe in taking them in and making them happy, which I think I have always succeeded in doing.
I have often taken birds in, expecting to let them go when they were large enough, but they simply would not, for they knew they would not know how to take care of themselves or hunt their food. For instance, if I had not brought Bobbinette and Bobby in, they would have been killed, and it would be very cruel to turn them out now after the luxurious lives they have lived for eleven months; besides, they are perfectly well, and happy as the day is long, and know no other life.
My pets are a great care, but the pleasure I receive from them more than recompenses me. I only hope you will all be so interested in my little sketches that you will “cry for more,” and then I shall be able to stop your crying.
THE END.
Pleasant Street Series
New Edition, 1906
1 Pleasant Street, Smiling Valley By Sarah E. Lee 2 Home Songs for Little Darlings 3 Smiles By Alice Lewis Richards 4 Winks By Alice Lewis Richards 5 Under the Nursery Lamp 6 The Moon Party By Ollie Hurd Bragdon 7 Bobby and Bobbinette By Annie R. Talbot 8 Little Mildred’s Secret By Grace Squires 9 Tale of Two Terriers, Crib and Fly By Charles Welch 10 The Bird Hospital By Caroline Crowninshield Bascom 11 The Wishbone Boat By Alice C. D. Riley