Page:Story of the robins.djvu/177

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
Cats and Dogs.
161

is no doing it without injury to one's linen, for when Puss is best pleased she generally tramples with her talons unsheathed, by which practice many a dress has been torn. And even the cleanliness of cats is injurious, for they usually have recourse to the corners of chairs in order to rub the dirt from their talons. Many people have a great dread of this animal, and on that account it should not be used to come into rooms in which a variety of company is received. As for dogs, they are in general so very social, grateful, and pleasing, that they seem formed to be the humble companions of mankind, and if kept in proper order, they may be familiarized with safety; but then they should be taught to know their distance. And as there are different species of dogs, we should make a prudent selection, and not introduce into the house great mastiffs or tall greyhounds; neither must we indulge those we domesticate to too great a degree, for in that case they will become as troublesome as cats."

Mrs. Benson now expressed her desire to see the sheep-shearing, on which Mrs. Wilson and her daughter conducted her and Harriet to the field, where they arrived at the conclusion of the operation. And a very pleasing sight it was to behold the happy creatures, who lately waddled under a heavy,