PREFACE




If an excuse for this book were needed, the undying interest of young
people in both wild and domesticated animals would afford it. From
time immemorial they have been amused and instructed by stories of
animals, and it is not hard to trace the educational and humane
influence of such tales.

There are heroes and tyrants, cruel and gentle natures in the animal
world, as in our own, and, judged by our standards, their lives are
pastorals or tragedies, even as ours are, while their histories are
often even more interesting than those of men or women. Then, too,
young people should know that these dwellers in forest wilds have, in
part at least, the same aims, hopes and fears as ourselves.

In the preparation of this book the best of authorities have been
consulted, and careful study given to the habits, traits and
characteristics of the animals whose intimate lives are told in these
stories. In addition, I have endeavored to tell young people, as
pleasantly as possible, that they often make grave blunders in caring
for their pets--blunders due to ignorance as to the requirements of
their living toys.

ELLEN VELVIN.

New York City.