Amusing creatures!  I can look at the picture with pleasure, because they are evidently well treated, and have not the miserably cowed expression we see upon many of the monkeys that go about our streets.  Sometimes when I have given a monkey a piece of cake or fruit, I have made a bargain with the master to let him sit still and eat it, and much amused I have been watching the little animal’s extreme enjoyment of the treat and the holiday.  The monkeys at the Zoological Gardens have tolerably large cages.  I wish the parrots were as well off:  they sadly need more space, and would be glad of bits of stick to play with.

[Illustration]

“Beg, doggie, beg!”

Beg, doggie, beg:  Come, come, sit up,—­
No, not that way, you silly pup;
  Upon your hind legs sit,
And I will tell you how to ask
For bread—­it is an easy task;
  And then you’ll get a bit.

Now there—­that’s right—­keep up your paw! 
A better dog I never saw. 
  Oh dear! you’re down once more: 
I cannot let you off:  Now try,
Oh, Jack, I really fear that I
  Have got a “treat” in store;

Look at this cake.  Now, sit upright
And stare at me with all you’re might,
  And then I’ll place the food: 
That’s well:  Now, doggie,—­quite still—­
You must not stir an inch until
  I tell you,—­come, that’s good!

One trial more, and you shall eat
This great round cake, just for a treat: 
  Now sit up, Jacky—­so,
Ask for it, sir—­just say “bow-wow”—­
And louder still!  There make your bow—­
  Good dog! now you may go.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]