I varied their food, mixing oatmeal with the milk; some I fed often, others seldom; to some I gave sugar in the milk, others had new milk.

There was abundance of grass just outside the house for them to eat, if they could.

Some did mumble feebly at it, I remember, but the mortality continued uninterrupted.

It must have been very ridiculous to a visitor, to see my dear little snowy pets going down on their front knees before me, and wagging their long tails furiously the moment the tea-pot was brought out.

They were far too sensible to do this if my hands were empty.
Gentle, affectionate little creatures, they used to be wonderfully well-behaved, though now and then they would wander through the verandah, and so into my bedroom, where the drapery of my dressing-table afforded them endless amusement and occupation.