Here is another instance of friendship existing between a dog and a
bird.
A lady possessed a spaniel named Tom. After she had had Tom several
years, a red-legged partridge called Bill, brought from France, was
given to her. She had often seen Tom tease the cats and amuse himself
with barking at birds, and was consequently afraid to place Bill near
him. One day, however, Bill was brought into the room, and placed on
the ground, a watch being kept on Tom's movements. Bill appeared in no
way alarmed at his four-footed companion, who, too, seemed not inclined
to molest him. They looked at each other shyly at first, like two
children when first introduced; but Bill hopping forward, Tom seemed
pleased at the confidence shown in him.
In a short time they became excellent friends. A saucer of bread and
milk being placed on the ground, they fed out of it together, and
afterwards would retire to a corner to sleep, the partridge nestling
between the dog's legs, and never stirring till his companion awoke.
When the dog accompanied his mistress in a walk, the bird, which could
not be taken, showed much uneasiness till he returned; and one day, when
the partridge happened to be shut up in a room by himself, the dog
searched all over the house, whining mournfully, as if he feared some
accident had happened to his friend.
This curious friendship came to an untimely end. Tom was stolen; and
from that time Bill refused food, and died on the seventh day, a victim
to grief for the loss of his companion.
My dear young friends, let the story of this strange friendship awaken
in your minds a stronger sense of love and trust, not only towards those
who may be the friends of your youth, but also towards all who may have
the care or oversight of you. I am afraid there are very many young
persons who would display far less genuine grief at the loss of their
companions than did the partridge at the loss of the spaniel. Strive,
then, to let your friendship towards them be such, that your grief at
their loss may be genuine.