CAT MOTHERS CHICKENS

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 20, 23 July 1927, Page 20

CAT MOTHERS CHICKENS

FIBESIDE FRIENDSHIP ON A FARM.

Tkore is N. certain family of youngsters taking a first look on life in niOßt unusual circumstances on n farm in tho ehadow of tho old brewery at Tockwith. "Chicken-time" is in full swing, and recently it was found that eight of a clutch of a dozen eggs had boon snfo]y hatched. Tho eight balls of fluff wore taken to the fireside, and Mother Hen was left to complete her work in peace. The chickens snuggled into an old shawl on the kitchen rug, and tho lady of the house continued her daily routine, quite forgetting tho family moußor. A sudden remembranco of tho cat brought with it a fooling of dismay. But thero was no noed i'or alarm. "Kitty" ia a yoar-old Persian with most un-felino feelings. Sho had taken the helpless cheopors to her bosom. Sho ■was cnrlod up on tho rug in front; of tlio fire, and the chickens wore nestling as naturally as could bo in her long fur. "Kitty" is very jealous of her pretty brood. She loaves them only when hlic adjourns for a snack-lunch, and sho is very suspicious of interested parties. On tho same/ farm aro two month-old piglets, which aro brainior than many domestic animals of twico thoir ago. The fanner's little girl hus named them Billy and Betty, and, unfortunately, Billy and Botty nro orphans. Though, through lack of a proper mother, they are very much on the small sido, their make-shift mother, the bottlo, appears to have made a romarkablo development in their mentality. Each will answer to its name, and thoy aro as aware, of the time for meals as if thoy carried wrist watches. Billy takes a gallant Interest in tho young lady who supplies hi» food, and Betty, ns bofit3 her sex, takes a great living to anyone in trousers.