Inmates of My House and Garden

"Inmates of My House and Garden" by Mrs. Brightwen is a collection of personal studies in natural history written in the late 19th century. The work offers a charming glimpse into the author's experiences with various animals, both domestic and wild, that inhabit her home and garden, reflecting her fascination and affection for nature. Through her detailed observations, she aims to share the joy of engaging with the natural world, highlighting the gentle beauty of these interactions. The opening of the book introduces the author's efforts to care for and observe a pair of lemurs that she obtained. Initially apprehensive about their well-being and the challenges of keeping them as pets, she describes their arrival and the immediate struggles she faces to accommodate them in her home. Her meticulous attention to their needs and her observations of their behaviors, such as their timidity and beauty, set a tone of deep appreciation for wildlife. Through anecdotes about these lemurs, Mrs. Brightwen shares insights into their characteristics, illuminating the broader themes of compassion and observation that permeate the book.