Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England

Stories of Animal Sagacity, by W.H.G. Kingston.

This is rather a charming book, with amusing illustrations.  There are
numerous tales of how clever various individual animals have been seen
to be, and in most cases a little moral is drawn from the story.

We have Cats, Dogs, Horses, Oxen, Donkeys, Elephants, Wild Animals and
Birds.

Any of us who have ever had pets can recall how clever they have been on
occasion.  I wish Kingston could see those shots on television of
squirrels who have learnt to get a few free nuts if they perform some
subtle series of tasks, such as jumping from obstacle to obstacle.  I
have only to look out of the window here to see birds building their
nests or guarding their young; in fact I can tell quite enough of what
is going on in the street outside, by taking note of the various birds'
alarm calls.

STORIES OF ANIMAL SAGACITY, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON.

CHAPTER ONE.

CATS.

I have undertaken, my young friends, to give you a number of anecdotes,
which will, I think, prove that animals possess not only instinct, which
guides them in obtaining food, and enables them to enjoy their existence
according to their several natures, but also that many of them are
capable of exercising a kind of reason, which comes into play under
circumstances to which they are not naturally exposed.

Those animals more peculiarly fitted to be the companions of man, and to
assist him in his occupations, appear to possess generally a larger
amount of this power; at all events, we have better opportunities of
noticing it, although, probably, it exists also in a certain degree
among wild animals.

I will commence with some anecdotes of the sagacity shown by animals
with which you are all well acquainted--Cats and Dogs; and if you have
been accustomed to watch the proceedings of your dumb companions you
will be able to say, "Why, that is just like what Tabby once did;" or,
"Our Ponto acted nearly as cleverly as that the other day."

THE CAT AND THE KNOCKER.

When you see Pussy seated by the fireside, blinking her eyes, and
looking very wise, you may often ask, "I wonder what she can be thinking
about."  Just then, probably, she is thinking about nothing at all; but
if you were to turn her out of doors into the cold, and shut the door in
her face, she would instantly begin to think, "How can I best get in
again?"  And she would run round and round the house, trying to find a
door or window open by which she might re-enter it.

I once heard of a cat which exerted a considerable amount of reason
under these very circumstances.  I am not quite certain of this Pussy's
name, but it may possibly have been Deborah.  The house where Deborah
was born and bred is situated in the country, and there is a door with a
small porch opening on a flower-garden.  Very often when this door was
shut, Deborah, or little Deb, as she may have been called, was left
outside; and on such occasions she used to mew as loudly as she could to
beg for admittance.  Occasionally she was not heard; but instead of
running away, and trying to find some other home, she used--wise little
creature that she was!--patiently to ensconce herself in a corner of the
window-sill, and wait till some person came to the house, who, on
knocking at the door, found immediate attention.  Many a day, no doubt,
little Deb sat there on the window-sill and watched this proceeding,
gazing at the knocker, and wondering what it had to do with getting the
door open.

A month passed away, and little Deb grew from a kitten into a full-sized
cat.  Many a weary hour was passed in her corner.  At length Deb arrived
at the conclusion that if she could manage to make the knocker sound a
rap-a-tap-tap on the door, the noise would summon the servant, and she
would gain admittance as well as the guests who came to the house.

One day Deb had been shut out, when Mary, the maidservant, who was
sitting industriously stitching away, heard a rap-a-tap at the front
door, announcing the arrival, as she supposed, of a visitor.  Putting
down her work, she hurried to the door and lifted the latch; but no one
was there except Deb, who at that moment leaped off the window-sill and
entered the house.  Mary looked along the road, up and down on either
side, thinking that some person must have knocked and gone away; but no
one was in sight.

The following day the same thing happened, but it occurred several times
before any one suspected that Deb could possibly have lifted the
knocker.  At length Mary told her mistress what she suspected, and one
of the family hid in the shrubbery to watch Deb's proceedings.  Deb was
allowed to ran out in the garden, and the door was closed.  After a time
the little creature was seen to climb up on the window-sill, and then to
rear herself on her hind-feet, in an oblique position at the full
stretch of her body, when, steadying herself with one front paw, with
the other she raised the knocker; and Mary, who was on the watch,
instantly ran to the door and let her in.

Miss Deb's knock now became as well-known to the servant as that of any
other member of the family, and, no doubt to her great satisfaction, it
usually met with prompt attention.

Could the celebrated cat of the renowned Marquis of Carrabas have done
more, or better?  Not only must Deb have exercised reason and
reflection, as well as imitation, but a considerable amount of
perseverance; for probably she made many vain attempts before she was
rewarded with success.

Some Scotch ladies told me of a cat they had when young, brought by
their grandfather from Archangel, which, under the same circumstances,
used to reach up to the latch of the front door of a house in the
country, and to rattle away on it till admitted.  I have seen a cat
which the same ladies now possess make a similar attempt.

Does it not occur to you that you may take a useful lesson from little
Pussy, and when you have an object to gain, a task to perform, think
over the matter, and exert yourself to the utmost till you have
accomplished it?

THE CAT AND THE RABBIT-TRAP.

An instance of the sagacity of a cat came under my own notice.  I was
living, a few years ago, in a country place in Dorsetshire, when one day
a small tortoise-shell cat met my children on the road, and followed
them home.  They, of course, petted and stroked her, and showed their
wish to make her their friend.  She was one of the smallest, and yet the
most active of full-grown cats I ever saw.  From the first she gave
evidence of being of a wild and predatory disposition, and made sad
havoc among the rabbits, squirrels, and birds.  I have several times
seen her carry along a rabbit half as big as herself.  Many would
exclaim that for so nefarious a deed she ought to have been shot; but as
she had tasted of my salt, taken refuge under my roof, besides being the
pet of my children, I could not bring myself to order her destruction.

We had, about the time of her arrival, obtained a dog to act as a
watchman over the premises.  She and he were at first on fair terms--a
sort of armed neutrality.  In process of time, however, she became the
mother of a litter of kittens.  With the exception of one, they shared
the fate of other kittens.  When she discovered the loss of her hopeful
family, she wandered about in a melancholy way, evidently searching for
them, till, encountering Carlo, it seemed suddenly to strike her that he
had been the cause of her loss.  With back up, she approached, and
flying at him with the greatest fury, attacked him till blood dropped
from his nose, when, though ten times her size, he fairly turned tail
and fled.  Pussy and Carlo, after this, became friends; at least, they
never interfered with each other.

Pussy, however, to her cost, still continued her hunting expeditions.
The rabbits had committed great depredations in the garden, and the
gardener had procured two rabbit-traps.  One had been set at a
considerable distance from the house, and fixed securely in the ground.
One morning the nurse heard a plaintive mewing at the window of the
day-nursery on the ground-floor.  She opened it, and in crawled poor
Pussy, dragging the heavy iron rabbit-trap, in the teeth of which her
fore-foot was caught.  I was called in, and assisted to release her.
Her paw swelled, and for some time she could not move out of the basket
in which she was placed before the fire.  Though suffering intense pain,
she must have perceived that the only way to release herself was to dig
up the trap, and then drag it, up many steep paths, to the room where
her kindest friends--nurse and the children--were to be found.

Carlo had been caught before in the same trap, and he bit at it, and at
everything around, and severely injured the gardener, who went to
release him.  Thus Pussy, under precisely the same circumstances, showed
by far the greatest amount of sagacity and cool courage.  She, however,
not many weeks after her recovery, came in one day with her foot sadly
lacerated, having again been caught in a trap; so, although she could
reason, she did not appear to have learned wisdom from experience.  This
last misfortune, however, taught her prudence, as she was never again
caught in a trap.

You will agree with me that Pussy was wise in going to her best friends
for help when in distress; and foolish, having once suffered, again to
run into the same danger.

You, my young reader, will be often entrapped, if you lack strength to
resist temptation.  Your kind friends at home will, I am sure, help you
as far as they have the power; but, that they may do so, you must on all
occasions trust them.

AFFECTION EXHIBITED BY A CAT.

I was one day calling in Dorsetshire on a clever, kind old lady, who
showed me a beautiful tabby cat, coiled up before the fire.  "Seventeen
years ago," said she, "that cat's mother had a litter.  They were all
ordered to be drowned with the exception of one.  The servant brought me
one.  It was a tortoise-shell.  `No,' I said; `that will always be
looking dirty.  I will choose another.'  So I put my hand into the
basket, and drew forth this tabby.  The tabby has loved me ever since.
When she came to have a family, she disappeared; but the rain did not,
for it came pouring down through the ceiling: and it was discovered that
Dame Tabby had made a lying-in hospital for herself in the thatched roof
of the house.  The damage she did cost several pounds; so we asked a
friend who had a good cook, fond of cats, to take care of Tabby the next
time she gave signs of having a family, as we knew she would be well
fed.  We sent her in a basket completely covered up; and she was shut
into a room, where she soon exhibited a progeny of young mewlings.  More
than the usual number were allowed to survive, and it was thought that
she would remain quietly where she was.  Not so.  On the first
opportunity she made her escape, and down she came all the length of the
village, and early in the morning I heard her mewing at my bed-room door
to be let in.  When I had stroked her back and spoken kindly to her, off
she went to look after her nurslings.  From that day, every morning she
came regularly to see me, and would not go away till she had been spoken
to and caressed.  Having satisfied herself that I was alive and well,
back she would go.  She never failed to pay me that one visit in the
morning, and never came twice in the day, till she had weaned her
kittens; and that very day she came back, and nothing would induce her
to go away again.  I had not the heart to force her back.  From that day
to this she has always slept at the door of my room."

Surely you will not be less grateful to those who brought you up than
was my old friend's cat to her.  Acts, not mere words, show the
sincerity of our feelings.  Consider how you are acting towards them
each hour and day of your life.  Are you doing your best to act well,
whether at home, at school, or at play?

THE CAT AND HER YOUNG MISTRESSES.

My friend Mrs F--gave me a very touching anecdote.

A lady she knew, residing in Essex, once had two young daughters.  They
had a pet cat which they had reared from a kitten, and which was their
constant companion.  The sisters, however, were both seized with scarlet
fever, and died.  The cat seemed perfectly to understand what had taken
place, and, refusing to leave the room, seated herself on the bed where
they lay, in most evident sorrow.  When the bodies of the young girls
were placed in their small coffins, she continued to move backwards and
forwards from one to the other, uttering low and melancholy sounds.
Nothing could induce her all the time to take food, and soon after the
interment of her fond playmates she lay down and passed away from life.

This account, given by the mother of the children, makes me quite ready
to believe in the truth of similar anecdotes.

Tender affection is like a beautiful flower: it needs cultivation.  As
cold winds and pelting showers injure the fair blossoms, so passionate
temper, sullen behaviour, or misconduct, will destroy the love which
should exist between brothers and sisters, and those whose lot is cast
together.  Cherish affectionate feelings in your hearts.  Be kind and
gentle to all around, and your friends will love you more even than the
cat I have told you about loved her mistresses.

THE CAT WHICH DIED OF GRIEF.

A lady in France possessed a cat which exhibited great affection for
her.  She accompanied her everywhere, and when she sat down always lay
at her feet.  From no other hands than those of her mistress would she
take food, nor would she allow any one else to fondle her.

The lady kept a number of tame birds; but the cat, though she would
willingly have caught and eaten strange birds, never injured one of
them.

At last the lady fell ill, when nothing could induce the cat to leave
her chamber; and on her death, the attendants had to carry away the poor
animal by force.  The next morning, however, she was found in the room
of death, creeping slowly about, and mewing piteously.  After the
funeral, the faithful cat made her escape from the house, and was at
length discovered stretched out lifeless above the grave of her
mistress, having evidently died of a broken heart.

The instances I have given--and I might give many more--prove the strong
affection of which cats are capable, and show that they are well
deserving of kind treatment.  When we see them catch birds and mice, we
must remember that it is their nature to do so, as in their wild state
they have no other means of obtaining food.

THE CAT AND THE CANARY.

Animals of a very different character often form curious friendships.
What do you think of the cat which of her own accord became the
protector of a pet canary, instead of eating it up?

The cat and the bird belonged to the mother-in-law of Mrs Lee, who has
given us many delightful anecdotes of animals.  The canary was allowed
to fly about the room when the cat was shut out; but one day their
mistress, lifting her head from her work, saw that the cat had by some
means got in; and, to her amazement, there was the canary perched
fearlessly on the back of Pussy, who seemed highly pleased with the
confidence placed in her.  By the silent language with which animals
communicate their ideas to each other, she had been able to make the
canary understand that she would not hurt it.

After this, the two were allowed to be constantly together, to their
mutual satisfaction.  One morning, however, as they were in the bed-room
of their mistress, what was her dismay to see the trustworthy cat, as
she had supposed her, after uttering a feline growl, seize the canary in
her mouth, and leap with her into the bed.  There she stood, her tail
stiffened out, her hair bristling, and her eyes glaring fiercely.  The
fate of the poor canary appeared sealed; but just then the lady caught
sight of a strange cat creeping cautiously through the open doorway.
The intruder was quickly driven away, when faithful Puss deposited her
feathered friend on the bed, in no way injured--she having thus seized
it to save it from the fangs of the stranger.

Confidence begets confidence; but be very sure that the person on whom
you bestow yours is worthy of it.  If not, you will not be as fortunate
as the canary was with its feline friend.

Your truest confidants, in most cases, are your own parents.

THE CAT AND THE FROG.

I have an instance of a still stranger friendship to mention.  The
servants of a country-house--and I am sure that they were kind people--
had enticed a frog from its hole by giving it food.  As winter drew on,
Froggy every evening made its way to the kitchen hearth before a blazing
fire, which it found much more comfortable than its own dark abode out
in the yard.  Another occupant of the hearth was a favourite old cat,
which at first, I daresay, looked down on the odd little creature with
some contempt, but was too well bred to disturb an invited guest.  At
length, however, the two came to a mutual understanding; the kind heart
of Pussy warming towards poor chilly little Froggy, whom she now invited
to come and nestle under her cozy fur.  From that time forward, as soon
as Froggy came out of its hole, it hopped fearlessly towards the old
cat, who constituted herself its protector, and would allow no one to
disturb it.

Imitate the kind cat, and be kind to the most humble, however odd their
looks.  Sometimes at school and elsewhere you may find some friendless
little fellow.  Prove his protector.  Be not less benevolent than a cat.

THE CAT AND HER DEAD KITTEN.

That cats expect those to whom they are attached to sympathise with them
in their sorrow, is shown by an affecting story told by Dr Good, the
author of the "Book of Nature."

He had a cat which used to sit at his elbow hour after hour while he was
writing, watching his hand moving over the paper.  At length Pussy had a
kitten to take care of, when she became less constant in her attendance
on her master.  One morning, however, she entered the room, and leaping
on the table, began to rub her furry side against his hand and pen, to
attract his attention.  He, supposing that she wished to be let out,
opened the door; but instead of running forward, she turned round and
looked earnestly at him, as though she had something to communicate.
Being very busy, he shut the door upon her, and resumed his writing.  In
less than an hour, the door having been opened again, he felt her
rubbing against his feet; when, on looking down, he saw that she had
placed close to them the dead body of her kitten, which had been
accidentally killed, and which she had brought evidently that her kind
master might mourn with her at her loss.  She seemed satisfied when she
saw him with the dead kitten in his hand, making inquiries as to how it
had been killed; and when it was buried, believing that her master
shared her sorrow, she gradually took comfort, and resumed her station
at his side.  Observe how, in her sorrow, Pussy went to her best friend
for sympathy.  Your best earthly friends are your parents.  Do not
hesitate to tell them your griefs; and you will realise that it is their
joy and comfort to sympathise with you in all your troubles, little or
great, and to try to relieve them.

THE KITTEN AND THE CHICKENS.

Kittens, especially if deprived of their natural protectors, seem to
long for the friendship of other beings, and will often roam about till
they find a person in whom they think they may confide.  Sometimes they
make a curious choice.  A kitten born on the roof of an out-house was by
an accident deprived of its mother and brethren.  It evaded all attempts
to catch it, though food was put within its reach.  Just below where it
lived, a brood of chickens were constantly running about; and at length,
growing weary of solitude, it thought that it would like to have such
lively little playmates.  So down it scrambled, and timidly crept
towards them.  Finding that they were not likely to do it harm, it lay
down among them.  The chickens seemed to know that it was too young to
hurt them.

It now followed them wherever they moved to pick up their food.  In a
short time a perfect understanding was established between the kitten
and the fowls, who appeared especially proud of their new friend.  The
kitten, discovering this, assumed the post of leader, and used to
conduct them about the grounds, amusing itself at their expense.
Sometimes it would catch hold of their feet, as if going to bite them,
when they would peck at it in return.  At others it would hide behind a
bush, and then springing out into their midst, purr and rub itself
against their sides.  One pullet was its especial favourite; it
accompanied her every day to her nest under the boards of an out-house,
and would then lie down outside, as if to watch over her.  When she
returned to the other fowls, it would follow, setting up its tail, and
purring at her.

When other chickens were born, it transferred its interest to them,
taking each fresh brood under its protection--the parent hen appearing
in no way alarmed at having so unusual a nurse for her young ones.

Be as sensible as the little kitten.  Don't stand on your dignity, or
keep upon the roof, in a fit of the sulks; but jump down, and shake such
feelings off with a game of good-natured play.

THE CAT AND THE PIGEON.

Similar affection for one of the feathered race was shown by a cat which
was rearing several kittens.

In another part of the loft a pigeon had built her nest; but her eggs
and young having been frequently destroyed by rats, it seemed to occur
to her that she should be in safer quarters near the cat.  Pussy,
pleased with the confidence placed in her, invited the pigeon to remain
near her, and a strong friendship was established between the two.  They
fed out of the same dish; and when Pussy was absent, the pigeon, in
return for the protection afforded her against the rats, constituted
herself the defender of the kittens--and on any person approaching
nearer than she liked, she would fly out and attack them with beak and
wings, in the hope of driving them away from her young charges.
Frequently, too, after this, when neither the kittens nor her own brood
required her care, and the cat went out about the garden or fields, the
pigeon might be seen fluttering close by her, for the sake of her
society.

Help and protect one another in all right things, as did the cat and the
pigeon, whatever your respective ages or stations in life.  The big boy
or girl may be able to assist and protect the little ones, who may
render many a service in return.

THE CAT AND THE LEVERET.

Cats exhibit their affectionate nature in a variety of ways.  If
deprived of their kittens, they have a yearning for the care of some
other young creatures, which they will gratify when possible.

A cat had been cruelly deprived of all her kittens.  She was seen going
about mewing disconsolately for her young ones.  Her owner received
about the same time a leveret, which he hoped to tame by feeding it with
a spoon.  One morning, however, the leveret was missing, and as it could
nowhere be discovered, it was supposed to have been carried off and
killed by some strange cat or dog.  A fortnight had elapsed, when, as
the gentleman was seated in his garden, in the dusk of the evening, he
observed his cat, with tail erect, trotting towards him, purring and
calling in the way cats do to their kittens.  Behind her came,
gambolling merrily, and with perfect confidence, a little leveret,--the
very one, it was now seen, which had disappeared.  Pussy, deprived of
her kittens, had carried it off and brought it up instead, bestowing on
it the affection of her maternal heart.

It is your blessed privilege to have hearts to feel the greatest
enjoyment in tender love for others.  See that you keep that love in
constant exercise, or, like others of our best gifts, it may grow dull
by disuse or abuse.  The time may come when, deprived of your parents or
brothers and sisters, you will bitterly mourn the sorrow you have caused
by your evil temper or neglect.

THE CAT AND THE PUPPIES.

I have a longer story than the last to tell, of a cat which undertook
the nursing of some puppies while she already had some kittens of her
own.  It happened that her mistress possessed a valuable little black
spaniel, which had a litter of five puppies.  As these were too many for
the spaniel to bring up, and the mistress was anxious to have them all
preserved, it was proposed that they should be brought up by hand.  The
cook, to whom the proposal was made, suggested that this would be a
difficult undertaking; but as the cat had lately kittened, some of the
puppies might be given to her to bring up.  Two of the kittens were
accordingly taken away, and the same number of puppies substituted.
What Puss thought of the matter has not transpired, or whether even she
discovered the trick that had been played her; but be that as it may,
she immediately began to bestow the same care on the little changelings
that she had done on her own offspring, and in a fortnight they were as
forward and playful as kittens would have been, gambolling about, and
barking lustily--while the three puppies nursed by their own mother were
whining and rolling about in the most helpless fashion.

Puss had proved a better nurse than the little spaniel.  She gave them
her tail to play with, and kept them always in motion and amused, so
that they ate meat, and were strong enough to be removed and to take
care of themselves, long before their brothers and sisters.

On their being taken away from her, their poor nurse showed her sorrow,
and went prowling about the house, looking for them in every direction.
At length she caught sight of the spaniel and the three remaining
puppies.  Instantly up went her back; her bristles stood erect, and her
eyes glared fiercely at the little dog, which she supposed had carried
off her young charges.

"Ho, ho! you vile thief, who have ventured to rob me of my young ones; I
have found you at last!" she exclaimed--at least, she thought as much,
if she did not say it.  The spaniel barked defiance, answering--"They
are my own puppies; you know they are as unlike as possible to your
little, tiresome, frisky mewlings."

"I tell you I know them to be mine," cried Puss, spitting and hissing;
"I mean to recover my own."  And before the spaniel knew what was going
to happen, Puss sprang forward, seized one of the puppies, and carried
it off to her own bed in another part of the premises.

Not content with this success, as soon as she had safely deposited the
puppy in her home, she returned to the abode of the spaniel.  This time
she simply dashed forward, as if she had made up her mind what to do,
knocked over the spaniel with her paw, seized another puppy in her
mouth, and carrying it off, placed it alongside the first she had
captured.  She was now content.  Two puppies she had lost, two she had
obtained.  Whether or not she thought them the same which had been taken
from her, it is difficult to say.  At all events, she nursed the two
latter with the same tender care as the first.

Copy playful Pussy, when you have charge of little children.  They enjoy
games of romps as much as young puppies do, and will be far happier, and
thrive better, than when compelled to loll about by themselves, while
you sit at your book or work in silent dignity and indifference to their
requirements, however fond you may be of them--as was, I daresay, the
mother spaniel of her pups.

THE CAT AND THE BURGLARS.

No stronger evidence of the sagacity of the cat is to be found than an
instance narrated to me by my friend, Mrs F--, and for which I can
vouch.

A lady, Miss P--, who was a governess in her family, had previously held
the same position in that of Lord --, in Ireland.  While there a cat
became very strongly attached to her.  Though allowed to enter the
school-room and dining-room, where she was fed and petted, the animal
never came into the lady's bed-room; nor was she, indeed, accustomed to
go into that part of the house at any time.

One night, however, after retiring to rest, Miss P--was disturbed by the
gentle but incessant mewing of the cat at her bed-room door.  At first
she was not inclined to pay attention to the cat's behaviour, but the
perseverance of the animal, and a peculiarity in the tones of her voice,
at length induced her to open the door.  The cat, on this, bounded
forward, and circled round her rapidly, looking up in her face, mewing
expressively.  Miss P--, thinking that the cat had only taken a fancy to
pay her a visit, refastened the door, intending to let her remain in the
room; but this did not appear to please Pussy at all.  She sprang back
to the door, mewing more loudly than before; then she came again to the
lady, and then went to the door, as if asking her to follow.

"What is it you want?" exclaimed Miss P--.  "Well, go away, if you do
not wish to stay!" and she opened the door; but the cat, instead of
going, recommenced running to and fro between the door and her friend,
continuing to mew as she looked up into her face.

Miss P--'s attention was now attracted by a peculiar noise, as if
proceeding from the outside of one of the windows on the ground-floor.
A few moments more convinced her that some persons were attempting to
force an entrance.

Instantly throwing a shawl around her, she hurried along the passage,
the cat gliding by her side, purring now in evident contentment, to Lord
--'s bed-room door, where her knock was quickly answered, and an
explanation given.

The household was soon aroused; bells were rung, lights flitted about,
servants hurried here and there; and persons watching from the windows
distinctly saw several men making off with all speed, and scrambling
over an adjacent wall.

It was undoubtedly owing to the sagacity of the cat that the mansion was
preserved from midnight robbery, and the inmates probably from some
fearful outrage.  She must have reasoned that the intruders had no
business there; whilst her reason and affection combined induced her to
warn her best friend of the threatened danger.  She may have feared,
also, that any one else in the house would have driven her heedlessly
away.

My dear reader, may we not believe that this reasoning power was given
to the dumb animal for the protection of the family against evil-doers?
I might give you many instances of beneficent purposes being carried out
by equally simple and apparently humble agencies.

Let us, then, learn always to treat dumb animals with kindness and
consideration, since they are so often given to us as companions for our
benefit.  Like the cat, you may by vigilance be of essential service to
others more powerful than yourself.  For the same reason, never despise
the good-will or warnings of even the most humble.

THE CAT WHICH RANG THE BELL.

I have heard of another cat, who, had she lived in Lord --'s house when
attacked by robbers, might very speedily have aroused the family.

This cat, however, lived in a nunnery in France.  She had observed that
when a certain bell was rung, all the inmates assembled for their meals,
when she also received her food.

One day she was shut up in a room by herself when she heard the bell
ring.  In vain she attempted to get out; she could not open the door,
the window was too high to reach.  At length, after some hours'
imprisonment, the door was opened.  Off she hurried to the place where
she expected to find her dinner, but none was there.  She was very
hungry, and hunger is said to sharpen the wits.  She knew where the rope
hung which pulled the bell in the belfry.  "Now, when that bell rings I
generally get my supper," she thought, as she ran towards the rope.  It
hung down temptingly within her reach--a good thick rope.  She sprang
upon it.  It gave a pleasant tinkle.  She jerked harder and harder, and
the bell rang louder and louder.  "Now I shall get my supper, though I
have lost my dinner," she thought as she pulled away.

The nuns hearing the bell ring at so unusual an hour, came hurrying into
the belfry, wondering what was the matter, when what was their surprise
to see the cat turned bell-ringer!  They puzzled their heads for some
time, till the lay sister who generally gave the cat her meals
recollected that she had not been present at dinner-time; and thus the
mystery was solved, and Pussy rewarded for her exertions by having her
supper brought to her without delay.

Instead of sitting down and crying when in a difficulty, think, like
sensible Pussy, of the best way to get out of it.  In lieu of wringing
your hands, ring the bell.

THE AFFECTIONATE CAT THAT COULD MEASURE TIME.

The last story reminds me of Mrs F--'s account of the cat and the
knocker.  That same intelligent little cat was also one of the most
affectionate of her race.  Her young mistress used to go to school for a
few hours daily in the neighbouring town.  Pussy would every morning
sally forth with her, and bound along beside her pony as far as the
gate, then going quietly back to the house.  Regularly, however, at the
time the little girl was expected to return, the faithful pet might be
seen watching about the door; and if Missy were delayed longer than
usual, would extend her walk to the gate, there awaiting her approach,
and evincing her delight by joyful gambols as soon as she descried her
coming along the road.  Pussy would then hurry back to the house-door,
that she might give notice of her young mistress's return, and the
moment she alighted would welcome her with happy purrings and caresses.

Endeavour to be as regular in all your ways as my friend's cat.  Never
keep your friends waiting for you, but rather wait for them.  Show your
affection and wish to please in this as in other ways.  Thank Pussy for
the excellent example she has set you.

THE CAT AND THE PRISONER.

While speaking of the affection of cats, I must not forget to mention a
notable example of it shown by the favourite cat of a young nobleman in
the days of Queen Elizabeth.

For some political offence he had been shut up in prison, and had long
pined in solitude, when he was startled by hearing a slight noise in the
chimney.  On looking up, great was his surprise and delight to see his
favourite cat bound over the hearth towards him, purring joyfully at the
meeting.  She had probably been shut up for some time before she had
made her escape, and then she must have sought her master, traversing
miles of steep and slippery roofs, along dangerous parapets, and through
forests of chimney-stacks, urged on by the strength of her attachment,
and guided by a mysterious instinct, till she discovered the funnel
which led into his prison chamber.

Certainly it was not by chance she made the discovery, nor was it
exactly reason that conducted her to the spot.  By whatever means she
found it, we must regard the affectionate little creature as the very
"Blondel of cats."

Never spare trouble or exertion to serve a friend, or to please those
you are bound to please.  Remember the prisoner's cat.

THE CAT AND THE HAWK.

Cats often show great courage, especially in defence of their young.

A cat had led her kittens out into the sunshine, and while they were
frisking around her they were espied by a hawk soaring overhead.  Down
pounced the bird of prey and seized one in his talons.  Encumbered by
the weight of the fat little creature, he was unable to rise again
before the mother cat had discovered what had occurred.  With a bound
she fiercely attacked the marauder, and compelled him to drop her kitten
in order to defend himself.  A regular combat now commenced, the hawk
fighting with beak and talons, and rising occasionally on his wings.  It
seemed likely that he would thus gain the victory; still more when he
struck his sharp beak into one of Pussy's eyes, while he tore her ears
into shreds with his talons.  At length, however, she managed what had
been from the first her aim--to break one of her adversary's wings.  She
now sprang on him with renewed fury, and seizing him by the neck,
quickly tore off his head.  This done, regardless of her own sufferings,
she began to lick the bleeding wounds of her kitten, and then, calling
to its brothers and sisters, she carried it back to their secure home.

You will find many hawks with which you must do battle.  The fiercest
and most dangerous are those you must encounter every day.  Huge
dark-winged birds of prey--passionate temper, hatred, discontent,
jealousy;--an ugly list, I will not go on with it.  Fight against them
as bravely as Pussy fought with the hawk which tried to carry off her
kitten.

THE BENEVOLENT CAT.

That we must attribute to cats the estimable virtue of benevolence, Mrs
F--gives me two anecdotes to prove.

A lady in the south of Ireland having lost a pet cat, and searched for
it in vain, after four days was delighted to hear that it had returned.
Hastening to welcome the truant with a wassail-bowl of warm milk in the
kitchen, she observed another cat skulking with the timidity of an
uninvited guest in an obscure corner.  The pet cat received the caresses
of its mistress with its usual pleasure, but, though it circled round
the bowl of milk with grateful purrings, it declined to drink, going up
to the stranger instead, whom, with varied mewings, "like man's own
speech," it prevailed on to quit the shadowy background and approach the
tempting food.  At length both came up to the bowl, when the thirsty
stranger feasted to its full satisfaction, while the cat of the house
stood by in evident satisfaction watching its guest; and not until it
would take no more could the host be persuaded to wet its whiskers in
the tempting beverage.

Ever think of others before yourself.  Attend first to their wants.  Do
not be outdone in true courtesy by a cat.

THE CAT AND HER MANY GUESTS.

Mrs F--vouches for the following account, showing the hospitable
disposition of cats.  It was given to her by a clergyman, who had it
direct from a friend.

A gentleman in Australia had a pet cat to which he daily gave a plate of
viands with his own hands.  The allowance was liberal, and there was
always a remainder; but after some time the gentleman perceived that
another cat came to share the repast.  Finding that this occurred for
several consecutive days, he increased the allowance.  It was then found
to be too much for two; there was again a residue for several days, when
a third cat was brought in to share the feast.  Amused at this
proceeding, the gentleman now began to experiment, and again increased
the daily dole of food.  A fourth guest now appeared; and he continued
adding gradually to the allowance of viands, and found that the number
of feline guests also progressively increased, until about thirty were
assembled; after which no further additions took place, so that he
concluded that all those who lived within _visiting distance_ were
included: indeed, the wonder was that so many could assemble, as the
district he lived in was far from populous.

The stranger cats always decorously departed after dinner was over,
leaving their hospitable entertainer, no doubt, with such grateful
demonstrations as might be dictated by the feline code of etiquette.

Ask yourselves if you are always as anxious as was the Australian cat to
invite your companions to enjoy with you the good things you have given
you by kind friends.  Ah! what an important lesson we may learn from
this anecdote: always to think of others before ourselves.  When young
friends visit you, do you try your utmost to entertain them, thinking of
their comfort before your own?  Such is the lesson taught us by this
cat, which gathered others of her kind to share the bounties provided by
her kind master.

THE DISHONEST CAT.

I am sorry to say that cats are not always so amiable as those I have
described, but will occasionally play all sorts of tricks, like some
dishonest boys and girls, to obtain what they want.

An Angora cat, which lived in a large establishment in France, had
discovered that when a certain bell rang the cook always left the
kitchen.  Numerous niceties were scattered about, some on the tables and
dressers, others before the fire.  Pussy crept towards them, and tasted
them; they exactly suited her palate.  When she heard the cook's step
returning, off she ran to a corner and pretended to be sleeping soundly.
How she longed that the bell would ring again!

At last, like another cat I have mentioned, she thought that she would
try to ring it herself, and get cook out of the way; she could resist
her longing for those sweet creams no longer.  Off she crept, jumped up
at the bell-rope, and succeeded in sounding the bell.  Away hurried cook
to answer it.  The coast was now clear, and Pussy revelled in the
delicacies left unguarded--being out of the kitchen, or apparently
asleep in her corner, before cook returned.

This trick continued to answer Pussy's object for some time, the cook
wondering what had become of her tarts and creams, till a watch was
wisely set to discover the thief, when the dishonest though sagacious
cat was seen to pull the bell, and then, when cook went out, to steal
into the kitchen and feast at her leisure.

There is a proverb--which pray condemn as a bad one, because the motive
offered is wrong--that "honesty is the best policy."  Rather say, "Be
honest because it is right."  Pussy, with her manoeuvres to steal the
creams, thought herself very clever, but she was found out.

PUSSY AND THE CREAM-JUG.

I must now tell you of another cat which was a sad thief, and showed a
considerable amount of sagacity in obtaining what she wanted.  One day
she found a cream-jug on the breakfast-table, full of cream.  It was
tall, and had a narrow mouth.  She longed for the nice rich contents,
but could not reach the cream even with her tongue; if she upset the
jug, her theft would be discovered.  At last she thought to herself, "I
may put in my paw, though I cannot get in my head, and some of that nice
stuff will stick to it."

She made the experiment, and found it answer.  Licking her paw as often
as she drew it out, she soon emptied the jug, so that when the family
came down they had no cream for breakfast.  A few drops on the
table-cloth, however, showed how it had been stolen--Pussy, like human
beings who commit dishonest actions, not being quite so clever as she
probably thought herself.

THE REVENGEFUL CAT.

Cats often show that they possess some of the vices as well as some of
the virtues of human beings.  The tom-cat is frequently fierce,
treacherous, and vindictive, and at no time can his humour be crossed
with impunity.  Mrs F--mentions several instances of this.

A person she knew in the south of Ireland had severely chastised his cat
for some misdemeanour, when the creature immediately ran off and could
not be found.  Some days afterwards, as this person was going from home,
what should he see in the centre of a narrow path between walls but his
cat, with its back up, its eyeballs glaring, and a wicked expression in
its countenance.  Expecting to frighten off the creature, he slashed at
it with his handkerchief, when it sprang at him with a fierce hiss, and,
seizing his hand in its mouth, held on so tightly that he was unable to
beat it off.  He hastened home, nearly fainting with the agony he
endured, and not till the creature's body was cut from the head could
the mangled hand be extricated.

An Irish gentleman had an only son, quite a little boy, who, being
without playmates, was allowed to have a number of cats sleeping in his
room.  One day the boy beat the father of the family for some offence,
and when he was asleep at night the revengeful beast seized him by the
throat, and might have killed him had not instant help been at hand.
The cat sprang from the window and was no more seen.

If you are always gentle and kind, you will never arouse anger or
revenge.  It may be aroused in the breast of the most harmless-looking
creatures and the most contemptible.  Your motive, however, for acting
gently and lovingly should be, not fear of the consequences of a
contrary behaviour, but that the former is right.

CHAPTER TWO.

DOGS.

We now come to the noble Dog, indued by the Creator with qualities which
especially fit him to be the companion of man.  Such he is in all parts
of the world; and although wild dogs exist, they appear, like savage
human beings, to have retrograded from a state of civilisation.  The
mongrels and curs, too, have evidently deteriorated, and lost the
characteristic traits of their nobler ancestors.

What staunch fidelity, what affection, what courage, what devotion and
generosity does the dog exhibit!  Judged by the anecdotes I am about to
narrate of him--a few only of the numberless instances recorded of his
wonderful powers of mind--he must, I think, be considered the most
sagacious of all animals, the mighty elephant not excepted.

THE DOG ROSSWELL.

I will begin with some anecdotes which I am myself able to authenticate.

Foremost must stand the noble Rosswell, who belonged to some connections
of mine.  He was of great size--a giant of the canine race--of a brown
and white colour, one of his parents having seen the light in the frozen
regions of Greenland, among the Esquimaux.

Rosswell, though a great favourite, being too large to be fed in the
house, had his breakfast, consisting of porridge, in a large wooden bowl
with a handle, sent out to him every morning, and placed close to a
circular shrubbery before the house.  Directly it arrived, he would
cautiously put his nose to the bowl, and if, as was generally the case,
the contents were too hot for his taste, he would take it up by the
handle and walk with it round the shrubbery at a dignified pace, putting
it down again at the same spot.  He would then try the porridge once
more, and if it were still too hot he would again take up the bowl and
walk round and round as before, till he was satisfied that the
superabundant caloric had been dissipated, when, putting it down, he
would leisurely partake of his meal.

Everything he did was in the same methodical, civilised fashion.  One of
the ladies of the family had dropped a valuable bracelet during a walk.
In the evening Rosswell entered the house and proceeded straight up to
her with his mouth firmly closed.  "What have you got there?" she asked,
when he at once opened his huge mouth and revealed the missing bracelet.

The same lady was fond of birds, and had several young ones brought to
her from time to time to tame.  Rosswell must have observed this.  One
day he appeared again with his mouth closed, and came up to her.  On
opening his jaws, which he allowed her to do, what was her surprise to
see within them a little bird, perfectly unhurt!  After this he very
frequently brought her birds in his mouth, which he had caught without
in any way injuring them.

He had another strange fancy.  It was to catch hedgehogs; but, instead
of killing them, he invariably brought them into the house and placed
them before the kitchen fire--supposing, apparently, that they enjoyed
its warmth.

With two of the ladies of the family he was a great favourite, and used
to romp with them to his heart's content.  The youngest, however, being
of a timid disposition, could never get over a certain amount of terror
with which his first appearance had inspired her.

At length Rosswell disappeared.  Although inquiries were everywhere made
for him he could not be found.  It was suspected that he had been
stolen, with the connivance of one of the domestics, who owed him a
grudge.  Weeks passed away, and all hope of recovering Rosswell had been
abandoned, when one day he rushed into the house, looking lean and
gaunt, with a broken piece of rope hanging to his neck, showing that he
had been kept "in durance vile," and had only just broken his bonds.
The two elder sisters he greeted with the most exuberant marks of
affection, leaping up and trying to lick their faces; but directly the
youngest appeared he slowly crept forward, lay down at her feet, wagging
his tail, and glancing up at her countenance with an unmistakably gentle
look.

Rosswell, not without provocation, had taken a dislike to a little dog
belonging to Captain --; and at last, having been annoyed beyond
endurance, he gave the small cur a bite which sent it yelping away.
Captain--was passing at the time, and, angry at the treatment his dog
had received, declared that he would shoot Rosswell if it ever happened
again.  Knowing that Captain--would certainly fulfil his threat, the
elder lady, who was of determined character, and instigated by regard
for Rosswell, called the dog to her, and began belabouring him with a
stout stick, pronouncing the name of the little dog all the time.
Rosswell received the castigation with the utmost humility; and from
that day forward avoided the little dog, never retaliating when annoyed,
and hanging down his head when its name was mentioned.

Rosswell had a remarkable liking for sugar-plums, and would at all times
prefer a handful to a piece of meat.  If, however, a pile of them were
placed between his paws, and he was told that they were for baby, he
would not touch them, but watch with wagging tail while the little
fellow picked them up.  He might probably have objected had any one else
attempted to take them away.

Gallant Rosswell!--he fell a victim at length to the wicked hatred of
his old enemy the cook, who mixed poison with his food, which destroyed
his life.

Rosswell's mistresses mourned for him, as I daresay you will; but they
did not seek to punish the wicked woman as she deserved.

What a noble fellow he was, how submissive under castigation, how gentle
when he saw that his boisterous behaviour frightened his youngest
mistress, how obedient to command, how strict in the performance of his
duty!  And what self-restraint did he exercise!  Think of him with
baby's sugar-plums between his paws--not one would he touch.

My reader, let me ask you one question: Are you as firm in resisting
temptation as was gallant Rosswell?  He acted rightly through instinct;
but you have the power to discern between good and evil, aided by the
counsels of your kind friends.  Do not shame the teaching of your
parents by acting in any manner unworthy of yourself.

Tyrol, the Dog which rang the Bell.

I have told you of several cats which rang bells.  Another connection of
mine, living in the Highlands, had a dog called Tyrol.  He had been
taught to do all sorts of things.  Among others, to fetch his master's
slippers at bed-time; and when told that fresh peat was required for the
fire, away he would go to the peat-basket and bring piece after piece,
till a sufficient quantity had been piled up.

He had also learned to pull the bell-rope to summon the servant.  This
he could easily accomplish at his own home, where the rope was
sufficiently long for him to reach; but on one occasion he accompanied
his master on a visit to a friend's house, where he was desired to
exhibit his various accomplishments.  When told to ring the bell, he
made several attempts in vain.  The end of the rope was too high up for
him to reach.  At length, what was the surprise of all present to see
him seize a chair by the leg, and pull it up to the wall, when, jumping
up, he gave the rope a hearty tug, evidently very much to his own
satisfaction.

You will generally find that, difficult as a task may seem, if you seek
for the right means you may accomplish it.  Drag the chair up to the
bell-rope which you cannot otherwise reach.

THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND THE LOST CHILD.

I am sorry that I do not know the name of a certain shepherd's dog, but
which deserves to be recorded in letters of gold.

His master, who had charge of a flock which fed among the Grampian
Hills, set out from home one day accompanied by his little boy, scarcely
more than four years old.  The children of Scottish shepherds begin
learning their future duties at an early age.  The day, bright at first,
passed on, when a thick mist began to rise, shrouding the surrounding
country.  The shepherd, seeing this, hurried onward to collect his
scattered flock, calling his dog to his assistance, and leaving his
little boy at a spot where he believed that he should easily find him
again.  The fog grew thicker and thicker; and so far had the flock
rambled, that some time passed before they could be collected together.

On his return to look for his child, the darkness had increased so much
that he could not discover him.  The anxious father wandered on, calling
on his child--but no answer came; his dog, too, had disappeared.  He had
himself lost his way.  At length the moon rose, when he discovered that
he was not far from his own cottage.  He hastened towards it, hoping
that the child had reached it before him; but the little boy had not
appeared, nor had the dog been seen.  The agony of the parents can be
better imagined than described.  No torches were to be procured, and the
shepherd had to wait till daylight ere he could set out with a companion
or two to assist him in his search.  All day he searched in vain.  On
his return, sick at heart, at nightfall, he heard that his dog had
appeared during the day, received his accustomed meal of a bannock, and
then scampered off at full speed across the moor, being out of sight
before any one could follow him.

All night long the father waited, expecting the dog to return; but the
animal not appearing, he again, as soon as it was daylight, set off on
his search.  During his absence, the dog hurried up to the cottage, as
on the previous day, and went off again immediately he had received his
bannock.

At last, after this had occurred on two more successive days, the
shepherd resolved to remain at home till his dog should appear, and then
to follow him.

The sagacious animal appearing as before, at once understood his
master's purpose, and instead of scampering off at full speed, kept in
sight as he led the way across the moor.  It was then seen that he held
in his mouth the larger portion of the cake which had been given him.
The dog conducted the shepherd to a cataract which fell roaring and
foaming amid rocks into a ravine far down below.  Descending an almost
perpendicular cliff, the dog entered a cavern, close in front of which
the seething torrent passed.  The shepherd with great difficulty made
his way to it, when, as he reached the entrance, he saw his child,
unhurt, seated on the ground eating the cake brought by the dog, who
stood watching his young charge thus occupied, with a proud
consciousness of the important duty he had undertaken.

The father, embracing his child, carried him up the steep ascent, down
which it appeared he had scrambled in the dark, happily reaching the
cave.  This he had been afraid to quit on account of the torrent; and
here the dog by his scent had traced him, remaining with him night and
day, till, conscious that food was as necessary for the child as for
himself, he had gone home to procure him some of his own allowance.

Thus the faithful animal had, by a wonderful exercise of his reasoning
power, preserved the child's life.

MY DOG ALP.

A dear friend gave me, many years ago, a rough, white terrier puppy,
which I called Alp.  I fed him with my own hand from the first, and he
consequently evinced the warmest attachment to me.  No animal could be
more obedient; and he seemed to watch my every look to ascertain what I
wished him to do.

The expression of his countenance showed his intelligence; and whenever
I talked to him he seemed to be making the most strenuous efforts to
reply, twisting about his lips in a fashion which often made me burst
into a fit of laughter, when he would give a curious bark of delight, as
much as to say,--"Ay, I can utter as meaning a sound as that."

I felt very sure that no burglar would venture into the house while he
was on the watch.

I never beat him in his life; but once I pretended to do so, with a
hollow reed which happened to be in the room, on his persisting,
contrary to my orders, in lying down on the rug before the fire whenever
my back was turned.  As I was about to leave the room, I placed the reed
on the rug, and admonished him to be careful.  On my return, some time
afterwards, I found the reed torn up into the most minute shreds.  On
looking round, I saw Alp in the furthest corner of the room, twisting
his mouth, wriggling about, and wagging his tail, while every now and
then he turned furtive glances towards the rug, telling me as plainly as
if he could speak,--"I could not resist the temptation--I did it, I
own--but don't be angry with me.  You see I have now got as far away
from the rug as I could be."  Alp, seeing me laugh, rushed from his
corner to lick my hand.  He ever afterwards, however, avoided the rug.

For his size, he was the best swimmer and diver among dogs I ever saw.
He would, without hesitation, plunge into water six or eight feet deep,
and bring up a stone from the bottom almost as big as his head, or dash
forth from the sea-beach and boldly breast the foaming billows of the
Atlantic.

After seeing what Alp did do, and feeling sure of what he could have
done had circumstances called forth his powers, I am ready to believe
the accounts I have heard of the wonderful performances of others of his
race.

A young Newfoundland dog, living in Glasgow a few years ago, acted,
under similar circumstances, very much as Alp did.  As he sometimes
misbehaved himself, a whip was kept near him, which was occasionally
applied to his back.  He naturally took a dislike to this article, and
more than once was found with it in his mouth, moving slyly towards the
door.

Being shut up at night in the house to watch it, he in his rounds
discovered the detested instrument of punishment.  To get rid of it, he
attempted to thrust it under the door.  It stuck fast, however, by the
thick end.  A few nights afterwards he again got hold of the whip, and
persevered till he shoved through the thick end, when some one passing
by carried it off.  On being questioned as to what had become of the
whip, he betrayed his guilt by his looks, and slunk away with his tail
between his legs.

THE DOG AND THE THIEF.

A gentleman who lived near Stirling, possessed a powerful mastiff.  One
evening, as he was going his rounds through the grounds, he observed a
man with a sack on his back suspiciously proceeding towards the orchard.
The dog followed, crouching down while the man filled his sack with
apples.  The dog waited till the thief had thrown the heavy sack over
his shoulders, holding on to the mouth with both hands.  When the man
was thus unable to defend himself, the dog rushed forward and stood in
front of him, barking loudly for assistance, and leaving him the option
of dropping his plunder and fighting for life and liberty, or of being
captured.  Paralysed with fear, he stood still, till the servants coming
from the house made him prisoner.

Be calm and cool in the face of a foe--remonstrate with a wrong-doer--
fly from tempters; but you cannot be too eager and violent in attacking
temptation immediately it presents itself.

THE CLEANLY DOG.

A friend told me of another dog, which had been taught habits of
cleanliness that some young gentlemen, accustomed to enter the
drawing-room with dirty shoes, might advantageously imitate.  A shallow
tub of water was placed in the hall, near the front door.  Whenever this
well-behaved dog came into the house, if the roads were muddy from rain,
or dusty from dry weather, he used to run to the tub and wash his feet--
drying them, it is to be presumed, on the door-mat--before venturing
into any of the sitting-rooms to which he had admission.

MASTER ROUGH.

Having mentioned this cleanly dog, I must next introduce to you a canine
friend, called Master Rough, belonging to my kind next-door neighbours;
and I think you will acknowledge that he surpasses the other in the
propriety of his behaviour.

Master Rough is very small, and his name describes his appearance.  As I
hear his voice, I might suppose him to be somewhat ill-natured, did I
not know that his bark is worse than his bite.  He is only indignant at
being told by his mistress to do something he dislikes; but he does it
notwithstanding, though he has, it must be confessed, a will of his own,
like some young folks.  He does not often soil his dainty feet by going
out into the muddy road; but when he does, on his return he carefully
wipes them on the door-mat.

At meal-times he goes to a cupboard, in which is kept a bowl and napkin
for his especial use.  The napkin he first spreads on the carpet, and
then placing the bowl in the centre, barks to give notice that his table
is ready.  After this, he sits down and waits patiently till his dinner
is put into the bowl, on which he falls to and gobbles it up,--the
table-cloth preventing any of the bits which tumble over from soiling
the carpet.  It has been asserted that he wipes his mouth afterwards in
the napkin; but I suspect that he is merely picking up the bits outside.
I am sorry to say that he forgets to fold up his table-cloth neatly and
to put it away, which he certainly should do; nor can he be persuaded to
wash out his bowl, though he does not object to lick it clean.  People
and dogs, however, have different ways of doing things, and Master Rough
chooses to follow his way, and is perfectly satisfied with himself--like
some young folks, who may not, however, be right for all that.

His principal other accomplishment is to carry up the newspaper, after
it has been read by the gentleman downstairs, to his mistress in the
drawing-room, when he receives a cake as his reward.  He also may be
seen carrying a basket after his mistress, with a biscuit in it, which
he knows will be his in due time; but that if he misbehaves himself by
gobbling it greedily up--as he has sometimes done, I hear--he will have
to carry the basket without the biscuit; so having learned wisdom from
experience, he now patiently waits till it is given to him.

If Master Rough is not so clever as some dogs I have to tell you about,
he does his best in most respects; and I am very sure that no thief
would venture to break into the house in which he keeps watch: so that
he makes himself--what all boys and girls should strive to be--very
useful.

BYRON, THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.

Next on my list of canine favourites stands a noble Newfoundland dog
named Byron, which belonged to the father of my friend, Mrs F--.  On
one occasion he accompanied the family to Dawlish, on the coast of
Devonshire.  His kennel was at the back of the house.  Whenever his
master was going out, the servant loosened Byron, who immediately ran
round, never entering the house, and joined him, accompanying him in his
walk.

One day, after getting some way from home, his master found that he had
forgotten his walking-stick.  He showed the dog his empty hands, and
pointed towards the house.  Byron, instantly comprehending what was
wanted, set off, and made his way into the house by the front door,
through which he had never before passed.  In the hall was a hatstand
with several walking-sticks in it.  Byron, in his eagerness, seized the
first he could reach, and carried it joyfully to his master.  It was not
the right one, however.  Mr--on this patted him on the head, gave him
back the stick, and again pointed towards the house.  The dog,
apparently considering for a few moments what mistake he could have
made, ran home again, and exchanged the stick for the one his master
usually carried.  After this, he had the walking-stick given him to
carry, an office of which he seemed very proud.

One day while thus employed, following his master with stately gravity,
he was annoyed during the whole time by a little yelping cur jumping up
at his ears.  Byron shook his head, and growled a little from time to
time, but took no further notice, and never offered to lay down the
stick to punish the offender.

On reaching the beach, Mr--threw the stick into the waves for the dog
to bring it out.  Then, to the amusement of a crowd of bystanders,
Byron, seizing his troublesome and pertinacious tormentor by the back of
the neck, plunged with him into the foaming water, where he ducked him
well several times, and then allowed him to find his way out as best he
could; while he himself, mindful of his duty, swam onward in search of
the now somewhat distant walking-stick, which he brought to his master's
feet with his usual calm demeanour.  The little cur never again troubled
him.

Be not less magnanimous than Byron, when troublesome boys try to annoy
you whilst you are performing your duties; but employ gentle words
instead of duckings to silence them.  Drown the yelping curs--bad
thoughts, unamiable tempers, temptations, and such like--which assault
you from within.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE MARKED SHILLING.

I must now tell you a story which many believe, but which others
consider "too good to be true."

A gentleman who owned a fine Newfoundland dog, of which he was very
proud, was one warm summer's evening riding out with a friend, when he
asserted that his dog would find and bring to him any article he might
leave behind him.  Accordingly it was agreed that a shilling should be
marked and placed under a stone, and that after they had proceeded three
or four miles on their road, the dog should be sent back for it.  This
was done--the dog, which was with them, observing them place the coin
under the stone, a somewhat heavy one.  They then rode forward the
distance proposed, when the dog was despatched by his master for the
shilling.  He seemed fully to understand what was required of him; and
the two gentlemen reached home, expecting the dog to follow immediately.
They waited, however, in vain.  The dog did not make his appearance,
and they began to fear that some accident had happened to the animal.

The faithful dog was, however, obedient to his master's orders.  On
reaching the stone he found it too heavy to lift, and while scraping and
working away, barking every now and then in his eagerness, two horsemen
came by.  Observing the dog thus employed, one of them dismounted and
turned over the stone, fancying that some creature had taken refuge
beneath it.  As he did so, his eye fell on the coin, which--not
suspecting that it was the object sought for--he put into his breeches
pocket before the animal could get hold of it.  Still wondering what the
dog wanted, he remounted his steed, and with his companion rode rapidly
on to an inn nearly twenty miles off, where they purposed passing the
night.

The dog, which had caught sight of the shilling as it was transferred to
the stranger's pocket, followed them closely, and watched the
sleeping-room into which they were shown.  He must have observed them
take off their clothes, and seen the man who had taken possession of the
shilling hang his breeches over the back of a chair.  Waiting till the
travellers were wrapped in slumber, he seized the garment in his mouth--
being unable to abstract the shilling--and bounded out of the window,
nor stopped till he reached his home.  His master was awakened early in
the morning by hearing the dog barking and scratching at his door.  He
was greatly surprised to find what he had brought, and more so to
discover not only the marked shilling, but a watch and purse besides.
As he had no wish that his dog should act the thief, or that he himself
should become the receiver of stolen goods, he advertised the articles
which had been carried off; and after some time the owner appeared, when
all that had occurred was explained.

The only way to account for the dog not at first seizing the shilling
is, that grateful for the assistance afforded him in removing the stone,
he supposed that the stranger was about to give him the coin, and that
he only discovered his mistake when it was too late.  His natural
gentleness and generosity may have prevented him from attacking the man
and trying to obtain it by force.

Patiently and perseveringly follow up the line of duty which has been
set you.  When I see a boy studying hard at his lessons, or doing his
duty in any other way, I can say, "Ah, he is searching for the marked
shilling; and I am sure he will find it."

THE LOST KEYS.

Many species of dogs appear, like the last mentioned, to be especially
indued with the faculty of distinguishing their master's property, and
to possess the desire of restoring it to them when lost.

Mrs F--told me of an instance of this with which she was acquainted.  A
gentleman residing in the county of Cork, finding his out-houses
infested by rats, sent for four small terriers to extirpate them.  He
amused himself with teaching the dogs a variety of canine
accomplishments,--among others, to fetch and carry whatever he sent them
for.

Returning one day from his daily walk, he discovered that a bunch of
keys which he supposed was in his pocket was not there.  Hoping that he
might have left them at home, he made diligent search everywhere, but in
vain.  One of the little terriers had observed his master thus searching
about, and there can be no doubt that, after pondering the matter in his
mind, he came to the conclusion that something was lost.  Be that as it
may, off he set by himself from the house, and after the lapse of some
hours up he came running with eager delight, the lost keys dangling from
his mouth, and jingling loudly as he gambolled about in his happiness.
He then dropped them at his master's feet.

We may be sure that the dog was well caressed, and became from
thenceforward the prime favourite.

That terrier was a little dog, but still he was of much use, not only by
killing rats, which was his regular duty, but by trying to find out what
his master wanted to have done, and doing it.

Little boys and girls may be of still greater use, if they will both
perform their regular duties, and try to find out what there is to be
done, and then, like the terrier, do it.

THE DOG WHICH ACTED AS CONSTABLE.

Mrs F--told me another anecdote, which illustrates the fidelity and
reasoning power so frequently exhibited by the shepherd's dog.

About the year 1827, her father sold some lambs to a butcher in Melrose,
who took them away in his cart.  Their shepherd had a young dog in
training at the time.  Shortly after the sale of the lambs he missed
this dog, and hastened in search of him.

On reaching the chain bridge which is thrown over the river for the use
of foot-passengers, he was told that the dog had been seen standing on
it watching the butcher's cart containing the lambs, which was crossing
the ford beneath.  As soon as it had gained the other bank the dog
followed it to Melrose.  The shepherd pursued the supposed truant till
he reached the town, where in front of the butcher's shop stood the cart
with the lambs still in it, and the dog standing like a constable by it,
threatening every one who approached to unload it.

He had evidently considered that the animals were stolen, and that it
was his duty to keep watch over them.  When, however, his master
appeared, and called him away, he seemed at once to understand that all
was right, and followed him willingly.

Be watchful over whatever is committed to your charge, and be equally
watchful over yourself.

THE LOST CHILD RECOVERED.

In the backwoods of North America lived a settler and his family, far
away from towns and villages.  The children of such families at an early
age learn to take care of themselves, and fearlessly wander to a
distance from home to gather wild fruits, to fish in the streams, or to
search for maple-trees from which to extract sugar in the autumn.

One evening the rest of the boys and girls had come in from their
various occupations, except the youngest, a little fellow of four or
five years old.  One of his brothers thought he had gone with Silas, and
Silas fancied that he was with James and Mary, but neither of them till
then had missed him.  The whole family, thrown into a state of
consternation, hurried out with torches, for it was now getting dark,
and shouted for him, and searched round and round the clearing far and
wide, but he was nowhere to be found.  I need not describe their
feelings.  The next morning they set forth again, searching still
further.  All day they were so employed, but in vain.  They began to
fear that poor little Marcus had been killed by a rattlesnake, or that a
bear had come and carried him off.

The next night was a sorrowful one for all the family.  Once more they
were preparing to set out, when a tall, copper-coloured Indian, habited
in a dress of skins, was seen coming through the forest, followed by a
magnificent blood-hound.  He approached the settlers and inquired what
was the matter.  They told him, when he desired to see the socks and
shoes last worn by the child.  They were eagerly produced by the mother.
The Indian showed them to his dog, at the same time patting him on the
head.  The animal evidently comprehended what his master required, and
scenting about for a short time, began to bay loudly, then set off,
without turning to the right or to the left, through the forest,
followed by the Indian and the child's father and elder brothers.  He
was soon out of sight, but the Indian knew by the marks on the ground
the way he had taken.

A long, long chase the hound led them, till he was seen bounding back
with animation in his eye and a look which told that he had been
successful in his search.  The father and his sons hurried after the
Indian, who closely followed his dog, and to their joy discovered little
Marcus, pale and exhausted, but unhurt, with the dog standing over him.

He soon recovered, and told them how he had lost his way, and lived upon
berries and other wild fruits till he had sunk down unable to go
further.  His life had undoubtedly been preserved by means of the
sagacious blood-hound.

DOG WAKING UP SERVANTS.

I have told you of Tyrol, who used to ring the bell; I will now describe
another dog named Dash, who was still more clever.  When any of the
servants of the family had to sit up for their master or mistress, and
fell asleep in their chair, scarcely would they have settled themselves
when the parlour bell would be heard to ring.  They were greatly puzzled
to account for this, and in vain attempted to solve the mystery.

Dash was a black and white spaniel, who was generally considered a
fairly clever dog, but not suspected of possessing any unusual amount of
knowingness.  He never failed, when his master told him to get anything,
to find it and lay it at his feet.  If one glove was missing, and the
other shown to him, he was sure to hunt about till he discovered it.

One morning a person arrived with a letter before breakfast, to be
delivered into the hands of Dash's master.  The man was shown into the
parlour, where he was about to sit down, when his ears were saluted by a
growl, and there was Dash, seated in a chair near the fireplace.  The
dog was within reach of the ring of the bell-pull, and whenever the man
attempted to sit down, Dash put up his paw on the ring and growled
again.  At length the stranger, curious to see what the dog would do if
he persevered, sat down in a chair.  Dash, on this, instead of flying at
the man, as some stupid dogs would have done, pulled the bell-rope, and
a servant coming in on the summons, was greatly astonished when the man
told him that the dog had rung the bell.

Thus the mystery which had long puzzled him and his fellow-servants was
explained.  On comparing notes, they recollected that whenever the bell
sounded, Dash was not to be seen; and there could now be no doubt that
immediately he observed them closing their eyes, he had hastened off to
the parlour, the bell-rope of which he could easily reach, in order to
rouse them to watchfulness.

In corroboration of this account, my friend Mrs F--mentioned the case
of a Newfoundland dog, which was one day accidentally shut up in the
dining-room, when the family were out.  He scratched at the door and
whined loudly for a length of time; but though the servants heard him,
they paid no attention.  At length, as if the thought had suddenly
occurred to him that whenever the bell was rung the door was opened, he
actually rang the bell right heartily.  A servant instantly obeyed the
summons, when out sprang the dog, wagging his tail with delight at the
result of his sagacious experiment, and leaving the man in amazement at
finding no person in the room.

THE SHEEP-DOG AND HIS MISTRESS'S CLOAK.

There are many instances of dogs showing attention to their owner's
interests.  Mr Jesse mentions one which exhibits a wonderful power of
reasoning in a dog.

The sheep-dog used to accompany the farm-servants about the farm, but
ran home to be fed at the dinner-hour of his mistress, returning
afterwards to his duty in the fields.  One day, as he was approaching
the house, he met a young woman, whom he had never before seen, leaving
it wearing his mistress's cloak, which had in reality been lent her.
Hungry as he was, he nevertheless turned about and followed closely at
her heels, greatly to her alarm.  Hurrying on, the dog still accompanied
her, till she reached the house in which the brother of the dog's
mistress resided, with whom he was well acquainted.  On seeing the young
woman enter it, the faithful animal turned about, and went quietly back
to the farm.  It was thus evident that, from seeing her go into a house
which he knew, he was satisfied that she was a friend of the family.
Had she gone to a strange place, he would probably have tried to take
the cloak from her.

Follow what you believe to be the right course, like the faithful
sheep-dog; and though the result may not answer your expectations, do
not be disheartened.  Persevere in acting rightly: the reward will come.

THE DOG AND THE MARE.

Dogs and horses frequently form friendships.  A Newfoundland dog had
attached himself to a mare belonging to his master, and seemed to
consider himself especially the guardian of his less sagacious
companion.  Whenever the groom began to saddle the mare, the dog used to
lie down with his nose between his paws, watching the proceeding.  The
moment the operation was finished, up jumped the dog, seized the reins
in his mouth, and led the mare to her master, following him in his ride.

On returning home, the reins being again given to him, he would lead his
friend back to the stable.  If, on his arrival, the groom happened to be
out of the way, he would bark vehemently till he made his appearance,
and then hand over his charge to him.

You may be young and little, but if you exercise discretion and
judgment, you may assist those much bigger and older than yourself.
Learn from the dog, however, not to give yourself airs in consequence;
you will have simply performed your duty in making yourself useful.

THE TWO DOGS AND THEIR CHARGE.

I must give you another anecdote somewhat similar to the last.

A little terrier, and another dog, equally faithful and sagacious, had
attached themselves to their master's horse, which they always
accompanied when it went out.  If the master rode out on it to dinner,
the two dogs used to remain contentedly in the stable with their friend,
till it was required to carry its master home.

One night the gentleman had ordered his horse to be brought, but waited
in vain for its appearance.  At length the groom was summoned, when he
declared that he dared not take the horse out of the stable, as one of
the dogs was on its back, and the other by its side, threatening to
attack every person who came up to the animal.  The owner, observing
that the groom was a stranger, suspected at once that the dogs would not
trust him, and had himself to go round to the stable, when the faithful
animals at once delivered their charge up to him.

CRIB THE BULL-TERRIER SAVING THE LIFE OF BOB THE SETTER.

Two dogs belonged to the family of Mrs F--.  One, Bob, a black setter,
who was, like most of his species, an excellent swimmer; the other,
Crib, a bull-terrier, who had no love for the water, and thought himself
ill-used whenever he was compelled to take a bath.

Several of the family were walking along the bank of the Tweed,
accompanied by the two dogs, when Bob, as usual, plunged into the water,
but Crib kept close to their heels.  The ladies happened to be in
earnest conversation, and were taking no notice of the dogs, when their
attention was attracted by a second plunge, and Bob was seen, apparently
seized with cramp, floundering in the middle of the river, Crib swimming
eagerly towards him.  Bob sank just as his friend reached him, but Crib
seized him by the nape of the neck in his powerful jaws, and thus swam
with him to shore.

There existed no particular friendship between the dogs; and when Crib's
natural aversion to the water is considered, it must be acknowledged
that he well deserved the Humane Society's Medal for his gallantry.

It is truly a noble deed to save the life of a fellow-creature, though
it but rarely falls to the lot of any one.  But, though you may never
have an opportunity of doing that, you may always find numerous ways of
rendering assistance to those who may, in one form or other, be in want
of it.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE THIEVISH PORTER.

A grocer owned a Newfoundland dog, which used frequently to take charge
of the shop.  While thus lying down with his nose between his paws, he
observed one of the porters frequently visiting the till.  He suspected
that the man had no business to go there.  He therefore watched him,
and, following him, observed him hide the money he had taken in the
stable.  The dog, on this, attempted to lead several persons in whom he
had confidence towards the place, by pulling in a peculiar manner at
their clothes.  They took no heed of him, till at length one of the
apprentices going to the stable, the dog followed him and began
scratching at a heap of rubbish in a corner.  The young man's attention
being aroused, he watched the animal, which soon scratched up several
pieces of money.  The apprentice, collecting them, evidently to the
dog's satisfaction, took them to his master, who marked them, and
restored them to the place where they were discovered.

The porter, who for some other cause was suspected, was at length
arrested, when some of the marked coin was found on him.  On being taken
before a magistrate, he confessed his guilt, and was convicted of the
theft.

THE TERRIER AND THE DUCKLINGS.

A terrier, which lived at Dunrobin Castle many years ago, had a family
of puppies, which were taken from her and drowned.  How she mourned for
her offspring, and wondered why her owner had been so cruel as to allow
them to be earned away!  Her maternal feelings were as strong as those
of other creatures, and she felt a longing to exercise them.  At length
she caught sight of a brood of young ducklings.  They were young, and
required care just like her own dear little whelps; so, seizing them,
she carried them off one by one to her kennel, and would allow no one to
take them away.  They seemed to understand that they had obtained a very
good nurse, and she watched them with the most affectionate care.  When,
however, they made their way to the water and plunged in, she exhibited
the greatest alarm, believing that they would be drowned, as her own
puppies had been.  No sooner had she reached the shore than she picked
them up in her mouth, and carried them off to her kennel, resolving,
probably, never to allow them to run into the same danger again.

After the ducklings grew up, and were no longer willing to submit to her
canine style of nursing, she again became the mother of another litter.
On this also being destroyed, she seized two cock chickens, which she
reared with the same care that she had done the ducklings.  When,
however, the young cocks began to try their voices, their foster-mother
was as much annoyed as she had been by the ducks going into the water,
and invariably did her best to stop their crowing.

You will never want objects on which to exercise your kind feelings.
"The poor you have always with you."  You must not be disheartened or
dissatisfied if they persist in following a different course from that
which you think they ought to do.  How often, when a baby, have you
cried lustily when your mother or nurse heartily wished you to be
silent; and as you grew older, perversely ran away into danger when they
called after you!  Through life remember that little terrier, and like
her persevere in befriending those in need.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG SAVING THE MASTIFF.

I must tell you one more anecdote of two dogs of a similar character to
one I gave you a few pages back, but in this instance they were
professed enemies.  It happened at Donaghadee, where a pier was in
course of building.

Two dogs--one a Newfoundland, and the other a mastiff--were seen by
several people engaged in a fierce and prolonged battle on the pier.
They were both powerful dogs, and though good-natured when alone, were
much in the habit of thus fighting whenever they met.  At length they
both fell into the sea, and as the pier was long and steep, they had no
means of escape but by swimming a considerable distance.  The cold bath
brought the combat to an end, and each began to make for the land as
best he could.

The Newfoundland dog speedily gained the shore, on which he stood
shaking himself, at the same time watching the motions of his late
antagonist, who, being no swimmer, began to struggle, and was just about
to sink.  On seeing this, in he dashed, took the other gently by the
collar, kept his head above water, and brought him safely to land.

After this they became inseparable friends, and never fought again; and
when the Newfoundland dog met his death by a stone waggon running over
him, the mastiff languished, and evidently mourned for him for a long
time.

Let this incident afford us great encouragement to love our enemies, and
to return good for evil, since we find the feeling implanted in the
breast of a dog to save the life of his antagonist, and to cherish him
afterwards as a friend.

We may never be called on to save the life of a foe; but that would not
be more difficult to our natural disposition than acting kindly and
forgivingly towards those who daily annoy us--who injure us or offer us
petty insults.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND PUNISHING THE LITTLE DOG.

You remember the way Byron punished his troublesome little assailant.
Another Newfoundland dog, of a noble and generous disposition, was often
assailed in the same way by noisy curs in the streets.  He generally
passed them with apparent unconcern, till one little brute ventured to
bite him in the back of the leg.  This was a degree of wanton insult
which could not be patiently endured; so turning round, he ran after the
offender, and seized him by the poll.  In this manner he carried him to
the quay, and holding him for some time over the water, at length
dropped him into it.  He did not, however, intend that the culprit
should be drowned.  Waiting till he was not only well ducked, but nearly
sinking, he plunged in and brought him safely to land.

Could you venture to look a Newfoundland dog in the face, and call him a
brute beast, if you feel that you have acted with less generosity than
he exhibited!

THE TERRIER AND THE BANTAM.

Among the strange friendships existing between animals of different
natures, I must mention one formed between a terrier and a bantam.

The little dog was suffering so severely from the distemper, that it was
necessary to confine her to her kennel, which had open bars in front of
it.  A bantam-cock which lived in the yard, walking up and down,
observed the poor little animal, and gazed at her with looks of deep
compassion.  At last he managed to squeeze himself through the bars.
The terrier evidently understood his feelings, and from that day forward
the bantam took up his abode in the dog's prison--like a brave
physician, fearless of catching the complaint of his patient--and seldom
left it, except to pick up his daily food.  When he did so, the dog
became uneasy, whining till her friend returned.

The terrier became worse, and the bantam redoubled his attentions, and,
for the purpose of warming the dog, took his place between her
fore-legs; and then the poor little invalid settled down on the bird,
apparently to enjoy the warmth afforded by his feathers.  Thus, day
after day was passed in the closest bonds of affection, till the terrier
died of the disease from which she had been suffering.  The bantam
appeared inconsolable at the loss of his friend, and it was some time
before he recovered his usual spirits.

Imitate that little bantam.  You will find very many human beings, in
lieu of sick terriers, to nurse.  As willingly as the bird gave up
pleasant amusements, so rouse yourself from sloth for their sakes.

THE COMPASSIONATE DOG WHICH SAVED PUSSY'S LIFE.

I must give you another instance, still more curious than the former, of
friendship between two animals.

A number of rough boys in Liverpool had stoned a cat, and dragged it
through a pool of water, no one of the many passers-by attempting to
stop them; when a dog coming up was moved with pity and indignation at
the brutal proceedings, which ought to have induced the human beings who
witnessed it to interfere.  Barking furiously, he rushed in among the
boys, and then carried off the ill-used cat in his mouth, bleeding, and
almost senseless, to his kennel at the Talbot Inn, to which he belonged.
He there laid it on the straw, licked it till it was clean, and then
stretched himself on it, as if to impart to it some of his own warmth.
On its beginning to revive, he set out to obtain food for it, when the
people of the inn, noticing his behaviour, gave his patient some warm
milk.

Some days passed before the cat recovered, and during the whole time the
dog never remitted in his attentions to it.  The cat, in return,
exhibited the warmest gratitude to the dog, and for many years
afterwards they were seen going about the streets of Liverpool together.

Do you not blush for human nature when you hear of boys exhibiting less
compassion than a dog?  Be watchful that you never have cause to blush
for yourself.

FOP PLAYING AT HIDE-AND-SEEK.

Not only can dogs be taught all sorts of amusing tricks, but they can
play intelligently at games themselves.  Mrs Lee tells us of a
fox-terrier named Fop, who used to hide his eyes, and suffer those
playing with him to conceal themselves before he looked up.  I should
have liked to see jolly Fop at his sports.  If his playfellow hid
himself behind a curtain, Fop would go carefully past that particular
curtain, looking behind the others and the rest of the furniture, and
when he thought he had looked long enough, seize the concealing curtain,
and drag it aside in triumph.

The drollest thing, however, was to see him take his turn at hiding.  He
would get under a chair, and fancy he could not be seen.  Of course,
those at play with him pretended not to know where he was hiding, and it
was most amusing to witness his agitation as they passed.

Once Fop was ill, and had taken some homoeopathic globules, which were
supposed to have cured him.  Afterwards, when anything was the matter
with him, he would stand near the medicine-box, and hold his mouth open
to receive a pill.  He possibly might have had a taste for sugar-plums.

Professor Owen tells us of another dog which was taught by his master to
play at hide-and-seek.  When he heard the words, "Let us have a game,"
he immediately hid his eyes between his paws in the most honourable
manner; and when his owner had placed a sixpence or a piece of cake in
the most improbable place, he started up, and invariably found it.

Young dogs, it may thus be seen, enjoy games of play as much as boys and
girls do, and romping still more so.

THE SPANIEL AND HIS FRIEND THE PARTRIDGE.

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.

THE DOG WHICH TRACED HIS MASTER.

Dogs often show much regard for each other, as well as for other
animals; but they certainly possess a still greater affection for human
beings.

A gentleman having to proceed from the north of England to London by
sea, left his favourite dog behind.  While seated one night in the pit
of Drury Lane Theatre--some time after his arrival in the metropolis--to
his amazement, his favourite sprang upon him, covering him with
caresses.

The dog, as soon as he found that his master had departed from the
shore, broke his chain, and set out on his long journey to rejoin him.
How he traced him must ever be a marvel.  Perhaps he pursued the line of
coast till he reached London, where it is possible he may have recovered
some trace of his lost friend by scent, at the landing place.  This,
however, is so improbable, that it is more likely he made the discovery
by that incomprehensible power which we call instinct.

THE DOG WHICH TRAVELLED ALONE BY RAILWAY.

A Preston paper gave some time ago an account of a dog which travelled
alone by railway in search of his master.  In this instance the animal
acted much as any human being would have done.

The dog, which was well-known to the railway officials from frequently
travelling with his master, presented himself at one of the stations on
the Fleetwood, Preston, and Longridge line.  After looking round for
some length of time among the passengers and in the carriages, just as
the train was about to start he leaped into one of the compartments of a
carriage, and lay down under a seat.

Arrived at Longridge, he made another survey of the passengers, and
after waiting till the station had been cleared, he went into the
Railway Station Hotel, searched all the places on the ground-floor, then
went and made a tour of inspection over the adjoining grounds; but being
apparently unsuccessful, trotted back to the train, and took his late
position just as it was moving off.  On reaching the station from which
he had first started, he again looked round as before, then took his
departure.

It seems that he now proceeded to the General Railway Station at
Preston, and after repeating the looking-round performance, placed
himself under one of the seats in a train which he had singled out of
the many that are constantly popping in and out, and in due time arrived
in Liverpool.  He now visited a few places where he had before been with
his master.  He remained over-night in Liverpool, and visited Preston
early again the following morning.

Still not finding his missing master, he for the fourth time took the
train; on this occasion, however, to Lancaster and Carlisle, at which
latter place, his sagacity, as well as the persevering tact he had
displayed in prosecuting his search, were rewarded by finding his
master.  Their joy at meeting was mutual.

I cannot too often repeat it: let duty be your master.  Be not less
persevering in pursuing it, than were the dogs I have told you about in
seeking their masters.

NEPTUNE; OR, FAITHFUL TO TRUST.

At an inn in Wimborne in Dorsetshire, near which town I resided, was
kept, some years ago, a magnificent Newfoundland dog called Neptune.
His fame was celebrated far and wide.  Every morning he was accustomed,
as the clock of the minster struck eight, to take in his mouth a basket
containing a certain number of pence, and to carry it across the street
to the shop of a baker, who took out the money, and replaced it by its
value in rolls.  With these Neptune hastened back to the kitchen, and
speedily deposited his trust.

It is remarkable that he never attempted to take the basket, nor even to
approach it, on Sunday mornings, when no rolls were to be obtained.

On one occasion, when returning with the rolls, another dog made an
attack upon the basket, for the purpose of stealing its contents.  On
this the trusty fellow, placing it on the ground, severely punished his
assailant, and then bore off his charge in triumph.

He met his death--with many other dogs in the place--from poison, which
was scattered about the town by a semi-insane person, in revenge for
some fancied insult he had received from the inhabitants.

Like trusty Neptune, deserve the confidence placed in you, by battling
bravely against all temptations to act dishonestly.  Your friends may
never know of your efforts to do so, but your own peace of mind will be
reward enough.

THE AFFECTIONATE POODLE.

A gentleman residing at Dresden possessed a poodle which he had always
treated kindly, and which was especially fond of him.  He at length,
however, made a present of her to a friend living about nine miles off.
It being supposed that she would probably try to return to her former
master, she was tied up till she became the mother of three young
puppies; and so devoted to them did she appear, that her new owner no
longer feared she would quit him.  He therefore gave her her liberty.

Shortly afterwards, however, she and the three puppies were missing.
Search was made for them in vain.  At length her master's Dresden friend
paid him a visit, and told him that on the preceding evening the poodle
had arrived at his house with one of her puppies in her mouth, and that
another had been found dead on the road.

It appeared that she had started at night, carrying the pups--which were
still too young to walk--one at a time, a certain distance, intending to
go back for the others.  She had hoped thus to transfer them all to her
former much-loved home.  The third puppy was never found.  The one that
died had perished by cold, it being the winter season.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE HATS.

In sagacity, the Newfoundland surpasses dogs of all other breeds.

Two gentlemen, brothers, were out shooting wild-fowl, attended by one of
these noble animals.  Having thrown down their hats on the grass, they
together crept through some reeds to the river-bank, along which they
proceeded some way, after firing at the birds.  Wishing at length for
their hats--one of which was smaller than the other--they sent the dog
back for them.  The animal, believing it was his duty to bring both
together, made several attempts to carry them in his mouth.  Finding
some difficulty in doing this, he placed the smaller hat within the
larger one, and pressed it down with his foot.  He was thus, with ease,
enabled to carry them both at the same time.

Perhaps he had seen old-clothes-men thus carrying hats; but I am
inclined to think that he was guided by seeing that this was the best
way to effect his object.

There are two ways of doing everything--a wrong and a right one.  Like
the Newfoundland dog, try to find out the right way, and do what you
have to do, in that way.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE WRECK.

How often has the noble Newfoundland dog been the means of saving the
lives of those perishing in the water!

A heavy gale was blowing, when a vessel was seen driving toward the
coast of Kent.  She struck, and the surf rolled furiously round her.
Eight human beings were observed clinging to the wreck, but no ordinary
boat could be launched to their aid; and in those days, I believe, no
lifeboats existed,--at all events, not as they do now, on all parts of
the coast.  It was feared every moment that the unfortunate seamen would
perish, when a gentleman came down to the beach, accompanied by a
Newfoundland dog.  He saw that, if a line could be stretched between the
wreck and the shore, the people might be saved; but it could only be
carried from the vessel to the shore.  He knew how it must be done.

Putting a short stick in the mouth of the animal, he pointed to the
vessel.  The courageous dog understood his meaning, and springing into
the sea, fought his way through the waves.  In vain, however, he strove
to get up the vessel's side; but he was seen by the crew, who, making
fast a rope to another piece of wood, hove it toward him.  The sagacious
animal understood the object, and seizing the piece of wood, dragged it
through the surf, and delivered it to his master.  A line of
communication was thus formed between the vessel and the shore, and
every man on board was rescued from a watery grave.

DANDIE, THE MISER.

Dandie, a Newfoundland dog belonging to Mr McIntyre of Edinburgh,
stands unrivalled for his cleverness and the peculiarity of his habits.
Dandie would bring any article he was sent for by his master, selecting
it from a heap of others of the same description.

One evening, when a party was assembled, one of them dropped a shilling.
After a diligent search, it could nowhere be found.  Mr McIntyre then
called to Dandie, who had been crouching in a corner of the room, and
said to him, "Find the shilling, Dandie, and you shall have a biscuit."
On this Dandie rose, and placed the coin, which he had picked up
unperceived by those present, upon the table.

Dandie, who had many friends, was accustomed to receive a penny from
them every day, which he took to a baker's and exchanged for a loaf of
bread for himself.  It happened that one of them was accosted by Dandie
for his usual present, when he had no money in his pocket.  "I have not
a penny with me to-day, but I have one at home," said the gentleman,
scarcely believing that Dandie understood him.  On returning to his
house, however, he met Dandie at the door, demanding admittance,
evidently come for his penny.  The gentleman, happening to have a bad
penny, gave it him; but the baker refused to give him a loaf for it.
Dandie, receiving it back, returned to the door of the donor, and when a
servant had opened it, laid the false coin at her feet, and walked away
with an indignant air.

Dandie, however, frequently received more money than he required for his
necessities, and took to hoarding it up.  This was discovered by his
master, in consequence of his appearing one Sunday morning with a loaf
in his mouth, when it was not likely he would have received a present.
Suspecting this, Mr McIntyre told a servant to search his room--in
which Dandie slept--for money.  The dog watched her, apparently
unconcerned, till she approached his bed, when, seizing her gown, he
drew her from it.  On her persisting, he growled, and struggled so
violently that his master was obliged to hold him, when the woman
discovered sevenpence-halfpenny.  From that time forward he exhibited a
strong dislike to the woman, and used to hide his money under a heap of
dust at the back of the premises.

People thought Dandie a very clever dog--as he was--but there are many
things far better than cleverness.  It strikes me that he was a very
selfish fellow, and therefore, like selfish boys and girls, unamiable.
He was an arrant beggar too.  I'll say no more about him.  Pray do not
imitate Dandie.

THE DOG AND THE BURGLAR.

Some years ago, a stranger arrived at the house of a shopkeeper in
Deptford who let lodgings, stating that he had just arrived from the
West Indies, and would take possession of rooms the next day, but would
send his trunk that night.  The trunk was brought late in the evening by
two porters, who were desired, as it was heavy, to carry it to the
bed-room.

As soon as the family had retired to rest, a little spaniel, which
usually slept in the shop, made his way to the door of the chamber where
the chest was deposited, and putting his nose close to it, began to bark
furiously.  The people, thus aroused, opened the door, when the dog flew
towards the trunk, and barked and scratched against it with the greatest
vehemence.  In vain they attempted to draw him away.  A neighbour was
called in, when, on moving the trunk, it was suspected that it must
contain something alive.  They accordingly forced it open, when out came
the new lodger; who had caused himself to be thus brought into the house
for the purpose of robbing it.

If you let lodgings in your heart to strangers, take care that your
little spaniel Conscience keeps wide awake, lest some evening a chest
may be brought in containing a thief who may rob you before you find out
his character.  The thief may be an evil thought, a bad feeling, shut up
in a chest formed of self-indulgence, sloth, vanity, pride.  At the
first alarm, wake up, break open the chest, call in your faithful
neighbour, and hand over the new lodger to justice.

THE POODLE AND THE STRANGER ROBBER.

An English gentleman travelling abroad was accompanied by a favourite
poodle.  On one occasion he met an agreeable stranger at an hotel, to
whom, as they were both going the same way, he offered a seat in his
carriage.  No sooner, however, had the stranger entered the vehicle than
the poodle, which had from the first shown a dislike to the man,
manifested even a greater aversion to him than before.

They put up for the night at a small inn in a wild and little frequented
country; and on separating to go to their respective rooms, the poodle
again snarled at the stranger, and was with difficulty restrained from
biting him.

The Englishman was awakened in the middle of the night by a noise in his
room, into which the moonbeams streamed, and there he saw the dog
struggling with his travelling companion.  On being overpowered, the
stranger confessed that he had come for the purpose of stealing the
traveller's money, being aware that he had a considerable sum with him.

You have not the instinct which has been given to some dogs, and which
enables them, for their master's protection, to detect persons
harbouring evil intentions towards them; but when you meet with a boy or
man careless in his conversation, a swearer, or expressing irreligious
or immoral opinions, however courteous and agreeable he may otherwise
be, do not associate with him a moment longer than you can help, or he
will rob you of what is of far more value than a purse of gold.

THE DOG HOLDING THE THIEF.

A dog of the Highland breed, belonging to Lord Arbuthnot, treated a
thief in much the same way as my friend's dog did the robber of his
apple-orchard.

The servants, going out one morning, found a man lying on the ground, a
short way from the stable, with a number of bridles and other
horse-trappings near him, and the dog holding him by the trousers.
Directly the servants appeared the dog let go his hold, when the man
confessed that the dog had thus held him for five hours.

When a bad thought or desire steals into your heart, or, properly
speaking, rises in it, hold it down, as the dog did the thief, till you
are able to rid yourself of it.

THE FAITHLESS WATCH-DOG.

Faithful as dogs are in general, I am sorry to have to record an
instance to the contrary.

A watch-dog, whose special duty was to remain at his post during the
night, found that his collar was sufficiently loose to allow him to
withdraw his head from it whenever he pleased.  He acted as some human
beings do whose right principles do not fit tightly to their necks--
slipping out of them at the very time they ought to keep them on.  The
dog was, however, sagacious enough to know that if he did so during the
day he would be seen by his master, when to a certainty the collar would
be tightened.  But no sooner did night arrive, and the lights began to
disappear from the windows, than he used to slip his head out of his
collar, and roam about the neighbouring fields, sometimes picking up a
hare or rabbit for his supper.

Knowing also that the blood on his mouth would betray him, he would,
after his banquet, go to a stream and wash it off.  This done, he would
return before daybreak to his kennel, and slipping his head into his
collar, lie down in his bed, as though he had remained there on the
watch all the night.

Now I must beg my young readers to remember, should they be tempted to
do what is wrong, that however well-behaved they may contrive to appear
before their friends and acquaintances, in their own mind there will
always be the unpleasant feeling arising from the consciousness of doing
a guilty action.

THE SHOEBLACK'S DOG.

Dogs have been frequently trained to act roguish parts.

An English officer visiting Paris, was annoyed one day by having a
little poodle run up to him and rub his muddy paws over his boots.  Near
at hand was seated a shoeblack, to whom he went to have his boots
repolished.  Having been annoyed in a similar manner by the same dog,
several times in succession, he watched the animal, when he observed him
dip his paws in the mud on the banks of the Seine, and then go and rub
them on the boots of the best-dressed people passing at the time.

Discovering at length that the dog belonged to the shoeblack, the
gentleman questioned the man, who confessed that he had taught the dog
the trick in order to bring business to himself.  "And will you part
with your clever dog?" asked the gentleman.  The shoeblack consented,
and a price was fixed upon and paid.  The dog accompanied his new master
to London, and was shut up for some time, till it was believed that he
would remain contentedly in the house.  No sooner, however, did he
obtain his liberty, than he decamped; and a fortnight afterwards he was
found with his former master, pursuing his old occupation.

This story shows the difficulty of getting rid of bad habits, and proves
that as dogs have been trained, so will they--as well as children--
continue to act.  The poor poodle, however, knew no better.  He was
faithful to his former master, and thought that he was doing his duty.
But boys and girls do know perfectly well when they are acting rightly
or wrongly, and should strive unceasingly to overcome their bad habits.

THE TERRIER AND THE PIN.

A Terrier--deservedly a pet in the family for his gentleness and
amiability--was playing with one of the children, when suddenly he was
heard to utter a snarl, followed by a bark.  The mother rushed to her
child, and believing it to have been bitten, drove off the dog.  No
injury, however, was apparent.  The dog retired to a corner, where he
remained, in an attitude of regret, till the inspection had been
finished.  He then approached the lady, and with a touch of his paw
claimed attention.  It was given, and forthwith he deposited at her feet
a pin.

The story was thus made plain.  The child, finding the pin, had turned
the dog's nose into a pin-cushion.  The snarl rebuked the offence, and
the pin had been taken by the dog, with his mouth, out of the child's
hand.  No sooner did the dog see that this was understood, than he began
to lick the little fellow's hand, as if to assure him of his
forgiveness, and to beg him to make friends again,--which they were ever
afterwards.

I hope that the little boy, through his whole life, was always ready to
profit by the lesson of his dumb companion and to forgive injuries.

THE DOG AND HIS INJURED FRIEND.

Dogs frequently form warm friendships, and help each other in time of
trouble.

Two dogs belonging to the same owner had become great friends.  Ponto
and Dick, we will call them, though I am not quite certain as to their
names.  Ponto's leg being broken, he was kept a close prisoner.  His
friend Dick, instead of whining out a few commonplace expressions of
sympathy,--"Dear me, I'm so sorry; well, I hope you will soon get
better," and then scampering off to amuse himself with other dogs in the
village, or to run after the cows, or to go out hunting,--came and sat
down by his side, showing him every mark of attention.  Then, after a
time, Dick started up, exclaiming,--"Ponto, I am sure you must be
hungry; it is dull work for you lying there with nothing to do."
Without waiting for Ponto to beg that he would not trouble himself, off
he set, and soon brought back a nice bone with plenty of gristle on it.
"There, old fellow, munch away--it will amuse you," he remarked, putting
his prize down under his friend's nose.

After watching complacently as poor Ponto gnawed away with somewhat
languid jaws, till the bone was scraped almost clean, he again set out
in search of another.  After he had brought in several, he lay down as
before by his friend's side, just playing with one of the bones to keep
him company.  Thus day after day Dick continued to cheer and comfort his
injured friend with unfailing constancy till he completely recovered.

When dogs thus exhibit disinterested kindness and self-sacrifice, how
ought human beings to behave to those suffering from pain or sorrow?
When tempted to run off and amuse yourself, leaving a sick friend at
home, remember these two dogs.  Think of how much suffering there is in
the world, and what room there is for kindness and compassion; and can
you then be hard-hearted, or indifferent to the sufferings of others?

THE DOG AND THE SURGEON.

I must tell you of another dog which showed not only affection for a
companion, but a wonderful amount of sense.  He once broke his leg, in
which state he was found by a kind surgeon, who took him home, set his
leg, and after he had recovered allowed him to go away.  The dog did not
forget the treatment he had received, nor the person from whom he had
received it.

Some months afterwards, he found another dog to whom the same accident
had happened.  By the language which dogs employ, he told his friend all
about his own cure, and, assisting him along the road, led him, late at
night, to the surgeon's house.  He there barked loudly at the door.  No
one came, so he barked louder and louder.  At last a window was opened,
and a person looked out, whom he at once recognised; and great was his
joy when the kind surgeon, coming downstairs, opened the door.  Wagging
his tail, he made such signs as he was capable of using, to show what he
wanted.  The surgeon soon saw what had happened to his old patient's
friend, whom he took in and treated in the same skilful way.  His former
patient, satisfied that all was right, then ran off to attend to his
proper duties.

Let us, from this kind dog's behaviour, learn, whenever we receive a
benefit, to endeavour, if possible, to impart it to others, and not to
remain selfishly satisfied with the advantage we ourselves have gained.

THE DOG PREVENTING THE CAT STEALING.

The owner of a spaniel was one day called away from his dinner-table,
leaving a dog and a favourite cat in the room.  On his return he found
the spaniel stretched her whole length along the table, by the side of a
leg of mutton, while Puss was skulking in a corner.  He soon saw that,
though the mutton was untouched, the cat had been driven from the table
by the spaniel, in the act of attempting a robbery on the meat, and that
the dog had taken up his post to prevent a repetition of the attempt.

The little animal was thus in the habit of guarding eatables which she
believed were left in her charge; and while she would not touch them
herself, she kept other dogs and cats at a distance.

How much evil might be prevented, if boys and girls would always act the
part of the faithful little spaniel; only, as they have got tongues in
their head, and know how wrong it is to do what is bad, they can
remonstrate lovingly with their companions who may be about to do a
wrong thing--and then, if this fails, do their utmost to prevent them.

ONE DOG GETTING ASSISTANCE FROM ANOTHER.

Two dogs living in the neighbourhood of Cupar, in Fife, used to fight
desperately whenever they met,--the one belonging to Captain R--, the
other to a farmer.

Captain R--'s dog was accustomed to go on messages, and even to bring
meat and other articles from Cupar in a basket.  One day, while
returning with a supply of mutton, he was attacked by a number of curs
in the town, eager to obtain the tempting prize.  The messenger fought
bravely, but at length, overpowered, was compelled to yield up the
basket, though not before he had secured some of the meat.  With this he
hastened at full speed to the quarters of his enemy, at whose feet he
laid it down, stretching himself beside him till he had eaten it up.  A
few sniffs, a few whispers in the ear, and other dog-like courtesies
were then exchanged, after which they both set out together for Cupar,
where they worried almost every dog in the town, and, returning home,
were ever afterwards on the most friendly terms.

Remember that there are no human beings whose conduct at all times it is
safe to follow.

Revenge is wrong, but let us ever be ready to help and defend those who
are ill-treated and oppressed.

THE POINTER AND THE BAD SHOT.

Dogs, like human beings, show that they can criticise the conduct of
those they serve.

A gentleman from London, more accustomed to handle an umbrella than a
gun, went down to the house of a friend in the country to enjoy a day's
shooting.

"You shall have one of my best pointers," said his friend, "but
recollect, he will stand no nonsense.  If you kill the birds, well and
good; if not, I cannot answer for the consequences."

The would-be sportsman shouldered his gun and marched off.  As he
traversed the fields, the pointer, ranging before him, marked bird after
bird, which were as often missed.  The pointer looked back, evidently
annoyed, and after this frequently ran over game.  At length he made a
dead stop near a low bush, with his nose pointed downwards, his
fore-feet bent, his tail straight and steady.  The gentleman approached
with both barrels cocked.  Again the dog moved steadily forward a few
paces, expressing the anxiety of his mind by moving his tail backwards
and forwards.  At length a brace of partridges slowly rose.  Who could
possibly miss them!  Bang! bang! went both barrels, but the birds
continued their flight unharmed.  The dog now fairly lost patience,
turned round, placed his tail between his legs, gave one sad howl, long
and loud, and set off at full speed homeward, leaving the gentleman to
holloa after him at the top of a gate, and continue the shooting as best
he could by himself.

If you desire to be properly served by those you employ, you must be up
to your business.  I have often heard young people complain that they
can do nothing properly, the servants are so stupid; when they come down
late, that they were not called in time; or, if they have not learned
their lessons, that the room was not ready.  I daresay, when the Cockney
sportsman returned with an empty gamebag, he abused the stupid dog for
running away.

BASS, THE GREAT SAINT BERNARD DOG.

Sir Thomas Dick Lauder had a dog named Bass, brought when a puppy from
the Great Saint Bernard.  His bark was tremendous, and might be
distinguished nearly a mile off.

He was once stolen, when a letter-carrier, well acquainted with him,
heard his bark from the inside of a yard, and insisted on the man who
had him in possession delivering him up.

Terrific as was his bark, he was so good-natured that he would never
fight other dogs; and even allowed a little King Charles spaniel named
Raith to run off with any bone he might have been gnawing, and to
tyrannise over him in a variety of ways.  If attacked by an inferior
enemy, he would throw his immense bulk down upon his antagonist and
nearly smother him, without attempting to bite.

He took a particular fancy for one of the Edinburgh postmen, whose duty
it was, besides delivering letters, to carry a letter-bag from one
receiving-house to another.  This bag he used to give Bass to carry.
The dog accompanied him on his rounds, but invariably parted with him
opposite the gate of the Convent of Saint Margaret, and returned home.

On one occasion the postman, being ill, sent another man in his place.
Bass went up to the stranger, who naturally retired before so
formidable-looking a dog.  Bass followed, showing a determination to
have the post-bag.  The man did all he could to keep possession of it;
but at length Bass, seeing that it was not likely to be given to him,
raised himself on his hind-legs, and putting a great fore-paw on each of
the man's shoulders, laid him flat on his back in the road, then quietly
picking up the bag, proceeded peaceably on his wonted way.  The man
followed, ineffectually attempting to coax the dog to give up the bag.
At the first house at which he arrived, the people comforted him by
telling him that the dog always carried the bag.  Bass walked with the
man to all the houses at which he delivered letters, and along the road,
till he came to the gate of Saint Margaret's, where he dropped the bag
and returned home.

Accounts exist of the services rendered by these noble dogs of Saint
Bernard in saving life among the snowy regions of the Alps.  It is
recounted that one of these dogs preserved twenty-two lives.  He at
length lost his own in an avalanche, when those he was endeavouring to
assist also perished.

THE DOG AND THE NEWSPAPER.

Several dogs have been taught to go to the post-office for their
masters' newspapers, or to receive them from the newsman.

A neighbour of mine, who was fond of telling good stories--which he did
not always, perhaps, expect his guests to believe--used to give an
account of the cleverness of one of his dogs.  The dog went regularly
every morning into the neighbouring town for the _Times_, and brought it
back before breakfast.  This was a fact.

On one occasion the dog returned without a paper,--so my neighbour used
to tell the story.  His master sent him back again, when he once more
appeared with no paper in his mouth.  On this the owner ordered his cob,
and rode into the town to inquire of the postmaster why the paper had
not come.  "Sir," answered the postmaster, "your _Times_ did not arrive
this morning; but when I offered the dog the _Morning Post_ he refused
to receive it."

THE STEADY POINTER.

It is wonderful how completely dogs can be trained to the performance of
their duties.

A well-practised pointer was about to leap over a rail, when she
perceived a nest of partridges close to her nose.

Had she moved an inch she would have frightened them away.  There she
stood for more than two hours, with her legs on the upper bar, awaiting
the arrival of the sportsman.  For some time she was not discovered, and
not till he appeared would she quit her post, when, the birds rising,
some of them were shot; but the steady pointer was so stiff when thus
relieved that she could scarcely move.

Here is an example which my young readers should endeavour to follow
when they have a duty, however irksome, to perform.  Remain steadily at
your post; let nothing draw you away.  Do not say, I have stopped at
work long enough, I am sick of it.  When tempted to give up, remember
the steady pointer.

THE YOUNG DOCTOR AND PINCHER.

One of the cleverest and most amusing of dogs was Pincher, a rough
Scotch terrier, belonging to Mrs Lee's brother.  [See Mrs Lee's
"Anecdotes of Animals."] The boy had a great fancy to be a doctor.
Having manufactured a variety of surgical instruments out of flint
stones, he pretended to perform with them operations on Pincher, who
would lie perfectly still while his teeth were drawn, his limbs set, his
veins opened, or his wounds bandaged.

The pretended doctor, finally copying the process practised on pigs,
used to cut up his favourite entirely.  The dog was laid on the table,
when he stuck out his legs as stiffly as possible.  Preparations were
first made for cutting off his head; and immediately the flint was
passed across the throat it fell on one side, and remained so completely
without motion that it might have been thought the dog fancied it was
really off.  Each leg in succession was then operated on, and as the
instrument passed round them the dog made them fall, putting them as
close as possible to the body.  When the operation was concluded, the
boy used to exclaim, "Jump up, good dog;" and Pincher, bounding off the
table, would shake himself to life again.

SIRRAH, THE ETTRICK SHEPHERD'S DOG.

Sirrah, fortunately for his fame, possessed a master in James Hogg, the
Ettrick Shepherd, well able to recount his history.  Hogg bought Sirrah
of a drover for a guinea, observing, notwithstanding his dejected and
forlorn appearance, a sort of sullen intelligence in his countenance.
Though he had never turned a sheep in his life, as soon as he discovered
it was his duty to do so he began with eagerness and anxiety to learn
his evolutions.  He would try every way deliberately till he found out
what his master wanted him to do; and when once he understood a
direction he never forgot it again or mistook it.

Often, when hard pressed in accomplishing a task he was put to, he had
expedients for the moment that bespoke a great share of the reasoning
faculty.  On one occasion about seven hundred lambs which were under
Hogg's care at weaning-time broke up at midnight, and scampered off in
three divisions across the neighbouring hills, in spite of all he and an
assistant could do to keep them together.  The night was so dark that
Sirrah could not be seen, but the faithful animal had heard his master
lament their absence in words which set him at once on the alert, and
without more ado he had silently gone off in quest of the recreant
flock.  In vain Hogg and his assistant spent the whole night in
searching for their lost charge; and they were on their way home to
inform their master of their loss, when they discovered a lot of lambs
at the bottom of a deep ravine, and the indefatigable Sirrah standing in
front of them, looking round for some relief, but still true to his
charge.  Believing that it was one only of the divisions, what was their
astonishment when they discovered the whole flock, and not one lamb
a-wanting!  How he had got all the divisions collected in the dark it is
impossible to say.  The charge was left to him from midnight till the
rising sun, and if all the shepherds in the forest had been there to
assist him they could not have effected it with greater propriety.

Hogg relates many other anecdotes of Sirrah.  On one occasion he brought
back a wild ewe which no one could catch from amid numerous flocks of