1827.] Mr.Gifford. 173 



tossing tide of public opinions, and won its way with a vigorous arm, and 

 a head always kept high. At length the mind of England grew tired of 

 being lectured in politics, religion, and all other things, by a convocation 

 of Scotch doctors and lawyers, throwing off the refuse of their leisure hours 

 in the abuse of the constitution. The Quarterly Review was the fruit of 

 this weariness ; and Gifford, from his connection with some of the principal 

 ministerialists, was appointed its editor. He was now in his vocation. 

 He was born for editorship. He gave the Review a vast circulation, and 

 it returned the service by the indulgence of his pen, by reputation, and by 

 the wish of Pangloss in its fullest hope " nine hundred pounds a year." 



ON DOGS. 



. 



HALF a century ago, the sect of the " DOGGISTS " was so numerous, 

 that it was the fashion to say, no house was more than half furnished that 

 had not more than one dog in it. At length the frequency of the horrible 

 and incurable disorder occasioned by the bite of these useless animals, at- 

 tracted the attention of a wag of the day, who drew a caricature, called 

 the " Dog Worshipper." Another lover of his own species wrote a son- 

 net, the burthen of which was " Instead of a lap-dog, take me to your 

 arms." These squibs blew up the dog mania for that time ; but it is 

 reviving again now, and becoming an enormous evil. However, it is hoped 

 that the public press that powerful guardian of the manners and morals 

 of the people will again pour out its eloquence, and render dog-keeping 

 as ridiculous to individuals as it is offensive to the community. 



Who has not seen instances where cruelty is shewn to all the animated 

 works of the Almighty, except half a dozen pugs, and twice as many kit- 

 tens or parrots ? Retty and John are inferior beings to Tabby and Pom- 

 pey ! Fowls are boiled for the dog, and fish fried for the cat, by gentle- 

 folks who never think of giving a morsel to relieve the hunger of the human 

 being! This is most monstrous ! 



The following description of a doggery is an extract from the <( Invisible 

 Spy," a periodical work which appeared in 1754 : 



" A maid is sitting in a low chair, with a large tray before her, filled 

 with a great number of combs, one of which she is making use of in 

 smoothing and setting in order the hair of a spaniel she is nursing upon 

 her lap. Sir Simon and Lady Loved og come in, and seeing the comb she 

 is using, snatch it out of her hand, and strike it into her face. 



Lady Lovedog. Monster ! how dare you touch Hector with that 

 comb? 



Maid. Indeed, my Lady, they were all here; I did not know any 

 difference. 



Lady Lovedog. Oh, fie! you nasty hussy ; you must have heard that 

 each of my dear dogs has a set of combs to ijimself, marked with his 

 name! Can't you read, oaf? 



Maid. Indeed, Madam, I did not see it. 



Lady Lovedog. Take that, perfunctory slave ! and that ! and that 

 to clear your sight, and make you remember another time. 



These sharp words were accompanied with pretty smart blows, first on 

 one shoulder, then on the other; then turning to her dogs, who were cry- 

 ing and yelping all this time, her Ladyship addressed them in these terms : 



