igS The Ottawa Naturalist. [February 



nothing in particular would happen. The proprietor of the house, 

 a judge of high standing, had been ill for some months, during all 

 of which time the little terrier was a great comfort and source of 

 pleasure. Wherever his master changed his place there also the 

 little dog was to be found. He noted every action, and no matter 

 how many called, or what the company was, behind, or under his 

 seat or on the mat near his feet, the little canine proved beyond a 

 doubt his faithful character, and almost actual knowledge that his 

 master was not in his usual health and spirits. For some time 

 the physician had not paid much attention to the little canine, 

 who apparently was not to be passed over in a casual manner. 

 One day, when making the usual call, the small dog was actually 

 on the sidewaltc evidently on the look-out for the particular friend 

 of his master. No sooner had the physician arrived than the dog 

 began his usual gyrations, evidently greatly delighted at the pro- 

 spect, and followed him to the bedside of his master. There he 

 took his position, first looking at the doctor and then at the sick 

 man, as if quite aware something was wrong. As things moved 

 lively he was on the alert, but when all was quiet and dull he 

 remained much the same. This state of affairs passed on for 

 some weeks, and the certainly instinctive actions of the little 

 terrier could not but be observed. After a long and trying illness 

 the patient passed away. Some days afterwards, the family 

 physician called to pay a friendly visit. The dog was there, but 

 much changed in character. No longer active and energetic as 

 formerly but rather quiet and indifferent, he took his position on 

 a rug near at hand and turned his back on the visitors, evidently 

 not wishing to attract attention, as his chief source of pleasure 

 was gone, and the familiar voice was hushed forever. The actions 

 of these little animals, so strange and peculiar, are evidence of 

 mental power, difficult to define and sufficient to make us cherish 

 their actions, indicative of rare attachments and canine sympathy. 



