402 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



unwilling objects of the dog's pursuit; and, if not watchful, 

 one may even find the house-walls undermined. Young 

 dogs may, however, be easily taught to conduct themselves 

 so as to meet with general approbation, even respecting 

 their owner's flower-beds. 



These dogs are happiest when taken for an outing with 

 their master, searching about at a gallop for anything that 

 runs wild. I have seen a Bedlington stop a large snake 

 and prevent its escape until, having had his attention 

 attracted, the owner came up and relieved the dog of further 

 responsibility. 



They readily learn to take to water with delight, and 

 do not heed cold or heat or length of road. In repose and 

 in-doors they usually seem dull, not being carpet knights 

 naturally; and their coats may seem awry, not being shaken 

 out as when at liberty. Seen in the snow, of which they 

 are very fond, the coat often looks like a beautiful suit of 

 velvet. 



They have, in good specimens, something of the appear- 

 ance of a thorough-bred race-horse, and when animated 

 show a fiery energy that illumines them. It is this over- 

 flowing vitality and sporting instinct in the field that has 

 such a charm for a man who loves what is all about him in 

 nature as she is found in field, wood, and stream, and who 

 appreciates a sympathetic canine friend. If the Bedlington 

 is ugly, at least he is not so ugly that after his coat has 

 been cared for it is considered, by his admirers, necessary 

 for him to be mutilated before putting on the show bench. 

 The following well- written article, taken from the English 

 St. James Gazette, is interesting as being by an apparently 

 unbiased witness, and as showing that some of the best 

 blood has come to this country. The father alluded to is 

 Sentinel, one of the best-headed dogs of his kind. He is 

 described by that unerring judge of the breed, Mr. Charles 

 H. Mason, in his "Our Prize Dogs," volume 1. Sentinel's 

 pluck is testified to in the quotation : 



Two tall and burly men were shown into my study some time ago. Their 

 names brought to me memories of wild moorland, of rough sport over bleak 



