500 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



two years, waiting for it to appear in full coat; but four, 

 and often five, years elapse before he is quite furnished and 

 in full bloom. 



It is said that a pair, Cupid and Psyche, were brought 

 from the East Indies at great expense, in 1841, by Captain 

 Lukey, of the East India Company' s service. They were 

 purchased to present to the Queen of England; but after a 

 rough voyage of nine months, and little or no grooming, 

 their coats were so matted and soiled that they remained in 

 private life, and never knew how great an honor they had 

 missed! A dog needs a court costume as much as a man, if 

 he is to be presented to royalty. 



I fear the lot of these dainty creatures would hardly be 

 a happy one in our Northern States, save in the palace 

 homes of millionaires. They are very delicate during pup- 

 pyhood, and the litters rarely number more than two or 

 three. To make amends, however, when they do live, 

 nature grants them a remarkably long lease, and they keep 

 their faculties unimpaired many years after the majestic 

 Mastiff and the noble St. Bernard have gone to their long 

 rest. 



For in-door pets and ladies' companions they will always 

 be desirable, and we live in the hope of seeing some good 

 specimens at our important shows ere long. Of course such 

 precious dogs must have every care. During their first year 

 they must be handled like our "best china," kept from all 

 risk of cold, fed simple food, and handled but little. The 

 less meat the better; bread, and a scant allowance of butter 

 or milk; vegetables and gravy make the best diet. Heat- 

 ing food spoils the beauty of the coat, and causes many 

 internal diseases. Regularity in feeding and in exercise is 

 of vital importance. They are hardly mature under two 

 years of age, but if they survive the first year and the perils 

 of puppyhood, become fairly strong and able to bear ordi- 

 nary exposure. 



As the coat of a Maltese is his greatest beauty, and 

 exceedingly liable to become matted or soiled, too much 

 attention can not be paid to it. It is very long, sometimes 



