594 BRITISH DOGS 



formidable, and many a time some unfortunate tradesman, or tramp, 

 has rushed away, leaving a pattern of his most important garment 

 in Mr. Bowsie's teeth. 



Bowsie was a most sagacious dog. How dearly he loved a 

 carriage drive, a railway journey, or a show ! When the show 

 hampers were brought out he would frisk and bark with delight, 

 and would quickly open the lid with his tiny nose and paw, and 

 dive in, defying anyone but his mistress to remove him, and only 

 then when the assurance was given him that he would start for 

 the show next day, could he be persuaded to come out to eat. 

 On one occasion, when we were living in the country, Bowsie 

 narrowly escaped being taken by express train to London. 1 had 

 gone to town, and Bowsie, thinking that it was to a show, escaped 

 from home by jumping from the window of an upper room, where 

 he had been locked in for safety. He ran to the railway-station, 

 a distance of half a mile, and dashed into a first-class compartment 

 of a train in waiting, where he complacently seated himself between 

 two lady passengers. Fortunately, the station-master, seeing and 

 recognising my lord, sent him home safely, though crestfallen 

 and disappointed. 



In the matter of food Bowsie was an epicure, and if one of 

 his favourite dishes was on the table, and likely to be removed 

 without his being served, he would sit with his back firmly planted 

 against the door, defying the maid to, pass with the dish, and tear 

 her apron to ribbons should she dare the attempt. This little dog 

 always went to bed with one of the children, and passed away 

 at the age of fifteen, when he was .sleeping in the arms of my 

 youngest son. Never has there been a truer and more faithful 

 friend than this animal, and although many years have passed 

 since his death, I can scarcely keep the tears back as I write 

 of him." 



It is claimed by Mr, J. W. Berrie that "the modern Blenheim, 

 from a phrenological point of view, possesses properties and organs 

 more nearly resembling those of the human head than any other 

 kind of dog. He had Individuality, Eventuality, Comparison, and 

 Causality very largely developed." The writer is not qualified to 

 pass judgment upon this as a phrenological delineation, but certainly 

 the experiences of many owners of the Blenheim and all Toy 

 Spaniels go to prove that the characteristics enumerated are pre- 

 dominant in the variety. 



The modern Blenheim is undoubtedly made up with the old 

 Marl borough breed, crossed with the King Charles, by reason of 

 which we get the short nose, square muzzle, and large, bold skull. 

 He is very sharp, quick of hearing, full of life and intelligence, and 

 makes an excellent house-dog. He enjoys long country walks, or a 



