XVII 



THE SMALL DOGS 



THERE seems to be no use in trying to su- 

 persede the pug in the affections of the fam- 

 ily. New dogs are brought out, and old ones 

 pushed to the front ; Europe is scoured for 

 novelties, and Asia is laid under contribution ; 

 still the little black nose of puggy is seen ev- 

 erywhere, still his soft satin skin nestles on 

 velvet cushions, and his absurd little tail curls 

 tighter than ever in the proud consciousness 

 that he is yet, as he has been for so long, the 

 favorite dog for the city home. 



Nor is it any wonder, for the pug seems to 

 combine in his own substantial little body the 

 greater share of the dog virtues good tern-., 

 per, which makes him patiently endure the 

 rough fondling of the nursery ; lively disposi- 

 tion, which renders him a cheerful compan- 

 ion ; playfulness, that places him first in the 

 affections of the children ; and watchful care 



