252 



THE PUG-DOG. 



not by the smoke, but by the heated air that rushed up the chimney was a great improve- 

 ment because the spit revolved at a rate that corresponded with the heat of the fire. 



So complicated an apparatus, however, could not be applied to all chimneys, or in all 

 localities, and therefore the services of the Turnspit Dog were brought into requisition. At 

 one extremity of the spit was fastened a large circular box, or hollow wheel, something like 

 the wire wheels which are so often appended to squirrel-cages ; and in this wheel the Dog was 

 accustomed to perform its daily task, by keeping it continually working. As the labor would 

 be too great for a single Dog, it was usual to keep at least two animals for the purpose, and to 

 make them relieve each other at regular intervals. The Dogs were quite able to appreciate 



PUG-DOG. Cants familiaris moloisw fricator. 



the lapse of time, and, if not relieved from their toils at the proper hour, would leap out of 

 the wheel without orders, and force their companions to take their place, and complete their 

 portion of the daily toil. 



There are one or two varieties of this Dog, but the true Turnspit breed is now nearly 

 extinct in England. On the Continent, the spits are still turned by canine labor in some 

 localities ; but the owners of spit and Dog are not particular about the genealogy of the 

 animal, and press into their service any kind of Dog, provided that it is adequately small, 

 and sufficiently amenable to authority. 



THE PUG-DOG is an example of the fluctuating state of fashion and its votaries. 



Many years ago the Pug was in very great request as a lapdog, or "toy" Dog, as these 

 little animals are more correctly termed. The satirical publications of the last century are 

 full of sarcastic remarks upon Pug-dogs and their owners, and delighted in the easy task of 

 drawing a parallel between the black-visaged, dumpy-muzzled Dog and the presumed per- 

 sonal attractions of its owner. 



By degrees, however, this fashion passed away, as is the wont of fashions to do, and, as 



