THE WATER DOG. 95 



in her new habitation. As soon as her master had 

 left her, she began to whine, and appeared very 

 unhappy. Some food was put before her; but she 

 refused to eat. She was tried with every delicacy 

 that it was thought might tempt her, but to no 

 purpose; and for three days she persisted in re- 

 jecting every kind of nourishment. The officer, at 

 last, sent for the farrier to relate the circumstance, 

 and ask his advice. As soon as he opened the door 

 of the place where she was confined, the little 

 creature, almost frantic with joy, exerted her 

 greatest effort to escape from her chain. He 

 offered her some food, which she swallowed with 

 the utmost voracity ; but he had no other alter- 

 native to save the life of the faithful animal, than 

 by refunding the money which he had received, 

 (which he did not hesitate a moment to do,) and 

 again taking her into his own possession. 



The hair of the above animal is so soft and fine 

 in its texture, that her owner cuts it off twice in 

 the year; and each fleece is found sufficient to be 

 manufactured into two hats. These are generally 



considered to be worth about twelve shillings 

 each. 



THE 



