Noted Breeders. 59 



bitches were particularly good, the lovely rich red sable 

 Bertha being, to my idea, the best of her sex on the bench 

 for about two years ; she, however, like the Squire, did not 

 grow a profuse coat, but what there was of it was of excel- 

 lent texture. Earlier than this Messrs. Charles had the 

 privilege of bringing out that excellent bitch Flurry. 



Mr. J. J. Steward, of near Rugby, has also been a 

 successful breeder, and he may well claim to have the 

 honour of introducing the most sensational collie puppy on 

 record. This young dog (Caractacus) was sensational in 

 many ways : the difference of opinion as to his merits and 

 the extraordinary price for which he was sold at Liverpool 

 show in 1888. He was there entered in the catalogue at 

 jioo, and, after winning first prize in the puppy class 

 under Mr. C. H. Wheeler, the officiating judge, was 

 claimed by several individuals who admired the dog. The 

 latter being the case, the fortunate puppy was put up to 

 auction with the result that he did not become the property 

 of Mr. Megson, of Manchester, until 350 had been bid ! 

 Caractacus, then nine months old, sickened from distemper, 

 after the show, but, fortunately, did not succumb thereto 

 as many good dogs have done, and will do again. 



Now for a description of this extraordinary puppy. He is 

 a grey sable in colour, with a little white an ugly colour, in 

 fact, and his appearance is by no means improved by a 

 couple of very light-coloured eyes. He is a big dog, 

 weighing about 64lb., standing on the best of legs and 

 feet, with power both in front and behind, and his coat is 

 good, so are his ears, and there is no fault to be found 

 with the shape of his head. His detractors contend that 

 his expression is all wrong, arising, no doubt, from his 

 colour, and the lightness of his eyes, and that he moves 



