CHAPTER FOURTEEN ON DOGS 



SO much has been written, and so many anecdotes 

 told, of the cleverness and instinct of dogs, that 

 I am almost afraid to add anything more on the 

 subject, lest I should be thought tedious. Never- 

 theless I cannot refrain from relating one or two incidents 

 illustratinaf the instinct, almost amounting to reason, that 

 some of my canine acquaintances have evinced, and which 

 have fallen under my own notice. Different dogs are differ- 

 ently endowed in this respect, but much also depends on 

 their education, manner of living, etc. The dog that lives 

 with his master constantly, sleeping before his fire, instead 

 of in the kennel, and hearing and seeing all that passes, 

 learns, if at all quick-witted, to understand not only the 

 meaning of what he sees going on, but also, frequently in 

 the most wonderful manner, all that is talked of. 1 have a 

 favourite I'etriever, a black water-spaniel, who for many 

 years has lived in the house, and been constantly with me; 

 he understands and notices everything that is said, if it at 

 all relates to himself or to the sporting plans for the day: 

 if at breakfast-time I say, without addressing the dog 

 himself, "Rover must stop at home to-day, I cannot take 

 him out," he never attemps to follow me; if, on the con- 

 trary, I say, however quietly, "I shall take Rover with me 

 to-day," the moment that breakfast is over he is all on the 

 qui vive, following me wherever I go, evidently aware 

 that he is to be allowed to accompany me. When left at 

 home, he sits on the step of the front door, looking out for 

 my return, occasionally howling and barking in an ill- 

 tempered kind of voice; his great delight is going with me 

 when I hunt the woods for roe and deer. I had some covers 

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