I4O OUR DOGS. 



and turn him out a tip-top dog. But when he would slyly 

 leave home, and, after rolling and steeping himself in the 

 ill-smelling deposits of the stable or drain, come home 

 and spring with impudent ease into her lap, or put 

 himself to sleep on her little white bed, the magic cords 

 of affection gave out, and disgust began to succeed. It 

 began to be remarked that this was a stable-dog, educated 

 for the coach-boy and stable, and to be doubted whether 

 it was worth while to endeavor to raise him to a lady's 

 boudoir ; and so at last, when the family removed from 

 Zion Hill, he was taken back and disposed of at a some- 

 what reduced price. 



Since then, as we are informed, he has risen to fame 

 and honor. His name has even appeared in sporting ga- 

 zettes as the most celebrated "ratter" in little Boston, and 

 his mistress was solemnly assured by his present possessor 

 that for " cat work " he was unequalled, and that he would 

 not take fifty dollars for him. From all which it appears 

 that a dog which is only a torment and a nuisance in 

 one sphere may be an eminent character in another. 



The catalogue of our dogs ends with Wix. Whether 

 we shall ever have another or not we cannot tell, but in 

 the following pages I will tell my young readers a few true 

 stories of other domestic pets which may amuse them. 



