102 ANECDOTES OF ANIMALS. 



may be called a small setter, as the setter is called a 

 large spaniel, having the same long hair and ears ; but 

 the former is even more silken in its texture. With 

 some it curls more, and is a little harsher ; and these are 

 fonder of the water than the others. Their attachments 

 are strong, their intelligence great, and the beauty of 

 some of them makes them much sought as pets ; they 

 are, however, generally useful to the sportsman. The 

 only fault which can be laid to their charge, and this 

 perhaps only extends to a few, is, that they are apt to 

 love strangers as well as friends. As an instance to the 

 contrary, was a beautiful little red and white Blenheim, 

 who was most unsociable, and whose affections were most 

 difficult to win. I, however, succeeded, when on a visit 

 to her mistress ; and two years after, when I repeated 

 my visit, expected to have the same difficulty. She, how- 

 ever, when the first bark had been given, became silent, 

 and she did. not favour me with a sly bite on the heel, 

 as she was in the habit of doing to strangers. Before the 

 evening was over, the recognition was complete, and she 

 jumped into my lap. Her mistress took pains to prevent 

 her from coming in contact with vulgar dogs, always 

 thought her possessed of the most refined habits, and 

 was sure she would never be too fat, because she ate so 

 delicately. One evening, a small social party of us were 

 listening to the music of Handel, executed by two of 

 the finest performers in the world, when through the 

 door, which stood a little way open, Fanny glided in, 

 with a large piece of fat and sldn in her mouth. I 

 thought I was the only person who saw her, and re- 

 mained quite still ; presently my eye caught that of the 

 gentleman of the house, who made a sign that he also 

 had discovered her, and our equanimity was much 



