CONCERNING DOG SHOWS 53 



are stowed away in the guard's van under a heap 

 of other luggage, and it is quite possible that the 

 bars placed at the top of a box for the sake of ventila- 

 tion may be pushed up against one side of the com- 

 partment, so that very little air is available. In 

 the course of a summer we usually hear of several 

 animals being suffocated, and I am inclined to think 

 that in nearly every case it will be found that they 

 were travelling in boxes. A hamper admits air all 

 round, and it is also lighter to handle, the only 

 drawback being, as far as I know, that some dogs 

 have an absurd habit of eating their way through. 

 You will find it customary at most shows to have the 

 price of each dog stated in the catalogue, and you 

 will see a regulation to the effect that on any sale 

 brought about a commission of 10 per cent, will be 

 charged. If there should be more than one claimant, 

 the dog is put up by auction, and any surplus 

 realised above the sum given is to be divided equally 

 between the owner and the show authorities. I have 

 always maintained that this is a most inequitable 

 arrangement, and I -have heard nothing to cause me 

 to change my views. The promoter of the show is 

 necessarily anxious to obtain all the entries possible, 

 and he does nothing to bring about a sale ; there- 

 fore a commission of 5 per cent, on the total trans- 

 action would amply recompense him for any little 

 clerical labour to which he may be put. A notorious 

 instance of the inequity to which I refer occurred 

 at the Birmingham Show some years ago, when a 

 St. Bernard was catalogued at 200 ; he was 

 knocked down at auction for the large sum of 680, 

 which left 480 to be divided between the seller 

 and the show committee, 



