CHAPTER LI 



THE CHOW-CHOW 



THE edible dog of China is precisely the same as 

 the Chow-Chow, with which we are now tolerably 

 familiar. It seems a queer taste, but I believe the 

 feet alone are supposed to satisfy epicures, and the 

 idea does not seem quite so horrible when we know 

 that rice is the sole article of diet. The Chow is 

 very much like Arctic dogs, with his foxy head, prick 

 ears, and dense coat. It was not until some thirty 

 years ago that the dog became popular in this country, 

 but during the past two or three decades he has 

 grown enormously in favour. I am told by those 

 who have kept one, that they make ideal companions, 

 with great individuality of character, and they have 

 the pleasing habit of becoming attached to one person 

 and one only. It is quite unusual for a Chow-Chow 

 to form indiscriminate friendships. His bump pf 

 locality is developed to a most remarkable degree, 

 and it is quite astonishing how he can find his way 

 about. If you see one in the street, he goes about 

 in a most detached manner, taking no notice of any 

 remarks that may be addressed to him. He has a 

 somewhat scowling expression, from which it is not 

 right, however, tft assume that his nature is surly 



