Varieties of the Dog. 45 



morning or evening, when it gives out most smell), they 

 show all the keenness of the spaniel, working their short- 

 cropped tails, and feathering along the surface of the 

 ground, for from twenty to fifty yards. Arrived at the 

 spot where the fungus lies buried some two or three inches 

 beneath the surface, they dig like a terrier at a rat's hole, 

 and the best of them, if left alone, will disinter the fungus 

 and carry it to his master. It is not usual, however, to 

 allow the dog to exhaust himself in this way, and the 

 owner forks up the truffle, and gives the dog his usual re- 

 ward, a piece of bread or cheese ; for this he looks, from 

 long habit, with the keen glance of a Spanish gipsy. 



The truffle-hunter is set up in business when he pos- 

 sesses a good dog ; all he requires besides will be a short 

 staff, about 2 ft. 6 in. long, shod with a strong iron point, 

 and at the other end furnished with a two-fanged iron 

 fork. With this implement he can dig the largest truffle, 

 or draw aside the briars or boughs in copsewood, to give 

 his dog free scope to use his nose. He travels frequently 

 thirty or forty miles on his hunting expeditions, and with 

 this (to use a business term) inexpensive "plant," keeps a 

 wife and children easily. I know personally one blue 

 grizzled dog of the old truffle breed which supports a 

 family of ten children. 



The truffle dog is a delicate animal to rear, and a choice 

 feeder. Being continually propagated from one stock, he 

 has become peculiarly susceptible of all dog diseases, and 

 when that fatal year comes round which desolates the 

 kennel in his quarter, many truffle-hunters are left desti- 

 tute of dogs, and consequently short of bread ; for they 

 will not beheve (as I believe) that any dog with a keen 

 nose and lively temper may be taught to hunt and find 

 truffles. 



The education of the dog commences when he is about 

 three months old. At first he is taught to fetch a truffle, 

 and when he does this well and cheerfully, his master 

 places it on the ground, and slightly covers it with earth, 

 selecting one of peculiar fragrance for the purpose. As 

 the dog becomes more expert and keen for the amuse- 

 ment, he buries the truffle deeper, and rewards him in 



