The Great Dane. 183 



shorn of part of their ears that has led to their, 

 comparatively speaking, non-popularisation, for it 

 is difficult to find proficient operators, who run 

 the risk of fine or imprisonment if the cruelty 

 they perpetrate is brought to the notice of the 

 authorities. 



A few years ago, I was attending one of the 

 Crystal Palace dog shows, and engaged in conversa- 

 tion with a man, well known as a skilful performer 

 on the ears of terriers and other dogs. Walking past 

 the benches where the Danes were chained, we were 

 startled by a terrible growl and furious lunge, a 

 huge brindled dog springing up and making violent 

 attempts to reach the man to whom I was talking. 

 Luckily for him the chain and collar and staple 

 held. I never saw so much ferocity depicted on the 

 face of any animal whatever as there was on the 

 countenance of that Great Dane. It would have 

 been bad for that man had it got loose. Need it be 

 said, we soon gave it a wide berth. " What was the 

 meaning of that?" said I to the fellow, who was, in 

 reality, very much frightened and shaken by the 

 occurrence. " Well," said he, " I know the dog, he 

 was badly 'cropped,' and about five months ago, 

 Mr. - - called me down to his place to 'perform' 

 on his ears again. We had a terrible job with him, 

 and I guess the dog just recognised me, and wanted 



