The Poodle. 185 



a notable place), and Kent, but no doubt it is 

 produced in other situations where the land is of 

 a chalky nature and where beech trees flourish. 

 This peculiar fungus is said to be a connecting 

 link between the animal and the vegetable king- 

 doms, as like the former it absorbs oxygen and 

 throws off carbonic gas. Otherwise it is a vege- 

 table pure and simple, but it is of most value for 

 high-class cooking purposes. 



As an industry, the occupation of the truffle- 

 hunter is rapidly dying out. In Hampshire and 

 elsewhere there are no young men springing up 

 who seem inclined to follow in the steps of the 

 old ones who have made a moderate living by 

 gathering truffles for many years. This is especi- 

 ally notable in the Wiltshire villages, where a 

 quarter of a century and more ago, families were 

 supported by their heads who took trouble to 

 train and keep their favourite strains of dog for the 

 purpose. One of the chief truffle " hunters " at the 

 time I write is Isaac Bray, of Winterslow, and he, 

 now an old man, has followed the occupation for 

 years. His dogs are well known, and there is 

 always a demand for the puppies, which, before 

 they are trained, are worth 2 or 3 each. Of 

 course a properly trained dog is worth much more 

 than that, and the owner of a really good one is 



