354 Modern Dogs. 



mostly on rice. They believe that the flesh of the 

 dog possesses unusual medicinal properties, but 

 what these properties are we barbarians here have 

 yet to learn. Alongside these carcases of dogs may 

 be seen the four paws of poor pussy, which, suit- 

 ably cooked, are considered a great delicacy, and 

 evidently as much esteemed by the Chinese as 

 pigs' feet are by the English and the natives of 

 other countries. It is strange somewhat that whilst 

 only the paws of the cat are eaten, the whole of 

 our friend the dog is converted into food. 



The restaurants in Canton and in other large 

 centres mostly provide dog soup ; other savoury 

 stews and ragouts are concocted from his flesh, and 

 I am told that such are by no means unpleasant, 

 and form in a great measure the usual food of the 

 middle classes. 



Mr. W. K. Taunton, who is the great authority 

 in this country on foreign dogs, kindly forwards 

 me the following notes : 



u In China are found several different breeds of 

 dogs, many of which bear a very close resemblance 

 and are probably identical with some of the breeds 

 of other countries. As an instance, there can 

 be little doubt the hairless dog of China is the 

 same as the Mexican hairless dog, and the crested 

 dogs bear a striking likeness to the dogs which have 



