332 Modern Dogs. 



is difficult to find proficient operators, who run 

 the risk of fine or imprisonment if the cruelty 

 they perpetrate be 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. '* W^ell," 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 

 to have his revenge. I shall have nothing more to 

 do with cropping * boarhounds,' " continued the 



