THE MINIATURE BULLDOG 



" Which I have a small favour to asl^ you. 



As concerns a bull-pup, and the same, — 

 If the duty would not overtask you, — 



Tou would please to procure for 7ne, game ; 

 And send her express to the Flat, Miss, — 



For they say Yor\ is famed for the breed. 

 Which, though words of deceit may be that. Miss, 



ril trust to your taste Miss, indeed.'^ 



Bret Harte. 



THE rage for bantamising things has occupied the minds of 

 men for countless generations. Japan has sent us dwarf 

 trees and bantam fowls. Great dames of Egypt, and, later^ 

 of Greece and Rome, had their toy dogs, some of which were 

 miniature editions of larger varieties. We, too, have pursued the 

 same custom, with our toy spaniels, toy terriers, and now miniature 

 bulldogs. You must not call these little midgets "toys" unless 

 you would offend the susceptibilities of those who favour them. 

 The objection to the employment of this word in such a connection 

 is perfectly valid, for, in the real sense, the miniature bulldog is 

 not a toy at all ; he is merely a replica in little of the bigger 

 brother from whom he has sprung. His lineage is as pure, his 



