11 '2 ACTIVITY OF THE YOUNG WATER DOG. 



to him of this performer, still more extraordinary, and evincing 1 great strength and 

 courage. The Captain and his dog arrived soon after in England, where the poor 

 animal Mas destined very soon, to put a period to all his extraordinary exploits. 



A part of Sussex was chosen for the recovery of the officer's health, and his host 

 having several extensive pieces of water, took great delight in breeding Swans. 

 One day the Captain and his Friend, accompanied by the French Dog, walking 

 on the banks of these small lakes, upon which the Swans and their young broods 

 were parading, the proprietor was expatiating on the power of the Swan, and its 

 resolution in defending its young against the fiercest dogs. The Captain on this 

 observed that, if his friend did not object, he would instantly convince him, that 

 the French Water Dog was a match for the Swan ; and obtaining permission, he 

 ordered the dog to fetch him a Cygnet. The dog jumped into the water with his 

 usual alacrity, and having 1 swam up to the Swans was immediately attacked by the 

 old Cock, a very large and most powerful bird, and a dreadful combat ensued 

 between them. The dog tore the breast and side feathers from his antagonist, on 

 his first closing with him, was beaten off, apparently with considerable suffering, 

 and bravely returned to the attack several times ; at last however he received a 

 blow from the powerful wing of the bird, on the back part of his head, which 

 staggered and caused him to dip beneath the water ; on his rising to the surface 

 again, he received from his watchful enemy, the decisive blow which sent him in- 

 stantly to the bottom, never to rise again alive ! The spectacle, however attended 

 with heavy regret to both Gentlemen, on account of the loss of so valuable an animal, 

 was most curious and impressive. 



The water dog begins very early to shew his activity and natural desire, of 

 bustle and business in his proper line, which is hunting out, and laying hold of 

 every thing within his reach, and carrying it to and fro ; hence the -facility of learn- 

 ing him to fetch and carry. Of this we had a shining example, very early in life, 

 in a favourite puppy of the species, tearing to ribbons a fine new bonnet just arrived 

 from London, of our ever-honoured Mamma, long since retired out of the reach of 

 injury from water dogs, or the need of bonnets. This breed is chiefly to be found 

 in those parts of the Country, where a strong and hardy Water Dog is necessary ; 

 namely on the Northern Coasts and in the vicinity of great Rivers : in the inland 

 and Southern parts, the AVater Spaniel being most in use. The former is sometimes 

 to be seen in, and near the Metropolis, where he is occasionally employed in the 

 barbarous and unfair sport of hunting and "worrying to death, the good-natured, 

 pleasing, and inoffensive domestic Duck. On this occasion we recollect an 

 instance of a Magistrate using to a good purpose, that illegitimate and indefensible 

 discretionary power of conferring or refusing the licence of a Public House. A 

 Publican had frequent Duck Hunts, in a pond at the back of his house, at which 

 perpetual scenes of cruelty were exhibited. The Magistrate being informed by 



