52 THE HOME OF A NATURALIST. 



domestic and domesticated, I should begin with by far 

 the noblest of all the lower animals, and discourse of 

 our dogs. But as space would fail me if I should 

 attempt to enter upon so wide a field, I shall merely 

 say that there were generally two or three dogs of 

 different breeds in the house — Newfoundland, Eetriever, 

 Scotch Terrier, or Collie, as might happen. I have 

 always given the preference to the last-named variety, 

 perhaps because, at a very early age, I became the 

 proud master of one. He was the constant companion 

 and friend of my youthful years, the most faithful, 

 affectionate, and intelligent of his species I have ever 

 known. With the utmost ease I taught him every 

 useful and ornamental accomplishment. He under- 

 stood and obeyed my slightest wish or command. As 

 a sporting dog, he was invaluable — while he lived and 

 retained his vigour, I never needed another — pointing, 

 hunting otters, coursing rabbits, retrieving on land or 

 water, according to the exigencies of the occasion. 

 Anything and everything of the sort he took to with 

 a promptness and accuracy of appreciation that never 

 failed. His sagacity saved my life once when in 

 utmost peril. Dear old " Slop ! " little wonder his 

 memory is green, associated as it is with my happy 

 long ago. We never chained our canine pets, that 

 being regarded as a barbarous and cruel practice. 



We always had an unlimited number of cats amongst 

 our pets, each member of the family — by no means a 

 small one — being the master or mistress, as the case 

 might be, of at least one. I could say many things 



