THE BULL-TERRIER. 



only five pounds and a half, and yet was known to destroy fifty rats in twenty-eight 

 minutes and five seconds. It is estimated that this Dog must have killed more than 

 five thousand rats, the aggregate weight of which nearly equals a ton and a half. He 

 could not be daunted by size or numbers, and was repeatedly matched against the largest 

 rats that could be procured. 



He used to go about his work in the most systematic and business-like style, pick- 

 ing out all the largest and most powerful rats first, so as to take the most difficult part 

 of the task while he was fresh. When fatigued with his exertions, he would lie down 

 and permit his master to wash his mouth and refresh him by fanning him, and then 

 would set to work with renewed vigor. He was a most excitable little creature during 

 his younger days, running about the room with such preternatural activity that a gen- 

 tleman to whom he was exhibited declared that he could not distinguish the Dog's head 

 from his tail, or pronounce judgment on the color of his fur. 



As he grew older, however, he became more sedate in his demeanor, and used to sit 

 in state every evening on a crimson velvet cushion edged with gold fringe, and flanked 

 with a candle on each side, so that he might be inspected at leisure. 



However quiet he might be in external demeanor, he was hardly less excitable in 

 disposition, and actually died from the effects of over-excitement. He happened to 

 hear or to smell a rat which was in a cage in another room ; and being chained in an 

 adjoining apartment, and unable even to see the rat, he chafed and fretted himself into 

 such feverish agitation that he died in a short time afterwards, although he was per- 

 mitted to kill the rat. There are Dogs which have destroyed more rats in less time 

 than this little creature ; but none which was nearly so successful in proportion to its size 

 and weight. 



A larger variety of the bull-terrier was formerly in great request for dislodging foxes 

 from their holes, or "earths," as their burrows are technically termed ; and one or two of 

 these animals were invariably borne on the strength of each pack of foxhounds. There 

 used to be a special train of these Dogs, named Fox-terriers, which were bred and trained 

 for this purpose alone. 



The mental powers of this Dog are very considerable, and the animal is capable of 

 performing self-taught feats which argue no small amount of intellect. There are several 

 examples of Dogs which could in some degree appreciate the object of money, and which 

 would take a coin to the proper shop and exchange it for food. A well-known black-and 

 tan Terrier, which lately resided at Margate, and was named Prince, was accustomed to 

 make his own purchases of biscuit as often as he could obtain the gift of a halfpenny 

 for that purpose. On several occasions the baker whom he honored with his custom 

 thought to put him off by giving him a burnt biscuit in exchange for his halfpenny. 

 The Dog was very much aggrieved at this inequitable treatment, but at the time could 

 find no opportunity of showing his resentment. However, when he next received an 

 eleemosynary halfpenny, he wended his way to the baker's as usual, with the coin between 

 his teeth, and waited to be served. As soon as the baker proffered him a biscuit, Prince 

 drew up his lips, so as to exhibit the halfpenny, and then walked coolly out of the shop, 

 transferring his custom to another member of the same trade who lived on the opposite 

 side of the road. 



Several instances of a similar nature have been recorded, but in no case does the 

 animal appear to have comprehended the difference of value between the various coins 

 of the realm. The elephant, for example, readily learns to take a coin from a visitor, 

 and to exchange it for apples, cakes, or similar dainties, at a neighboring stall. But he 

 seems to be ignorant of the fact that he ought to receive twice as many cakes for a penny 

 as for a halfpenny, and is quite contented so long as he gives a coin and receives cakes. 



One of these Dogs, named Peter, an inhabitant of Dover, displays great ingenuity in 

 adapting himself to the pressure of circumstances. 



Several years since, he had the mishap to fall under the wheels of a carriage, and to be 

 lamed in both his fore-legs. In consequence of this accident his limbs are so enfeebled 

 that he cannot trust their powers in leaping, and therefore has taught himself to jump 

 with his hind-legs alone, after the manner of a kangaroo. He can spring upon a chair 

 or on a low wall without any difficulty, and does so after the usual manner of Dogs. 



