PERFORMANCES OK |>o<;s. -. i 



London, many years ago, were very remarkable. On the rising of th curtain 1 1. 



ranges of ramparts one above the utlier, bftTJBg wliflol angles and a n:..at, like a n-guliirl\ constructed 

 fortification. In the centre of tho CoitrMM arose a tower, mi which a Mag was living, whilst in the 

 distance behind appeared the steeples and buildings of a town. The ramparts wen- guarded \,\ <.|i|ji-i * 

 in uniform, each armed with a musket or sword. All these were dogs, and their duly \VHH I., di-t'.-nd 

 the walls from an attacking party, consisting also of dogs, whose nioveinentn now commenced the 

 operations of the siege. 



In the foreground of the stage were some more buildings and irregular surfaces, from among 

 which there issued a reconnoitring party. The chief, habited as an ollicer of rank, with great circum- 

 spection, surveyed the fortification, whilst his sedate movement and his oonmltatiaoi with the troop 

 that accompanied him, implied that an attack was about to be made. These consultations, h.,u 

 did not pass unnoticed bv the defenders of the garrison ; a sentinel soon tired on tin- parly, and thin 

 seemed to be the signal for every soldier to take his place at the embrasures. 



Shortly after, the troops advanced to the escalade; but to cross the moat and reach tin- In.ttom of 

 the walls, it was necessary to bring up some species of pontoon, ami accordingly several soldiers were 

 soon engaged in pushing before them wicker-work scaffoldings, which were moved toward.-, the fortifica- 

 tions. The drums beat to arms, and earnestly began the bustle of war. 



The leaders of the forlorn hope, who first ascended, were opposed with great gallantry. The chief 

 of the assailants did wonders ; now here, now there was he seen, animating and directing the troops ; 

 twice was he hurled, with his staff, from the second gradation of ramparts; but he was invulnerable, 

 and seemed to gain an accession of courage and strength from every fresh repulse. The scene became 

 truly exciting. The rattle of the cannon, the roll of the drums, the sound of (he trumpets, ami tin- 

 heroic actors on both sides, imparted the idea of reality, so that for the moment the spectator forgot he 

 was looking on a performance of dogs not one of whom barked throughout the struggle. After 

 numerous hair-breadth escapes, the chief surmounted the third line of fortifications, followed by his 

 troops ; the enemy's standard was hurled ignominiously down, and the British Hag triumphantly hoisted 

 in its place; the conquerors manned the ramparts, and the smoke was scattered to the national 

 anthem, " God save the King." 



It may be admitted that the firing from the embrasures, and some other |uirta of the battle, were 

 managed by human hands, but the performance did credit not merely to the contriver, but to each 

 individual dog. The actions of the dogs were clearly their own, and showed how much in this way 

 could be effected by the patient training of these animals. Even proficients in military affairs 

 allowed that the struggle was as accordant with the art of war as it was animated in api>earance, and 

 wonderful as exhibiting canine intelligence. 



Another performance, equally surprising, presented a contrast to the bustle of a siege. The scene 

 was now an assembly room, with a music gallery ; seats were placed at the sides and further end, and 

 all was illuminated by a profusion of chandeliers. Livery servants were in attendance on a few of tin- 

 company, who entered and took their seats. There were now frequent knockings at the door, followed 

 by the entrance of parties in fashionable costume ; the very individuals recently engaged in the deadly 

 breach being now all composure, elegance, and ease. Parties were formally and ceremoniously 

 introduced to one another, though sometimes a young dog would show a slight inclination to break 

 through the rules of etiquette. 



Several of the dogs that represented ladies were dressed in silks, gau/es, lace, and gay and tasteful 

 ribbons. Some, as if they were young, wore artificial flowers, and ilowing ringlets; others, as if .,f 

 riper years, wore the powdered and pomatumed head-dress of the period, with caps and lappets ; each 

 style contrasting ludicrously with the features of the animals. 



The animals personating gentlemen appeared, in like manner, as youthful and as aged beaux, the 

 former being naturally most attentive to the fair. The frequent bow and return of curtsey were very 

 amusing; but the youthful spectators shrieked with delight when the no.-es of the animals ucared one 

 another. On a sudden, the master of the ceremonies appeared. No doubt he was the chief in the- 

 battle fray, but now wearing a superb court dress, and of elegant manners. ( hi some of the gentlemen 

 he cast merely a look of recognition, but to the ladies generally he was attent i\ e ; to some offering his 

 paw familiarly, to others bowing with respect, and introducing one to another with due complaisance. 



