THE SMALL WATER-SPANIEL. 133 



ever previously away from London, and is certain that it had 

 never before been in any part of Kent. 



THE SMALL WATER-SPANIEL. (Canis aquaticus, minor.} 



This is a sub-variety of the preceding breed, like which it has 

 also a rough coat. Both are highly intelligent and useful animals, 

 combining the aquatic propensities of the large water-dog with 

 the fine hunting qualities of the spaniel, from which breeds they 

 are supposed to have originally descended. 



The poet Cowper has left us an interesting anecdote of one 

 of these dogs which used to accompany him in his walks : 



" It was the time when Ouse displayed 



His lilies newly blown ! 

 Their beauties I intent surveyed, 

 And one I wished my own. 



With cane extended far I sought 



To steer it close to land ; 

 But still the prize, though nearly caught, 



Escaped my eager hand. 



Beau marked my unsuccessful pains 



With fixed considerate face, 

 And puzzled sat his puppy brains 



To comprehend the case. 



