and the Maritime Provinces. 425 



clog. His scent was keen, and for partridges and squirrels he was quite 

 useful. He never pointed, of course, but when game was found, an 

 excited bark announced the fact. 



It has been stated that the modern collie owes much of its black-and- 

 tan coloration to an infusion of Gordon setter blood, the old-fashioned, 

 bob-tailed sheep dog being of quite a different style. 



The standard for the collie adopted by American breeders demands a 

 lithe, active dog, presenting an elegant and pleasing outline, and exhibit- 

 ing strength, speed and intelligence. The body should be rather long, 

 tail moderately long, carried low when quiet, gaily when excited, and 

 almost straight when running. 



An important point is the coat, which should be abundant, except on 

 the head and legs, the outer coat harsh, the inner soft and furry and very 

 close. Color, immaterial ; size, males, 21 to 24 inches; females, 2 inches 

 less. Weight, males, 45 to 00 pounds ; females, 40 to 50 pounds. 



Another very intelligent dog, and one capable of a high degree of 

 education, is the poodle, of which there are several varieties. 



As a trick dog, this animal is well known, his public performances 

 being sometimes very remarkable. There was, a number of years ago, a 

 dog of this breed that fairly astonished Paris by his wonderful card and 

 arithmetical tricks, and in this country poodles are not rare which will go 

 through evolutions with the gun at command, and perform many other acts 

 that display an intelligence almost marvellous. 



In Europe, the poodle has been much used as a sportsman's dog, his 

 keen scent, intelligence and tractability, rendering him a favorite. He 

 ranges well, and rarely misses game, but has never been taught to point, 

 always rushing in and flushing the birds. As a retriever, however, either 

 on land or in the water, he is highly valued. 



His great docility makes him desirable as a house dog, and he is 

 always good-natured and ready for a frolic. Although his disposition is 

 very affectionate, he is a jealous animal and extremely sensitive to neglect 

 or ill-treatment. Among fanciers the corded poodle is growing in popular- 

 ity, its quaint, singular appearance making it an attraction at exhibitions. 

 Its jacket resembles lengths of twisted cords or rope, which hang down 

 and sometime trail on the ground. 



On account of the great thickness and weight of the coat of the curly- 

 haired poodle, it is customary to shave the body of the dog in hot weather, 

 leaving the shoulders and a few other parts untouched. The odd look of 

 the animal is thus increased, and sometimes he presents a very comical 

 appearance. The corded poodle, however, is rarely sheared. 



The mastiff has long been celebrated as one of the most courageous 

 and powerful of dogs, and as a consequence has always been prized as a 

 guardian of house and property. 



