214 THE MALTESE DOG. 



after a while invented a much better mode of action. Whenever he discovered the newly- 

 built nest of a thrush or blackbird, he woidd wait until there were some four or five eggs in 

 the nest, and then would bite out the bottom of the nest, so as to let the eggs roll unbroken 

 into his mouth. 



One of these little animals, which belonged to a gentleman' s family, was very clever and 

 docile. 



Every morning, he would voluntarily fetch his towel and brush, and stand patiently to be 

 washed, combed, and brushed by the hands of his mistress. Generally, he was accustomed to 

 take his meals with the family, but if his mistress were going to dine from home she used to 

 say to him, "Prince, you must go and dine at the rectory to-day." The Dog would therefore 

 set off for the rectory, rather a long and complicated walk, and after passing several bridges, 

 and taking several turnings, would reach the rectory in time for dinner. There he would wait 

 until he had taken his supper, and if no one came to fetch him, would return as he came. 



The Blenheim Spaniel is even smaller than the King Charles, and resembles it closely 

 in its general characteristics. Both these animals ought to have very short muzzles, long silky 

 hair without any curl, extremely long and silky ears, falling close to the head, and sweeping 

 the ground. The legs should be covered with long silky hair to the very toes, and the tail 

 should be well "feathered." The eyes of these little Dogs are extremely moist, having always 

 a slight lachrymal rivulet trickling from the corner of each eye. 



Although, from their diminutive size, these little Dogs are anything but formidable, they 

 are terrible foes to the midnight thief, who cares little for the brute strength of a big yard dog. 

 Safely fortified behind a door, or under a sofa, the King Charles sets up such a clamorous 

 yelling at the advent of a strange step, that it will disconcert the carefully arranged plans of 

 professional burglars with much more effect than the deep bay and the fierce struggles of 

 the mastiff or the bloodhound. It is easy enough to quiet a large Dog in the yard, but to 

 silence a watchful and petulant King Charles Dog within doors, is quite a different matter. 

 Many "toy" Dogs are equally useful in this respect, and the miniature terrier, which has 

 lately become so fashionable, or the Skye terrier, are most admirable assistants in giving 

 timely warning of a foe's approach, although they may not be able to repel him if he has once 

 made good his entrance. 



A very celebrated, but extremely rare "toy" Dog, is the Maltese Dog, the prettiest 

 and most lovable of all the little pet Dogs. 



The hair of this tiny creature is very long, extremely silky, and almost unique in its 

 glossy sheen, so beautifully fine as to resemble spun glass. In proportion to the size of the ■ 

 animal, the fur is so long that when it is in rapid movement, the real shape is altogether lost 

 in the streaming mass of flossy hair. One of these animals, which barely exceeds three pounds 

 in weight, measures no less than fifteen inches in length of hair across the shoulders. The tail 

 of the Maltese Dog curls strongly over the back, and adds its wealth of silken fur to the 

 already superfluous torrent of glistening tresses. 



It is a lively and very good-tempered little creature, endearing itself by sundry curious 

 little ways to those with whom it is brought in contact. The "toy" spaniels are subject to 

 several unpleasant habits, such as snoring and offensive breath, but the Maltese Dog is free 

 from these defects, and is therefore a more agreeable companion than the King Charles or the 

 Blenheim Spaniels. 



As the name implies, it was originally brought from Malta. It is a very scarce animal, and 

 at one time was thought to be extinct ; but there are still specimens to be obtained by those 

 who have no objection to pay the price which is demanded for these pretty little creatures. 



The Lion Dog, so called on account of its fancied resemblance to the king of beasts, when 

 it is shaven after the fashion of poodles, is a cross between the poodle and the Maltese Dog, 

 possessing the tightly curled hair of the poodle without its elongated ears and determinate 

 aspect. 



