DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 95 



minutes, or until its companions have finished their meal. 

 It should then he examined, and if nothing can he detect- 

 ed, perhaps the ahstinence of a day may restore it. 

 Until the proper hour arrives on the following day, 

 nothing ought to be given to the animal, nor should any 

 inclination on its part for food be noticed. 



Where eating is concerned, dogs have lively sympa- 

 thies. The animal which at its own kennel has feasted to 

 satiety, will wake from its digestive slumber to taste any- 

 thing of which it sees its master partaking. These crea- 

 tures are so peculiarly sensitive in this respect, that they 

 will do violence to their feelings rather than be left out 

 when eating is going forward. Dogs moreover are most 

 pertinacious beggars, and they soon learn the cunning of 

 the trade. On no account should they be permitted to 

 frequent the kitchen. If properly reared, they will be 

 rigidly honest, but, like the " audacious cats," they offer 

 a ready excuse to dishonest kitchen-maids, who will 

 sometimes do injury by subjecti g the animal to unde- 

 served chastisement. 



Where the servants are trustworthy this danger will 

 not arise ; but good servants mostly have tender hearts, 

 and dogs have a peculiar tact in appealing to female weak- 

 nesses. However strict may be the orders, and however 

 sincere may be the disposition to observe them, bits will 

 fall, — scraps will be thrown down, — dishes will be placed 

 upon the ground, and sometimes affection will venture to 

 offer just " the little piece," which no one could call feed- 

 ing. It is astonishing how much will in this way be 



