162 DOMESTICATED DOGS. 
seem to have had better luck ; indeed, from all accounts, the fall- 
ing off in the Emerald Isle has been even greater than in England. 
Those who have possessed a dog of this breed speak very highly of 
them, so that it does not seem that the decay is to be attributed to: 
carelessness or neglect. 
According to trustworthy evidence, Mr. M‘Carthy alone seems 
to have the credit of originating this strain, which is very remark- 
able, as there is no breed of dogs in existence closely resembling 
it ; and how he created it I am quite at a loss to know. The bare 
The Southern Irish Water-Spaniel. . 
face and tail, the marked top-knot, the long curls all round the 
legs, and the -heavily curled coat on the body and ears, are all 
peculiarities which must have been derived from some source, but, 
alas! I confess my ignorance as to its habitat. The only objection 
I know of is, that the breed is very quarrelsome ; but still this 
cannot be carried to the extent of extermination, which is what 
