2+ SIR EDWIN LANDSEER, R.A. 



sister stoops to fondle another pet, closely hugging it to her bosom. The little 

 maiden's hands are almost buried in the luxuriant fur of the animal, whicli accepts the 

 caresses very contentedly, as if accustomed to them. It is interesting to note the keen 

 observation of the artist, who always managed to endow the most simple incident with 

 the language of truthful representation. For instance, here the pressure of the hands 

 on the rabbit is described by the partial closing of the eyelids. In addition to the two 

 animals serving as " principals," several younger rabbits are seen whimsically arranged 

 in a brown dish. 



In the Vernon collection are the two small pictures " High Life " and " Low Life," 

 of which engravings are introduced into this volume ; they were exhibited in the British 

 Institution in 1831. The former title is given to a splendid stag-hound, seated in an 

 apartment of a lordly castle ; the room, judging from its furniture and general contents, 

 appears to be that ordinarily used by the animal's master — probably a baron or knight 

 of the olden time^ foi 



" Helmet and sword, breastplate and glove, are there," 



with other objects of a more peaceful nature, and showing their owner to be a bookman 

 and scribe as well as a warrior ; implements of writing lie on the table, interspersed 

 with heavily-bound volumes. But there are two objects which seem to be quite out of 

 place in a composition that carries the mind back to a comparatively remote age : 

 these are the candle set up in a modern candlestick, and the cord and tassel serving, 

 as it must be considered, for a bell-pull ; both introductions destroy the otherwise 

 mediaeval character of the whole scene. The hound is a right worthy specimen of 

 canine "high life"— well bred, well cared-for, graceful in form, and most intelligent in 

 expression. 



"Low Life" is the exact counterpart of all this, having no claim to higher rank 

 than that assigned to him by the artist, either by birth, education, or ownership. It 

 must be admitted, however, that there is a class of men — aristocratic men too — ^who 

 patronise dogs of this kind, and esteem them beautiful : and this fellow assumes such an 

 air of dignity, as he sits basking in the sunshine in the doorway of a butcher's out- 

 house, as would warrant the supposition that he, too, were of royal race, and fit com- 

 pany for any one. But he is a dog evidently not to be played with by a stranger : that 

 broad chest and deep jowl, those short, strong, and muscular legs, would render him a 

 formidable opponent if roused into action, and a valuable ally to his master, whether 

 engaged in deeds good or evil. The true character of a thorough fighting-dog has 

 never been more faithfully portrayed, and whatever the duties required of him, there 

 can be no doubt of his faithfully and vigorously performing them. The accessories 

 of the picture typify the owner of the ill-favoured animal— what mischief lurks in that 

 half-closed eye ; it will open widely enough should any hostile foot, whether of biped 



