252 
THE PUG-DOG. 
not by the smoke, but by the heated air that rushed up the chimney — was a great improve- 
ment, because the spit revolved at a rate that corresponded with the heat of the fire. 
So complicated an apparatus, however, could not be applied to all chimneys, or in all 
localities, and therefore the services of the Turnspit Dog were brought into requisition. At 
one extremity of the spit was fastened a large circular box, or hollow wheel, something like 
the wire wheels which are so often appended to squirrel-cages ; and in this wheel the Dog was 
accustomed to perform its daily task, by keeping it continually working. As the labor would 
be too great for a single Dog, it was usual to keep at least two animals for the purpose, and to 
make them relieve each other at regular intervals. The Dogs were quite able to appreciate 
PUG-DOG.— Cards famillaris molosms fricator. 
the lapse of time, and, if not relieved from their toils at the proper hour, would leap out of 
the wheel without orders, and force their companions to take their place, and complete their 
portion of the daily toil. 
There are one or two varieties of this Dog, but the true Turnspit breed is now nearly 
extinct in England. On the Continent, the spits are still turned by canine labor in some 
localities; but the owners of spit and Dog are not particular about the genealogy of the 
animal, and press into their service any kind of Dog, provided that it is adequately small, 
and sufficiently amenable to authority. 
The Pug-dog is an example of the fluctuating state of fashion and its votaries. 
Many years ago the Pug was in very great request as a lapdog, or “toy” Dog, as these 
little animals are more correctly termed. The satirical publications of the last century are 
full of sarcastic remarks upon Pug-dogs and their owners, and delighted in the easy task of 
drawing a parallel between the black-visaged, dumpy-muzzled Dog and the presumed per- 
sonal attractions of its owner. 
By degrees, however, this fashion passed away, as is the wont of fashions to do, and, as 
