CULTIVATION OF THE CANINE BltAIN. 
659 
L , with customary French politeness, the largest by the 
name of M. Philax, the other as M. Brae (or Spot) ; the former 
had been in training three, the latter two years. They were in 
vigorous health, and, having bowed very gracefully, seated them- 
selves on the hearth-rug, side by side. M. Leonard then gave a 
lively description of the means he had employed to develop the 
cerebral system in these animals — how, from having been very 
fond of the chase, and ambitious of having the best-trained dogs, 
he had employed the usual course of training — how the convic- 
tion had been impressed on his mind that by gentle usage, and 
steady perseverance in inducing the animal to repeat again and 
again what was required, not only would the dog be capable of 
performing that specific act, but that part of the brain which 
was brought into activity by the mental effort would become 
more largely developed, and hence a permanent increase of 
mental power be attained. 
This reasoning is in accordance with the known laws of the 
physiology of the nervous system, and is fraught with the most 
important results : but we must not digress, and can only refer 
the reader interested in the subject to the masterly little work of 
Dr. Verity (“ Changes produced in the Nervous System by 
Civilization”)* 
After this introduction, M. Leonard spoke to his dogs in 
French, in his usual tone, and ordered the one to walk, the other 
to lie down, to run, to gallop, halt, crouch, & c., which they per- 
formed as promptly and correctly as the most docile children. 
Then he directed them to go through the usual exercises of the 
menage , which they performed as well as the best trained ponies 
at Astley’s. He then placed six cards of different colours on the 
floor, and, sitting with his back to the dogs, directed one to pick 
up the blue card, the other the white, &c., varying his orders 
rapidly, and speaking in such a manner that it was impossible 
the dogs could have performed if they had not had a perfect 
knowledge of the words. For instance, M. Leonard said, 
“ Philax, take the red card and give it to Brae ; and. Brae, take 
the white card and give it to Philax;” and the dogs instantly 
did this, and exchanged the cards with each other. He then 
said, “ Philax, put your card on the green, and, Brae, put your’s 
on the blue and this was instantly performed. Pieces of bread 
and meat were placed on the floor, with figured cards, and a 
variety of directions were given to the dogs, so as to put their 
intelligence and obedience to the severest test. They brought 
the meat, bread, or cards, as commanded, and never attempted 
to eat or to touch the bread or meat unless ordered. Yet more ; 
