THE DOO. 
313 
90 
sion which this idea renders necessary, they 
leave the care of their dinner to their 
dogs, which keep off all intruders, spring¬ 
ing into the air to drive away the vultures 
and butcher-birds, and are very careful to 
prevent their own shadow from crossing the 
pot.” 
“Well done!” said Antoinette. “ I did 
not suppose a dog could he taught so 
much.” 
“I think we shall hear of instances of 
docility more curious even than this before 
we get through with them. Dogs may 
be educated to almost any extent; and, 
what is very singular, these acquired facul¬ 
ties seem to be transmitted from one gene¬ 
ration to another. Those most skilful in 
such matters believe pointing game to have 
been the result of education originally; and 
yet puppies of this breed point without 
being taught. In certain districts of Eng¬ 
land and France dogs are educated to hunt 
for truffles and bring them to their masters, 
who make much profit in this way.” 
“ What are truffles ?” asked Daisy. 
“ They are a species of fungus, having a 
peculiar smell and a flavour much like that 
27 
