The admiral hurried up in time to save its life. Although alone, he managed to tie its legs securely together. Ditto “Lion’s,” and then he laid the two helpless animals nearly side by side. With his driving-whip he belaboured “Lion” most severely, endeavouring to make him comprehend why he was punished, and in the intervals of the flagellation caressing the poor sheep.
This occurred about 6 A.M. and the admiral did not return to his captives until the same hour in the evening. After repeating his powerful admonitions he released both the animals, determined to give up the dog as incorrigible should he ever repeat the offence,—but he never did. He turned out an admirable retriever, and a faithful, attached friend. He seemed ever after ashamed to look a sheep in the face. On catching sight of one, he would slink to heel.
Be assured that the truly gallant admiral’s is an excellent recipe for giving a dog a higher relish for cooked than for uncooked mutton.
391. If ever you have fears that you may be unable to prevent a dog’s breaking away to worry sheep, hunt him in a muzzle[75] of a size that will not interfere with his breathing, and yet effectually prevent the wide extension of his jaws.
KILLING FOWLS.
392. The killing of fowls is more easily prevented. The temptation, though equally frequent, is not so great—he will only have tasted blood, not revelled in it. Take a dead fowl—one of his recent victims if you can procure it,—and endeavour, by pointing to it, while you are scolding him, to make him aware of the cause of your displeasure. Then secure him to a post, and thrash him about the head with the bird, occasionally favouring his hide with sundry applications of a whip, and his ears with frequent repetitions of the scaring admonition, “Ware fowl,” “Fowl—fowl—fowl.” Whenever you afterwards catch him watching poultry, be sure to rate him.