413. In his 22d letter he writes, “It is your opinion, I find, that a gentleman might make the best huntsman. I have no doubt that he would, if he chose the trouble of it. I do not think there is any profession, trade, or occupation, in which a good education would not be of service; and hunting, notwithstanding that it is at present exercised by such as have not had an education, might without doubt be carried on much better by those that have. I will venture to say fewer faults would be committed, nor is it probable the same faults would be committed over and over again as they now are. Huntsmen never reason by analogy, nor are they much benefited by experience.” I fear we may say the same of the generality of keepers, for decidedly dog-breaking has not kept pace with the manifest improvements in other arts. Few brigades—indeed few dogs are now-a-days broken like Major B——d’s ([251]), or Captain J——n’s ([542]). But I do not intend to say it is necessary; all that is merely for show might be advantageously dispensed with.
SCENE FROM ‘CRIPPLE-GAIT.’—‘GAME’ TO THE LAST.—Par. [411].
414. It is hard to imagine what it would be impossible to teach a dog, did the attainment of the required accomplishment sufficiently recompense the instructor’s trouble. Most of us have heard of the celebrated dog “Munito,” who, at some private signal from his master, quite imperceptible to the spectator, would select from a pack of outspread cards that which the spectator had named to the master in a whisper, or merely written on a piece of paper.
415. In the unenclosed parts of France, when the young crops are on the ground, you may frequently see a shepherd’s dog trusted to prevent the sheep from nibbling the tender wheat growing contiguous to the grass, which he peaceably permits them to crop within a foot of the tempting grain; but he is keenly watching, ready to dart at the first epicure who cannot resist a bite at the forbidden dainty; and so ably and zealously does the dog discharge his duties, that even in such trying circumstances will the shepherd leave his sheep for hours together under the charge of their sagacious and vigilant guardian. In a similar manner, a couple of dogs, stationed one at each flank of a large flock, effectually protect the vineyards from their depredations. The latter you will think not so remarkable an instance of discrimination as the former; for, compared with the difference in appearance between the herbage and the vine, there is but little between the young grain and the adjacent grass.
416. Who has not read with intense delight the tales of the almost incredible intelligence and devotion to their duties of the Scotch collie dogs, as related by the Ettrick Shepherd? He mentions one which, when his master was speaking, evidently understood much of what was said.
FAIRY AND MÉDOR.
417. I know a lady who had a small, nearly thorough-bred King Charles. Being one day desired by her mother to ring the bell, she turned to the dog, and said, very energetically, “Fairy, ring the bell.” The little dog had no previous training, but she had been observant, and was imitative. She immediately sprung at the bell rope, and pulled it. “Fairy,” indeed, unfortunately pulled with great violence—the rope came down, and so alarmed was she (remember how I have cautioned you never to alarm your pupil), that no subsequent coaxing could induce her to return to the bell. But if she had not been frightened, she might have become as serviceable a bell-ringer as the little dog that preceded her in the office of pet. That predecessor (the mention of a useful pet, though a lady was not his instructor, will, I hope, redeem my character with the fair sex) saved his young mistress from many an interruption of work and study, by ringing the bell on command. And “Bob” was discreet in his spontaneous ringings. He never rang without a cause; but if he was unreasonably detained by himself, or a visitor’s knock remained too long unanswered, the tardy attendant was warned of his remissness by a loud peal.