Although this gentleman has, he tells me, taken a warm interest in animals of every sort and kind all his life, I am bound to say I should have drawn the line at bears; but I was sorry to see he lost a valuable animal of this kind not long since, in a fight with a companion with whom it had hitherto lived on good terms.

Mr. Leadbetter mentions that when a small boy he was much fascinated with a Harlequin Great Dane he saw in a den in Wombwell's Menagerie, in company with three performing tigers, and was so much struck by the pluck and determination shown by the dog in the rough play with his companions, that he determined to take up Great Danes, with which he has been fairly successful, even in these days of several strong and old-established kennels, at many of the best shows.

I am pleased to say he has also energetically espoused the cause of the Old English Mastiff, which badly wants help, and I hope we shall see many good specimens of this noble breed from the Hazlemere kennels, as all the old fanciers who remember the grand classes we used to see of these fine animals at most of the shows between 1870 and 1890 must feel, with the writer, that it is almost a national reproach that there should be more enthusiasm on the continent of Europe and in America for this, which more than any other, except perhaps the Bull-dog, is looked upon as a national breed.

MR. ROBERT LEADBETTER.

From photo by Thos. Fall, Baker Street, W.

Mr. Leadbetter tells me he inherits a love of the larger dogs, as his father imported one of the first Great Danes ever seen in this country, and had usually kept some Mastiffs. This being so, and his son having youth and enthusiasm in his favour, I am glad to include his name amongst the Doggy People on my list, his agreeable and unassuming manners ensuring him a cordial reception from all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

MR. LEADBETTER'S MASTIFF CHAMPION MARKSMAN.

A capital portrait of Mr. Leadbetter and of his well-known Brindled Mastiff Champion Marksman is given with this sketch.