The truffle is in season in England from November until March, but it can be purchased in most shops where such things are sold, all the year round. As we have said, the occupation of truffle-hunting is little followed now in Great Britain, still I believe that it is one for which there is ample scope, and likely to prove remunerative to the labourer or working man who would commence such work. But he must have no poaching proclivities, else the love of the rabbits or hares amongst which he hunts, will induce him to leave his adopted "profession" for another that is against the law of the land.

So far for the poodle, and how useful a dog he is and may be made, I think sufficient has been written to prove, and perhaps the following description of the animal (with the aid of Mr. Wardle's illustrations), published by the Poodle Club, will enable any who do not know what such a dog is like to recognise a poodle when they see him in the streets or on the stage.

A "Poodle Club" was established in 1886, and the following is the description issued by that body. The numerical points are, however, my own.

The Black Poodle. General Appearance

That of a strong, active, and very intelligent dog, cobby in build, and perfectly coated with curls or long ropey 'cords.'

Head

Long, the skull large and with plenty of room for brain power, wide between the ears and a slight peak, the parts over the eyes well arched, the whole thickly covered with curls or 'cords.'

Muzzle

Long (but not 'snipey'), strong, square, and deep; the 'stop' should be defined, but not to a very great extent; the teeth should be perfectly level, strong, and white.

Eyes

Small, dark, and bright, with a very intelligent expression; they should be set at right angles with the line of the face.

Nose

Large, and perfectly black in colour, with wide open nostrils.

Ears

Very long, close to the cheek, low set on, and well covered with long ringlets or 'cords.'

Neck

Well proportioned, and very strong to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity.

Chest

Fairly deep, but not too wide, strong, and well covered with muscles.

Legs

Forelegs perfectly straight, very muscular, and 'set on racing lines; ' they should be long enough to raise the body well from the ground, but without legginess. Hind legs very muscular, but fairly bent, with the hocks well let down.

Feet

Large, strong, and rather wide, but standing well on the toes, and of good shape; the nails perfectly black, and the pads capacious and hard.

Back

Short, with body well ribbed up; the loins very strong and muscular, but without fat..

Tail

Carried at an angle of 45 degrees, having long ringlets or 'cords,' hanging down.

Coat

If corded, thick and strong, and hanging in long, ropey 'cords.' If curly, the curls close and thick, and hair of good quality.

Weight

Large, 6olb.; medium, 4olb.; small, 2olb. and under.

The White Poodle And The Red Poodle

"All the foregoing points hold good for these varieties of the breed, with the following exceptions:

Eyes

Yellow or wall eyes (light blue), free from black rims round the eyelids.

Nose

Red or liver colour.

Nails

Red or pink.

Back

The ticks (spots) on back should be red or liver, and the whole body should be free from black ticks.

"Only these three colours (black, white, and red) are admitted, and they should be without mixture.

"N.B. - Clipping or Shaving. - We very strongly recommend that only one-third of the body be clipped or shaved, and that the hair on the forehead be left on".

Grand Total 100.