Their plucky qualities appear to appeal particularly to some kind of men, and these same qualities seem to make them unpopular as house pets. This is a pity, as their Lilliputian self-assertion is most amusing. As pets they are most affectionate, excellent as watch-dogs, clever at acquiring tricks, and always cheerful and companionable. They have good noses and will hunt diligently; but wet weather or thick undergrowth will deter them, and they are too small to do serious harm to the best-stocked game preserve. Favourable circumstances may enable them to kill a young rabbit, but such an event is rare. Persons who have owned this breed generally agree that it is characterised by much individuality. The wonderful excitement which some of these alert little pet dogs will display at the sight of a rat-trap or on approaching a stack that harbours rats and mice is most remarkable. One little dog which belonged to the writer would fly at cattle, and once got kicked by a cow for his pains. Equally he would fight any big dog, and the only chance of distracting him from his warlike purposes was for his mistress to run when a fight was impending. Fear of being lost made him follow his owner and abandon his enemy. After many narrow escapes he met his fate in the jaws of a large black retriever which he had attacked in his own kennel.

Lady Evelvn Ewart's toy bull-terriers Photo T. Fall