The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-07-26

closure is very large, but the quarters allotted
to the captured dogs are proportionately re-
stncted. On the Buttonwood side of the quadri-
lateral there is a frame structure, one story in
height and Of indefinite length. II would sorely
puzzle Ruskln himself to determine the style of
architecture which prevails to the greatest ex-
tent. When we say that IL much resembles a
cross between a Western cabin and an Eastern
pigpen, we are not coming far short of the
truth. We do not intend to insinuate that the
establishment is disgrace to the good City OF
Brotherly Love. 1t Is probably large enough
and neat enough for a slaughter-house for dogs,
and that is all that is required of it.
now DOGS ARE sNATCHED FROM THE JAWS OF
DEATH.
The law requires that dog whoi is taken into
custody by the "ketchers, ,"-another profess
sional term-shall be detained in the pound at
least twenty-four hours from the time of his
Incarceration. This ia for the purpose of allow.
ing his owner, if any he have, to discover his
disappearance, and put in claim for redemp-
tion at headquarters. The owner of a dog can
have him discharged from the pound on prov
ing his ownership to the satisfaction of the
High Constable in charge, and paying down
the fee of two dollars. As will be seen from the
above table, one dog out of every four is con-
sidered by his owner as worth that sum, ana
the time ana trouble necessary to secure his
release.
When the claimant of missing dog arrives at
the pound and makes known his errand, he is
ushered into the presence of the assembled
brutes. If he be blessed with what is popularity
termed strong stomach, he will probably enjoy
the scene-otherwise not A room that mea-
oINo
large enough to hold all the dogs that are likely
to be on hand at any one time. This charnel.
house is low and dark; it has one window and
one door; the proportions of the window are
strictly in keeping with the surroundings. 1t is
barred and cross-barred, TO prevent all posi-
billty of escape. The door is OF much the same
character; we might even say chat it is little
more so. The dog that can succeed in making
his way through either must certainly be very
expert dog, or else a very lank one.
When the dIsconsoate dog-fancier has entered
the pound proper, he finds himself within an
enclosure about two feet and halt square. A.
his back is the grated doorway; at his left
blank WALL to the right, and in front, series
Of bars and cross.bars, through which he obtains
faint and unsatisfactory glimpses of the dogs
Still, if the animal OF which he is in quest be of
large proportions, he can distinguish him with
out much difficulty. If, on the contrary, he
be of the POODLE or terrier order, before the
owner can get his eye upon him it will probably
be necessary for Professor" Price to stir up the
animals with short pole. In the New York
pound each cog is honored with rope and two
square feet wherein TO move about. But in our
pound, ropes are entirely ignored at this stage
| of the proceedings. The captives are huddled
| together in a most delightful confusion, which
| the presence Of professor" Price and his short
| pole tends to render only worse confounded.
| For this reason we imagine that it will profit a
man to consider the matter carefully, before he
| determines upon resCuing his dog from limbo.
Many curious scenes are witnessed by one who
| passes day at the dog-pound, and watches the
| motions and eXclamations of those who come tc
| redeem their household pets. The law is very
| strict in its terms, requiring that no dog shal
| be delivered up, even on payment of the regula
| fee, except on positive proof of ownership
Many persons who think a dog would be a mic
thing TO have about the house frequent the dog
| pound. for the purpose of procuring a goo
| specimen at the comparatively low price of tw
| dollars. II they are not very circunspect in th
answers they give their object is easily detected
and they are forced 10 withdraw discomfte
and chop iallen.
Now and then there isno tr ouble about provin
ownership but a difficulty arises concerning tn
payment of the fee. Not every one that owns
dog can afford to pay two dollars to save tn
animal IRON al ignominious death. For tn
most part these cases are frowned upon by tn
authorities, but at times they are forced to lste
to such pathetic tales that their innate veal
ness is touched, and the rule relaxed.
AN AFFECTING DOG STORY.
The other day, for example, an elderly lad
made her appearance at the pound. She was i
deep distress, and as the High Constable Ii
tened to her story, he became affected in lik
manner. She was widow whose only son ha
gone to the war. In the heat of battle tn
latter had captured from the enemy blacl
and-tan terrier, which had followed him ther
after as closely as his shadow. The adventure
of that dog we're wonderful 10 relate; his hal
breadth escapes from death at Rebel hand
would ill volume; his devotion to his loyl
master was unequalled oy anything in the pr