Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-06-26


That small portion of mankind which is SUD-
posed to be civilized, is gradually becoming ac-
customed to exhibitions Of every kind. The
third grand dog exhibition of the National
society, which was opened at the crystal palace
yesterday, certainly shows that dogs, at least,
are gaining in popularity every year. Never,
perhaps, in England has there been brought to-
gether so varied and complete collection OF
dogs of all kinds as this year, and the appear
ance of the palace proved that the interest of
the public was undiminished The northern
basement gallery, adjoining the terrace, has
been portioned off, so that but for an occasion
al yelp that penetrated through wood and glass,
and mingled fantasticaly with DOnizettTs mu-
sic, the existence of the show would not be
known up stairs, and it does not interfere with
any of the other amusements. But when the
visitor descends the staircase, and does SO un.
awares, he may well pause, and ask whether he
is descending into pandemonium. Every de-
scription of bark, from the deep angry growl 10
the sharp yell that cuts the air like razor, in
termingled with snarls, walls means, and indie
scribable howlings, falls upon the ear before
sight is obtained. The ear, however soon
becomes partially accustomed to the tumut, and
the sight of the various animals is sufficiently
interesting to compensate for the temporary
disturbance of our nerves.
Tho show opens with splendid collection of
blood-hounds, yellow coated, with clean cut
black saddle on the back, and those soft, long.
elephant ears, that seem especially made for
fondliPg. The name would almost indicate A
tendency to savageness and cruelty, but nothing
can be more docile and gentle than these sixteen
brutes as they lie quietly on their straw and eye
the spectators with lazy indifference. The
deer hounds come next, but the following class
OF grey hounds, for which there are thirty-two
entries, evidently attracted more attention
Foremost among these was Fleetfoot, the winner
OF the first prize, Aand the offspring of the
lamented Master M'Grath ItWould be diflcult
fO find a haUdcnmpr animal ol;o
portioned, and in better condition. Those deli
cate, snewy legs that finely pointed suout, those
thin yet powerful l0ins, are study in them
selves, but Fleetfoot took the admiration that was
literally bestowed on him in so well-bred fash
ion that he has evidently been accus toned TO
good company. Then we launch at once into
an amazing assortment of mastiffs, who may be
fairly pronounced to constitute one of the
chief attractions of the exhibition. There are
in this class no less than eighty entries
OF all kinds, and each of these brutes is worth
looking at as an expression of character.
The broad, square head, with the oyerhang-
ing lips, that give the face an expression OF
gravity not unmixed with surliness, is some
how capable of the most surprising changes.
Smiles and sneers, deep reflection and whitening
seorn, all seem to follow naturally after each
other, while the big Lion, or Turc, is iutently
watching some brother Lion, whose conduct does
not altogether please him. The great Lion of
Miss Hales, the winner of countless prizes, lies
proudly in a compartment all by him elf, com
fortably stretched upon a hearth-rug, the oh.
served Of all observers. He is hOrsldu combat,
and complacently refuses even TO wag his tail
for the most heartmoying entreaties of his lady
friends. He is evidently an old customer, and
eyes mankind with visible contempt. In class
II, for foreign sporting dogs, Mr.. John Wright
exhibits a wonderful specimen of a Russian
wolf greyhound, with a long body, amazingly
long legs, and coat that almost equals a
Sleeps IN thickness; while MIR. Neuffert's VI.
mar boar-hound, slate-colorcd, white chested
dog of the mastif breed, is a noble animal in
every way
The St. Bernard dogs, rough and smooth.
coated, OF which there are thirty-four fine spec
linens, have never, we believe, been surpassed.
There Is a popularity attached TO these dogs.
apart from their beauty, which they must find
highly gratifying None of them look as If
they had ever been grubbng in snow for frozen
travellers, or were employed as kind of timer
ant carmen, but there are no dogs in the build.
ing that look better fitted for the work. Mr..
Lender Russ is probably the biggest animal in
the united kingdom, and when he rises TO his
full hight and utters his deep earnest bark, we
almost feel as if we should like TO 20 near him
and pat his head.
The pointers and settlers are both exceedingly
well represented by 81 and IS specimens respec
lively, after which we get any quantity OF re.
trievers, spaniels, barriers, and beagles about
whose points and various excellencies the gen-
| tiemen interested In sport enter into long and
learned discussions, while the uninitated pass
them by with casual notes of exclamation. The
loX-terriers being also passed, we make halt
az the sheep-dogs and bulls, for OF these every
man considers himself some sort of Judge,
sportsmanship being no necessary qualification
Whatever may be said OF the intelligence of
sheep-dogs-and they certainly look most acute