, 1873-11-29

Aff
An unusual attraction WAS offered on Sntur-
day at Baker L Chase's auction mart, four mag
niticent mnstif dogs being up for HRlo. They
arc descendants OF Lord Walgravo's celebrated
mastiT, Turk, Of which there aro but two oLhor
inporsations in Amorcn, ono Of which is ownod
by Mr.. Dolatleld Smith, tho Corporation Couu-
sol.
Tho dogs were, probably, with tho exception
OF tho two already mentioned: tho finest spccl-
mons Of tho mastifr breed that have ever boon
brought to this country. They aro fo1nale ~
years old, the mother OF tho other three, one or
which iH 8 dog Of immense sizc about sixteen
months old, aud tho other two. which aro but
little smaller, are male and female OF eight
months. The old dog was imported from En-
gland some time ago, and tho other threo wero
born III this country. They all belonged to Alr.
J. Howard Mc1lonry, Of Sudbury. Maryland.
They aro very much ullxo. with dark facos, and
seon en- doga oi this kind. Thoy woro a llttle
lazy and c1lulbol lntber heavily ovor tlo lower
boards Of the stalls when tho Keepers removed
the upper r,anka aud loosencd their. chains.
Once outside, however they were active enough,
aud tue mcn who held their chains with the ln
tcnton Of leading tllon to tho aucsionoer's
stand were compelled to submit to bong lod
themselves.
lilo first two exposed for Bale wcre tho tixteon-
mouths old dog md thu no-calea pup OF oight
months. Tho latter little creature WAS restlvG,
aud With the probable yow Of finding his mother
he drew his keoper swiftly around the ring at tho
end ofhis cLain. Tho oluor dog quietly trottca
up to tho auctioneer's stand, and seatny himself
proachful air at tho man who WAS about to dis
pose of lin. Capt. Barker explained that tho
chains didnotgo with tho dogs, ,aud told prospect
i've purchasers that they would have to provide
themselves with stout ropes. The two dogs
wore put up. separately, the purchaser having
the option by choosing either. Mr. Cnaso or
plaiued that the animals woro we'll worth $3.50
oacl, aud Capt. Barker said that ho know moth
ing OF dogs, but Le thought II they were worth
| anything thoy wero worth that, mud, SO eucour-
ugcd, . bystandor offered s16 for choice, but
quickly Withdrew his bid Oh hearing that his
purchase would cat him out OF house and home
in month. Another bid Of $40 was made, and
it quickly ran up to $780, Capt. Barker
present, aud Mr.. Chase said there must be q
good many judging from the number OF spec
tutors. When 945 was reached, the auctioneor
said woll~drosscd gentloman hnd beou thoro In
| aa go, but as he lad refused to leave q deposit
ho would pay no attention to him. Fifty dollara
was bid, and tho auctioneer Hai1 The spectators
couldn't wnnt dogs worry badly to offer SO small
| an amount for animals about which he had re-
ceived between $4,000 and 10000 lettors u day
from different parts Of the country. The
| bidding ut length closed ut 500, aud tho pur-
chaser chose tho oldor dog-the largest Of
! the four. "WAat name?" inquired tho a,1c-
hear tho answer. '''Arr. Van Winhlo," said a
largo, plainly, dressed man, adding in a loud
whisper 'Delaiield Smith, you know." Ho paid
hiH deposit, and the Corporation Counsel il the
! posBoaHor Of two mastif1s,
Tie mao pup sold to d Dir. East for $50,
which n1r, Chuso said, might be considered d
largo price but it was not Il quarter his value.
| The choice between tho mother aud tho fem alo
pup waa then put up, and starting ut $40 was
kuuclcd down to Alr. East for 500. Tho pur-
cnaser chose tho motAor, Tho female pup atart.
ing ut SIG was purchased by Mr. Hastiug tor 535.