ADVERTISEMENT.

To describe the various manœuvres of these matchless Animals, their unparallelled sagacity, and pleasing performances, requires more than language can express, they must be witnessed to be duly appreciated.

The Proprietor, from the flattering encouragement he has received, feels himself unable to convey any adequate acknowledgment to his numerous visitors, who, he has the pleasure of observing, have retired with mingled sensations of delight and satisfaction.

Notwithstanding the introduction of these sagacious animals among theatrical and other amusements with unbounded applause, yet he feels confident of the superiority his will evince to the most credulous, when their various evolutions are seen.

SIGNOR M. GIRMONDI has the honour to announce, that since his arrival in England he was favoured with a visit from her Majesty, during his stay at Egham Races, who was so much pleased, that she sent for him to Windsor Castle, on Tuesday, November 5th, 1816, to again witness his Performing Dogs, and likewise gratify the curiosity of the other Branches of the Royal Family: the satisfaction they felt can not be better expressed than in their graciously condescending to patronise him, a copy of the certificate thereof

## IV.

is hereto annexed, and the original exhibited at the place of performance.—He has also been countenanced by most of the Crowned Heads of Europe who have witnessed the astonishing tricks of these sagacious creatures at Madrid, Vienna, Lisbon, Paris, &c. &c.

He was likewise engaged by Mr. Elliston, proprietor of the Olympic Theatre, London, at £200 per month, which was crowded each exhibition with a most respectable and increased numerous British Audience.

In short, this feeble attempt to describe the different scenes will, he trusts, meet with that encouragement and support it will ever be his unremitting study to deserve.

(COPY OF CERTIFICATE.)

Windsor, Nov. 7th, 1816.

This is to certify, that SIGNOR M—L—, Exhibited his Wonderful Dogs to her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, and the Princesses, &c. at Windsor Castle, on Tuesday, November 5th, 1816.

E. DISBROWE,
Vice Chamberlain to her Majesty.

## Descriptive Scenes.

### SCENE I.

THE first opens with a Dog designated Monsieur Malbrook, who in various positions Wheels a Barrow in different directions, sometimes in an horizontal, at others in an upright position, which he varies at command.

### REMARKS.

This Dog is of the French rough specie, and very indocile, his nature is ungentle but deportment graceful; his legs short and body long, which peculiarly adapt him for this trick.

### SCENE II.

THIS opens with a Dog denominated Harlequin, who astonishes the beholders with his surprising leaps, especially through a hoop, scarcely large enough to admit his body, suspended a considerable height: after several leaps he makes his obeisance to the auditors and retires.

### REMARKS.

This Dog is of the Terrier breed, of a slender shape and long legs, he is a very useful and tractable animal, and abounds with dexterity, which pre-eminently befit him for this performance.

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## SCENE III.

A Dog in the costume of an Advocate now makes his appearance, bringing an order for the shooting a Deserter, after the delivery of which, and receiving a signal he retires, to the astonishment of the Spectators.

### REMARKS.

This Dog is of the Pug nature, uncommonly indocile, and therefore unfit for any exploits. The Proprietor however has the satisfaction of saying he has, after much pains, brought him to great perfection, but not without the trial of from thirty to thirty-five dogs, which he was necessitated to discharge.

## SCENE IV.

A Dog in the dress of a Soldier succeeds him, who represents the Deserter, and bears his own warrant of condemnation; during its perusal, he retires a few paces, and at the sixth signal, is apparently shot: he his then thrown about the stage in different directions, and evinces uncommon sagacity by making no resistance or moving from the position in which he is placed.

### REMARKS.

This cunning animal is a French Terrier, of unusual acuteness and knowledge. His quickness and apprehension render him not so difficult to instruct, and therefore eminently adapts him for the performance of this trick.

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## SCENE V.

A Dog disguised as an Officer now comes forward in haste and brings a pardon for the condemned Deserter, but by signs from the Instructor is informed it is arrived too late, the order has been too faithfully executed, at the same time pointing to his remains, in all appearance lifeless.

### REMARKS.

The Dog who performs this is a specie of the Dutch Mastiff, very difficult to teach, being of a dull, stupid nature, and very intractable: In consequence of which the Proprietor has had much trouble to introduce him, but has, by perseverance, rendered him very obsequious.

## SCENE VI.

In this is introduced a mournful procession; a Hearse, drawn by Dogs, with one on the box as driver, and followed by others attired as mourners, walking on their hind legs, the solemnity of which, accompanied by a funeral dirge, is peculiarly striking. On the music ceasing, the remains of the victim of desertion is placed in this funeral car, when the whole retires in a solemn manner to soft music.

### REMARKS.

The Dog who draws the hearse is a Russian Curl, whose nature is very gentle and tractable, drawing with unspeakable precision and steadiness, strictly obeying his Instructor's commands. The remainder have been treated of before.

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## SCENE VII.

The seventh scene represents a Dog in the character of a Wounded Soldier, walking on three legs, as though maimed, yet when unobserved by his Instructor, he places the other foot down, but raises it again in his presence, thereby shewing great acuteness.

### REMARKS.

This Dog is of the Water Spaniel breed, very tractable, sagacious and cunning, and being of a light construction, peculiarly calculates him for this feat, whereas a heavy Dog would be soon tired and therefore unfit.

## SCENE VIII.

The next introduces a Dog walking upon his two right feet and then on his two left, crossing them alternately to music. This astonishing Pedestrian occupied nine months continual training, and is allowed by judges to be the most difficult and arduous undertaking ever engaged in, or taught to, the canine species, and which cannot fail to attract the attention of those who see him.

### REMARKS.

This Pedestrian is one of the same breed as the Dog who represents the Deserter, viz. a French Terrier, but being instructed when quite young, is more tractable and engaging.

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## SCENE IX.

Two Dogs bear a Sedan Chair, in which is seated a Young Tumbler, and though not more than two months old is an adept at ground and lofty exploits. This scene peculiarly claims the attention of the audience. After finishing tumbling, he is carried off in the same vehicle.

### REMARKS.

This Young Tumbler is a small French Poodle, of great sagacity and quick apprehension, capable of being instructed in most tricks, and receives his lessons with attention, particularly from one month old and upwards.

## SCENE X.

Is a *Snake Dance* performed by Dogs, which has afforded much amusement to the numerous spectators. They conclude with a Dance, called "The World Upside Down," each Dog being on his fore feet.

### REMARKS.

In this scene are introduced a Spanish Dog and Dutch Mastiff. The first of which is of a neat genteel shape. The latter of a smaller kind of that specie, and rather more sagacious. Their bodies are small and legs long, which render them better calculated for dancing, by accelerating their motions, thereby giving eclat to this scene.

## SCENE XI.

THIS scene opens with a *Spinning Wheel*, towards which a female dog

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under the appellation of *Madam Plateau*, approaches on her hinder feet. After a signal given she commences the operation of spinning as natural as any rational creature. After she has spun some time, she retires to her instructor or task-master, evidently requesting to leave off, but is ordered by a signal to return to her employment, with which injunction she immediately complies. Her instructor or task-master now commands her to retire, which she does, making her obeisance to the company.

### REMARKS.

The Dog who turns this wheel is a Russian Brown Cocker, with short legs and long body, she is not unlike a Water Spaniel in figure, but more tractable, having large ears, by which means more apt to be taught; she is of a peculiar temper, betimes very ungentle, and at others, as tame and obsequious as possible. An anecdote of whom will be inserted at the end.

## SCENE XII.

A Skipping Rope Dance, by one Dog, on two, three and four legs, during which another Dog enters unperceived and commences dancing likewise without the rope stopping. They dance in various directions to quick music.

### REMARKS.

The Dogs usually accustomed to this performance are a French Curl, a Terrier, and Water Spaniel.

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The Proprietor prefers them with long legs, small bodies, generally of a light texture, which are more suitable and better qualifies them for such scenes.

## SCENE XIII.

OPENS with a *Country Dance* by the Dogs in compliment to the meeting or marriage ceremony of *Harlequin and Columbine*, *Clown and Madam Plateau*; the former of whom leads down the dance, followed by the latter and the rest of the dogs with their partners. This scene is peculiarly novel and whimsical, and renders the whole performance the most pleasing, amusing and entertaining ever beheld in this kingdom.

### REMARKS.

As the general species of these Dogs have been treated of before, little more will be said, yet the Proprietor cannot conclude without adding a few useful observations. — Dogs for dancing, walking upright, &c. he has invariably found should have long legs, especially the hinder ones, which should resemble those of an hare, the fore ones somewhat shorter. Their bodies should be long and light, their ears long, not unlike the Beagle's, which afford them better opportunities of being instructed. In sagacity they bear a similarity to the elephant, with this difference, that in that quadruped small eyes are deemed concomitant with cunningness. Whereas in the dog, a large prominent eye foretels their's; the general characteristics of the others, are short legs and short light bodies, which qualifies them better for their tricks.

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## SCENE XIV.

THE concluding scene is an astonishing feat of the much admired *Russian Fire Dog*, hitherto unknown in this country, who ascends a pyramid of real fire works a considerable height, undaunted, though surrounded with this element, in which he seems to delight; after remaining some time it is with difficulty he is disentangled, and then seems more eager for the same performance.

### REMARKS.

This Dog is bred on the borders of Russia, and possesses great strength of body, he is not much unlike the English Mastiff in appearance, but more fierce. The Proprietor had much trouble in training before he could bring him to practise in that element, in which he now takes great delight. He is very active, though heavy, and will spring a considerable height, and notwithstanding his seeming fereness, the most timid person may approach him with safety. In short the performance must be seen before any adequate idea can be estimated of their surprising agility, &c.

The following lines were sent under cover to the Proprietor, who feels pleasure, at the writer's request to give them publicity.

To the Proprietor of the Performing Dogs.
Signor, whence comes it, that the numerous bards,
Replete with compliments, and high regards,
Fruitful in wit, well skill'd in classic lore,
Were ne'er attracted by such scenes before ?
To bid description with her graceful verse
Pourtray the feats perform'd by *Dogs and Hearse*:

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Command in flowing lines, thy *Malbrook* rise,
And shew his wonders to the publics eyes;
Prepare them for the tricks of *Harlequin*,
Who clears a hoop scarce large enough for him;
Likewise the *Advocate's* obliging grace,
Introducing a distressing case—
A Dog, *Deserting* from his country's cause,
Condemn'd to death pronounc'd by martial law,
Now by an *Officer* his pardon's brought,
By whose bewailing eyes his body's caught;
Now Mourning Dogs with funeral pomp appears,
And solemn music doleful strikes the ears,
Whilst they convey the lifeless Dog from hence,
With all the feeling of judicious sense.
A *Wounded Soldier* then attracts your care,
With leg uplifted, and a martial air,
Who tired, at length, retires from your view,
The feats of one more wonderful to shew;
On two right legs this Dog is taught to walk,
Then on his left majestical he'll stalk,
Changing and crossing them alternately,
Which pleases much his artful tricks to see.
A *Carrying Chair* two Dogs now introduce,
In which a *Tumbler's* seated to amuse
His num'rous guests in which he ne'er has fail'd,
But with repeated plaudits oft been hail'd:
The *Snake Dance* then, most curious to behold,
With " *Upside down*," these Dogs reverse the
" World:"
When these withdraw a *Spinning Wheel* is brought

To spin on which *Madame Plateau* is taught:
A *Dance* by Dogs o'er *Skipping Rope* is seen,
Who nimbly on *two, three, four legs* begin;
When they retire a *marriage scene* has birth,
By Dogs and Partners which affords much mirth:
First *Harlequin* his partner quickly takes,
But *Columbine* her lover coyly meets;
*Madame Plateau* is taken by the *Clown*,
The rest their partners gaily leading down.
But Monsieur Signor you did not explain
The nature of that Dog who fire to gain,
So eager is, you cannot him restrain;