aining of his dog Crusoe--an
operation which at first cost him many a deep sigh.

Every one has heard of the sagacity and almost reasoning capabilities of
the Newfoundland dog. Indeed, some have even gone the length of saying
that what is called instinct in these animals is neither more nor less
than reason. And, in truth, many of the noble, heroic, and sagacious
deeds that have actually been performed by Newfoundland dogs incline us
almost to believe that, like man, they are gifted with reasoning powers.

But every one does not know the trouble and patience that is required in
order to get a juvenile dog to understand what its master means when he
is endeavouring to instruct it.

Crusoe's first lesson was an interesting, but not a very successful one.
We may remark here that Dick Varley had presented Fan to his mother to
be her watch-dog, resolving to devote all his powers to the training of
the pup. We may also remark, in reference to Crusoe's appearance (and
we did not remark it sooner, chiefly because up to this period in his
eventful history he was little better than a ball of fat and hair), that
his coat was mingled jet-black and pure white, and remarkably glossy,
curly, and thick.

A week after the shooting match Crusoe's education began. Having fed
him for that period with his own hand, in order to gain his affection,
Dick took him out one sunny forenoon to the margin of the lake to give
him his first lesson.

And here again we must pause to remark that, although a dog's heart is
generally gained in the first instance through his mouth, yet, after it
is thoroughly gained, his affection is noble and disinterested. He can
scarcely be driven from his master's side by blows, and even when thus
harshly repelled is always ready, on the shortest notice and with the
slightest encouragement, to make it up again.

Well, Dick Varley began by calling out, "Crusoe! Crusoe! come here,
pup."

Of course Crusoe knew his name by this time, for it had been so often
used as a prelude to his meals, that he naturally expected a feed
whenever he heard it. This portal to his brain had already been open
for some days; but all the other doors were fast locked, and it required
a great deal of careful picking to open them.

"Now, Crusoe, come here."

Crusoe bounded clumsily to his master's side, cocked his ears, and
wagged his tail--so far his education was perfect. We say he bounded
_clumsily_, for it must be remembered