sembled in the Colosseum.
The strongest dogs previously known to the Romans were the Molossian
dogs of Epirus, which in their native country were trained by their
masters to fight in battle, but when they were matched against the
British mastiffs they were thoroughly beaten. The dogs of Britain were
then pitted against various wild beasts; and it was said that three of
them were a match for a bear and four for a lion. And so famous were
they for courage, that the Gauls imported them, and trained them for
war, and used them in their battles.

The British mastiff is no longer trained to fight in battle, but his
character for sagacity and fidelity as well as courage, is as high as it
was in the days of the Romans.

[Illustration: ANCIENT BRITISH SOLDIER AND MASTIFF.]

ON THE LAKES IN A STORM.

Some minutes before sunrise we went aboard our boat and took our places
for a long pull up the lakes. There were two sets of rowlocks, with oars
to match. Fred took one pair and Farr the other. Spot lay down on Farr's
coat behind his master. I took the stern seat and steering oar. Scott
had the bow seat and a paddle.

"All ready!" cried Fred, cheerily. "Give way! one, two, three, and away
we go!"

By the time we were fairly out on the lake there was quite a "sea."

We made for Birch Island. The swells threw us about amazingly. There is
much strength and friskiness in these fresh-water surges. Those were
wild moments. Fred, Farr and Scott were pulling with might and main. The
spray flew over us; the spatters drenched us. I expected every moment
that we should be swamped. And as we drew near the island our case
seemed not much improved. The waves broke against it fiercely.

"It won't do to let her run on there!" exclaimed Farr. "It will swamp
her."

"Yes," said Fred; "but it is not deep water. Sit still and pull till I
give the word, then jump out, everybody, and ease her ashore.

"Now for it! Over with you!" he shouted, a moment afterwards.

We leaped out, and carried the boat by main strength high upon the
land.

[Illustration: "NOW FOR IT! OVER WITH YOU!"]

FRITZ.

Fritz is a beautiful light-blue grey cat. He is the especial pet of his
master's little daughter, and therefore has many privileges about the
house not usually accorded to cats. Among these special privileges is
that of having his food in the dining-room. Fritz has many
peculiarities, the chief being that he thinks that he is covering up