edit on its contriver, as also on the
abilities of each individual dog. We must conclude that the firing
from the embrasures, and some other parts of the _mechanique_, were
effected by human agency; but the actions of the dogs were clearly
their own, and showed what could be effected with animals by dint of
patient culture.

Another specimen of these canine theatricals was quite a contrast to
the bustle of the siege. The scene was an assembly-room, on the sides
and the further end of which seats were placed; while a music-gallery,
and a profusion of chandeliers, gave a richness and truth to the
general effect. Livery-servants were in attendance on a few of the
company, who entered and took their seats. Frequent knockings now
occurred at the door, followed by the entrance of parties attired in
the fashion of the period. These were, of course, the same individuals
who had recently been in the deadly breach; but now all was
tranquillity, elegance, and ease. Parties were formally introduced to
each other with an appearance of the greatest decorum. The dogs
intended to represent ladies were dressed in silks, gauzes, laces, and
gay ribbons. Some wore artificial flowers, with flowing ringlets;
others wore the powdered and pomatumed head-dress, with caps and
lappets, in ludicrous contrast to the features of the animals. The
animals which represented gentlemen were judiciously equipped; some as
youthful and others as aged beaux, regulated by their degrees of
proficiency, since those most youthfully dressed were most attentive
to the ladies. The frequent bow and return of curtsey produced great
mirth in the audience. On a sudden the master of the ceremonies
appeared; he wore a superb court-dress, and his manners were in
agreement with his costume. To some of the gentlemen he gave merely a
look of recognition; to the ladies he was generally attentive; to some
he projected his paw familiarly, to others he bowed with respect; and
introduced one to another with an air of elegance that surprised and
delighted the spectators.

As the performance advanced the interest increased. The music was
soon interrupted by a loud knocking, which announced the arrival of
some important visitor. Several livery servants entered, and then a
sedan-chair was borne in by appropriately dressed dogs; they removed
the poles, raised the head, and opened the door of the sedan; forth
came a lady, splendidly attired in spangled satin and jewels, and her
head