1 JULY 1893, Page 24

INCIDENT IN THE LIFE OF A DOG. [TO THE EDITOR

OF nu: "SPECTATOR."] Six,—The following story may, perhaps, interest some of your readers :—'Willie is a small, rough-haired terrier, a truculent and aggressive character, the terror of tramps, in a skirmish with one of whom he has lost an eye. He rules the kitchen with a rod of iron, the inmate there admiring and fearing him. Next to tramps, 'Willie' hates cats; he has been flogged again and again for chasing the neighbour's ' Tom ; ' nothing can stop him rushing at the alien cat, however. But for his own domestic 'Tabby' he has tolerance and a certain amount of affection ; if another dog were to attack her, dire would be the warfare. A while ago, this cat had three kittens ; two were taken by the maid and placed in a bucket of water, and left to their fate. Before that fate had come, 'Willie' perceived them ; he snatched them from the bucket one by one, and carried them to his kennel. The maid attempted to get them away, but 'Willie' flew at her with fury, and then returned to lick first one and then the other, to shove them up together, and lie down near them, and in every way to give the poor half-dead things a chance. This went on for some time; but when at last there was no sign of breath, and he saw that they were hopelessly dead, he marched out of the kennel, shook himself, and indicated to the maid that she might now proceed to bury them, that they were past intelligent treatment. He treats- the remaining and living kitten with the indifference of the.

scientific for the normal.—I am, Sir, &a, L. H.