Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/722

 PETS than that of the Scot- tie. The ears should be pointed, erect, small, and rather wider apart than those of the Scottie. Drop- eared specimens are discouraged, though they are often found in a litter. The teeth are large for the size of the dog, strong and white, with the upper row almost level in front with the lower ones. The lips are thin and even. The feet must be firm and compact, and the dog's weiglit borne equally on all the pads. The front ones, as with the Scottie, are bigger than the hind ones, and the left foot often turns outwards The stifle, or joint of the hind leg, corre- sponding to the human knee, should be well bent, so as to bring the hind feet well under the body. The tail should be short, thick at the base, and tapering to a point, thickly covered with hard hair. It should be carried gaily, but not curled. The movement of the dog should be good — free, long, smooth, and devoi# of all stilti- ness. In expression — a most important point with all terriers — the Highlander should be bold, intelligent, fearless, yet benevolent and affectionate, without any of the piercing hardness or dourness of his cousin. It should express his disposition, which is that of a gay, active sportsman, peace-loving, but no coward. Dazzler Sands, bred by Mr. Dixon America in 1910 for a record price. expression, and Photo, more than the right. His weight should be less than that of the Scottie, being about 1 6 lb. to 17 lb. for a dog, and 15 lb. for a bitch. Treatment His treatment should be that of the' Scottie, and it must always be borne in mind that though a smaller and ' ' prettier ' ' dog, he is as truly a sporting terrier, and, as such, is ruined if treated as a lapdog. He is hardy and fond of exercise and sport, and to do well should Teage, a famous winner sold to hav^ plenty of both. Dazzler is typical in coat, size. If, therefore, he Can of pure colour ^q. preserved from the Russell &• Sons, Crystal Palace ■"■■,. .. ■,•■, <• machmations alike 01 that breeder whose ideal is a terrier like every other terrier, barring only size, and the fashionable lady who feeds dogs on sugar and deprives them of all true " dogginess," then his future welfare and popularity are assured. At present the price of these dogs runs high, Glenmohr Model fetching i^20o from an American buyer in 19 10, though with increase in his numbers it will doubtless fall. See, therefore, that you pay a fair price to a breeder above suspicion, or the chances are that you may secure an animal whose only claim to the name of a West Highland white terrier may be that he has a white coat. If you have no reliable friend to guide your choice, then select a dog wliose general appearance in no way is that of a Scottie, but of the smaller dog which has been described in this article. LITTLE-IiNOWN PETS HARMLESS SNAKES AND MEERKATS ■yHE household pets of one part of the globe are the " vermin " of another continent. Harmless snakes, for example, in many places, take the place of the house-dog, and their rat-slaying qualities are by no means to be despised. There is, however, one pet which is found in almost every farm in some parts of South Africa which is a distinct improvement on the average cat, for example, and which might well become popular in England. This is the " meerkat," scientifically known as the " suricate." You may see him at the Zoological Gardens — a sharp-faced little chap, trotting briskly up and down his cage, and coming up to the bars to talk to visitors in a most friendly and engaging fashion. A piece of chocolate makes him deliriously happy, and he sits up and nibbles it hke a glutton. He is a distant cousin of the weasel, but is a much more lovable little beast. He is clothed in a suit of long, soft, greyish fur, which on his plump little body assumes a distinctly banded pattern. His bright little face is pale grey in tone, with clearly marked black rings round the eyes, while his grey tail is adorned with a smart black tip. When you have made a pet of a meerkat he is very little trouble to keep well and happy. He is hardy, and can stand a good deal of cold provided he is dry and can clean himself. When you give him a run in the garden, however, it is as well to keep an eye on him lest he gets into mischief. He will burrow into the beds at an amazing rate, and should he come across any choice bulbs he will probably make a meal off them. The meerkat loves the sunshine, and should be given every chance of basking in it. He will feed on anything. Fruit, meat, and insects all please him.