Page:The power of the dog.djvu/92



HE rage for bantamising things has occupied the minds of men for countless generations. Japan has sent us dwarf trees and bantam fowls. Great dames of Egypt, and, later, of Greece and Rome, had their toy dogs, some of which were miniature editions of larger varieties. We, too, have pursued the same custom, with our toy spaniels, toy terriers, and now miniature bulldogs. You must not call these little midgets "toys" unless you would offend the susceptibilities of those who favour them. The objection to the employment of this word in such a connection is perfectly valid, for, in the real sense, the miniature bulldog is not a toy at all; he is merely a replica in little of the bigger brother from whom he has sprung. His lineage is as pure, his