The Idler Magazine, Volume III, April 1893 | Page 5

of course, the twelve or thirteen beautiful collies in
one big compartment. In all there are about fifty-five dogs, fifty-four of
whom are in robust health, the hospital containing one whippet. A
beautiful little black Pomeranian "Zeela" inhabits a huge cage in
solitary state, and barks herself all over it at once. In the paddock
outside her cage are four beautiful black and tan collie pups, all eager
for a romp.
Every dog in the Queen's kennels is exercised twice a day, morning and
afternoon. The little dogs generally go out first, and then give place to
the big ones. Feeding time for the whole establishment is four o'clock
in the afternoon, but during very cold weather each animal is given
some dry biscuit every morning. The food is prepared in a kitchen
reserved expressly for this purpose, and consists of soaked biscuits,
vegetables, meat, bullock's head, pluck, and sometimes a little beef.
Oatmeal is also added to this la podrida. The dogs are all in hard
condition, and look the picture of health. It is difficult to tear oneself
away from the collies, especially the two lovely white ones and the
little buff-coated Pomeranians, with tightly curling tails and small,
sharp ears.
[Illustration: "SPOT."]
Her Majesty's love for dogs is so well known that it would be
superfluous to dwell upon such a topic. Wherever the Queen goes, she
is accompanied by "Spot" (a fox-terrier), "Roy" (a black and tan collie),

and a lovely little brown Spitz called "Marco." Her favourite dogs are
collies, and she possesses a magnificent specimen in "Darnley," who is
now being exhibited at the Agricultural Hall dog show. "Darnley" is a
beautiful black and tan in colour, with heavy white ruff. He has a most
curious habit, inherited from his father, of wrinkling up the skin of his
nose and showing all his teeth when pleased. Another animal away at
the show is the little eight-months old Skye terrier, "Rona." "Rona" is
iron-grey in colour, has a very long body, and is extremely intelligent
and good natured.
[Illustration: "ROY."]
On one of the artist's visits, "Beppo," a white Pomeranian, was brought
out to have his portrait taken. Dog-like, he at once pretended, when
required to sit still, that it was an excessively difficult operation causing
great physical discomfort. Talking did not interest him, shaking of keys
and rolling of coppers had lost their charm; in fact, tail between legs, he
voted existence a mistake. Just then, up strolled dear little "Rona," and
with bright intelligent eyes seemingly enquired into the matter. In a few
seconds everything was put right again. The sun once more shone, and
the portrait was taken. Surely, these little Skyes are the most lovable
and intelligent of all dogs. To any one who has read "Rab and his
Friends," however, such a remark is unnecessary.
[Illustration: "MARCO."]
[Illustration: "BEPPO."]
In appearance, little tiny "Gena" bears the palm from all the
Pomeranians. She is one mass of white, silky wool, and has the most
charming manners. With one tiny paw uplifted she immediately decides
that artists are not as photographers, and may be trusted to take
portraits without the intervention of any snappy and nerve-shaking
apparatus. "Gena" and "Glen," an old black and tan collie, live in the
house, the inseparable companions of genial Mrs. Hugh Brown.
The late Prince Consort's favourite dogs were dachshunds, a specimen
of which invariably accompanied him on his walks. The Prince of

Wales favours the odd-looking bassets, of which he has many fine
specimens.
[Illustration: "GENA."]
[Illustration: "GENA."]
But the kennels, with all their joyousness, have sad little tragedies at
times. For instance, after the death of the late well-loved Emperor
Frederick, two of his favourite Italian dogs, charming creatures,
something like Italian greyhounds, were sent to Her Majesty, but,
unfortunately, did not long survive their illustrious master. Many old
pets have tombs in various parts of the Royal domain. Among others
which may be seen on the Slopes is that of "Sharp," a handsome collie,
who lies, as in life, guarding the Queen's glove.
It is related of "Sharp" that he was greatly attached to the late Mr. John
Brown, whose room he jealously guarded. If, by chance, strangers
entered during Mr. Brown's absence they were not allowed to leave
until his return, and under no circumstances must anything be taken
from the room while "Sharp" was on guard. A housemaid, indeed, once
picked up some little article with the intention of putting it on the table,
and the dog, although he knew her well, refused to allow her to leave
the room.
[Illustration]
In noticing the display of prize certificates won by the dogs, we hear of
another instance of Her Majesty's thoughtfulness for her pets. Although
frequently exhibited for the pleasure of her subjects,