CAESAR.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 53, 6 March 1889, Page 4

CAESAR.

THE WONDERFUL DOG.

There arc probably very lew of oar readers who have not heard of the remarkable dog C;esar, which accompanied M r A. Keischek, F.L.S., the naturalist, on his expeditions through and sojourns in the wilds of New Zealand. Stories of tho wonderful sagacity, extreme fidelity, and great docility of fchia remarkable animal have been published a^aiu and aguin, and there 13 no doubt that at the present time Caesar is the most famous representative of the canine race in New Zealand. Some of the stories which are current respecting the dog are so astonishing that they might have found their origin in the most distant realms of fancy, and yet they are simple matters of fact, ami are indeed but a few of the many remarkable episodes that have marked the career of Ctesar. Mr Reischek lias again and again been prevailed upon to relate to circle.? of eager listeners some of the anecdotes which really form the history of Cu'.sar's life, and so interesting have these details proved that his listeners liavo invariably urged him to have them published in brief form. It will be interesting to our readers to learn that Mr Keischek has, co far, yielded to these persuasions that he has published a neat little book of pome 57 pages, entitled "Ca'sar: tho Wonderful Dog." This publication con tains the very interesting story of CiL-gar, with some notes on the training of dogs and horses, and also hints cm camping and bush and mountain exploration in New Zealand. The frontispiece consists of a wellexecuted engraving of Gißsat, reclining on the ground, with a dead New Zealand parrot lying between his fore paws. In a a brief but well-written introduction, Mr Reischek refers to the early history of the canine race, and mentions that dogs were held in esteem by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. He bespeaks better treatment for these dumb companions of man, and concludes his preiace in these words : "It has been a labour of love to place on record the unselfish services that have been rendered me by a creature which, though usually classed as far beneath the rank of humanity, exhibited throughout its life virtues which in any human being would command our highest admiration." The story of Otfcsar is written in a chatty and interesting strain, which is pleasing to the reader, and relieves the pagos from any suspicion of dulness. It was in 1878 that Mr Reischek became tho possessor of Caesar, whose father was a thorough Newfoundland, and his mother a well-bred retriever. The pup was as ugly as ugly could be, and when Mr Reischek s friends caw him they laughed and said he had got the ugliest dog in the place. The pup was, however, remarkably intelligent, and Mr Reischek at once set about his education, or training, the details of which are explained. Very soon, he would not eat without his master's permission,and neither would he take food from the hand of a stranger. Astonishing powers of imitation were developed, and so clever was tho dog that when his master was searching for specimenshe would catch live butterflies and birds in his mouth and deliver them to Mr Reischiek unharmed. The dog was an invaluable guardian of the camp, and would gather firewood for the camp fire when directed to do so. The storiesof his adventures during a prolonged stay at Dusky and Chalky Sound are equally interesting. On one occasion Mr Reischek had a narrow escape from drowning, and was so exhausted for several days afterwards that ho could not move. During that time Cs?sar supplied him with fresh meat to make soup with, and when told to go and fetch a bird would do so, discriminating between those that were fit for food and tho3e that were not. The delightful little anecdotes are followed by chapters on the usefulness and intelligence of the dog, the breeding and training of dogs, the most useful dogs, and methods of training them and the horse, with advice relative to his proper treatmont. The remainder of the book is devoted to some interesting notes upon camping in New Zealand, with hints relative to the proper selection of a site, provisions, bedding, equipment, &o. Thsso jottings should be of great value in a district like Auckland, where camping is so general at holiday time, and during tho suinmor and autumn seasons. The little book ie, on the whole, wonderfully interesting, and is at once entertaining and instructive. It is dedicated to the public of Auckland, towards whom the gifted author bears very kindly feeling. The letterpress, printing, engraving, etc., and binding were creditably executed at tho Star Office. Copies of the book are now on sale at the stationers 1 and at this office,