Appears in exhibition catalog as entry no. [not numbered]
Now pass we on, and we find--what's this* A DOG TOWN, a curious part of prairie-life. These houses are built by their quadrupedal inhabitants. First they burrow in the earth, like rabbits, and very deep, too; then, over each hole, at the surface of the earth, a roof is formed, in the shape of a pyramid. Each house has a circular entrance, on the side where it will be best protected from the prevailing winds and rains. The upper part of this circular door is carefully provided with a clay gutter, to conduct off the water. And yet more of the ingenuity of our mechanical town's-folk: you would think their deep, dark homes but lonesome places--not so; the dogs are sociable, and therefore have connected their dwellings by subterranean streets. Sometimes a young gentleman will be seen at the entrance of his own castle, enjoying the morning air, and perhaps barking a salutation to his neighbors; suddenly down pops his head, and where in the earth is he* After awhile, his head pops up again, from another house, miles away; for our friend has been paying a visit, and now will return to his castle aforesaid by the open air route. Further proof of the sociability of these little animals will be found in the fact that snakes and owls seek their society, burrow with them, and live with them in the most perfect friendship and harmony. [P. 12; exhibited under heading: "Section Second."]
Scenes and Incidents of Stanley's Western Wilds. Washington: Printed at the Evening Star Office.
