PREFACE
of research in both Eastern and European writings. It is hoped that the information gained will prove of value to searchers working far beyond the limited scope comprised within the title of this work.
The author acknowledges a deep sense of obligation to certain Chinese friends for their enthusiastic help in a task which, from an interesting hobby, has developed into the product of much study. Little of the Chinese literary material obtained would have come to light but for the enthusiasm of Mr. Wu Ch'i-ts'un, who, having become interested in the subject, attacked it with painstaking and scholarly ardour. He has carefully examined all records accessible in Peking. His researches were at first confined to the breed of dogs commonly known in Europe as "Pekingese," but information bearing on other breeds has been obtained, and is recorded for those who may be interested. In the second place a debt must be gratefully acknowledged to Wang Hou-chun, who, though but a humble admirer of the Imperial breed, has, through his seventy-five years' experience as keeper of dogs and hawks, spent for the most part in the palace of Prince Wu Yeh, brother of the Emperor Tao Kuang, proved a mine of information on matters canine. Special thanks are also due to Abbot Pai Kuong-fa of the Lama Temple in Peking, who has been kind enough to point out the exact connexions between Tibetan and Chinese lion dogs, the Chinese lion, and the Tibetan Scriptures. From these last certain references which are of considerable interest have been collected. Additional thanks are due to General Ch'ien Hsi-lin, previous Chief of Intelligence in charge of the Police dogs of President Yuan Shih-k'ai, and Mr. Kungpah T. King, formerly of the Board of Interior, also to numerous others, both Chinese and foreign, in Peking, who have supplied information and corroboration on many points.
