[ Sporting Magazine ]
The Sporting Magazine (1792 - 1870) is considered the first general sporting magazine, though in its later decades it gave considerable emphasis to fox hunting. But it published all manner of sporting-related material, from news stories to poetry to calendars of upcoming sporting events. The magazine originally had the subtitle "Monthly Calendar of the Transactions of the Turf, the Chace, and every other Diversion interesting to the Man of Pleasure, Enterprize and Spirit." [more at Wikipedia]
The December 1803 issue carried a review of The Caravan, the 1803 play by Francis Reynolds. Given that the play was quite popular in large part because of its use of a Newfoundland rescuing a child from drowning, it should be no surprise that this play was reviewed in a sporting magazine. The Caravan is treated here at The Cultured Newf.
THE CARAVAN, AND THE DOG CARLO
Drury Lane, December 5.
THIS entertainment of a novel description, attracted last night an uncommonly numerous audience. It comes from the fertile pen of Mr. Reynolds. So many various reports have been circulated respected the feats to be performed by a dog, that much curiosity was excited, and a variety of opinions as to the execution of the canine performer kept the mind in a pleasant state of suspence.
....
After listing the characters and the actors who portray them, the review then summarizes the plot; see this page at The Cultured Newf for an overview of the action of the play.
The Marchioness is threatened, that if she will not submit to the desires of the Regent, her child shall be torn from her and thrown into the sea. She hesitates, but at last refuses. The explosion is heard, the Marchioness falls on the ground, and her child is precipitated from a rock into the foaming waves. At this momentous crisis, when every bosom sympathizes with the pangs of maternal agony, the voice of the caravan driver is heard vociferating "Carlo! Carlo!" A fine Newfoundland dog rushes forward, leaps from the rock, seizes the infant, and brings it safely to land! The Marquis has also been liberated previous to the blowing up of the fire-ship; and the piece concludes with the hope that, after the exploit of Carlo, the audience will not give either the driver of the caravan, or his dog, a bad name.
The caravan has been got up with the most laudable liberality.
The scenes are grand and picturesque; and the music is highly creditable to the taste and originality of Mr. Reeve.
. . . .
There are two dogs in the performance, one of which is a mastiff, dressed up so as to resemble a Newfoundland, and belonging to Mr. Bannister, and other of the true species which takes the leap, but could never be brought to endure the blaze of an illuminated theatre; whereupon it was happily remarked, that though he was partial to liver, he had an anitpathy to lights.
A very copious supply of water was produced from the reservoir, which, at the conclusion, trickled down the stage in so many rills, that the house was literally overflowing.
The Caravan will, we have no doubt, prove extremely profitable to the treasury. It was announced without a dissenting voice for the next evening, by Bannister, attended by his dog, and has continued in a repetition of representation ever since.
The piece has appeared in print, with a vignette exhibiting the trusty dog Carlo just in the act of darting after the child: and such has been the interchange of wit and humour in the public papers, by various writers, who have personated the dog and his opponents, that at present we have to regret the want of room for a specimen of them for the amusement of our readers.